19 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/024d7706751221c728d6bcef718e6c26.pdf 00fabd149a60e461a0511f76bab319f0 PDF Text Text N o v . 2 3 - D e c . 6 VOL.16 ISSUE 24 (No. 239) PAGE 3 PAGE 14 PAGE 5 facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 4 inspiring stories from around the world twitter.com/streetvibesnews PAGE10 9 PAGE streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 From the Director: We Ask For Your Support! Everyone has an ability to contribute JOSH SPRING Executive Director W e ask for your support. We desire that you join. A Coalition is People. We are a large group of people that believe homelessness must end and we continue to struggle for its end. Our goal is to make the word “homeless” a word of the past; something only relative to history books. A word that’s only meaning is to warn of what not to repeat. We believe this can happen and we are committed to working for its end until it comes, at which point we will continue to work for the prevention of homelessness. In this struggle we need all kinds of strengths and abilities People must employ in the Movement. We ask you to take part and join in. Some of us can speak to groups; some of us can write our beliefs; some can lead marches; some can inspire others; some can inspire their neighbor; some can give financially; some can volunteer to file papers; some can make videos; some can take pictures; some can do research; some can listen well; some can attend meetings. The list goes on. Everyone has something very important to offer. In this editorial, I choose to hone in on one opportunity to join that we don’t often talk about at the Coalitionfinancially. We are an organization that works hard to keep money from dictating us- especially when it comes to who has a home and who does not. In order to continue this struggle we, as an organization, need financial support. We work hard to cut costs and spend where we need to, but finances are never easy. In order to continue to grow in our strength to fight homelessness and poverty, we need more financial support. With that said, if you or someone you know are able to join in financially- we ask that you do. Any amount that comes in is substantial to us- because the heart behind contributions speaks volumes to us. We don’t like to talk about our own organizational needs much- but we have to. If you are unable to join us financially- we understand- we consider all forms of joining in as equally important. Please join in- in any way you are able. If you are able to join in financially please do. Any donation can be mailed to the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition at 117 East 12th Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. Donations can also be given online at www. cincihomeless.org. -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director Coalition Provides Important Services BILL JOINER Contributing Writer L ast year when the Homeless Coalition was hoping to get grants to cover the cost of purchasing the building in which we are located, we were very hopeful of a grant from a particular local foundation. But when a letter came from one foundation, it was a turndown because they said they wanted to support direct service rather than advocacy. As a board member of the Coalition, I was both disappointed and shocked, because although we do a lot of successful advocacy, I believe we also do a great deal of service, some of which admittedly is gathering the right people and organizing to fill a need, but most of it is done directly with and for homeless individuals. And if we did not do it, it simply would not be done. I believe our executive director, Josh Spring, is often too modest and does not advertise what he and other staff do, and so it goes unnoticed. For that reason, I put together a list of the services we have performed in the last year, and that list is presented here. Unfortunately, we are limited in our capacity by lack of funds, and much of our staff time is spent on raising funds or trying to work without them. We did raise the money to buy our building, but we now have a $50,000 mortgage hanging over our heads. And although students and faculty from Miami University will contribute their time and some materials for the renovation, other materials need to be purchased, and we have no funds to do so. We greatly appreciate your support of Streetvibes, which gives income to the vendors, but is a significant net cost to the Coalition. Therefore if you have any ideas for sources of financial support, we would certainly appreciate your input and help. Thank you for caring. Bill Joiner Board Member Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless • Stayed connected with 55 member organizations to coordinate services, keep each organization abreast of developments and actively work together to eradicate homelessness. • Provided information to hundreds of individuals and families experiencing homelessness annually on services available, making contacts as needed. • Served as mediator for individuals experiencing homelessness as conflicts arise with service providers. • Organized overall effort to concentrate on and evaluate the rapid increase in family homelessness in the Cincinnati area; {Continued on page 7} Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1.50 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Karen Chatman, Chris Fowler, Rubye Goode Reta Roberts Stacey Hall, Justin, Jeffre, Josh Spring, Dan Labotz, Jason Haap, Jim Luken, Willa D. Jones, Kim Green, Bill Woods, Cleo Wombles, Mimi Rook, Bill Joiner, Dylan Speeg. Conor Humphries, Lorraine Turner, Mario Queiroz, Edith Honan Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Michael Wilson, Darrin Ballman, Justin Jeffre, Sameerah Ahmad, Cry Anderson, Leslie Moorhead, Westwood Community Garden, Cathal McNaughton, Mario Queiroz, Playhouse in the Park 513.421.7803 x 12 513.421.7813 www.cincihomeless.org Jeni Jenkins Leslie Moorhead Education & Development: Kristin McGee streetvibes.wordpress.com streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper �Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 3 LOCAL The Emery: A place with perfect pitch JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer You don’t need Streetvibes to tell you that Over-the-Rhine is a unique place. Whether you reside within the community north and east of Central Parkway, or work here, or come down to party or for a show, you are no doubt aware that this place—the “other side” of the fence, tracks, street—teams with a special kind of life and energy. Gentrification has brought many problems to our neighborhood, as well as some promise. Part of that promise has to do with the richness and history that is already here, along these streets, and in these buildings. One such OTR building has almost been forgotten of late. The key word is almost. This is the 101 yearold Emory Theater on Walnut Street, around the corner from the Coffee Emporium. The 1600 seat Emery was the original home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Najinski danced there. Betty Davis acted. Eleanor Roosevelt spoke. Gershwin played his “Rhapsody in Blue.” If –from the last row of the second balcony of the Emery—you were to watch a play, attend a lecture, or listen to live music, you would hear every stage whisper, every word, or every note as though you were sitting in the first row. This magnificent theater, this gem of over the Rhine, has what is known as “pure” acoustics, like only two other theaters in the US. And like Carnegie Hall, there are no seats with an obstructed view of the stage. Owned now by the University of Cincinnati, the Emery closed its doors in the mid-‘90s, thereafter becoming a victim of neglect and disrepair. But now, thanks to heroic effort being put forth by two entrepreneurial young women, those doors have re-opened. And with any luck, they will remain open…to all of us. Under the auspices of what they have termed “The Requiem Project,” Tara Lindsay Gordon and Tina Karin Bergquist from Ohio-based band Over the Rhine performs with Exhale Dance Company. Photo: Darrin Ballman. Manchise spent three years creating a business plan for managing the revival, restoration, and programming of the Emery. In September of 2010, they signed a long term contract with the Emery Center Corporation. “We agreed to do everything,” Tara Gordon said to Cincinnati Magazine, “Meaning: maintain it, book it, promote it.” On November 11, 2011, the 100th anniversary of the theater’s dedication, the Requiem Project put together a packed-house opening event, featuring, OTR’s world famous husband and wife band, Over the Rhine (which got its start at this very theater), as well as CSO musicians, local dancers, and visual artists, all facilitated by some 200 volunteers. Apparently it was quite a show. In the year since the grand opening, dozens of other artistic and community events have been held at the Emery. Things like: Final Friday, the Cincinnati Film Festival, Mid-Point Music acts, Fringe Festival plays. Even a one act play by the Homeless Coalition’s former development director, Katie O’Keefe in collaboration with Starfire U’s outreach to disabled young adults. For Streetvibes readers, the best part of this story is that Tina Manchise and Tara Gordon share a vision for the theater’s revitalization that includes all of the OTR community, including productions and events for those of us downtowners who live on or near the margins, unable to afford (or frequent) the pricey new restaurants, theaters and galleries. “There will be interesting things happening here at all levels and price-points,” says Ms. Manchise. “We believe that meaningful artistic interactions can create community.” And both women are clear in stating that this means inclusive community, diverse community. Gordon and Manchise know the history of this famous building, and they are learning more about that history every day as they push their dream toward realization. They point out that prominent Cincinnatian Mary Emery had the theater built to honor her husband Thomas, who— while a prominent businessman— was an active abolitionist. In Mrs. Emery’s “ironclad will,” she demanded as a fundraiser to fight poverty. The women had phoned the Homeless Coalition and asked for volunteers to help clean parts of the building in preparation for the show. “Two people showed up,” Manchise laughs. “Me and James Brown.” She showed James the huge cleaning project she had in mind. “You’ve got the right guy,” Brown responded. And he was. Many times since then, James Brown was front and center as a volunteer. Tara Gordon speaks of how, at one point—prior to a major Emery Theatre. Photo: Michael Wilson. The Requiem Project Co-Founders, Tina Manchise, President, and Co-Executive Artistic Director Tara Lindsey Gordon, Artistic-Executive Director (seated). Photo: Michael Wilson. that the building be used “for the physical, social, civic, and educational betterment of individuals.” Interestingly, Gordon and Manchise, have taken those words quite literally in terms of their ongoing relationship (for one) with longtime Streetvibes vendor, James Brown, who has been a part of the Emery “project” since last April. The Emery was about to host an event called “Rock This Town” event—the women were hoping to have Christmas lights strung in what they call the open-air “carriage way” on the South side of the theater, where the “Portolets” stand vigil (at this moment, there are no working bathrooms in the theater). It was a last minute job. She and Tina had run out of time and energy. “We came in a few hours {Continued on page 5} �4 LOCAL Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 What is an “Urban Pioneer?” JASON HAAP Contributing Writer B y now, most of us know that everything we learned about “Plymouth Rock” is merely legend -- the story of the first Thanksgiving, where we imagine a family of Good White Christian Pilgrims having a turkey feast with simple-minded brown savages. Most of us also know that calling Native Americans “simple-minded brown savages” is utterly disrespectful, but at the same time those early legends require us to believe such offensive thoughts. That’s because the stories of these early “pilgrims” are prequels to the tales of the true savages -- the American Pioneers. Just try to imagine the mindset of those early conquerors: to the West awaited a beautiful country for the taking, so long as we murdered all the natives first and then kept their land as our own. How did we rationalize such genocide? Religious fundamentalism in the form of “Manifest Destiny” provided a good excuse for our historical fore-bearers. The “pioneers” set off to develop a brave new world, to tame the “wilds” of the American West -- or, in other words, to remove the savages and take their land in the name of Jesus, or something. Okay, so I may be simplifying things a bit, maybe even a lot. It’s not like families got into covered wagons and said “Let’s go kill some Indians and steal their land.” And, of course, we cannot forget the role 2006 Denver Pow-wow. Photo: Justin Jeffre of the federal government in things like the Trail of Tears. But my larger “Indians” in an attempt to stake a point is that, at some level, there is claim on other people’s land. a perniciousness with regard to the Doesn’t that mean “urban piostory of the pioneers. Their history is neers” view the cityscape as a “wildersteeped in an ugly part of the Ameriness” -- full of dangers they hope to can story -- a part fraught with the tame, while staking a claim to land destruction of tribes, and with the that is not their own? Do they view displacement and deaths of countless the urban landscape as a place to thousands of people. build a brave new world, presuming That’s why, whenever I see lowe can do something about those cal media heralding the great work pesky brown skinned savages who of Cincinnati’s “Urban Pioneers,” I are getting in the way of the pioneers’ pause. What are those two words God-given rights? -- “urban” and “pioneer” -- doing Though the election is over, how together? Pioneers, after all, were can we forget the rhetoric about the people who sent out into the “wilderalleged “class warfare” Republicans ness,” braving the danger of so-called said Obama had waged upon this na- tion? I think, however, the real class warfare doesn’t always get played out in easily forgotten political commercials, but instead in the mindsets we foster about things like gentrification -- when we allow people, by calling themselves “pioneers,” to pretend that our city is a wilderness overrun by uneducated natives who need to be displaced. Jason Haap is an English teacher with 14 years experience. He is also a political activist who runs and writes for The Cincinnati Beacon, a popular blog. Obama’s Victory: The End of White Power in America, Perhaps; But Not the End of Money Power DAN LABOTZ Contributing Writer B arack Obama was elected president on Nov. 6 by the votes of America’s ever more diverse electorate. The older and mostly better off white men who constitute the core of the Republican Party’s social base went down to defeat at the hands of unionized workers, people of color, women, and gay and lesbian voters. The last two elections will be seen for decades afterwards as a turning point in our nation’s political history; the beginning of the end of white power in America. Unfortunately it is not the end of the domination of money power. Many who voted for him were less enthusiastic about Obama this time, but they cast votes against what they saw as Mitt Romney’s unacceptable alternative. African Americans, despite the deteriorating economic conditions of the black population of the United States, voted for Obama not only out of pride in the first black president, but also out of fear of the Republicans’ racist rhetoric most clearly seen in the Tea Party rallies of the last two years. The Republicans’ attempts at voter suppression, particularly the suppression of the black vote, laws which were overturned by the courts in several states, only proved the racist character of the party. Women Vote to Defend Gains Women voted for Obama not only to protect reproductive rights, that is, their right to contraception and abortion, but also to defend the hard won gains of the last forty years. Since the 1970s women have won substantially greater equality in the workplace and in society, the right to equal pay for equal work, for example. Even if women still earn only 77 percent of what men earn, that is ten percent more than it was forty years ago. Even though Obama had deported more immigrants by far than former president George W. Bush, Latino voters went for Obama after he issued an executive order protecting some young immigrants from deportation. Obama deported 1.4 million undocumented immigrants during his first term, which was 1.5 times more than Bush. But after his June 2012 executive order protecting young undocumented immigrants, the Latino community enthusiastically embraced him once again. Gay and lesbian voters backed Obama from early on and became even more enthusiastic after the president ended the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. When in May of 2012 he said that he supported gay marriage, he had the LGBT vote locked up. LGBT voters were not to be stuffed back into the closet by the Republican Party. Environmental activists were perhaps the group most disappointed in Obama. While Obama improved fuel economy standards for automobiles and promoted investment in clean energy, he permitted legislation limiting carbon emissions to languish in Congress. Environmentalists voted for Obama only because Romney was so much worse. The union vote, especially in Wisconsin and Ohio, was key to Obama’s victory. Unions proved so successful in getting out the vote for Obama in those states because of their recently hard fought battles against anti-union legislation promoted by the Republican governors in those two states. The unions had been in a state of virtually constant campaign mode since 2010 and were able to put tens of thousands of workers in the field to win Obama’s victory. Yet the Money Power Remains The African Americans, Latinos, women, gays and lesbians, and union voters who voted as much against Romney as they voted for Obama may have succeeded in breaking the back of the block of prosperous white male voters who have constituted the core of the Republican Party since the Civil War. Yet they did not break the money power which continues to dominate both political parties through its financial contributions and its occupation of the top echelons of American politics. Banks and corporations provided most of the $6 billion that went to the candidates, their campaigns, and the various PACS and Superpacs, and those financial contributions are in large measure what allows them to dominate the parties. Their corporate lawyers make up an inordinate number of American politicians while their lobbyists work to shape most legislation. President Obama showed in his first term that he was the ideal candidate of high finance and big business. He saved the auto corporations, while they still closed plants and then lowered wages for their workers. He saved the banks, but failed to save hundreds of thousands of families who were losing their homes. He worked to restore the macro-economy for the better off while watching the millions of micro-economies of communities and families deteriorate. We can expect more of the same. Today both Republicans and Democrats are committed to two things: 1) austerity, that is, using the so-called budget crisis to cut funding for services to most Americans; 2) militarism, that is, maintaining the United States as the preeminent military power on the planet. While they both agree about these central issues, they also disagree about how to achieve them. The Republicans would take an axe to the budget’s health and education programs, while the Democrats would use a carving knife—but both will cut. The Republicans would finance a larger traditional army, while the Democrats prefer a smaller, high tech army—but both will wage war to control the world’s strategic resources, markets, and territory. The Potential for Change If Romney had been elected, American working people, the African American and Latino communities, immigrants, women and the LGBT community would have faced a frontal assault. With Obama’s election, we will still face an uphill struggle to defend our rights and meet our needs, though the odds will be somewhat better. The groups that supported Obama will now make demands upon his administration, though they know that their demands can only be realized if they can create social movements that force the government to meet them. With the old bastions of white political power broken, it’s now time to organize an assault on the money power. Dan Labotz is a prominent American labor union activist, academic, journalist, and author. He was a co-founder of Teamsters for a Democratic Union and has written extensively on worker rights in the United States and Mexico. �Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 LOCAL 5 Homeless People, Homeless Pets STACEY HALL Contributing Writer K athy took in Chief, a German Shepherd, when he was just a pup. She rescued him from a breeder that was not providing proper care. He was infested with fleas, suffering from diarrhea, and was one of only two puppies that survived from his litter of nine. Chief immediately became a part of her brood, joining her human sons, and she cared for him lovingly. Years later, when Kathy was faced with having to enter a local shelter, she agonized over what would become of him, “I couldn’t take him and it was almost like I couldn’t take my child. I cried. We all cried.” Chief traveled between the homes of four different friends and family while Kathy and her children worked toward new housing. “I would leave shelter in the morning and go pick him up and take him places with me.” She spent as much time as she could with him, she said, worried friends would grow tired of caring for him. Plus, “I missed him like crazy. We all missed him.” Finding new housing that was affordable and would allow a dog was a challenge, but eventually it happened. When Chief came back home she said, “Oh my God, it was like Christmas.” Her family was finally Thumper the dog with his siblings. Photo: Cry Anderson reunited. this was,” Tina said. Her family, Thumper included, Tina felt are now back in housing. the same The National Coalition for the Homeless about her dog, estimates that approximately 10% of homeless Thumper. people have pets. This number may be low Her husband considering that 62% of all households in the rescued the United States have pets, according to the American pup at three Pet Products Association (APPA). weeks old. People love their pets and show it by spending He was in an a lot of money on their care. APPA estimates that abusive home 52.87 billion dollars will be spent in 2012 for food, and in a pile with dead puppies, she said. They veterinary services, grooming and supplies. This nursed him to health and he became a happy pup is up from 2011 and is a number that has grown who enjoyed playing with their two young children. consistently over the last several years despite the When her family became homeless, Thumper economic recession. stayed with them as they moved between friends, People that have a pet as a part of the family slept in a car and even stayed in the woods. “He’s like our kid,” Tina said. There was no way Thumper tend to see to it that their animal companions would be left behind, even as circumstances became are provided for, whether they are high income earners that lavish them with toys, beds and more and more desperate. grooming, or families that struggle and sacrifice When Tina and her family entered a local homeless shelter, Thumper was able to remain with other wants and needs, like Kathy and Tina, to ensure pets are able to eat and see the vet. And, friends for a short time. When those friends could according to the Homeless People and Their Pets no longer keep him, shelter staff and volunteers Fact Sheet, produced by the National Coalition scrambled to find an alternative. A resourceful for the Homeless, people that are homeless will intern and generous volunteer made arrangements sometimes go without food themselves so that pets to foster Thumper on a temporary basis. Thumper are nourished. even got to come to the shelter on the weekends to This level of sacrifice indicates a deep bond visit. that the group Pets of the Homeless, based out of “There are no words to explain how important {Continued from page 3} before the event, and there was James (with several other volunteers) hanging the strands of white lights. Gordon reflects, “They knew how much it meant to us,” “James feels that he is part of the team,” Tina adds. “And he is.” Manchise and Gordon see themselves and their endeavor as built on “partnerships, partnerships, and partnerships.” They are partners with movers and shakers in the community, including partners with Starfire U and the Homeless Coalition. “We have a shared value,” Tara Gordon says, “of seeing people and experiences as worthwhile and worthy.” So, what’s next in the effort to revitalize the fabled theater? Of course, a high priority goal for the physical building is bathrooms; more Tina Manchise Nevada, wants to be preserved. Motivated by the fact that people facing economic challenges, or that are homeless, love their animal companions no less than anyone else, Pets of the Homeless is working to provide shelters across the country with crates, support and other supplies so that pets and people can stay together. According to their Crate Project application materials, they want to prevent individuals and families from making the choice between seeking shelter and services when they need it and giving up a member of their family. Locally, the Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry offers dog and cat supplies during a once per month give away to help low-income households care for their pets. Their website--www.cincinnatipetfoodpantry. org--provides a schedule of pantry dates and information on income guidelines and verifications needed to receive assistance. While this and other resources do exist to help pets in the greater Cincinnati community, local homeless shelters generally lack a coordinated plan for providing services to people and their pets. If you are interested in joining a discussion on developing such a plan, please e-mail: stacey@ihncincinnati.org, or call 513-4711100, ext 18. specifically, indoor bathrooms. But there are other things of equal importance. The women explain that, during the past year, 10,000 people sat down in the plush red seats of the Emery. The purpose of the year was programming, “showcasing,” for a broad audience, the exquisite specialness of the theater. And then to carefully “read” and tally the responses of these diverse audiences. The next step, according to Gordon and Manchise, is to translate the data they Day by Day Calendar participants hold up recognition certificates at the opening receoption October 26t at the Emery. Photo: Leslie Moorhead. have culled from this past year’s events and venue, but instead a space where meaningful events programming into answers formal responses to happen. We want it to be interesting and quirky, some of the big questions that various donors have but not sterile.” put forward. And they want the venue to be “Rock Show ready” for each new upcoming event. You can learn more about this interesting, Tina Manchise summarizes things this way. quirky space at: emerytheater.com. “Our intention is to keep the theater in such a way that it reaches people, that it’s no longer just a �6 LOCAL Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 Two Civic Leaders Vie For Leadership Spot Robert E. Richardson, Nominee for President of the Cincinnati NAACP F Christopher Smitherman current President of the Cincinnati NAACP or many years I have worked diligently to further the NAACP’s mission to ensure political, educational, social and economic quality, and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Under former NAACP President Hinton I served on various local NAACP branch committees: Executive Committee, Voter Empowerment Committee, Political Action Committee, Labor and Industry Committee, Nominating Committee, and I have been a Youth Council supporter. I have been a member of the local Cincinnati NAACP branch for over 25 years, and I am a Lifetime member of the NAACP. My record on inclusion and civil rights is evident in my other professional accomplishments: I served as president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and as Vice President of the African American Caucus of the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA). I was the Business Manager of LiUNA Local 265 for twenty six years, where I partnered with contractors, owners, and community leaders to provide construction career opportunities for the membership, many of whom were African American. I also served as the President of the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, and first Vice President of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council. My interest in being elected as President of the local NAACP is to help advance the mission of the NAACP and restore the image and integrity of the Cincinnati Chapter through transparency, voter protection and registration, local partnerships, focused political activity, and economic empowerment. Over the last few years, I observed the decline of transparency and inclusion of divergent points of view. The current president has steered the NAACP away from its core principles. It is time to have an NAACP solely focused on civil rights and the improvement of the African American Community. The current president was nearly silent in the face of voter suppression activities during the 2012 general election, and did not actively participate in voter registration or voter education activities. We have seen the most drastic attacks on voters’ rights since the Jim Crow era. We must turn back attacks on voters’ rights. Over the last few years the local chapter has focused on narrow political issues, instead of focusing on the NAACP’s core mission. I am running because the Cincinnati NAACP should be about civil rights, not partisan politics. I look forward to the membership’s support, and to serving as President of the Cincinnati branch of the NAACP. I n 2007, I was elected President of the Cincinnati NAACP. The branch had significant debt, only $40,000 in the bank, and monthly expenses of $9,800. Action needed to be taken quickly to turn the unit around, meet our financial obligations, and assemble a team that could host a National Convention, which involved the most high profile Presidential race of our lifetime. As a financial planner, I established specific goals for our team: grow the membership, make annual Freedom Fund Dinner each year financially successful, cut expenses, select a working committee to host a national convention, and most importantly make the branch relevant to the Cincinnati community. The Executive Committee made the decision to be defined nationally as the Education Chapter for the Nation by awarding annual scholarships during our Freedom Fund Dinner. The branch membership has grown each year I have served as president. The National NAACP has recognized this growth with a national membership award each year for successful growth of memberships. The current financial status of the Cincinnati NAACP unit includes no debt, all capital purchases paid for in cash, an education endowment with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, each year the Cincinnati NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner has been financially successful and politically relevant, and the branch has enough cash to operate for one year without any disruptions in business. The Cincinnati NAACP team has succeeded in getting a citizen off death row, getting citizens out of jail, expanding economic opportunities for African American businesses, hosting the 2008 National Convention which our team still receives national praise as one of the best conventions, and instilling a sense of pride in being a member of the branch. The branch has also succeeded in putting seven issues on the ballot by collecting more than 100,000 signatures. Our team stopped the building of another jail, red light cameras, the sale of our water system, and the imposition of a trash fee. Although the streetcar ballot was not approved, the majority of our membership still opposes the project. The Cincinnati NAACP has raised awareness regarding early voting by initiating sleeping outside of the Hamilton County Board of Elections for the last five years. These are great examples of proactive civil rights issues of the 21st Century. I am so proud to serve as the President of the Cincinnati NAACP which is one hundred percent a volunteer position. I humbly ask you for your vote for president of the Cincinnati NAACP. Places to go, people to see DYLAN SPEEG Contributing Writer C incinnati ushers in the holiday season with the lighting of the holiday tree during Macy’s Light Up the Square. Music by Timeflies and ice skating begin 6:30 p.m. Brian Douglas of Q102-FM and Sheree Paolello of Channel 5 emcee from P&G’s Music Stage at 7 p.m. You will get to see Santa plus the tree lighting and an amazing fireworks show for free. It goes down November 23rd : 6:30 p.m. As an added feature, Drew and Lea Lachey, hometown celebrities, will be there as special guests. It happens on Fountain Square at Fifth and Vine streets in downtown Cincinnati. Historic Lebanon Ohio will be the setting for the 24th Annual Lebanon Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival on December 1st. A bunch of carriages decorated for the holidays parade through downtown Lebanon at 1pm and 7pm pulled by super cute mini-horses, ponies, Belgian, Percheron and Clydesdale horses. Between parades you can shop the variety of antique and sweet shops or walk around the festival tasting its food and buying from craft vendors. You can enjoy both Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment or take a magical trip to the North Pole on the North Pole Express. Finally! It’s time for the PNC Festival of Lights, a display of nearly two million beautiful lights, with a puppet show “Winter Wonders” show in black light, a “Wild Lights Show” on Swan Lake, train rides, hip-hop elves and chill-out with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A brand new feature this year is the Happy Feet 4-D Experience playing at the Special FX 4-D Theater. I always go and I am never disappointed. It’s happening November 23rd to January 1st at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden at 3400 Vine St. It’s time once again for the St. Nikolaus Day Celebration! St. Nikolaus is going to meet and charm children of all ages from 3 to 5 PM. Members of the Cincinnati Carvers Guild will be showing their fantastic and elaborate wood carvings, and German Christmas songs will be presented at 3 PM by the Kinderchor of the Fairview-Clifton German Language School. You can enjoy chocolate drinks, cookies and Kuchen, which will also be available. It all goes down December 2nd: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the German Pioneer Museum at 4790 West Fork Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247. Every Friday at Noon People’s Platform for Equality & Justice Peaslee Neighborhood Center Tuesday December 11th Homeless Coalition Annual Award Dinner. Syndicate in Newport Friday December 21st Homeless Memorial Day If your organization is having an event, demonstration, etc. and you would it like it included on the Streetvibes calendar, please email with the details: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org �Recent Work of the Coalition {Continued from page 2} a result-different from normal protocol and 3CDC was forced to hold regular meetings with Coalition representatives, formed committees comprising service providers, academic expertise, and foundation experience, together representing 40 different governmental, public and nonprofit organizations; coordinated studies and produced a report with recommendations on family homelessness. This report can be seen on our website at www.cincihomeless. org. • • • • This report showed that Cincinnati is not preventing family homelessness and does not currently have the capacity to satisfy the rapidly growing needs of families becoming homeless. A major effort for the immediate future is to advocate for, and increase resources, to prevent family homelessness. Increased mail and telephone service to over 800 individuals who do not have a permanent mailing address or other access to a telephone, enabling displaced individuals to be contacted for employment, and preventing them from losing communication with family and friends while experiencing homelessness. Worked to bring together service providers and various organizations to create the first winter shelter ever open throughout the cold season of 2011-12. Shelter was open 90 nights and served 869 unduplicated individuals, including families. Service providers were from Coalition membership. The previous winter a cold shelter was open only when the wind chill dropped below 9O F. Of those attending, 14% had never accessed food or housing resources previously. Organized 208 low income tenants living at Metropole when 3CDC planned to remove them from their homes to make room for the construction of a boutique hotel. Secured volunteer lawyers who brought suit on behalf of tenants against 3CDC, City, and HUD. The resulting settlement gave the tenants moving expenses plus $80,000 to be divided among these evicted tenants (the first such settlement in the City’s history); HUD created 223 new subsidized housing vouchers as • Worked to convince contractors and 3CDC to hire certified skilled workers living in the OTR neighborhood for work on Washington Park. • Through public pressure advocated for the procurement of public toilets in Washington Park while restrooms were closed for renovations. Influenced 3CDC along with the support of a local church to install temporary restrooms. This was meant to prevent 3CDC from blaming people without homes for inevitable increases in public defecation. • Increased Streetvibes publication to twice monthly. Between January 2012 and November 2012 Streetvibes produced $53,989 in potential income to Streetvibes Distributors. A recent increase in price also contributed to doubling the distributor’s income. • Collaborated with Prairie Inc. for three years in a row on the Day by Day Calendar project. Streetvibes Distributors were given the opportunity to learn photography skills, and used their skills to take photographs as they traversed the neighborhoods to create a calendar. 32 Streetvibes Distributors earned $3,429.00 of additional income in 2011-2012. • • • 7 STREET VOICE Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 In 2011-2012 the Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau and other educational programs gave people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to speak to over 4,800 people at schools and civic organizations. This produced $4,075.00 of income to speakers. Continued to provide support to member organizations facing threats to their operation. In this past year this has often meant organizing public demonstrations and showing in other ways substantial public support of the Anna Louise Inn. Lobbied City Council and other local officials on issues affecting individuals with low income and experiencing homelessness. Today while watching the news I heard that Santa Claus arrived in a helicopter They also talked about tax cuts and how the politicians were eating out at Red Lobsters What happened to the days when the bells rang for Santa Claus, his reindeer and sled What happened to the belief in miracles and all the little children went to bed Waiting for that glorious morning to open all the presents that Santa left under the tree Asking questions about how he brought all the gifts down the smoke filled chimney Waiting day and night , trying to be good all for Christmas so we’d be granted the ultimate blessing Looking back and understanding that as a child I was tricked, Santa in a helicopter that’s a new lesson Without the holiday’s Thanksgiving and Christmas Day what else is there to really look forward too Without giving thanks for so many blessings and being thankful for Jesus birth just to name a few So for me Christmas has somehow lost the true spirit and has been misunderstood by all We must always remember God’s blessings, don’t forget to give thanks and bring back Rudolph the red nose reindeer driving Santa Claus!!!! By WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor Super rich white men are such dominant folks, With so much bravado and locker room jokes. In this fall’s campaign they failed to hold sway, As the new demographics had come into play. Rove and his buddies spent a billion or more In their efforts to show Prez Obama the door. They thought rich guys of a white complexion Could raise enough money to buy this election. By BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Have you ever looked in your child’s eyes, and saw their fears? Such beautiful clear eyes, full of hope, and full of cheer. Deep inside is a special place, For the child, we can never replace. There was Jesus, Moses and an old man playing golf. Moses knocks a ball 100 feet in the air but doesn’t make it in. Jesus pats Moses on the back and says, “Pretty good shot Moses, but not good enough.” Jesus hits the ball 10,000 feet in the air and right into the hole. The old man steps up and knocks the golf ball into a tree. A squirrel spots the ball. Thinking it’s a walnut he takes off running with it. An Eagle spots the squirrel, grabs it and flys away with its flapping wings. A lightning bolt hits the Eagle. The Eagle drops the squirrel. The squirrel drops the ball which goes into the hole. Jesus says “fantastic shot Dad.” By CLEO WOMBLES Streetvibes Distributor Even though a parent knows, the future will make them cry, And someday we will have to say goodbye, and our children will cry. We can be assured that God will help them when they cry, When we will have to say goodbye. When your child can’t hear your voice, or your advice, let the child have no fear, God will always be there to listen to your child’s fears. By KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor �8 DISTRIBUTORS Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 Distributors will never buy papers from and/or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 JOHN JOHNNY KERNS GAINES SINCE 12/2009 SINCE 9/2012 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own well-being and income. Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 MARK SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 TIM NEUMANN SINCE 7/2011 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 SAMUEL RONNIE JACKSON PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 10/2006 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RICHARD SCHULTE SINCE 5/2012 TAMMY GRIES SINCE 5/2011 TERRY RANSON SINCE 10/2008 WILLIAM W. KENNETH BURDINE BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 8/2009 Streetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 50 cents per copy and sell it for a $1.50 Donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, northern Kentucky and area churches. There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. �Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 9 INTERNATIONAL Ireland to clarify abortion rules after woman’s death CONOR HUMPHRIES & LORRAINE TURNER Reuters www.street-papers.org T housands took to the streets to protest last week after news broke of the death of Savita Halappanavar of septicaemia following a miscarriage 17 weeks into her pregnancy. Activists in the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country, which has some of the world’s most restrictive laws on abortion, say the refusal by doctors to terminate the pregnancy earlier may have contributed to her death. “I was deeply disturbed yesterday by what Savita’s husband said. I don’t think as a country we should allow a situation where women’s rights are put at risk in this way,” Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore told parliament. “There is no question of equivocation. We need to bring legal clarity to this issue and that is what we are going to do.” Irish law does not specify under what circumstances the threat to the life or health of the mother is high enough to justify a termination, leaving doctors to decide. Critics say this means doctors’ personal beliefs can play a role. Halappanavar was admitted to hospital in severe pain on Oct. 21 and asked for a termination after doctors told her the baby would not survive, according to her husband Praveen. The foetus was surgically removed when its heartbeat stopped days later, but her family believes the delay contributed to the blood poisoning that killed Halappanavar on Oct. 28. Praveen said he would wait for the results of an investigation before deciding whether to sue, but that Ireland’s Roman Catholic tradition appeared to have been a factor in the decision to deny a termination. “I am still in shock. It is hard to believe that religion can mean somebody’s life,” Praveen Halappanavar told Reuters. He said he planned to return to Ireland from India, where he travelled with his wife’s body. The Irish health authority (HSE) has launched an inquiry which the health minister said must “stand up to the scrutiny of the world.” A woman holds a candlelit vigil outside University Hospital Galway in Galway. Photo: REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton Irish media said Praveen would be interviewed. The Indian couple were resident and working in Ireland, he as an engineer and she as a dentist. POLITICAL STORM Despite a dramatic waning of the influence of the Catholic Church, which dominated politics in Ireland until the 1980s, successive governments have been loath to legislate on an issue they fear could alienate conservative voters. Fine Gael, the senior partner in Ireland’s ruling coalition, told supporters before a recent election that it would not introduce new laws allowing abortion during its five-year term, despite pressure from its junior partner Labour to act. The government said it had received long-delayed recommendations from an expert panel on introducing new rules on abortion, and would report before the end of the month. Four out of five Irish voters support a change in the law to permit abortion in cases where a mother’s life is at risk, according to a recent opinion poll. But a vocal anti-abortion minority has dominated the debate on abortion in Ireland in the past, with campaigners arguing that the adoption of legislation or guidelines for medical terminations would bring in abortion through the back door. In 1992, when challenged in the “X-case” involving a 14-year-old rape victim, the Supreme Court ruled that abortion was permitted when the woman’s life was at risk, including from suicide. A European Court of Human Rights in 2010 ruled that Ireland must clarify what this means in practice. “This is exactly what the (European) court was complaining about ... The court has not said Ireland must or must not have abortion, they said they have to clarify circumstances,” said Ronan McCrea, a barrister and lecturer in law at University College London. “The vagueness ... gives excessive scope to doctors to follow their own personal views or it means even if they want to give the treatment, they’ll fall foul of the law,” he said. Halappanavar’s death has dominated debate in Ireland’s parliament since news of it broke. Her photograph was spread across front pages of all Ireland’s major newspapers, while editorials demanded action from politicians. The fact that she is a foreign national has heightened the government’s embarrassment. The story was on the front of several large Indian newspapers and family members were featured on national television. The Indian government said it deeply regretted Halappanavar’s death. “The death of an Indian national in such circumstances is a matter of concern,” a spokesman said. Crisis pushes women into prostitution MARIO QUEIROZ Reuters www.street-papers.org T he decision to sell one’s body cannot be taken lightly. But for many mothers the alternative is to condemn their children to hunger, which is why “increasing numbers of women in their thirties, who are victims of the crisis, are resorting to prostitution,” said Inês Fontinha, head of the Associação O Ninho (Nest Association). Xana, a typist before the crisis, now works as a prostitute. Photo: Mario Queiroz/IPS Fontinha, who has spent the past 40 years of her life working with prostitutes, said that never before had the situation in the country been so serious. Added to this situation is the fear that is natural in novices to the game, many of whom are divorced, or married and plying their trade behind their husbands’ backs. She said, “A few days ago, a woman told me: ‘When my apartment doorbell rings, I tremble to think it might be someone I know, and if it is, what on earth would I do?’” These inexperienced women are also afraid on a daily basis of falling victim to human trafficking networks, often controlled by the so-called “Eastern mafias”, in comparison with which the local pimps seem almost harmless. In Europe, these rings are generally made up of Kosovars, Albanians, Russians, Ukrainians and Rumanians. In order to beat the competition they use brutal methods like cutting the women with razors, and carrying out sensational murders of their pimps to send a clear message and mark their territory. Up until 2010, according to Portuguese NGOs, there were 28,000 sex workers in this country of 10.6 million people. Half of them were born in Portugal, and the other half were mainly Brazilians, Rumanians, Bulgarians and Nigerians, who were usually victims of human trafficking rings. Fontinha said in an interview on the Lisbon radio station TSF and the private television channel SIC that “the constant anxiety because of the crisis is driving more and more women, and also men, into prostitution. For instance in Coimbra, 190 km north of Lisbon and capital of the country’s Centro region, 400 new people are working in prostitution this year.” Alexandra Oliveira, who launched her book “Caminhar na Vida: a Prostituição de Rua e a Reação Social” (Walking in Life: Street {Continued on page 11} �10 LOCAL Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 Lawsuit Seeks to Establish First Amendment Right to Photograph Police JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor I n a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, Plaintiff Lloyd Jordan claims that two undercover Cincinnati Police officers violated his constitutional rights when they arrested him and seized his camera after he photographed them on a public street. Jordan’s arrest took place in November, 2011, on the evening of an Occupy Cincinnati protest and rally at Piatt Park in downtown Cincinnati. Jordan was physically arrested and charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated, and obstructing official business. Jordan was cleared when both charges were later dropped by the City Prosecutor. Jordan’s case raises questions, first, about the rights of citizens to record or photograph police, but also, about the practices of police departments who use undercover agents to monitor political organizations. The criminal complaint in Jordan’s arrest states that undercover officers were present at Piatt Park during the Occupy Cincinnati events to conduct surveillance. According to Jordan’s attorney, J. Robert Linneman, the case is one of a wave of cases nationwide in which citizens are attempting to establish the right to bear witness to police conduct through photography and video. “In the era of the mobile phone, photography and video can provide valuable evidence and are usually readily available. The right to gather information about our government, including photographing police, is an essential tool of democracy and is protected by the First Amendment.“ Recent cases around the country have addressed similar legal issues. In a Massachusetts case in May of 2012, the United States Department of Justice took the position that the recording Jesse Jackson speaks to protestors the night Lloyd Jordan was arrested. Photo: Homeless Coalition. of police officers in the public discharge of their video of police. In August of 2011, under the First Amendment by duties is an activity that is the U.S. Court of Appeals for the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the protected by the First Amendment, First Circuit ruled that Boston police Eleventh Circuit in Florida since and that police departments should officers had violated the plaintiff’s 1995. train officers of this basic right in civil rights when they arrested him According to Linneman, Jordan order to avoid wrongful arrests. and charged him with disturbing hopes that the lawsuit will bring Also in May of 2012, the U.S. Court the peace and wiretapping after reform to the Cincinnati Police of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit he took video of an arrest. Even Department and will cause it to bring issued an injunction barring the photographing undercover officers its policies in line with a modern view enforcement of the Illinois “wiretap” has been established as protected of the First Amendment law. statute against citizens who take �Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 11 STREET VOICE Cincinnati Living Green Gardening on the Westside of Town - The Westwood Community Garden MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer T he Westwood community garden was developed to be more than just a green, shared, garden space for residents. Sponsored by the Westwood Civic Association, the recognized community council for the neighborhood, this first garden is leading the charge to combat the blight, crime and abandonment decimating an historical and formerly prosperous Western Hills community. This first Westwood community garden is providing neighborhood improvement on many levels: • Environmental • Aesthetic • A fresh food source • A social outlet • Charitable Giving • Civic Engagement 2163 Harrison Avenue, the site of the Westwood Community Garden was a problem property with a high rate of crime and vandalism. In 2005, Cincinnati City Council passed an ordinance allowing the demolition of such buildings. Two years later the building was razed, but for three more years the site was a storage lot for construction and utility companies. It continued to be a trouble magnet for Westwood, attracting high levels of trash and criminal activity. Finally, in 2010, with construction completed, the Westwood Civic Association got a Land Use Agreement with the City of Cincinnati and the Civic Garden Center to build a community garden at the site. Several members from the Association began attending classes at the Civic Garden Center, beginning the initial designs and plans for the garden. (The blueprint can be found on their Westwood Community {Continued from page 9} Prostitution and Social Reactions) Thursday Oct. 13, says prostitution is a choice usually made after a traumatic event. Oliveira, a researcher at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Oporto, did her doctoral thesis on the world of prostitution in that city, the second largest in the country, 330 km north of Lisbon and the capital of the Norte region. “Prostitution should be legalised to make it socially acceptable,” she said, adding that it is still “highly stigmatised.” Oliveira studied prostitution in the streets of Oporto for six years, using the ethnographic method in which the researcher goes into the field and learns about what is going on by questioning, listening and observing the practitioners, to analyse their behaviour from their point of view. Her findings indicate that most sex workers, especially streetwalkers, come from the lower socioeconomic strata, have little formal education or professional training, and are from poor backgrounds. Garden wikispaces blog site – along with other useful gardening links). The garden’s eight members of what they consider their “Core Team” plan the garden’s progressive development and work projects. In addition to the $25 yearly rental fee, all gardeners commit to an extra sixteen hours of shared work at the garden each year, helping with overall improvements, weeding, promotion, and other activities. As the garden plans took shape, a local resident owning heavy equipment volunteered his time and machinery to level and grade the site after other neighborhood volunteers pitched in to clear it of trash, weeds and an old, decrepit fence. That same year, the group received a grant award from Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to fund the purchase and erection of a new perimeter fence. The city’s Civic Garden Center provided support and materials for the raised beds and amended soil to fill them. The city parks department provided shredded wood mulch from tree removal projects to spread in the 4 foot paths between the garden beds. Westwood residents began planting in July of 2011 and were still harvesting produce in December! From the beginning, Westwood Civic Association president Joel Kimmet, says, “There was so much support for the garden, the sky’s the limit.” He said that efforts at community outreach, from their Facebook page, the Wikispaces blog space, a neighborhood door to door campaign and talks with local organization drew not just voiced support but also donations to help with continuous improvement to the garden. A retaining wall to help prevent soil runoff is funded by the local Kiwanis Club. Among the list of planned improvements (as donations and awarded grants occur and time allows) are finishing construction of a toolshed, adding more raised beds, building a gazebo where gardeners can relax and enjoy the garden and a greenhouse to raise produce during the winter. Despite the former problems at the location, Kimmet said there has been no vandalism to the garden and that it, “brings together a broad crosssection of people from all different backgrounds.” Mary Jenkins joined the community garden and became its coordinator that first year. She is also a vice-president with the Westwood Civic Association. Jenkins provides administrative services for the garden, overseeing the necessary budget records and payments. She has also written the grant applications for garden projects. Another responsibility is organizing the work party postings which provide the overall improvements to the garden, on the garden’s Facebook page. Like Kimmet, she too, is pleased with the changes she is seeing in the neighborhood at that location, saying, “People walk by and say thank you!… It’s a tangible way to improve the neighborhood”. Jenkins added that the garden provides, “an increased sense of neighborliness.” She was one of the gardeners initially walking the neighborhood to personally hand out flyers and knock on doors to let nearby residents know about the garden and invite them to join. The incidence of drug abuse is high: the main goal of 30 percent of prostitutes is to earn money to support their habit. The level of addiction has apparently changed markedly since 2009, when the effects of the global crisis began to be felt in Portugal. To fight the crisis, drastic cuts have been made in public spending and social subsidies, in a far from promising outlook for the anaemic economy. The fiscal adjustment plan has included the most swingeing cuts in public expenditure in the last 50 years, with the associated social costs of higher unemployment and climbing poverty, which had been brought down after the fall of the 1926-1974 dictatorship. What causes a woman to become a sex worker? IPS asked two women who took up the life because of the crisis. Pamela and Xana (their working names) said they are only in it for the money, but emphasised that, as Pamela said, “It’s not at all an easy job.” “Lots of people mistakenly say that women who prostitute themselves do it for sexual pleasure, but they have no idea why we do what we do,” said Xana, a 29-yearold divorcée from Lisbon with two children she has to “feed, clothe and educate.” Pamela and her partner also split up. “From one day to the next he left home, and when a woman is left on her own with two children and the bills mounting up every day, life becomes pretty grim,” said Pamela, who worked in the textile industry up to a year ago. After several attempts to get a job, “nothing worked out,” she said. The unemployment rate currently stands at 13 percent, according to official figures, and between 17 and 18 percent according to the trade unions. “That’s why I ended up resorting to prostitution,” she said. Both Xana’s and Pamela’s families are unaware of their activities. Most sex workers lead a double life that their relatives do not know about. IPS asked if the women knew how families reacted when they found out what their women relatives were doing. “According to some of the women I know, reactions vary,” said Xana, a former office worker in Lisbon. One woman, Xana said, “confessed to her parents what she was doing, and they became furious and said they would never accept it. But in other cases I know, their families accepted the idea, because they had a vested interest and expected to receive some money.” As for the sex itself, both women stated that they themselves set the rules, defining very clearly what was acceptable and what they were not prepared to do. “We always insist on condoms. It doesn’t matter if a client offers more money to have unprotected sex, we won’t agree,” said Pamela. Can one be happy in such a life? was IPS’ final question. Xana answered for both of them, with Pamela nodding agreement. “When you are constantly judged and condemned, naturally you don’t feel very good…If our line of work was regarded in the same way as any other profession, I think we would feel better about what we do.” Photo: Westwood Community Garden. {Continued on page 13} �12 NATIONAL Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 Maryland, Maine, Washington approve gay marriage Voters in Maryland, Maine and Washington state approved same-sex marriage, marking the first time marriage rights have been extended to same-sex couples by popular vote. EDITH HONAN Reuters www.street-papers.org T he vote was hailed as a watershed moment by gay rights activists. While same-sex unions have been legalized in six states and the District of Columbia by lawmakers or courts, voters had consistently rejected doing so. Voters in more than 30 states have approved constitutional bans on gay marriage. “We made history and sent a powerful message that we have truly reached a tipping point on gay and lesbian civil rights in this country,” said Brian Ellner, head of the pro-gay marriage group The Four. “By winning for the first time on marriage at the ballot box, we made clear what national polls already show - that Americans support fairness and equality for all families.” President Barack Obama this year became the first U.S. president to support gay marriage. His campaign endorsed the gay marriage measures in the three states. In Maryland, the measure passed 52 percent to 48 percent. In Maine, voters supported the proposal 53 percent to 47 percent, with 75 percent of precincts reporting. And in Washington, a gay marriage measure was approved 52 percent to 48 percent. Voters in Minnesota rejected a proposal that would have defined marriage solely as a heterosexual union. The constitutional amendment failed 48 percent to 52 percent. In all four states, the marriage equality effort did better in urban areas and were less popular among rural voters. The constitutionality of restricting marriage to unions between a man and a woman is widely expected to be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court soon. James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project, called the votes a “watershed moment” for gay and lesbian families. “Not long ago, marriage for same-sex couples was unimaginable,” he said. “In a remarkably short time, we have seen courts start to rule in favor of the freedom to marry, then legislatures affirm it, and now the people vote OPPONENTS SAY OUTSPENT Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage - the leading group opposing samesex marriage - said those favoring so-called traditional marriage had been outspent by a margin of at least 4 to 1. “Our opponents and some in the media will attempt to portray the election results as a changing point in how Americans view gay marriage, but that is not the case,” Brown said in a statement. “Americans remain strongly in favor of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The election results reflect the political and funding advantages our opponents enjoyed in these very liberal states.” In Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut, laws followed court rulings that same-sex couples could not be denied marriage rights. Legislatures approved the change in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire. Before this year, ballot initiatives banning the legal recognition of same-sex marriage had succeeded in 31 states, and no state had ever approved same-sex marriage by popular vote. Maine voters rejected gay marriage in a referendum in 2009 by 53 to 47 percent. In Washington and Maryland, where state legislatures previously passed laws expanding marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples, it was up to citizens to decide whether to let the laws stand. “Over these past few weeks, Marylanders joined together to affirm that for a free and diverse people of many faiths - a people committed to religious freedom the way forward is always found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all,” Governor Martin O’Malley said in a statement. Hey, good lookin’. Asa Franckewitz and Bruce Cromer. Photo by Sandy Underwood. Give your spirits a lift. for the holidays. for it as well.” for country music. presents By Charles Dickens Adapted by Howard Dallin Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2012 A must-see family favorite for the holidays. “For my money, there’s no better local holiday entertainment.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer Special price for kids and students! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Under 5 not admitted. The Music and Legend of Hank Williams By Randal Myler and Mark Harelik Nov. 3 – Dec. 23, 2012 Featuring more than 20 of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” “Exhilarating!” – Rolling Stone Sponsored by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. Call 513-421-3888 or visit www.cincyplay.com for tickets. Season presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Company. �Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 Photo: Westwood Community Garden. {Continued from page 11} Michelle Conda, a longtime member of Westwood’s Citizens on Patrol (COP), stepped away from COP to step into the garden in 2012. A first time gardener, she had purchased her rental plot for the growing season, prepped it and bought plants for it, when she was seriously injured in a traffic incident, which completely sidelined her for much of the growing season. To her amazement, two fellow gardeners e-mailed her, letting her know they would care for her plot until she fully recovered. They planted her purchased plants and tended them while Conda convalesced, keeping her updated on their progress. By the time she could visit the garden, she had ample crops of zucchini, “lots of tomatoes”, onions and cucumbers growing in her plot. Conda also enjoyed the socializing occurring at the garden. In particular, she enjoyed the end of the season “Howl at the Moon” party at the garden, an evening fireside party with guitars, singing, plenty of food and even a telescope to gaze up at the full Harvest moon hanging overhead in the night sky. For some of those involved, the garden also provides service opportunities to help feed others in need. The core group organized a “Plant a Row for the Hungry” initiative. Several of the gardeners entirely dedicated their plots to growing fresh food to donate to a local pantry called “My Neighbor’s Place”, housed by the Westwood United Methodist Church. Other gardeners donated their excess produce to the pantry. Mary Bryan, a gardener at the site, took the job of collecting and coordinating a run to the pantry, usually on Wednesday mornings, which worked better with her schedule as a realtor. She said at the height of the growing season, 13 LOCAL she was making weekly dropoffs of fresh greens, lettuces, kale, zucchini, cucumbers and melons. As the heat and drought continued, it created more challenging growing conditions, and deliveries dropped off, but she said the volunteers collecting the fresh produce she dropped off, “were always grateful, they were never unhappy to receive it.” My Neighbor’s Place is a collaborative effort between several different Westwood denominations, including the local First Westwood Presbyterian, Gloria Dei Lutheran and St. James Episcopal churches. Reverend Lee Strahan, pastor of the Westwood United Methodist Church, where My Neighbor’s Place is located, believes, “We can do things better together than separately.” Reverend Strahan, said he and his wife originally rented a plot at the community garden to grow food in, but with limited time for projects outside of the church, ended up donating its use to community gardeners who were also members of the church to raise fresh produce for the pantry. My Neighbor’s Place was begun by the church’s former pastor, Steve Bennett. Originally, the churches provided all the funding for food, but with $2,000.00 monthly expenditures for food, they affiliated last year with the Freestore Foodbank, allowing My Neighbor’s Place to get “more bang for the buck”. The pantry also receives food donations from local residents who generously shop and donate to the pantry, from the nearby Panera Bakery and also another local bakery, and the neighborhood Kroger’s. Strahan estimates they feed 60 Westwood families and residents weekly, asking only that those using My Neighbor’s Place limit their visits to once per month to allow more families to use the food pantry service. Strahan says that he views My Neighbor’s Place, like the garden, as a social outlet, providing a variety of services, including Tuesday and Thursday worship services with fellowship and coffee, Christmas gift donations and tutoring services. He said he sees the pantry as, “encouraging you to break out of your shell”, a place to as he puts it, “to be a friend”… Strahan hopes to see the Westwood Community garden expand and add enough plots to allow people who use My Neighbor’s Place to garden, particularly those living in apartments with no easy access to land in which to grow their own food. He hopes for other garden space to be added for those with “mobility issues”, who cannot easily use the current system of watering their garden bed by carrying water in buckets from the spigot back to their plots. He hopes for an eventual community garden closer to My Neighbor’s Place. The Westwood garden is about a mile away, making it difficult for those without cars or living further away from the garden to transport themselves and haul cumbersome tools along. With the Westwood Community Garden moving into its third year of existence, the neighborhood now has a 4-H Club in place, and involvement from neighborhood children. The garden has also received assistance from the local Boyscouts. Joel Kimmet says the “word is getting out” and the core group who oversees the garden is beginning plans for educational classes at the garden. They also hope to begin building garden space across the street with more benches and flowers for residents. Kimmet says, “It’s amazing what a garden does.” Mimi Rook is a regular contributor on community gardening. Her next article will be on the new cincycompost site. Photo: Westwood Community Garden. Playhouse In The Park and U.S. Bank Present Tri-State Holiday Favorite: A Christmas Carol STREETVIBES Staff T he spirit of the season arrives at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park as U.S. Bank presents Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. A popular favorite with Tri-state families now in its 22nd year, A Christmas Carol runs in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30. Adapted by Howard Dallin, the Playhouse’s version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life — his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit — he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. A Christmas Carol’s heartwarming message, along with hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects, helps to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year. Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Evan Haney, who has been associated with A Christmas Carol since its first year (including two as the first Bob Cratchit), directs the show for the 20th time. According to Haney, “One of my greatest joys every year is returning to Howard Dallin’s faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The rich and colorful language of the book has been adapted into dialogue enabling the actors to speak in such a way as to retain the beauty and Avery Clark is the Ghost of Christmas Future and Bruce Cromer is Ebenezer Scrooge in rhythm of the original the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. prose. It is a beautiful Photo: Sandy Underwood. retelling of, as I call it, the second greatest more information, call the Playhouse box story ever told.” office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Tickets for A Christmas Carol are on Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or sale now. Prices range from $30-$80, visit www.cincyplay.com. depending on day and seat location, and are subject to change. For tickets or for �14 LOCAL PROTEST Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 “Peace, Love, Gaza” MIKE CANON Contributing Writer C incinnati students and community members held a spirited rally on Friday November 16th in support of Gaza. The Israeli military has once again launched an assault on the terroritory and Friday’s action was part of an international campaign of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Over 30 people braved the weather and short notice to rally on the corner of MLK and Clifton Ave. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and displayed signs such as “End Israeli Apartheid” and “Peace, Love, Gaza”. The rally was further energized by chants such as, “End the Occupation, Palestine is a Nation!”. After the rally, a number of participants held a meeting to discuss next steps. A number of follow-up events were discussed, such as future rallies, film showings, and panel discussions. The goal is create a more permanent Cincinnati Palestine Solidarity Network that can put on more events to educate the community about the realities of the conflict. Friday November 16, 2012. Protesters gather on the corner of MLK and Clifton Ave. to call for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Gaza. Photo: Sameerah Ahmad. For more information please contact Ben Stockwell at Stockwellbm@gmail.com STREETVIBES CROSSWORD PUZZLE #005 from puzzlechoice.com 69. Animated Across 70. Lout 1. Stringed instrument 71. Church officer 5. Young child 72. Manufactured 8. Fuss 73. Moist 12. Obviate 74. Musical instrument of 14. Be indebted to ancient Greece 15. Fragment Down 16. Water barrier 1. One of two equal parts 17. Single 2. Assert 18. South American 3. Wander animal 4. Righteousness 19. Restless 5. Implement 21. Brass instrument 6. Possess 23. Japanese currency 7. Fangs 24. Scorch 8. Movie 25. Weep 9. Type of year 28. Small stream 10. Highest attainable 30. Ploy level 35. Harvest 11. Type of fuel 37. Amphibian 13. Postpone 39. Very slow tempo 15. Denotes more than 40. Hawaiian island one 41. Overhang 43. Musical composition 20. Combine 22. Music with for one syncopated 44. Contempt melody 46. Sate 24. Stringed instrument 47. Carbon black with keyboard 48. Purloined 25. Traverse 50. Zeal 26. Respond 52. Solfa syllable 27. Cheerful sounding 53. Parch search engine 55. Label 29. Loiter 57. Part of a set of 31. Musical setting for a bagpipes religeous ceremony 61. Female inheritor 32. Sulk 65. Country life 33. Ice hut 66. Regret 34. Part of a comb 68. Visual part of TV 36. Knitting stitch 38. Small wooded hollow 42. Roofing material 45. Cuddle 49. Indicating maiden name 51. Callow 54. Pointer 56. Kind of restaurant 57. Pack to capacity 58. Polynesian dance 59. Desiccated 60. Part of a church 61. Lift with difficulty 62. Miniture whirlpool 63. Soothsayer 64. Painful 67. Arab federation, initially CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION #004 �Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 RESOURCES Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Treatment: Men Shelter: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Prospect House 921-1613 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Starting Over 961-2256 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Treatment: Women Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 First Step Home 961-4663 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Shelter: Both 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Anthony House (Youth) 961-4080 Treatment: Both Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Joseph House (Veterans) 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Northern Kentucky Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Other Resources 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org �16 Nov. 23rd-Dec.6th, 2012 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2012 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 23-December 6, 2012 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Coalition Provides Important Services Pg 3: The Emery Pg 4: What is an “Urban Pioneer?” Obama’s Victory Pg 5: Homeless People, Homeless Pets Pg 6: Two Civic Leaders Vie for Leadership Spot Pg 7: Recent Work of the Coalition Continued Pg 8: Distributors Pg 9: Ireland to Clarify Abortion Rules After Woman’s Death Pg 10: Lawsuit Seeks to Establish First Amendment Right to Photograph Police Pg 11: Cincinnati Living Green Gardening on. The Westside of Town-The Westwood Community Garden Pg 12: Maryland, Maine, Washington approve Gay Marriage Pg 13: Cincinnati Living Green Gardening on. The Westside of Town Continued Pg 14: “Peace, Love, Gaza” Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 23-December 6, 2012 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Karen Chatman Chris Fowler Rubye Goode Stacey Hall Dan Labotz Jason Haap Jim Luken Willa D. Jones Kim Green Bill Woods Cleo Wombles Mimi Rook Bill Joiner Dylan Speeg Conor Humphries Lorraine Turner Mario Queiroz Edith Honan Michael Wilson Darrin Ballman Sameerah Ahmad Cry Anderson Westwood Community Garden Cathal McNaughton Playhouse in the Park Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF A Christmas Carol Abortion Barack Obama Bill Joiner Bill Woods Cathal McNaughton Chris Fowler Cincinnati Cleo Wombles Conor Humphries Cry Anderson Dan LaBotz Darrin Ballman Dylan Speeg Edith Honan Emery First Amendment Gay Marriage Ireland Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Karen Chatman Kim Green Leslie Moorhead Lorraine Turner Maine Mario Queiroz Maryland Michael Wilson Mimi Rook NAACP Pete Roper Playhouse in the Park Prostitution Protests Rubye Goode Sameerah Ahmad Stacey Hall Washington Westwood Community Garden Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5aee996ba939069439ed60c518960e55.pdf 5e092134d61b02ca13890f6e12c3e472 PDF Text Text O C T . 1 2 - 2 5 2 0 1 2 VOL.16 ISSUE 21 (No. 236) PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 5 inspiring stories from around the world twitter.com/streetvibesnews PAGE10 9 PAGE streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 “It’s looks good, stop complaining!” From the Director I cannot begin to tell you how many times we have heard people say of Washington Park or the three blocks of Vine Street 3CDC has attempted to re-term the “gateway quarter” or the future tourist hotel that displaced Metropole Tenants … “Oh it looks nice, so what are you all complaining about!?” Folks say this as if it is the most logical argument against our stances. If it looks good, move on. This argument reveals how truly oppressed we are- how we have been turned into consumers. If you think about it, it really is no surprise that folks constantly make this argument of aesthetic. Enormous corporations are continually studying what will catch our eyes and therefore our pocket books. We are taught if it looks nice and is easy; buy it. So we purchase the pre-made products we could make ourselves; we buy cars because we like the bells and whistles JOSH SPRING Executive Director and the color; we buy houses because “it’s the right place to buy a house;” we go to the restaurants we see in commercials versus the ones that might have real homemade food; we buy clothes that are easily accessible even though they were made by People in sweatshops; the list goes on and on. If it looks good, go for it. Of course many people due to systematic ills, don’t have the dollars needed in some cases to be able to choose the more responsible, and often more expensive, choices. The problem in each of these examples is we are shooting ourselves in our own personal foot, shooting someone else in their foot or shooting our collective community foot. It is interesting to me that in the discussion of the Civil Rights Movement we often don’t hear much mention of Malcolm X. I have heard a good number of folks disregard Malcolm X because of that famous line we attribute to him, “By any means necessary…” We don’t necessarily consider the context of that line or all of the other things he said. We also don’t necessarily consider that he was talking about achieving access to the extremely important inalienable rights of humans. Yet it seems that what we are saying by exclaiming- “It looks good, stop complaining” - we might as well be saying, “By any means necessary we must achieve what looks and feels good to me and those I know.” Essentially folks who make the “looks good” argument are saying that it does not matter what happened, who was displaced, who’s civil rights were walked over, how much money was spent, who had a say and who did not, who had what they needed taken away, who had what they did not need put in…none of that matters as long as “I and those I know think it looks good and we feel good”. This is so frustrating and absurd. When talking about social justice and human rights, we hear responses such as- oh wait, calm down, don’t be inflammatory, you should compromise, etc. But if something looks good- then it is all good- no matter what happened or is happening? If you think about that two seconds beyond the corporate drivel hammered our way- you will realize that injustice is not okay just because the outer face of its consequences may look pretty. Sure, nice paint, new parking garages, hip shops, re-done sidewalks, new stages, water fountains, and catchy bars all look great, but that doesn’t make injustice okay. Is it right that injustice is being justified just because a particular income class, deemed more desirable by themselves and corporate run organizations, now feels comfortable where they once felt uncomfortable (because of the fears pushed on them by the same corporate run organizations that want control)? Is it right that injustice is being accepted because the same class of people is now spending money in this community? Nothing makes injustice okay. -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director Places to go, people to see DYLAN SPEEG Contributing Writer My wife needed a break today so I took our toddler to the museum to expose my daughter some culture while wearing her out. Little did I know I would see a photography exhibit that would blow me away at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Herb Ritts produces photographs that capture the human body in its most exotic splendor. His photography has transformed mere celebrities into icons and the naked body into a visual poem. The Cincinnati Art Museum has his many glorious works on exhibit, letting people see the legendary artistry that will forever impact the art and our culture. Herb Ritts: L.A. Style is at The Cincinnati Art Museum at 953 Eden Park Drive and lasts until December 30th. Saturday, October 13 from 2-11 p.m., the Glendale Village Square will be stuffed with over 119 craft ales, domestic and import wines, plus food from some of Cincinnati’s best places to eat. The reason is because it’s the Glendale Festival. There will also be tastings, accompanied by food, as well as live music that night. Kids of all ages can have a blast at Parky’s Farm for some kid-friendly attractions. At Halloween Nights at Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1.50 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. Parky’s Farm you’ll take a creepy wagon ride through Spooky Hallow Ghost Town before roasting marshmallows at the campfire. Explore it Thursday through Sunday in person at Winton Woods at 10245 Winton Road and lasts until October 28th. The Lloyd Library and Museum on 917 Plum St. is a gem in the crown of the Queen City. The Magic and Myth of Alchemy is the current exhibition and it is really interesting and fun. This exhibit features historical texts on alchemy and how it helped develop the modern chemistry laboratory and fostered the scientific methods and pursuit of miracle cures that have aided in the development of today’s pharmaceutical chemistry. You will also like that it’s free. I will be on the lookout for fun and exciting stuff to do around our city. I always find some really cool stuff. �3 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 The Columbus Controversy Every Friday at Noon People’s Platform for Equality & Justice Peaslee Neighborhood Center Friday, October 12th 1-4PM Drop Inn Center’s Mental Health Forum Health Foundation Thursday, October 18th Noon Homeless Coalition’s Annual Meeting Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park Thursday, October 18th 5:30-7:30 Over the Rhine Community Housing’s Celebrating Our Beloved Community Music Hall Saturday, October 20th 1-3PM Homeless Awareness March Buddy’s Place in OTR, 1300 Vine Saturday, October 26th 6-9 p.m. Day by Day Calendar Launch & Exhibition Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut Street Friday November 2nd 7 p.m. Faces without Places “Yellow Bus Ball” The Syndicate 18 East 5th Street Newport Kentucky 41072 513-549-3155 or www.faceswithoutplaces.org Tuesday December 11th Homeless Coalition Annual Dinner Syndicate in Newport If your organization is having an event, demonstration, etc. and you would it like it included on the Streetvibes calendar, please email with the details: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Replicas of the Nina and Pinta in Newport Kentucky. Photo: Justin Jeffre DAN LABOTZ Contributing Writer W e in the United States celebrate Columbus Day mostly because of the enormous immigration of Italians that took place in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some 4.1 million Italians entered the United States between 1880 and 1920, more than any other group in so short a time until the contemporary Mexican immigration. The white, Protestant, Anglo-Saxons who claimed descent from the original founders of American looked down at the Italians because their complexions were dark and their religion was Catholic. In a desire to be accepted in the United States, the Italians argued that an Italian from Genoa, Christopher Columbus, though he had sailed for the Spanish Catholic Ferdinand and Isabella, had been the real discover of America. By the time of the four-hundredth anniversary in 1892, Columbus Day had become associated with American patriotism, nationalism and Americanization campaigns meant to uplift the unwashed and benighted Southern and Eastern Europeans. The Italians could thus claim that they had gotten here even before the English Protestants landed the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock. The decades long Italian fight for the inclusion of Columbus Day in the country’s calendar was finally won by the lobbying of the Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus and the U.S. Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made October 12, Columbus Day, a national holiday. Columbus may well have been Genoese, though the matter is disputed, but whether or not he should be seen as a forerunner of the United States is a matter of debate. Columbus’ motivation in searching for a route from Europe to Asia was to be able to help finance another Christian Crusade to take back Jerusalem and the Holy Lands from the Muslims. When he arrived in the Caribbean and first saw the natives, Columbus described them as being as beautiful and innocent as Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden, and in the next breath suggested that they could be enslaved to pay for the further exploration and conquest of what he had not yet recognized was the New World. He did in fact capture and enslave some Indians and carried them to Europe, though Isabella ordered that they be freed and returned. When European diseases unknown to the Indians caused massive epidemics that eventually wiped out 90 percent of the indigenous population, the Spaniard imported African slaves to work in the mines and plantations of Spanish America. The Day of the Race In Mexico, as a result of a series of revolutions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the small Spanish ruling group, the white elite of landlords and merchants, was forced to cede power to a new more modernized capitalist class made up of mestizos, that is, people of mixed race. As a result mestizaje or race mixing became a kind of national ideal. So since1928 Mexico has celebrated October 12 as El Día de la Raza or the day of the race, meaning the new race created by the mixing of the Spaniards with the Indians who were the continents indigenous inhabitants and with the Africans who had been brought as slaves. In Mexico City, where I lived for some time, there is a park with a beautiful set of statues on a huge scale, perhaps 30 feet long with three somewhat larger than life figures which might be said to depict the reality of El Día de la Raza. In the middle is a statue of beautiful child about a yearold, perhaps taking his first step toward the viewer. On the right hand side is a Spanish conquistador in his armor, his sword raised in a heroic stance. And on the left is an Indian woman sitting in a chair, behind her a shield and the broken bows, arrows and spears of what we know to be her deceased father, brother, and perhaps her husband. As Mexicans know only too well, the mestizo is the product of war, murder, rape and subjugation. Meanwhile, in the United States since the 1980s rightwing conservatives have embraced Columbus Day as representing Western values in the face of the threat from other forces from socialism to Islam. They argue that Columbus should be seen, as one source puts it, “as a representative of the spirit of inquiry, Christian religious zeal, and the notable achievements of Western Civilization.” The Day of Resistance When the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ so-called “discovery” of America came along—I say so-called because the indigenous people had discovered America several thousand years before—a great international debate took place concerning the proposed celebration of the event. The indigenous people, especially where they are most numerous in Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, but also in Canada and the United States, objected vehemently to the idea of celebrating either Columbus Day or the Day of the Race. So October 12, 1992 was widely celebrated throughout the Americas as the Day of Indigenous Resistance, though it evolved into a day of resistance of all of the oppressed of whatever nationality. Clearly the significance of October 12 has become a touchstone for understanding attitudes toward war, conquest, racism, and even rape. One might best celebrate the day by asking whether or not we want to place ourselves in the Columbian tradition of conquest or in the indigenous tradition of resistance. As for myself, I will go with the latter. �4 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix THOMAS A. DUTTON Contributing Writer I n Cincinnati today the mantra guiding development is “economic mix.” It’s curious, this economic mix. In a country arguably more geographically segregated than it has ever been in its history, one wonders why economic mix dominates the developmental imagination. But on closer inspection, while the hum is ubiquitous, resonating at high frequencies and drowning out all challengers, economic mix is not really evenly applied. No, economic mix is pronounced worthy only in underdeveloped neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine. Nobody talks of pursuing economic mix in Indian Hill or Hyde Park. The prevailing assumptions circulating in and through economic mix, animating it with a false and decep- tive commonsense that is beyond reproach, are many: -It is an absolute good, well beyond question or justification. Having neighborhoods with a range of incomes and races is automatically positive. -Economic mix travels under many aliases, including “mixedincome development,” “Over-theRhine is everybody’s neighborhood,” and “all current residents will be protected from displacement.” -Economic mix is delivered through gentrification (which is Stereotypical Native American imagery is used at a car dealership on Paddock Road, not the same thing as equitable Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre development). This too has its automatic pretensions. Developa more nuanced and complete unstructure; it did not come from the ers and planners need only to derstanding of the false promises of People’s Movement. And the political stir in some market-rate housing in meanings surrounding the term serve neighborhoods like OTR then, presto, economic mix. All terms have political connotathat structure’s interests. Example? “economic mix”! Over-the-Rhine, it tions, and economic mix is no differBy its very essence economic mix is said, will now be a better neighborent. Constituencies struggle over the presumes the existence and continued hood because it will have a “better meaning of various terms—it is an acceptance of a class-based society. If mix of people.” Apparently, poor important political project, on which you are one, like me, who still holds to folks are better off with rich people much rides. Why else did Republithe goal of eliminating poverty, espeliving around them. cans, for example, invest so heavily cially race-based, ghettoized poverty, You will pardon local commuin substituting the “death tax” for even advocating a progressive concept nity activists and the Over-the-Rhine of economic mix already positions People’s Movement for resisting these the estate tax, and “climate change” for global warming? Economic mix you to a rearguard action (more on prevailing assumptions and their comes on down courtesy of the power chauvinistic core, and for having {Continued on page 5} Living Green in Cincinnati Community Gardens: A Solution to Food Deserts MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer E arlier this year, Cincinnati City Council member Laure Quinlivan began an effort to send mobile produce trucks into Camp Washington, Fairmount, Avondale, Westwood, the East End, Evanston, Northside, Over-theRhine, the West End, and Winton Hills. Quinlivan was targeting a number of Cincinnati neighborhoods classified by the United States Department of Agriculture, as food deserts. Food deserts are areas where residents cannot easily access sources of wholesome food product, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fresh dairy, meats, etc. In urban neighborhoods such as the ones listed above, the nearest fresh food source, (usually a Kroger’s grocery store) is over one mile or more away. High percentages of residents who live there have limited incomes, and many have no personal transportation. They depend on bus routes, neighbors, expensive taxicab rides, or - if they are capable – their own two feet, to get to a grocery store. That grocery store might as well be in another country for the amount of effort involved to get there. Once they reach the store, another problem is getting those weighty sacks of groceries home. The amount of thought, time, and effort involved to do so can take up the better part of a day. Planning and eating wholesome food becomes more than just “what am I going to eat today?” It is an obstacle course of challenges, requiring a discipline that even those with the best intentions rarely possess. Urban food deserts also house convenience stores, gas stations, and fast food restaurants selling highly-processed, high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods, providing little to no nutritional value. Despite higher markups, for the same items they could buy at a grocery store, they don’t involve the time, cost, physical effort and frustrations of getting to and from that store. Not so coincidentally, they are also areas with high rates of obesity and other diet- related health problems such as diabetes and heart problems. Rarely does another problem get Community garden in Over the Rhine. Photo: mentioned -- the ugliness of food deserts. Not only are such places thrive, they become more than a usually lacking the green space cost-effective alternative to buying of well-kept yards and parks, but and accessing fresh food. also quite often, there just aren’t A successful community any. Food from these convenience garden also creates an “inner” stores, gas stations, and fast food transformation in the lives of those restaurants is all about wrappers. who build up that garden. There is Getting to the food, which is a unique and fulfilling pleasure of bagged, boxed, wrapped not just sharing in its bounty with others. once, but frequently twice, means A barren, weed-infested, trashthat such neighborhoods are full of strewn parcel of land is restored, trash and waste. The wrappers, cups, transforming the neighborhood lids and straws, and leftover food, where it exists. litter sidewalks, yards, and streets. Most other types of gardens are Trash receptacles are overflowing places of refuge to escape into, rather and/or ignored, and the coverings than a place of engagement in the around the so-called “food” are community. The effort involved in a simply tossed on the ground along community garden yields much more the path of travel. than a green refuge. On an emotional Sometimes these problems are level, it elevates work to a rewarding the kick-start for change. Sometimes return, on an investment of time and that change is a community garden. energy. It connects a community to These are gardens large enough the beauty and abundance of nature, to yield food and flowers for personal which is meant to be shared, not use and more importantly, to share hoarded. garden-grown products with friends Just like community gardening, and neighbors. When such gardens Cincinnati Living Green will Justin Jeffre expose you to the positive forces of change in Cincinnati. Expect to read about the resistance efforts here, to reverse the trend of inner and outer “desertification” of our neighborhoods, and our citizens. Our city has plenty of problems. The purpose of this column is to focus on the green solutions, the forward thinking, and community benefits, resulting from the efforts of those who have decided, to quote Mahatma Gandhi, to, “be the change you want to see.” This is a different kind of “war on poverty;” it is a war on poverty of our thinking and our actions. Change our thinking, and we can change the world. Cincinnati Living Green is a front line view of the battle to restore the health, heart, thinking, and spirit of our city. Next up: The Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati: A Great Place to Begin Community Gardening �{Continued from page 4} this in a moment). Is economic mix actually possible in America today? A more nuanced understanding of economic mix begins by calling mainstream America to task about the way it thinks about race relations and racism today, with particular regards to ghettoized inner-cities. That racial inequality and discrimination abound should be obvious, but how do we account for racism and discrimination at a time when few Americans ever consider themselves racist? “How is it possible,” writes sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva in his Racism Without Racists, “to have [a] tremendous degree of racial inequality in a country where most whites claim that race is no longer relevant? More important, how do whites explain the apparent contradiction between their professed color blindness and the United States’ color-coded inequality?” (BonillaSilva, 2). For Bonilla-Silva and many other scholars, “Most whites assert they ‘don’t see any color, just people,’” and that they aspire to live according to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s challenge to judge people “by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin” (1). Such are the contours of what many scholars call the “new racism”—the new commonsense of the colorblind or post civil rights era, 5 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 characterized by a new racial ideology that actually sustains racial inequality while allowing whites and racial structures of privilege (white supremacy) off the hook. How does this new racism of colorblindness play itself out in the black inner-city, in a community like Over-the-Rhine? Indeed, what does it mean to advocate colorblindness at an historical time where too many African Americans experience “mass unemployment, mass incarceration, and mass disenfranchisement” (Marable); are trapped in intractable, ghettoized poverty with few well-paying jobs available; and where the prisonindustrial complex and the police state are merely the latest vehicles to “racially enclose” blacks to keep them in their place? Just how does white America perceive the inner-city? If the recent book Urban Nightmares: The Media, the Right, and the Moral Panic over the City by Steve Macek is any indication, not so well. This book concerns itself mostly with the decades of the 1980s and 90s in looking at how downtown, inner-city America became painted as “violent and out of control, as populated by murderers, muggers, drug addicts, and lowlifes, as places where the rules of normal, decent behavior no longer apply” (viii). Macek convincingly argues how this conscious, ideological campaign came to depict inner-city conditions Denver March Powwow. Photo: Justin Jeffre. as a “moral panic,” where an urban underclass of working-class blacks and Latinos became “so deviant, murderous, and immoral as to constitute a serious danger to the nation’s security and well-being” (xiv). From the point of view of the white imagination, colorblinded by the filters of the new racism, such conditions of the black inner-city is a black problem, having nothing to do with whites and fixable only by blacks. Is it really too extreme to suggest that white society never intended to fully include blacks and other people of color and shows no inclination to bring about such inclusion and equality? History verifies this. After abolishing slavery and establishing Black Reconstruction, white America retrenched to establish the legal segregation of Jim Crow legislation. And {Continued on page 6} Janitors Demand Fair Wages JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor S EIU local 1 rallied on Fountain Square and then marched to the 5/3 building to demand better treatment for their janitors. Fifth Third Bancorp has recaptured its spot as the largest bank in the region and is one of many profitable Cincinnati-based corporations whose offices are cleaned by members of SEIU Local 1. Despite cleaning the headquarters of some of the biggest and richest companies in the country, full time janitors in Cincinnati are paid less than $18,000 a year—below the poverty level and not nearly enough to support a family. Cincinnati is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, including Procter and Gamble, Macy’s, Fifth Third Bancorp, and Western and Southern Financial. Janitors march for justice in Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre. Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld told the crowd of about 90 people that, “Cincinnati has one of the highest infant mortality rates not just in Ohio, but in the nation and part of the reason why is because of people making wages that are too low. We all need to take responsibility for the problem of poverty in our communities. That’s what the Cincinnati janitors are doing here today, and I’m proud to stand with them.” More Vigils at W&S JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor O n October 8th over 50 people (and 2 dogs) gathered in front of Western & Southern to rally in support of the Anna Louise Inn and in protest of the bullying actions of Western and Southern, John Barrett and the corporation’s Board of Trustees. This vigil was organized by area churches, the Amos Project, SEIU and the Homeless Coalition. Support across the tri-state for the Women of the Anna Louise Inn continues to grow. Protesters continued their call for John Barrett and his Board of Trustees to stop trying to block the planned renovation of the Inn. Many people were outraged by John Barrett’s recent editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer. One protester that wished to remain anonymous said that, “John Barrett’s behavior really is psychopathic.” Protest Vigil at Western & Southern in support of the Anna Louise Inn. Photo: Justin Jeffre. �n od y, ng cess ” 6 LOCAL upon two competing conceptions about the Sioux Indians by American citizens. In the 1870s, The stated purpose of U.S. policy was assimilation. Although many officials and missionaries were undoubtedly sincere when they professed a desire to rescue savages for civilization, assimilation functioned in the larger scheme of things as a rationale for the dispossession of Indian lands and the destruction of diversity in the name of national homogeneity. In practice, Christian and secular ideas about the common humanity of all peoples were overwhelmed by the corollary belief that existing Indian ways of life were heathen and primitive. The result was a form of management that was at best paternalistic and often simply racist (8). Ostler gets more interesting: Remarkably, as the Sioux began living on reservations in the late 1870s, many Sioux leaders genuinely thought they might be able to work out a relationship with the United States Denver March Powwow. Photo: Justin Jeffre that would allow them to preserve some of their land and ways of life, then after the overthrow of Jim Crow while adjusting to new conditions by the Second Black Reconstruction and demands. By the late 1880s, of the 1950s and 60s, white society however, as the United States relentagain regrouped to establish the new lessly cracked down on Sioux ways of racism, less overt, and completely life and demanded further cessions effective in vacating any theory that of land, these hopes began to seem might hold society responsible for the elusive (8). problems of socially and economiThere’s plenty to unpack in these cally oppressed groups. As black legal two passages. The first quote fascischolar Derrick Bell bleakly puts it, natingly depicts how two irreconcil“each wave of racial change, reform able ideas came to be resolved in the and apparent progress, in the end, American psyche of the time. On one merely reconstitutes black subordihand, there was the “undoubtedly sinnation on a new plane” (Bobo and cere” belief that assimilation for IndiSmith, 184). ans was possible and desirable. But Hold this thought and consider on the other hand was the corollary a second example of a more nuanced belief about Indians being heathen understanding of economic mix that and savage, a view that facilitated exdoes not bode well for its success. It termination and dispossession. The is a lesson from the history of US-Nacorollary belief won out. tive American relations from the mid The lesson here for Over-the19th century, a lesson that illuminates Rhine is also grim. In ways reminisinteresting parallels with Over-thecent of what Ostler portrays about the Rhine. Sioux, two irreconcilable ideas are In his The Plains Sioux and U.S. battling themselves out in the current Colonialism from Lewis and Clark to American psyche about the inner-city. Wounded Knee Jeffrey Ostler reflects {Continued from page 5} While, on the one hand Cincinnatians chant their mantra about economic mix, the corollary belief permeating mainstream America on the other hand is the gripping fear associated with the black inner-city. How does economic mix come to resolve the “moral panic” of a “wild” and “deviant” black underclass sitting on prime real estate? How will the contemporary societal mindset resolve this fissure? With history as our guide, why should anyone believe that economic mix is possible? Will not the contemporary corollary belief that fears the Other, fears blacks and homeless folks, and that automatically equates young, black males with criminality, win out? History is repeating itself. Need more evidence? Consider the intriguing concept introduced by social scientist Arjun Appadurai in his Fear of Small Numbers. Appadurai evokes the term “econocide,” which refers to new modes of violence playing out across the world in the wake of massive inequalities and the rapidity of change produced by world capitalism. To Appadurai econocide does not just mean that whole sections of the world are undergoing death by economic means. He says something else: “Econocide is a worldwide tendency to arrange the disappearance of the losers in the great drama of globalization” (41). “Arranging the disappearance of the losers” sounds just like the contemporary version of Ostler’s corollary belief about the Sioux that led to their “disappearance” by extermination and dispossession of their land. For Over-theRhine econocide is precisely what is transpiring. “Arranging the disappearance of the losers” is the game plan, evidenced by “crime prevention” through police sweeps (Operation Vortex), mass incarceration, calls for a new jail, more police officers, more surveillance cameras, more punitive legislation on panhandling, and more procurements for military hardware; displacement by gentrification; and social cleansing by criminalizing the homeless and relocating the Drop Inn Center—to name a few of the obvious occurrences. I’m not suggesting that what is happening in OTR today is the Oct.12th-25th, 2012 equivalent of the genocidal force of power and forced dispossession of life experienced by the Indians. There is no equality of pain in this equation. But pain there is. And community activists should not pursue the same path as the Indians, which is the lesson of the second quote above by Ostler. Think of what it must have been like for Sioux leaders on the reservations in the 1870s/80s, motivated by the official buzz about Indian assimilation, genuinely trying to work out a relationship with the United States because they saw an opening to preserve some of their ways of life, only then to have their people cruelly broken down from the full genocidal thrust of extermination, removing all hope. Learning from this lesson, Overthe-Rhine activists remain leery of mainstream jubilations of economic mix and its lure of inclusion, not wanting to find later that they have been displaced and dispossessed of their land. What happened to the Sioux was that two irreconcilable positions—assimilation and extermination—became conflated: assimilation came to be extermination. The Overthe-Rhine People’s Movement cannot allow a parallel conflation: that economic mix comes to be displacement and dispossession. Is there a way out for the People’s Movement? Yes, there is. The commonsense meanings of economic mix need radical redefinition, something the Sioux could not do with the concepts of assimilation swirling in their time. In its prevailing, mainstream understanding, supposedly delivered seamlessly through gentrification, economic mix will never bear fruit for the poor and oppressed. Economic mix sounds well and fine, but it’s more like a Trojan Horse—seemingly a gift for OTR residents to include them in their own neighborhood undergoing drastic transition, but really harboring a sinister force plotting their demise. It’s hard to argue against economic mix because the knee-jerk response is to evoke the binary and say that one advocates separatism. Such has been the fate projected onto the People’s {Continued on page 7} Ralph Stanley’s still got it at age 83 JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor The highlight of this year’s Midpoint Music festival for me was when Ralph Stanley took to the stage in the historic Emery Theater in Over-theRhine. The living legend kicked off his set with “Man of constant sorrow” which thrilled the crowd. It was one of the songs he heard his father sing as a kid. The song had a resurgence after it was featured in George Clooney’s 2000 comedy O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? In the movie the song was performed by the Soggie Bottom Boys, but on this night it was performed by Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys which features his grandson. The movie also helped to create a resurgence for Stanley as well. There were several other highlights in the show as well. Stanley wowed the crowd with an accapella rendition of “O Death” which was also featured in the film. Another highlight was when Stanley put on his banjo and started “picin” something he hasn’t done publicly in nearly 4 years. He said, “It’s heavy”. The banjo is an African instrument that is best known in this country as a staple in Appalachian mountain music. In Cincinnati he’s not only celebrated for his work, but he’s a part of our rich musical heritage. In the late 50’s the Stanley Brothers were on our hometown’s record label King Records. An eclectic label which featured both country music, blue grass and Rhythm & Blues greats like Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, Otis Williams and the Charms and the legendary James Brown. Ralph Stanley at the Emery Theatre in Over the Rhine. Photo: Kirk Hunter �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 7 LOCAL City Link- Long Time Coming JOSH SPRING Staff Writer C ity Link has been a long time coming, but after 9 years it just had its opening. Some of you remember the anti-City Link signs, the anger and organizing against it. You may remember the lawsuit and the fight over zoning. The litigation went all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court- which found that City Link could develop where it was proposed in the West End. Some may remember the political attempts to create zoning that would prevent something like City Link from developing again- many of us spent many summer evenings in 2008 arguing and working over zoning- some of us attempting to make it equitable for social services, others attempting to practically outlaw social services all together. Eventually some of the negative changes made it forward, proposing for example that a social service could not develop within 1000 feet of a school or 1000 feet of a park or 1000 feet of each other- so virtually nowhere. They also tried to change the definition of religious assembly to say that faith groups could only gather to sing and preach, but not to serve others. We fought back with others, the Coalition sued and those ill-proposed laws have never legally gone into effect- though there have been some behind the scenes attempts to put them into effect. Those involved in City Link pushed through the legal and political battles. They have worked to bring more existing groups into the plan than were in it to begin with. They have worked hard to find the structure they believe will best serve people. It seems that City Links focus will be on prevention- attempting to join with people before they are forced over the edge into homeless- City Links grand opening ceremony, October 3rd in Cincinnati Photo: Justin Jeffre ness. This will include a focus on community, access to education for employment, and other basic services to lower barriers. City Link also seems to have some focus on providing stereotype-killing education through community. City Link, like everything else, is still a work in progress. We should get involved where we can to see it be all it can be. Despite ups, downs, differences of opinions on tactics, structure and a long struggle- City Link will be a testament to people sticking to a goal- trying to put into action what they believe in. The race for Hamilton County Prosecutor JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor S Prosecutor’s Office should be at the table for all these discussions; and although it may not change how a case is handled, the Office by being at the table, should understand how it prosecutes cases could affect the underlying purpose of legislation such as this. Streetvibes: What is your position on the death penalty? Streetvibes: What can be done to reduce disproportionate minority contact with the criminal justice system? treetvibes asked both candidates running for the Hamilton County Prosecutors office these questions. Joe Deters did not respond. Please remember to vote this coming November. Trotter: Regardless of my personal beliefs and/or position on the death penalty, at this time, it is the law in the State of Ohio and my job as Hamilton County Prosecutor is to carry out the laws of the State of Ohio. I strongly believe though that the administration of the death penalty needs to be fair and equitable. Streetvibes: What is your position on the sentencing reforms that recently took effect in Ohio? ( i.e. Now fewer nonviolent and first time offenders will be incarcerated), Trotter: I am in favor of the sentencing reforms that recently took effect. The State has realized that being “tough” on crime is not enough. For serious and violent offenders being tough on crime is necessary but for those non-serious, non-violent offenders being “smart” on crime is the answer. Being smart on crime at every level of a person’s involvement in the system from the time they enter into the criminal justice system to the time they return to society benefits everyone; as most offenders will be released and this reform answers the question how do we help to ensure that the transition is smooth and conducive to becoming a productive, law abiding citizen. I believe that the Trotter: There are so many parts to this issue beyond the control of the prosecutor’s office, which include policing and sentencing. As far as the prosecutor’s office is concerned, I plan to implement a case tracking procedure to determine at what level bias enters into the prosecution of a case. Only when you understand the problem and where it arises can you take the steps to correct it. I can assure the public that when elected Hamilton County Prosecutor there will be not be disparities in how cases are prosecuted or who gets prosecuted – justice will be administered equally and fairly regardless of race, class or any other factor that should not enter into decision making process when prosecuting a crime. Streetvibes: Should the Prosecutor’s office be headed by a full-time leader? Trotter: The Prosecutor’s Office should definitely be headed by a full time leader. The Prosecutor’s Office represents the State in juvenile, adult misdemeanor (outside of the City of Cincinnati), and adult felony matters on the criminal side. The office also represents the County, including the County Commissioners, Sheriff, Coroner, Auditor, Board of Elections, etc. This office We Know Our Housing Rights Do You Know Yours? Everyone has a right to an equal opportunity to live where they choose and to live there without discrimination. The federal Fair Housing Act provides specific protections from housing discrimination that is based on:  Race  Religion  Color  National Origin  Gender (including sexual harassment)  Familial Status (families with children)  Disabilities (mental or physical) Ohio laws add protections against housing discrimination based on military status or ancestry (relatives). And the City of Cincinnati includes protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status or Appalachian heritage. Fair Housing laws govern all aspects of housing, including the renting, buying and insuring of a home. Since 1968, Housing Opportunities Made Equal has helped to protect these rights through advocacy for clients and education for the public. If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination or if you would like a speaker for a meeting of your church, school, civic or social organization, contact HOME. Fair Housing Advocates Since 1968 513-721-4663 www.homecincy.org touches the lives of every citizen in Hamilton County and needs a full time leader. The citizens of Hamilton County did not vote for the division heads to manage the Prosecutor’s Office, while the Chief Prosecutor they voted for is off handling cases at a law firm. With an office this size, responsibilities of this magnitude, and a budget to manage this large, a full time Prosecutor is definitely needed and when elected, unlike my opponent, I plan on serving as a full time prosecutor. �8 PHOTO ESSAY Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Indigenous American’s Celebrate their heritage Annual Denver March Powwow in 2006. Thousands of Native Americans from across the nation gather each year to celebrate their culture. Photo Essay by Justin Jeffre �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 PHOTO ESSAY Streetvibes Distributor Deborah Poindexter takes to the streets with her camera Like many people experiencing homelessness, Deborah Poindexter and her partner Johnie Kerns make due with temporary shelters or “shantys” tucked away in hidden parts of Cincinnati. Photo: Johnie Kerns. Seeking to document and share that there are multiple people with multiple stories of homelessness in Cincinnati, Deborah took to the streets with her camera, asking people to hold up a sign that reads “I AM ONE, HOMELESS” Photo: Deborah Poindexter and Johnie Kerns. 9 �10 {Continued from page 6} Movement by the likes of Jim Tarbell, former Mayor Charlie Luken, Laure Quinlivan, and scholars who should know better such as Zane Miller and Bruce Tucker. Separatism has never been the goal of the People’s Movement. Its position is more in line with what professor Iris Marion Young provocatively puts on the table in her Inclusion and Democracy. Young is an anti-segregationist, but also holds that people “desire to live and associate with others for whom they feel particular affinity” (Young, 2000, 216). Clearly there is a fine line here between affinity and segregation, and policy makers need to be vigilant to ensure that affinity doesn’t devolve LOCAL into segregation. But what worries Young more is the manner by which integration/ economic mix typically unfolds, which is usually very simplistic and falls far short of being socially just. “According to the ideal of integration,” says Young, “the problem of segregation is that groups are spatially and institutionally distinguishable and the remedy is spatial and institutional mixing in proper proportions” (217). While this sounds correct, doing so does not address at all the “primary wrong of segregation,” which is “not that groups are distinguished but that through its processes certain groups establish or retain material privilege” (218). In other words, the issue is not spatial distinction per se but the uneven distribution of wealth and material privilege that takes form in exclusionary spatial processes. Understanding this maxim takes fundamental solutions in another direction. Instead of focusing on moving people from one place to another, which “requires members of the segregated group to change their lives and conform to the expectations of the dominant group” and “hardly makes a ripple in the processes that reproduce the privileges of segregation” (217, 227), urban policy should focus more on the movement of resources. Only this can address the inequalities of socio-economic privilege that plays out materially and spatially. For economic mix then to have purchase for the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement, it will be a tool to redistribute wealth and resources, counter the colorblindness of the new racism, as well as the criminalization of the poor, homeless, and a whole class of people of color tossed aside by a capitalist machine now chugging at global levels. And if Cincinnatians could open their ears, this is what organizers of the People’s Movement and activists on other terrains have been saying for a very long time. One last thought about economic mix before I end. For Over-theRhine, right now, debating economic mix may be mostly moot. There are not many poor people left to even constitute an equitable mix. Because of the urban unrest of April 2001, the police slowdowns in the wake of that unrest, the opt-outs of project-based Section 8 housing by Denhart and others, the Housing Impaction Ordinance that ties the hands of non-profit housing development corporations to address the housing needs of lower income citizens, punitive legislation that criminalizes panhandlers and the C HANGES at Streetvibes are fearful! When we lose good editors -- and artists and writers and lay-outers -that’s rough, but the fine thing is that other good people come along to do the job. Somehow they always come along! Religious people would say “it’s a blessed paper,” and perhaps it is. It’s a paper I have read and supported for many years, and sometimes written for whenever a good story comes along, and today I want to honor those who keep us going and have always kept us going, issue by issue -- come what may. It was back in 2007 that editor Jimmy Heath died, rather suddenly. He was a fine editor -- and person -and simply lived the paper for a long stretch of years. The newspaper gods must have loved him. We weren’t ready to lose him, but Greg Flannery came along, found new writers and page-makers, and created the bimonthly paper. When Greg left a couple of years ago, that was rough again, though Jen Martin helped out, and then Jason Dean came along, and the paper was itself again! -- with differences. Josh Spring is the godfather of Streetvibes today, the magic discoverer of editors, so now we have Justin Jeffre on hand. Justin’s paper is not quite like Jason’s or Greg’s, but it’s quickly evolved into a good smart paper of its own. Jimmy Heath seldom wrote anything himself, and Jason Dean didn’t compose a great many stories, but Justin is a writing editor for sure. He’s a roving reporter who travels all over OTR and downtown and seems to find out everything, see everything, and write up everything. When a professional volleyball tournament arrives in Washington Park, Justin is on hand to interview the players (and mourn the loss in the park of basketball and swimming). When John Legend opens an Obama office in OTR, Justin is on it. When a crowd at the Freedom Center honors the Sikh community, Justin takes the pictures, gets the story. When competing rallies take place August 11 around an attack in North College Hill, Justin is there with camera and notebook. An article of his on Food Not Bombs provides us all the facts about the local contingent. What a group this is! It’s good to be reminded that these individuals of conscience turn up to feed people every Saturday at Piatt Park at one o’clock, every Sunday at Washington Park at five. I can personally recommend those nutritious, home-cooked meals of theirs. These days Streetvibes also looks in on Cincinnati nightlife of a counter homeless, the shutting down of laundromats, the closing of public schools, the militarization of public space through Operation Vortex and other forms of police sweeps and raids, the blaring of classical music 24/7 on street corners to dissuade drug dealing, and 3CDC’s exclusive focus to promote homeownership in their new developments, many poor folks have moved or have been pushed out. All these actions have been systematic, if not concerted. Displacing the poor and arranging their disappearance is the game plan. Less for the dominant to account for that way. Thomas A. Dutton, Professor and Director, Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine. Want to help fund Streetvibe’s Mission? Register your Kroger Plus Card! It’s easy. www.kroger.com/mykroger/pages/ community_rewards Register with your Kroger Plus Card number or use the phone number associated with the registered card. Our agency number is #82944 Forward this on to friends and family. This takes seconds...one time! You can help bring $100 of dollars for our agency. Each time you use your Kroger Plus Card we get 4% of that sale back. Streetvibes Reinvents itself -- Once More! MARTHA STEPHENS Contributing Writer Oct.12th-25th, 2012 culturish kind, and Justin’s September 14 story on where to find local salsa-dancing is full of fabulous details. (I want to learn salsa dancing at the Mad Frog with the Tropicoso band!) I’m sure many readers were as glad as I was to learn in Streetvibes about the film on Nashville’s paper, The Contributor, and to find a followup story on how the film was made. Perhaps many Streetvibes supporters will study the way Nashville has gone about increasing, so impressively, their circulation; for after all, our street papers may be the best and smartest propaganda we have in the struggle for a just and peaceful world. A September Streetvibes includes a piece by the editor on the anniversary of 9.11, a day of frightening violence to be sure, but Justin’s article bids us remember the violence around the world that we ourselves have perpetrated -- often in actions, remarkably enough, on this same day of September. It was on September 11, 1973, that the president of Chile, Salvador Allende, was overthrown with U. S. collusion. On September 11, 1990, an anthropologist standing up for indigenous Guatemalans was assassinated by a U. S.-backed death squad; and the 9.11 catalog of crimes goes on and on. Noam Chomsky has said, we read, that if we in the U. S. want to stop terrorism, we should stop engaging in it. Exactly! In the past, good reports from other street papers were reprinted by Jimmy Heath, and Jason Dean was also good at this culling from other papers. (Greg Flannery is doing the same thing today in Article25.) In my dining room I have a cardboard box of such reports that I keep for sharing with people -- a vivid report on the green housing boom in Switzerland, for instance. Roof-top vegetable plots in Paris. A huge soup kitchen and general poor people’s center in Edinburgh, run all day long by a wonderful priest. (If only we had such a place in Cincinnati!) I liked reading a recent note in Streetvibes from The Big Issue in the North that half a million Brits have now switched their bank accounts to “ethical credit unions.” Occupy Wall Street kicked off such a movement last fall, and this writer was out on marches to banks in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Move Your Money Day. We need to get that crusade going again! Last week I sent a street paper article I found in a recent Streetvibes to P. G. Sittenfeld; it describes the effort by the city of Chicago to turn abandoned condos into rentals. As for all those abandoned homes in Cincinnati -- isn’t there some way they can house the people who need them? Remember the posters put up in the doorways of such homes by Occupy the Hood? “People should be living here!” they said. Telling It Like It is -- and Ought to Be �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 STREET VOICE 11 Are Streetvibes Distributors Being Stereotyped? LEE MCCOY Streetvibes Distributor D an I truly wonder if this is a trend across America, or just in Cincinnati. Well, at the present time, I do not have the luxury to find out if this is true or not, but you wouldn’t believe the things a Streetvibes distributor has to go through to make an honest dollar. I don’t mind if you don’t buy the paper, that’s your choice, nor will I chase you down. Anyway, this is not what this article is about. The main reason for this article is I think that my rights were violated. Last time I checked, I have the right to pursue a chance to make a living, especially when you are doing something that is legal. The Constitution of the United States of America says I have the right of freedom of speech. Oh what was I thinking? I live in Cincinnati, but one thing is for sure in Cincinnati, I have the right to be heard in a court of law. Let me run down the facts of this article. September 21, 2012, I am right by the Senate, as is my customary spot for the better part of a year. If you are a panhandler I will run you away from there. I work very hard to establish a repoire with my customers. This night, there were two panhandlers who were not listening to what I had to say. So the hostess happened to look out the door, and I pointed out the two who were actually begging at the ATM machine. She went back in and called the police. These guys were very aggressive when the police came and asked them to leave. They left, and this Sargent turned around and tells me he thinks it’s only fair that he asks me Streetvibes Distributor Lee McCoy. Photo: Aimiee Willhoite to leave also. I tried to explain that I am a distribuBeing surrounded by 3 I think I guess once they had me inside tor of Streetvibes. I also explained it’s only a natural thing to be aware of the patrol car, which sat there for that I am far enough away from the of who was doing what. So I turn this a full 10 minutes, my anger came out. ATM, and I wasn’t even there messing way and that way, so I can see and When I say anger I am not talking with people. Hell, I even have had a find out who is really listening to what about acting out in any uncool way. conversation with a few other officers I am saying. If you have had as many Me, myself, and I want to thank about this and that and my conduct run in’s with the man (as I have), you the people who actually had the time has never come up; but lets get back have this radar when you know things to stand there and watch this injusto this Sargent and myself. are not going right. Mine was going tice. It has given me the strength to So I started to walk another 10 to off like it was over loaded. look forward to my court date. 15 feet and turned around and I asked Then I heard this Sargent say, Never before have I felt like fightthis Sargent, “am I far enough away “Oh you want to be an asshole? Aring. Usually it’s ok that you got me. now?” By the time I ask this question, rest him, charge him with disorderly I’ll plead guilty or cop out to a lesser up pops another patrol car with a charge, but not this time. I’ll fight this police officer and who knows what his conduct.” Where on earth did this come from? It really didn’t bother me all the way to hell if need be. I believe sidekick was. He wasn’t in uniform so until I looked around, and all eyes in what I am doing. The money isn’t I am going to say that he was probwere on us. I felt this small, that little. that great it’s the people I meet that ably a Cadet, maybe even a citizen on I was totally embarrassed by this acmake what I do worthwhile. patrol. Who knows? tion. A THEFT IN THE ECONOMY It takes a thief to steal the people of the countries belief It takes a thief to have the people have to change their lives, now that’s deep It takes a thief to double the price of football stadiums and fields It takes a thief to convince the county the police deserve a Las Vegas deal It takes a thief to steal channels from our children, scanning for the T.V. Whether it be for the Converter Box, Cable Box or Direct T.V. Do you understand me? For me to steal anything or to be classified as a political thief Would for me never to have believed in the Constitution and damn Democracy So now where do we go as a people in order to regain the stability we so freely lost In the future we must read every dotted line, keep the faith and let God alone be the boss! BY WILLA D. JONES Streetvibes Distributor {Continued from page 10} Josh Spring (director of the Homeless Coalition) is a true dissident and a creative strategist of the first water. You can’t put anything past him. “Lawsuit!” is the name of his column for August 17, in which he retells the splendid tale of the Metropole Tenants Association. For me, this is an iconic story of fight back against huge powers, with wonderful images I like to remember: the tenants taking over the Metropole ballroom, for instance, leaving all the suits stuck in the hallway and then parading two of them into the lonely center of a great circle of angry residents. The residents did not get back the 250 apartments they lost, but they did win a money settlement. It was one battle, as Josh puts it, in a larger war for affordable housing. Shades of Anna Louise Inn -whose tenants Josh is also defending in his fierce and canny way. The public imagination has become widely engaged, it seems, by the efforts of Josh and Occupy and the many visionary Friends of ALI to support this long-time sanctuary for working women. I expect other readers were as moved as I was by distributor Lee McCoy’s very personal narrative in August (“Remix and Mix”) about a crisis in his life brought on by the death of his woman friend. Lee had sat by her stricken sickbed for many days before her death. Ben Stockwell’s name is one we see on a series of well-written and detailed reports on such issues as 3CDC and Washington Park, and I loved Ben’s severe critique (for August 31) of a new NBC reality show about the glories of war, “Stars Earn Stripes.” One of the celebrity contestants was so enthralled with the feats of the soldiers on the show that he said, “I can’t wait to fire a real gun, with real bullets!” No reference at all, as Ben points out, to the consequences of the wars being glorified in this way. I expect we’ll see more good stories from Ben. He’s active in movements for change and graduated recently from U. C. Bob Turansky, who teaches history at Seven Hills and is on the Work and Wages Committee of Occupy, gave us an incisive summary of what has happened over the years to the minimum wage -- there’s nothing much left of it! A story about another local Occupier, Dan La Botz, describes Dan’s struggle in the courts to contest his exclusion from the senatorial debates of four years ago. A U. S. District Court has ruled in Dan’s case that candidates must at least be provided, beforehand, with the criteria for debate participants. I’m sure we won’t have seen Jill Stein in the presidential debate of October 3, but I wonder if she has made any use of the La Botz decision. Candidates like Dan La Botz give of themselves in long, hard, daily endeavors to make their voices heard. I regard them as heroes in the struggle for the free public discourse that might help us change the country. I’m sure Jim Luken’s Meet Ups are always popular with readers. It was good to read recently about Carmen Jackson, who lives at Anna Louise Inn and works the night shift at a nursing home -- but isn’t worthy, it seems, of being the neighbor of Western and Southern in Lytle Park. Jim is a respected journalist of long standing, but he writes for Streetvibes as a volunteer, as brigades of writers have done over the years. I hope buyers and subscribers will read the new paper cover to cover and share it all over town! Our street papers tell us not only about poverty and homelessness, but about the root causes of poverty and homelessness, and help us map out the struggles we must wage to provide every citizen with a place to live and a job, with healthcare and all the rest -- in short, to usher in all the changes we need in our whole rapacious economic system. Streetvibes covers the understrata of Cincinnati -- and even the overstrata -- in a way nothing else does. ## Martha Stephens is a writer and retired university teacher. She can be reached at stephem@ ucmail.uc.edu. �12 SOCIAL JUSTICE Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Pre-Occupied with Changing the World JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer N ot long after Occupy Wall Street activists set up their tents in Lower Manhattan (Sept. 17, 2012), I was heading for Chicago. After a few weeks of the Zucotti Park occupation, news of this radical, new form of protest was seeping out of the major media, but flooding the blogosphere, until finally this new reality forced its way into the consciousness of most Americans, and of much of the rest of the world. Occupy had created some major waves…if not a tsunami. I participated in a number of exciting Occupy Chicago events, but couldn’t wait to get back to Cincinnati, where—as I read online--things were beginning to crackle with intensity. As an activist for 40 years, I knew instinctively that this “Occupy” thing had the potential to be lifechanging and world-changing. I arrived back home the day of the first major arrests at Piatt Park, which occurred not long after midnight on October the 17th, and a few hours before the cops took down the tents. Even those of us who stood on the sidewalks chanting our support for the arrestees, were electrified by the solidarity, love, and empowerment we felt during the hours of the arrests. A year has passed since Occupy Cincinnati’s first big rally at Lytle Park (Oct 8, 2012). The famous “people’s mic” has gone all but silent. Many Occupiers have become disillusioned, some even bitter. But others feel that the movement—like the mythical phoenix—will be born again out of the ashes of this first great push, against those who would own us and steal our democracy. In this article, four key Occupy participants voice the thoughts and feelings of hundreds of others in our town, who have pinned our hopes on the dream of a cultural and political revolution. Jennifer Kinsley, co-counsel attorney, represented Occupy Cincinnati and hundreds of individuals who were arrested and cited: “It’s something I reflect on often. I’m not sure I have settled the issue in my own mind. It was a rare opportunity to represent people whose views I am in full agreement with. [Because] I too believe the message of the 99%. [But] hands down, it was the most stressful case of my legal career. I know I will never experience something like that again, something as rewarding and time consuming, as all-encompassing, and as allimportant. It felt like for months on end we [attorneys] worked on this 24 hours a day. The worst thing was not sleeping. I hope that we [the lawyers] made a difference. Sometimes I question whether it was worth it. I mean we fought so hard for that park [Piatt]. After we won the right to occupy a part of the park [through the night], I went there early in the day, alone. I remember getting tears in my eyes over those Occupiers mark the 1 year anniversary of Occupy Cincinnati with a march and signs [several signs reading: “Area general assembly in Piatt Park. Photo: Justin Jeffre near statue open 24 hours a day”] There was such hope for that park. Cincinnati came into full swing, Iranian-American anti-war activist. Now, nobody uses it. For me those she returned to Cincinnati from She works as a chemist: “The Occupy signs symbolize a whole lot more. It’s California. Her thoughts, in terms movement was the most exciting sort of like a bitter-sweet victory.” of this article, came by way of an thing in my activist life. On the first e-mail: “Occupy Cincy was a brilliant day, it [Occupy Cincinnati] was Dorsey Stebbins, retired Lutheran uprising/movement of Town, Gown exciting and invigorating. I was happy minister and long-time activist: and Others, which at one point, to see all the numbers and diversity “When I first came to the Occupy confronted local officials and a of people. Everyone seemed in tune “General Assembly” meetings, I saw judicial system which were handling with the theme. It was cool to see that something that I had never seen their parts well. There were good we could all come together with the before: the fact that there was so actors and actions which the media message that we needed to defend our much respect for each person, and mostly covered. democracy against corporations and lots of diversity. Everyone had a The [Occupy] group shone a light money. voice. It was the first time I had seen on the housing foreclosure problem, The people [Wall Street and the [poor] African Americans involved The American Education Council’s war industry] who had caused the with whites. The meetings were Occupy movement had also caused generally moderated by someone who [ALEC] hidden grip, Western and Southern’s effort to take over the us to go to war. The same reasoning could take care of the situation when Anna Louise Inn, the Citizen’s United that forced us into Iraq was [is] problems [unruliness, etc.] arose. Of hoax. And it has taken a stand against pushing us toward war with Iran. course, I loved the commitment to fracking. Occupy had brought me to the place non-violence. Occupy Cincy held together as of understanding that the [peoples’] The most painful thing for me a group through the winter, but in struggle was the same here as there. It was the fact of the disappearance of spring was derailed by a few guys made the connection that war is about people, after seeing the commitment repeatedly insisting [that] attention profiting for the rich corporations that so many of them had to the be paid to their unique visions. I and the elites, and about suffering for cause. It seemed that a number of fomented a book club to restore everyone else. people involved lacked the maturity [Now] the excitement is gone. to handle personality conflicts. [But] I calm by reading member’s treatises, but that didn’t help. Ad hoc actionThe people are mostly gone. To think that the vision is strong enough planning gatherings occur now, me, it seems to have pretty much to survive; I anticipate that this which may be less vulnerable to the disappeared. But the problems [Occupy] can happen again. vociferous.” persist. We’re no longer working together to address them. So it’s Harriet Mathey is a freelance Fariba Nourian is a 29 year-old, super-sad.” videographer. Recently, as Occupy Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rockdale Baptist Church JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor On October 9th Rev. Jessie Jackson spoke at the Rockdale church in Avondale. The civil rights leader spoke about voter suppression. He said it is important for people to vote early because it helps prevent problems that can occur. Jackson said, “Voter suppression has always been with us in this country throughout our history. For two and a half centuries you couldn’t vote because of race and gender.” According to Jackson Citizen’s United is nullifying honest elections and many of the problems that occurred in Ohio during the 2004 election haven’t been properly addressed. “In 2004 you had wet people standing in lines and dry machines sitting in a warehouse,” he said. According to Jackson it was “an abomination and a sin to democracy”. He continued, “In Ohio you have a million people taken off of the voter rolls. The fraud was causing fraud by purging and taking people off of the voter rolls. If that would have happened in South Africa we would have decried it as corruption.” Jackson says that early voting is better than absentee voting. “It gives voters more time to see if there are any problems with their registration,” he said. Jackson also spoke at Cincinnati State in Clifton. The event was hosted by the Baptist Ministers Conference and Think Progress. Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking about voter suppression Oct 9th in Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 SUPPORT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE October 20 to November 11, 2012 13 �14 STREET VOICE Oct.12th-25th, 2012 STREETVIBES CROSSWORD PUZZLE #002 From: puzzlechoice.com CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION #001 Across 33. Particle 1. Seed case 36. Ambit 66. Mother-of-pearl 10. Petty quarrel 42. Mesh 4. Animal foot 38. Ode 67. Oaf 11. Part of a church 44. Objective 7. Charts 39. Female sheep 68. Legal document 12. Noisy insect 47. Sprocket 11. Halo 40. Arm bone 69. Scan 14. Optic 49. Cry 12. Six-sided figure 41. Claw 70. Allow 16. Make reference to 51. Small boat 13. Wide open 43. Transmitted 71. Uneven 20. Stray 52. Not trimmed 15. Head teacher 45. Leak slowly Down 25. Fuss 53. Uncanny 17. Pass along 46. Find 1. Blended food 26. Examine closely 54. Obviate 18. Perceive 48. Wonder 2. Type of window 27. Distant 55. Let for money 19. Frozen spear 50. Vote against 28. Portent 56. Large vase 21. Consumed 51. Remedy 3. Grade in judo or karate 29. Row 57. Scorch 22. Long fish 53. Armed conflict 30. Choose, ___ for 59. Small stream 23. Lecture 56. Country, initially 31. Prod 62. Epoch 24. Engrossed 58. Farm 32. Pertinence 63. Married 27. Scarlet 60. The night before 34. Trial 65. Deuce 28. Severe experience 61. Regenerate 30. Fiend 64. Origin 4. Student 5. By surprise 6. In good health 7. Spoil 8. Mature 9. Acceptable to the taste 35. Be indebted to 37. Strike lightly �Shelter: Women and Children Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 15 RESOURCES Oct.12th-25th, 2012 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Other Resources Prospect House 921-1613 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Starting Over 961-2256 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Treatment: Women Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Shelter: Both First Step Home 961-4663 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Anthony House (Youth) 961-4080 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Treatment: Both 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services 751-0643 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Northern Kentucky Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 St. Francis Soup Kitchen Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 535-2719 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org �16 DISTRIBUTORS Oct.12th-25th, 2012 CODE OF CONDUCT STREETVIBES IS DISTRIBUTED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASE THE PAPER FOR 50 CENTS PER COPY AND SELL IT FOR A $1.50 DONATION, KEEPING THE PROFIT THEY HAVE EARNED. BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR IS A GREAT WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY POOR TO GET BACK ON (OR STAY ON) THEIR FEET. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME FOR THOSE UNABLE TO SECURE OTHER EMPLOYMENT. MONEY EARNED HELPS MEET BASIC HOUSING, FOOD AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS. THE PROGRAM IS A HAND UP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE OFTEN IN A PLACE OF GETTING ONLY A HAND OUT, OR EVEN NO HAND AT ALL. ALL DISTRIBUTORS WEAR A BADGE AND CAN BE FOUND SELLING THE PAPER IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, CLIFTON, NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND AREA CHURCHES. CURRENT DISTRIBUTORS ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. Distributors will never buy papers from and/ or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own well-being and income. Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARK ANTHONY SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 TERRY RANSON SINCE10/2008 TIM NEUMANN NEW 7/2011 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 For questions or comments pertaining to the distributor program contact: Jeni Jenkins, Distributor Program Manager. Ph:513.421.7803 Ext. 14 jenijenkins@cincihomeless.org Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2012 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 12-25, 2012 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: “It Looks Good, Stop Complaining!” Places to Go, People to See Pg 3: The Columbus Controversy Pg 4: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Living Green in Cincinnati Pg 5: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Continued Janitors Demand Fair Wages Pg 6: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Pg 7: City Link-Long Time Coming The Race for Hamilton County Prosecutor Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Streetvibes Distributor Deborah Poindexter Takes to the Streets with her Camera Pg 10: Streetvibes Reinvents Itself Pg 11: Are Streetvibes Distributors Being Stereotyped? Pg 12: Pre-Occupied with Changing the World Pg 13: Support Pg 14: Street Voice Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 12-25, 2012 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Karen Chatman Chris Fowler Rubye Goode Dan Labotz Jason Haap Jim Luken Willa D. Jones Lee McCoy Thomas A. Dutton Mimi Rook Dylan Speeg Martha Stephens Kristin McGee Jamillah Luqman Larry Baibak Kirk Hunter Deborah Poindexter Johnie Kerns Aimiee Willhoite Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimiee Willhoite Chris Fowler City Link Columbus Dan LaBotz Deborah Poindexter Dylan Speeg Fair Wages Hamilton County Heritage Indigenous People Jamillah Luqman Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken Johnie Kerns Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Karen Chatman Kirk Hunter Kristin McGee Larry Baibak Lee McCoy Leslie Moorhead Martha Stephens Mimi Rook Pete Roper Photography Ralph Stanley Reservations Rev. Jesse Jackson Rockdale Baptist Church Rubye Goode Thomas A. Dutton Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/fab3aa9f9862d0dcd2bc4b47e90599bf.pdf 9f71f67228ab2cb0f823e97379b7f5db PDF Text Text D e c . 2 1 , 2 0 1 2 - J a n . 3 , 2 0 1 3 VOL.16 ISSUE 26 (No. 241) ADVOCATING JUSTICE • BUILDING COMMUNITY NEW VOICES: SCPA & ELEMENTZ PAGE 8 GREATER CINCINNATI ENERGY ALLIANCE SPOTLIGHT ON: PAGE 5 VICTORIA MORGAN PAGE 6 THE MOST INSPIRING WORKFORCE CO2: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 3 twitter.com/streetvibesnews PAGE 13 streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL In Unity There is Strength From the Director JOSH SPRING Executive Director O ur theme this year for our Annual Awards Dinner was In Unity There Is Strength. We are very thankful to those who sponsored the dinner, the organizations that purchased seats and tables and to all the many people that came. This was our largest attendance in years. Additionally, we are very thankful for the Newport Syndicate. People said the location and atmosphere was magnificent. The Syndicate treated us wonderfully and worked hard for us, knowing we are not a wealthy organization. We encourage any organization looking to host an event to contact the Newport Syndicate. Our theme,” In Unity There is Strength” represents the motivation behind the creation of the Homeless Coalition over 28 years ago. As homelessness was increasing exponentially, due in large part to trickle-down economics and general oppression of people without much economic means, local organizations working to create safe places for people experiencing homelessness realized that if we only focused on emergency services, homelessness would increase and never end. So they united, created the Coalition, coalescing their power and went after the system. That is who we still are today. We now have 53 member organizations. Can you imagine how many people our Membership represents? Think of all the People that come through the doors of these organizations in a given year, or even a given day. Think about the staff that works for these organizations. Now consider that our Donors are made primarily up of many people who give what they can. When you think about it, we are huge with thousands and thousands of People. If we decide to use it right, imagine our strength. This doesn’t include the many organizations and people we partner with, nor the large numbers of people in our community that support us. If we leverage these voices behind causes- we can accomplish big things. Homelessness is not here to stay. If we collect our strength, we bolster our unity- we can end it. This is not some far lost vision. Ending homelessness is not an ideal we outgrew. We truly can end it. We are so very large. In 2012 we took on big issues. We released a comprehensive study of family homelessness and housing stability. This brought together 40 public and private organizations. We interviewed dozens of families and collected numerous data. We showed that in five recent years homelessness among Cincinnati Public School Children increased by 42%; the category of doubled up, the group of people that go uncounted in nearly every other count, rose by 192%; the number of unemployed people increased by at least 78% in five years; last year 32% of those in shelters in Hamilton county were under the age of 18. We stood by affordable housing because we know affordable housing combined with living wage jobs is the primary answer to ending homelessness. This meant organizing people to stand with the Women of the Anna Louise Inn- against the multi-million dollar Western and Southern. As the justice system failed to lend any justice to the Women of the Anna Louise Inn- we took to the streets and worked to get in the hearts of the public. For years we pushed, and in Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $1.50 donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. address : 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 phone : 513.421.7803 x 12 fax : 513.421.7813 website : www.cincihomeless.org blog : streetvibes.wordpress.com email : streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 winter 2011/2012-through the work of several organizations, most notably the Drop Inn Center, we saw Cincinnati’s first true winter shelter open and 869 different individuals came through its door. We stood with Tenants as forces attempted to run them out of their homes and we worked to empower people experiencing homelessness to vote. We stood against more Human Services cuts and we empowered people to sue the Cincinnati Park Board for creating fake rules behind closed doors, which targeted people experiencing homelessness and poverty. We also purchased the building we had rented for most of a decade. We are so thankful to those that gave to make this possible. We also gave people who have experienced homelessness the opportunity to speak to thousands of people and tell their stories. Dozens of schools were infected with a passion to end homelessness. We empowered People to tell their stories and join the Movement. We did all this and more. We accomplished these things due to a passion for justice and the love of people- all held together by unity. Imagine how much more we can do if we gather our numbers, invigorate our people and bolster our unity with new ideas, new laws, new funds, new systems. What if we take even more to the offensive than we already are? We are heading into 2013- a brand new year. Each of you has a unique gift to offer our Movement. You have passion, experience and wisdom. You know the things we could do as a society to end and prevent homelessness. If you are a Donor- we are thankful for you and in our hearts you are a member as well. We still need your finances and your voice. Funding advocacy and organizing, stereotype-busting education and public awareness is not an easy task. The money does not come in easy or quickly, and seems to go out more quickly than seems possible. So we need you. At the Coalition we certainly have no love for money- as it too often empowers greed. However, we value every penny you give us because we see your heart shining through the penny. We will do our best to invest each penny in change. We are large and we are already powerful, but we can be even more powerful. We need you to keep giving your talents, passions, ideas, energy, finances and more. We need your support. We can garner our unity and show our strength. In 2013 let’s tackle some big issues- as we work to change history. In Unity There Is Strength! -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director ACTION ITEM Presbyterian Action Against the Death Penalty Join exonerated death row inmate, Joe D’ Ambrosio, and father Neil Kookoothe in an intimate discussion of Joe’s journey from an innocent man condemned to death, to a man who reclaimed his freedom and life through his faith in God and help from father Neil. Saturday, January 26th, 3-5pm Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church 103 William Howard Taft Rd. Please RSVP by January 20th 513-281-5945. All are welcome! reception & office administration : Karen Chatman, Chris Fowler, Rubye Goode maintenance : Pete Roper HOMELESS COALITION STAFF streetvibes editor Justin Jeffre executive director : Josh Spring director of education & outreach , streetvibes layout , distributor program manager : Jeni Jenkins director of development : Leslie Moorhead civil rights outreach coordinator : Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED contributing writers : Justin Jeffre, Jim Luken, Ben Stockwell, Jason Haap, Mimi Rook, Christopher Wilkey, Kyle Nunn, Chris Anderson, Olabisi Eddy, David Rosenthal, Willa Jones, Bill Woods, Olivia Caldwell, syndicated writers : Laura Smith photography / artwork : Josh Moore, Adam Nelson, Peter Mueller, INSP. New Voices Photographers. thank you for reading streetvibes and supporting our mission to build community and advocate justice . �LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 3 CO2: The E lephant in the Room JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer PART I ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS. “ I feel like this is one of the major threads. If we pull on this one, it could be the thread that unravels the whole system.” Danny Berchenko As we all know, Streetvibes is a newspaper that focuses most of its attention on people like our distributors, people who are homeless and poor. This article deals with the global environmental crisis. My principle resource was a Cincinnatian who has been deeply involved in ecological activism. What—you might ask—does the world’s environment have to do with the struggles of the poor? Answer: if not everything, then a very great deal. Northsider Danny Berchenko, the outgoing coordinator of 350.org, has been pulling on environmental threads for quite some time. He sees rising global temperatures (caused by so- called “greenhouse gas” emissions) as a problem that can’t wait. The clock is ticking. The ice is melting. The tide is rising. The drought is spreading. Some scientists believe it is already too late to save the planet. Berchenko’s environmental cup is at least half full. He is semi-optimistic. He believes we can stave off a looming global disaster. But we—ALL of us folks of goodwill—must invest a part of ourselves in the cataclysmic fight against an industrial Goliath. In this case, Goliath is the collection of incredibly wealthy companies which extract and burn fossil fuels: the coal, gas, oil industries. THE POOR TAKE THE BIGGEST HIT “On a global scale,” Berchenko says, “the world’s poor are affected most.” He says this is shown clearly in two primary areas. “First of all, the fossil fuel companies are poisoning poor people.” Typically, the polluting industries are found near poor communities. The result is a much higher rate of cancer and heart disease among the poor. “The polluters see the middle class and poor as expendable.” According to Berchenko, when climate-change disaster strikes (like hurricanes Katrina and Sandy), the poor (in the disaster areas) are the ones who have the hardest time bouncing back. And finally there are those staples of life: food and water. “When you look at the issues of oncoming increased drought across the country, this leads to increases in food prices, and that effects poor people the worst.” Indeed. THE SCIENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE--BRIEFLY Berchenko’s organization which is fighting for clean air has a somewhat strange, scientific name. 350 stands for 350 parts per million. It’s a lot simpler than you might think. This is the maximum number of carbon dioxide particles (CO2) that science has determined are safe to be in the global atmosphere. The bad news is, we are already at 394 ppm. And the number is rising…fast. The latest figures reveal that, at the present rate of increase, we will be at 650 ppm by the end of this century. By then, overall temperatures will rise by 9 degrees. Berchenko explains that, during the last Ice Age, Cincinnati was under ice. Since then, global temperatures have risen by 9 degrees. Such a dramatic rise, scientists tell us, will mean the end of civilization as we know it. The way Danny describes it is to say that civilization has grown because our climate has been stabile (relatively) for the past ten thousand (or so) years. We have been able to feed ourselves, and this has created a world civilization that—except in the poorest, driest areas— enables us to know where our next meal is coming from. If there is widespread, ongoing drought, that simple fact will change… drastically. Berchenko explains that the carbon that comes from combusting coal, oil, and gas stays active in the atmosphere for one hundred years. So we are breathing carbon from a relatively early part of the industrial revolution. Vehicles, the worst polluters, were a rarity in 1912. The immense amounts of pollutants that we are emitting today will still be around in 2112. Berchenko warns, “The fact is, we’re not (i.e., government and industry) even looking at seriously curbing our emissions.” Some climatologists, he says, have already thrown up their hands and said, “We’re done. Enjoy life on the planet while you can. We can’t fix this.” WHAT BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT? Danny Berchenko believes, as the Occupy Wall Street movement made clear, that “the climate crisis is yet another result of corporate capitalism.” He finds a common thread among most or all of the social justice issues facing our country and the world. “I see it as a web, so it’s hard to know where to start.” He tells me he may go into a rant at this point. I tell him to go ahead. Danny Berchenko marches in the Northside 4th of July Parade, 2012. . And so begins a very quiet, Photo: Adam Nelson. carefully thought-out, rant. “If we choose to get serious about corporate power.” Who would argue with those addressing the climate crisis, about mobilizing goals? our resources to stop climate disaster, I don’t think the corporate capitalist model YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE CHANGE will survive. I think it’s incompatible with Danny Berchenko acknowledges that there maintaining a livable, sustainable climate.” are many groups and organizations which are He also believes that we must abandon working toward slowing down (and finally the idea of a “growth economy,” a notion that ending) the climate crisis. He is proud to was chastised in the ‘70s by E.F. Schumacher’s have been a part of 350.org. This worldwide award-winning book, “Small organization evolved late in the is Beautiful” Berchenko last decade from the work of a echoes Schumacher today, of college students and “I feel like this is one of the group “We can’t keep growing their teacher, the activist and indefinitely. Growth is author Bill McKibben. major threads . I f we pull what is killing us. It’s In 2007, they organized unsustainable. It’s insane. a national action called “Step on this one , it could be the The growth of the economy It Up,” demanding action on is dependent upon the thread that unravels the climate change. 1000 groups extraction and burning of took part. In 2009, they fossil fuels, because that’s whole system .” helped organize a global day what drives economic action, encouraging the systems.” - Danny Berchenko of participants in the Copenhagen Berchenko goes on to Climate Summit to come up describe how all of our with a binding climate treaty. Those efforts economic indicators, the stock market and the failed. Last year, the group spearheaded the GDP, reflect “only the well-being of the 1%, and campaign against the Keystone XL tar sands not the well-being of society,” (which is the rest pipeline. They put together the largest civilof us, the 99%). “We need to find new ways to disobedience action in a generation at the measure economic well-being.” gates of the White House. Danny Berchenko was one of those arrested. Later, in the fall, THE ALTERNATIVE TO GROWTH AND GREED they surrounded the White House with a Berchenko sites one of his favorite books human chain. Danny was there. Because the and writers, Eco Economics by Herman Daly. opposition industry is so strong and wellDaly talks of “un-economic growth,” growth funded, 350.org is changing its tactics. where the costs outweigh the benefits. Danny “We are working more strategically,” believes we need to transition our economies, Berchenko says, “to take power away from “to rethink them,” in order to solve the crisis the fossil fuel industry, to throw a wrench of climate change. “I don’t see industrial in the works.” The new strategy follows the agriculture surviving without fossil fuel.” example of the anti-apartheid movement in Berchenko sees the need to transition South Africa. There are groups of volunteers back to smaller farms, to more localized food on hundreds of college campuses across the production models, to alternative growing country, seeking to push those colleges to methods like “perma-culture.” He believes disinvest in the fossil fuel industry. The appeal we can still feed the population, but—at least is partly economic, but mostly moral. And here in the US—“we will need to come up with they are gaining media attention. Want to ways to re-incentivize people to go sustainable. help? Type 350.org into the URL line on your Since there will be limited machinery, we will computer or go to the 350 Cincy facebook have to hire people to work the fields.” page. Naomi Klein, author of the groundbreaking -----------------------best-seller, “The Shock Doctrine,” is lining up 30 year - old D anny B erchenko will soon be following a personal with 350.org to fight for this kind of crucial change, Klein writes: “The real solutions to the dream to live and work in C alifornia . C ome J anuary , he will be climate crisis are also our best hope of building leaving C incinnati , but not — he says — abandoning his cause , a much more enlightened economic system — which — one might conclude is : S aving the W orld , one ppm of one that closes deep inequalities, strengthens CO2 at a time . [H e says you can contact his successor , K atie and transforms the public sphere, generates M c C hesney at K atie @350. org ] plentiful, dignified work and radically reins in THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Gun Massacre JASON HAAP Contributing Writer I don’t usually cry over the news - but, like millions of other people - I did when I heard about the Sandy Hook gun massacre. This one felt different, probably because the victims were children, and I am a parent. That Friday afternoon, I kept my eyes trained on the latest headlines, reading everything I could. I watched Obama’s speech stream live online. I watched my Facebook feed fill with reactions. Then, I noticed a pattern. It seemed there were a lot of people asking us to pray for the victims and their families. That’s it. Just prayer. Not prayer and action. Just prayer. It irritated me. I found the notion selfish. I admit there is, in my view, a degree of selfishness involved in all forms of grief. The deceased cannot experience pain any more. We cry, at least in part, for our loss. As a removed audience to this tragedy, I cried because I thought about my own children. There’s that selfishness again. I don’t mean to use “selfishness” disparagingly, either. I just think that grieving people try to find a way to make themselves feel better in the face of senseless cruelty. But prayer doesn’t do the trick for me. If I wanted to try and make myself feel better, I reasoned, then I should engage an action with real results. Prayer would not help the grieving families. It wouldn’t help the surviving children figure out how they could ever return to school again. So I discovered Newtown Youth and Family Services. They are the non-profit agency who provided emergency counseling the weekend after the shooting - and who would most likely continue to be a force for helping people to cope for quite some time. Instead of prayer, I sent them a donation, then hopped on social media to encourage others to do the same. Whenever I saw someone commenting about Sandy Hook, I left a link to the donation webpage for Newtown Youth and Family Services. It made me feel better, and it made me feel like I did something constructive. As our collective consciousness slogged through the weekend, I started to see news stories about how to help - and, invariably, Newtown Youth and Family Services would appear. I took solace in the thought that I picked a good agency. Then, another friend - who does not have any children of his own - asked why I thought an affluent community like Newtown needed any financial assistance. Why not use my donation dollars to support political groups fighting for gun control? This suggestion irked me, at least in part. I did not donate because I thought Newtown was poor. I donated because I wanted to feel like I was helping the kids who survived. It was an incarnation, I think, of my parental instincts, and I stand by my donation. Naturally, however, I am not limited to making only one donation in my life. Perhaps, I reasoned, I should also consider donating to an antigun advocacy group. Then, the gun advocates came out in full force. They said it was “too soon” to discuss gun control, and that such talk was disrespectful. They suggested if we had more guns, and not less, this tragedy would never have happened - as if arming our nation’s kindergarten teachers is a good idea. They always respond to the notion of gun-control as if it’s the same as banning hunting rifles. They create straw man arguments, like asking, if someone pointed a gun at me, if I would want to protect myself or to reach for my smart phone. Then, as more news stories posted about ways to help, I continued to see Newtown Youth and Family Services on the list. But the list kept getting bigger, eventually including special funds so people could send cash directly to those families who had the foresight to set up a public account and to distribute an address to media. In other words, instead of helping an agency that provides service, I can send dollars directly to a family who needs help with “expenses.” I know not everyone who lives in an affluent community is wealthy. People can be “house poor,” and they can struggle to make ends meet just like those of lesser means. Yet, if I had my choice, I’d rather struggle to make ends meet in a wealthy neighborhood than in the projects! There is a difference to the type of financial burdens people bear. I do not mean to question anyone’s motives, but is the best way to help to give money to one particular family as compared to all the others? I couldn’t help but wonder if such funds tap into vicarious parental grief. Perhaps my childless friend had a more reasoned perspective after all. Giving money does not need to be an either-or proposition unless you have limited means. What is the best use, therefore, of any money we’d like to give to support some agency as our own personal responses to the Sandy Hook tragedy? Should we be pumping cash into one family’s account? Should we help an agency supporting children? Or should we take a more global approach, supporting financially those groups which advocate for the root cause - which, in this case, would be more strict gun control laws? Remember, we can oppose semi-automatic weapons and high volume magazines without taking away the right of a deer hunter to own a rifle. That’s why you might consider visiting the web page of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (http://www.csgv.org/). Through research, and public policy advocacy, that coalition hopes to grant people “freedom from gun violence.” Giving to a gun control advocacy group might not feel emotionally the same as reaching out to an organization that helps kids, and it certainly may pull on less heartstrings than contributing directly to the family of a murdered little girl - but, from a more globally oriented perspective, it might be the best way to try and work towards fewer gun tragedies in the future. ------------------------ J ason H aap is an E nglish teacher with 14 years experience . H e is also a politi cal activist who runs and writes for T he C incinnati B eacon , a popular blog . The Fight for More Affordable and Accessible Dental Care in Ohio: Dental Access Now!, a statewide coalition working to bring quality and affordable oral health care to all Ohioans, is actively working to increase awareness of the importance of oral health. OLABISI EDDY Contributing Writer A s the holidays draw near, many individuals are anticipating what gifts they will receive for Christmas this year. For some Ohioans, the song “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” takes on a literal and very personal meaning. Access to quality and affordable dental care is the greatest – and for some unattainable – wish for almost 3.9 million adults over age 18 in Ohio. Access to dental care has been Ohio’s number one unmet health care need for children and low-income adults since 2000, and not enough is being done to address this issue. There are currently 73 designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the state of Ohio, some of them located here in Hamilton County. Being designated a HPSA allows for the establishment of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). While FQHCs offer crucial services to lowincome communities, some of these centers do not offer dental services. People are left to seek care from the various free or sliding-scale fee dental clinics, which often offer very limited services, have long waiting lists, and do not allow for follow-up services. Even for those with dental insurance, co-pays and out of pocket costs can make dental care very expensive. We in Ohio are fortunate to have both child and adult dental Medicaid services. Many who qualify for Medicaid still can’t get the care they need because in Ohio only 28% of dentists accept dental Medicaid (Oral Health Isn’t Optional, Ohio Department of Health 2011) as a form of payment. For many who cannot afford dental coverage, the emergency room ends up being their destination. It’s a very inefficient way to deliver care, with the patient waiting a long time and only likely to receive a prescription for pain killers, antibiotics (if there’s an infection), and being told to go back into the dental care delivery system which did not provide for their needs in the first place. This cycle continues and the health of the individual’s teeth continues to decline, putting him or her at risk of developing a serious infection and/or other serious health issues. For some, not getting the care they need could have deadly consequences. Kyle Willis, a single father from the Cincinnati area, died from an abscessed tooth that ruptured, with the infection spreading to his brain. If he had access to the necessary oral care needed to treat his condition, he would not have suffered from such a tragic and senseless death. Oral health is a part of your overall health. If your teeth aren’t in good shape, then the probability of having other health issues also increases. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and it’s important to keep it healthy. Studies have shown that gum disease increases the risk of having a stroke, heart disease and fatal heart attacks, and disrupts sugar control, which can lead to the development of diabetes. There are several ways to help change this situation; increasing reimbursement rates for dentists, and providing good sound education about oral self-care would help. But the reality is that there are just not enough dental professionals in the areas of greatest need – in those HPSAs referred to earlier. One way we hope to bring more access to dental care is by introducing a new member to the dental team to deliver culturally competent care in the areas that truly need it. This new position THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED would produce competent and professionally educated dental practitioners. We need to work together to bring quality and affordable care to all Ohioans. We need your help! The best way to bring awareness to the importance of oral health is by sharing your story. If you or someone you know has a story of personal struggle in getting dental care, please share it with us. We are making every effort to let lawmakers and the health professionals know that oral health is important to overall health, and your story will make a huge difference. As it stands now, the services currently available for those in danger of losing their teeth are being overwhelmed by need, but hope is on the horizon. As healthcare continues to evolve, we will work to reclaim the mouth as a part of the body and oral health care will be included as part of overall healthcare. One day we will live in a society where everyone can enjoy having healthy smiles, especially with their two front teeth. Until then, we must continue to stress the importance of keeping our teeth clean and healthy, not just for that killer smile, but to maintain the health of our entire bodies. �Cincinnati Living Green The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer “…Nimble city governments often have closer relationships with their businesses , residents and institutions than state and national governments , allowing new policies to be implemented more quickly and decisively .” -Quote from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group website 5 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 the costs associated with “dirty” energy continue to rise beyond easy ability to pay for it, a sure recipe for fiscal disaster. Energy bills account for too much of monthly budgets both commercially and residentially. The high costs create a mentality of scarcity and hopelessness. The few who benefit financially from this scarcity have built a media machine rewarded for deflecting attention away from the monthly financial struggle of the real people who need to pay those escalating costs on utility bills and at the gas pump and also diverts attention away from the taxpayer-subsidized money paid out for these outmoded “fossil” technologies. Fortunately there are also “clean”, cost-saving energy alternatives to this dead-end scenario. The next columns of Cincinnati Living Green will begin highlighting many of the innovative energy alternatives available right here in the greater Cincinnati area. The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance In 2008 Andy Holzhauser saw a PBS show on the Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA) in Massachusetts. While cities occupy only two percent of planetary landmass, they consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. The CEA was created to save homeowners, businesses and institutions money by increasing use of clean energy sources and technologies, reducing traditional energy use and so reducing the city’s carbon footprint. It made sense. Holtzhauser, the founder and now Executive Director for the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), approached policy makers on both sides of the Ohio River about building a similar program in greater Cincinnati. He was convincing; receiving stimulus grants from the cities of Cincinnati, Covington and Florence, Hamilton County in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky, a strong financial starting point for the newly formed non-profit was established. With assistance from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the GCEA financed a study with the University of Cincinnati’s Economic Center and the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, which helped GCEA set an ambitious goal of completing 69,000 local home retrofits and 470 nonprofit {Continued on page 7} S ince the 1970’s the cost and production of energy usage has become a hot button politically, economically and socially. Those who promote what they call “clean” energy, such as wind, water and solar, call other methods of energy extraction “dirty” energy because of the environmental destruction that results. The biggest argument is whether or not our energy usage is destroying the ecosystems that sustain planet Earth. There is no argument that Engaging Community Voices: A Series Of Essays CHRISTOPHER WILKEY Contributing Writer T he essays in this series were written by Northern Kentucky University students and Miami University students who participated together in a service-learning course titled Designing/Writing for Social Change. Students in the course met regularly in Over-the-Rhine over the course of a semester, and had the opportunity to meet with OTR residents and activists while learning about the ongoing stories of struggle and empowerment in an urban neighborhood undergoing gentrification. ------------------------ Dr. Christopher Wilkey is an associate professor in the Department of English at NKU. His teaching and research focuses on the social & political dimensions of language use & literacy education. Committed to linking much of his professional work to the work of social justice and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Dr. Wilkey creates writing courses and research projects that powerfully speak to issues of race and class and attend to the social needs of local communities outside the university. Contact info: wilkeyc@nku.edu Continuing Community in Over-the-Rhine KYLE NUNN Contributing Writer S ince 2004, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) has been revitalizing downtown Cincinnati’s urban core. While attempting to create a diverse, mixed income neighborhood that can be sustained by local businesses, they have focused primarily on high end lofts, flats, condos, and apartments. The middle and upper class—who abandoned Over-the-Rhine—are now desire to return to occupy these newly renovated buildings. The impoverished stayed and built a strong community around the crumbling foundations of Over-theRhine. Now that the revitalization is at full speed, it is important that the new foundations reinforce, not dismantle, the strong community that exists. Cincinnati should listen to the voices in the community and support their needs. You can acquire knowledge of certain fundamental aspects and perspectives in a community by engaging in conversations with the people in it. In novels by Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, they offer insight into the community by yielding the stage to the members of the community. A truly communal view is understood by letting the members tell stories from the porch, barbershop, or local store rather than a distant narration. Watching God, “You got tuh go there tuh know there.” You do not receive the intimate voices of a community through the narration of the news, or some article written by someone outside the city. So when examining the reconstruction in Over-the-Rhine and the companies involved, it’s important to understand which ones really “know there” through involvement in the community. Over the Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) and 3CDC have conflicting visions of development. OTRCH looks to help the people of Over-the-Rhine find affordable housing in a time when almost all renovations are being put towards upper income apartments. They embrace the idea that the lower class should be uplifted and benefited by the revitalization of the city, not left behind. Their articles are full of interviews with members of the community. You can easily acknowledge the love and respect they have for the already vibrant community. Standing for the underprivileged, OTRCH strives to provide anyone in Over-the-Rhine in need of affordable housing a respectable place to call home. With almost all local staff they are all about community. Now when you look at the board of 3CDC you see presidents and CEO’s of big corporations, many of which don’t live anywhere near Over-the-Rhine. Their vision is ambitious and the eyes of developers throughout America are watching. There is a chance for Over-the-Rhine to be the model for reconstruction, but with 3CDC at the As Hurston’s famous character Janie says in Their Eyes Were center of many controversies, the morality of their actions are called into question. They have targeted the underprivileged at Washington Park by making rules against them enforceable by law. The swimming pool and basketball courts were taken out even after the community pleaded with them to keep it. Smoking bans at Fountain square sparked public debate because they built it, but don’t own it. And the biggest cause for concern, which 3CDC might have seen as a necessary evil in the development in Over-the-Rhine, is the displacement of hundreds of people from their homes. It seems that individual freedoms have been and will continue to be compromised in their path of construction. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Both 3CDC and OTRCH, along with the OTR community, want revitalization. But by distancing themselves, 3CDC doesn’t care to “know” the community in the ways that OTRCH does. 3CDC already has their vision set on establishing an upper-class community around money, and their idea of mixed income, affordable housing, and diversity will not include the current residents. I wouldn’t trust to hope that 3CDC will change its mind and decide to listen to the community, or at least not until all their new units are filled. It is the job of the people to stay aware and keep in mind the individuals who have been with Over-the-Rhine through its turbulent times and see them uplifted with it. Let us hear their voice and share their visions, let us awaken their weary dreams as we strive towards our own, and let Over-the-Rhine be praised by all as a moral model for reconstruction in America. Southern Western: a Parody of Western & Southern Financial Group CHRIS ANDERSON Contributing Writer SouthernWestern.net is a website that features a video of a fictional message from “Larry McDonald,” a fictional spokesperson for Western & Southern Financial Group. The video opens with {Continued on page 7} �6 LOCAL Spotlight On: Victoria Morgan LEAH ZIPPERSTEINContributing Writer O n the eve of the Cincinnati Ballet’s twoweek run of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, we thought it would be fitting to speak with the creative leadership behind such an undertaking. Victoria Morgan has spent the past 15 years bringing world class ballet to the Cincinnati stage. She is both the CEO & Artistic Director, which is not too surprising of a position for those familiar with her esteemed background. Morgan began dancing at the age of two in Salt Lake City. She was a principal dancer for Ballet West by time she was 23. Victoria Morgan. Photo: Peter Mueller Needing to expand her horizons, Morgan later joined the San experience really informed my Francisco Ballet. “I danced with aesthetic orientation and dance them for almost 10 years, and my philosophy,” she said. When she eventually retired from dancing it was not an easy transition from pointe shoes to flats. Following stints as a real estate agent and event planner, Morgan returned to the art world as a resident choreographer for the San Francisco Opera. After a decade there, she Morgan playing Clara as a child for Ballet West’s sought out an Artistic Director performance of The Nutcracker. Photo: Unknown Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 position for a ballet company. Enter the year 1997, when Morgan joined the Cincinnati Ballet. “Although the city was new, in many ways it felt like coming home – to come back to the heart and soul of who I am.” To understand more of Morgan’s inspiring backstory and her vision for the future of the Cincinnati Ballet, she graciously spoke to iSPYCINCY in this informative Q & A: iSPY: Who in the dance world has had the biggest impact in shaping the choreographer you have become? Morgan: Balanchine has had a big influence on me — the speed and musicality, his invention and movement patterns. In San Francisco I learned that dance could be many things. Early on in my career there was such a division between ballet and more contemporary dance. Now, there’s such a blending. Dancers are required to be so versatile. I also recall the work of William Forsythe and Jiri Kylian popping my eyes out. I was compelled to move in totally new ways. iSPY: Whether you watch the shows or not, how do you think programming like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance influences how up and coming generations view the classical art form of dance (does it help or hurt)? Morgan: It’s a little bit of both, but I think – mostly – it’s helpful. Dance is a young and feisty art form. It’s forced into relevancy because of the youth of the profession. It’s naive to think that you can stay in Swan Lake and survive into the future. iSPY: If you had to pick, what are your top three highlights from your time with the Cincinnati Ballet? Morgan: 1.) The opening of our new Nutcracker certainly tops the list. It was such a major undertaking. I had never done anything of that magnitude or complication. It wasn’t perfect, but it happened. As the curtain rose on opening night, I was both exhausted and overjoyed. Morgan working with the dancer for “The New Nutcracker” Photo: Peter Mueller {Continued on page 10} February 15 to March 10, 2013 Tickets On Sale Now! THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �7 Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Engaging Community Voices {Continued from page 5} McDonald casually addressing the audience while standing in front of the Anna Louise Inn. He states that Western & Southern “takes pride” in “making money” and that “nothing’s more important than making money.” He then goes on to call the Inn a “waste of good prime land.” The video wraps up with the fictitious spokesman giving a “Western Southern salute to our core values” to a local judge who permitted a lawsuit against the Anna Louise Inn due to a zoning loophole. According to McDonald, the judge is an old friend of the CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group. At issue is a lawsuit filed by Western & Southern to block building permits for renovations on the Anna Louise Inn due to a zoning issue. Western & Southern has attempted to purchase the Anna Louise Inn in the past in order to develop the property. The facility was for sale from 20052009 and while the building was valued at approximately $3-4 million, Western & Southern was only offering $1.8 million for the building. Once the Cincinnati Union Bethel won tax credits and loans valued at approximately $12 million for renovations to the Anna Louise Inn, the building was no longer for sale, and that’s when Western & Southern started interfering. This specific issue is indicative of the social problems that arise with the redevelopment of Cincinnati’s Central Business District: the district is currently home to many low-income residents who feel that they are being deliberately and systematically displaced by these development projects for no other reason than to generate profits. This is a side of the city’s redevelopment that is seldom mentioned in local media. The tone of the video is one of biting, yet comic, sarcasm. McDonald is very dismissive of the mission of the Anna Louise Inn, and of the “lesser people” that it serves, and he does so in a very matter-offact tone of voice. A similar mixture of dry humor and harsh criticism is the cornerstone of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report where host Stephen Colbert parodies popular conservative television pundits by making outrageous and selfaggrandizing claims. In the Anna Louise video McDonald is similarly satirical and sardonic. He acts as though the lawsuit is perfectly normal, and that their critics may have “duped” the audience into believing something that just isn’t true. The message in the parody isn’t subtle at all: Western & Southern is wrongfully suing the Anna Louise Inn in order to make money and Western & Southern does not care at all about the people that the Inn serves. The video does an excellent job of making Western & Southern appear to be out of touch, not just with the issues of poverty and homelessness, but also with their effects on women in particular. The video also does a great job of making Western & Southern appear to value its profits above everything and everyone else. At one point in the video, McDonald, the satirical spokesman, takes a sign supporting the Anna Louise Inn and tosses it aside, while saying that making a corporation richer is the American thing to do because what’s good for a corporation is good for everyone. The video doesn’t take into account Western & Southern’s claim that a new facility would cost taxpayers less than renovating the existing facility, nor does the video mention the $12 million price tag that the renovations on the Anna Louise Inn will cost the city and the federal government. In my opinion, these issues could have been addressed in the video without detracting from the video’s message. As a work of satire, the video is an excellent example of the effectiveness of humor as a tool for social commentary. As a work of political commentary, the video is a bit one-sided. I think that this is a limitation of satire as a tool. Satire that is too kind to opposing viewpoints isn’t very funny. Also, satire that contains too many hard facts isn’t very funny. However, as a tool for softening the blow of delivering controversial or unpopular statements, humor can be incredibly effective. Rhetorically, I believe the video is good for energizing people who are sympathetic to the plight of the Anna Louise Inn, or those who are already critical of the Western & Southern Financial Group. The video has probably done a good job of upsetting those who are allied with Western & Southern, or who stand to benefit monetarily from the redevelopment of the Over-theRhine area. Judging by the attempt by Western & Southern to use a copyright claim to silence the video, I would say the video has made a very real impact on the issues facing the Anna Louise Inn. Green Energy Alliance {Continued from page 5} building upgrades by 2030. The study found that routine energy efficiency upgrades would create a ripple effect of positive outcomes for the region. If those homeowners used the program, they would see immediate cash savings in the first year of the energy upgrade and an average savings of $500 per year for 18 years. Jeff Rexhausen, an associate director at UC’s Economic Center, helped with the study and in an early interview said “Our house is [the greater Cincinnati] community and we have dollars leaking out…the dollars are leaking out because we are spending them on energy. If we saved money on energy, we could spend our money on other things and that would improve our local economy. That’s really what this report is about.” With those findings and local support and funding already in place, GCEA applied for and secured a $17 million “Better Buildings” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant is speeding up GCEA’s mission to transform the energy efficiency market using a three-pronged approach: 1.) Investing in necessary technology, 2.) Workforce development, and 3.) Financing solutions to dramatically increase both the supply and demand in the energy efficiency market. To assess and retrofit that many buildings requires training. The GCEA subsidizes half the tuition cost of a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification program for those in the building trades wanting to learn these skills. Cincinnati State offers the training through their Workforce Development Center in Evendale. From the original four contractors that GCEA initially recommended in 2010, Jeff Cherveny, director of the Cincinnati State program, says there are now seventy graduates, including 18 contractors with their own businesses, with BPI accreditation. Holzhauser calls BPI the “gold standard” for energy efficiency work. In addition to the technical training, GCEAapproved contractors are also taught the necessary sales skills to promote their services and teach clients about the sales incentives they can take advantage of to decrease their improvement costs even more. The BPI students are taught to explain in simple terms how the recommended improvements will save their clients’ money, the estimated time in which they can expect to see those returns and also Andy Holzhauser Photo: Josh Moore to promote the loan programs GCEA offers, which can help finance the upgrades. GCEA loans lighting had also opened up the guarantee that the measures taken home allowing heated and cooled air inside the house to escape by their approved contractors through the roof. Curless made will save enough money (within the recommended improvements the time frame of the loan) to and saw an immediate increase equal and pay off the costs of the in the home’s comfort level. She loan. In some cases the return on investment will actually be sooner estimates her energy bills are about 30 percent lower than and greater. they were prior to the changes. Heather Curless is the owner GCEA is now a regular referral of Greener Stock, a local resource to her clients for home energy and design center specializing in upgrades. Frequently, this results eco-friendly building products. Shortly after her business opened, in increases in Greener Stock’s business, as Rexhausen predicted she became one of the first to try from the energy study. As clients out GCEA services -- to “walk the see the savings mount up from walk,” as she says. Her home, GCEA work, they often spend built in 1958 in an east side more, using those extra dollars community, had already had for additional upgrades to their an initial energy assessment. homes and businesses. She decided to compare it The word is getting out. As with assessment completed by of December 2011, GCEA had GCEA. It surprised her. While completed 325 energy retrofits. the home was insulated, there By November 2012, GCEA were significant “gaps” allowing had almost quadrupled that leakage, such as the attic space number, completing over 1,500 overhead between her garage and retrofits due to the growth of BPI her home. A change to recessed certified contractors and satisfied THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED customers spread the word. If that exponential rate continues, GCEA will have retrofitted its goal of 69,000 homes far sooner than planned. Currently, there are three suggested loans available on the GCEA website -- Hamilton County’s home improvement program, Eco-Link, Ohio’s Energy Efficiency Loan program and GC Help, which GCEA developed and finances. In addition, there are many financial incentives available for use in conjunction with these loans, making improved home energy efficiency even more attractive. For 2013, Holzhauser will be concentrating on creating, simplifying and promoting more loan vehicles to continue to make it even easier for homeowners to access GCEA’s services. -----------------------M imi R ook is a regular contributor on community gardening . �8 PHOTO ESSAY Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 New Voices Program: Spring 2012, SCPA and Elementz DAVID ROSENTHALContributing Writer D uring the Spring of 2012, twelve junior and senior creative writing students from SCPA and five Elementz artists worked together to interpret the arts programs at Elementz through a series of photographs and reflective writings. This collaboration was one of a series of programs for high schools and community organizations organized by the Northside arts organization, Prairie, Inc. New Voices, the name for these collaborative programs, gives recognition to students and members of the community who work together in a creative spirit to cross boundaries between diverse populations throughout Greater Cincinnati. The combined group spent time interviewing and learning about Elementz programs before beginning a series of photographic exercises. Students and Elementz artists made interesting discoveries about each other including the influence of classical music on hip hop and rap. Photographs of Elementz artists were made in the neighborhood surrounding the previous location of the center on Liberty and Central Parkway and in both the old and new studio spaces. A final photo shoot was produced at the new location of Elementz on Race and Central Parway by using projections of images students had shot of graffiti in the surrounding neighborhood as light sources for portraits. The resulting images are highly personalized interpretations of the students’ understanding of the work and impact that Elementz has on the community. ------------------------ D avid R osenthal is a local artist and an active teacher and curator , working for the past eight years as an adjunct professor of fine art at the U niversity of C incinnati , M iami U niversity and N orthern K entucky U niversity . R osenthal founded P rairie the non - profit arts organization in 2008. P rairie produces photography programs and exhibitions which engage people in their communities through art education . Leighandrea Young By: Aaron Palmer By: Leighandrea Young Graffiti Artists By:Emma Gilkey Javier By: Michael Green Dancers Dancers By: Maggie Arroyo By:Stephanie Moore THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �9 PHOTO ESSAY Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 DANCER By: Natalie Coleman AJ By: Maggie Arroyo DANCER By: Emily Wuerdeman By: Leighandrea Young MARIO By: Maren Machles THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 INTERNATIONAL Victoria Morgan {Continued from page 6} 2.) Discovering the generosity of the Cincinnati community. I’ve been floored by those who love us and take care of us. 3.) Becoming CEO of Cincinnati Ballet. I was mortified, excited, hyped, and completely determined. iSPY: The Cincinnati Ballet season is always a wonderful mix of classical gems with ground breaking new pieces. What’s the process for determining the season outlook and any hints on how the 2013/14 season is shaping up? Morgan: It is a balancing act. We always want 1-2 highly reputable choreographers, and the planning process typically starts two years in advance of the season opener. In my 16th year as Artistic Director, a real structure has evolved. The 2013/14 season is Cincinnati Ballet’s 50th Anniversary, and thus, a landmark year for us. The season will include some great hits from the past as well as works that reflect the unique aspects of what makes us strong. The world premiere of King Arthur’s Camelot will be the crown jewel of our season. With new sets, costumes, choreography and a fully commissioned score, it will Morgan playing Clara as a child for Ballet West’s performance of The Nutcracker. Photo: Unknown be a production unlike any other in the company’s history. *While I should never admit this in writing, my favorites are the mixed reps and our New Works series. It’s through world premieres and inventive choreography that we are a part of the Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 evolution of our art form and can push it forward on a national level. iSPY: The re-imagined Nutcracker is heading into its second year. Were you pleased with last year’s reception of the world premiere, and what are your thoughts heading into opening night for the 2012 run? Morgan: It was beyond my expectation on every level. It’s one thing to see sketches, another to see it in the theater and still another to see your dancers bringing it to life. But even with the warm reception, my job is to criticize everything around me. A lot of things have changed within the choreography for this season. The snow scene is different. There are adjustments to the Grand Pas de Duex. I wanted the reigning couple (the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier) to lead by example, so you’ll see more affection, reverence and consideration. If you watch carefully, you’re in for a great surprise from the Mirlipoo divertissement in the second week of performances. The great thing about The Nutcracker is that you revisit it every ear, and with an editor’s eye you can continue to refine and make it better. iSPY: All things Cincinnati… a.) favorite restaurant; b.) event; and c.) place to hang out. Cincinnati Ballet Dancers and Otto M. Budig Academy Students in Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, Photo: Peter Mueller Morgan: A.) Jean-Robert’s Table. He’s has been so good to us! B.) The Ballet — still the event I love most is going to the ballet. C.) Cincinnati Ballet Center – I spend at least 70 hours a week there. It THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Cincinnati Ballet Dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo: Peter Mueller better be my favorite place! iSPY: What is top on your bucket list both personally and professionally? Morgan: Professionally, the creation of King Arthur’s Camelot, which will appear in our 50th anniversary season. Personally, to fall ever more deeply in love with my husband. iSPY: Any mottos to live by? Morgan: “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” — Sir Winston Churchill. F risch ’ s P resents the N ew N utcracker opened F riday D ec . 14 th at the A ronoff C enter for the A rts . T he show runs until the 23 rd . T o buy tickets or to find out more information , please visit the C incinnati B allet website here : http :// www . cballet . org / performances /1213/ nutcracker �11 STREET VOICE Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 BETTER Better, is everyday above ground Better, is appreciation from everywhere all around... Better, is to upgrade things that are out dated Better, is acknowledging the changes with the reconition that the the cost may be out rated Better, is to make downscaled areas be upscaled and look good Better, is to not to neglect the people, RICH or POOR! I thought this you understood... Better, is being able to enjoy life in the park, the library, church or just on the square Better, is when I can enjoy upscaled living in this life without my pockets going bare... Better, is to be able to enjoy and have peace of mind no matter I hear or what the sound Better, is growing from homelessness into housing and gaining respect from all around.... Better, is for me today even though I have to pay taxes for things I may never understand Bettter, is knowing God is watching us all good and bad all over this land.... THE CAMPAIGN CAROL SING ALONG COME ALL YE CANDIDATES WILLA D. JONES Streetvibes Distributor Come all ye candidates. Start your advertising. Come let the polling start In every key state. Come all ye Fat Cats. Organize your Super Pacs. Oh come let us deplore them. We really can’t adore them. We ought to implore them: “GO GET A LIFE.” YOUNG MEN LOVE YOUR SELFS DECK THE HALLS There are so many young men winding up dead. When there is so much life still ahead. All because of Peer Pressure, Drugs Money, Fast Cars, And such things. Nothing greater than being the head of a Gang. When your parents phone start ringing, Causing their heart to skip a beat, Praying-- Dear God that can’t be my Son lying dead. In the street, You were raised to do and be good, You weren’t raised to run wild in the hood. Don’t be the next young man to wind up dead, Strive for Goals and accomplishments, Make your family Proud instead. Parents will always be there for you, Time to show them just what you CAN DO! OLIVIA CALDWELL Contributing Writer Deck the halls with green soft money. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. It’s a campaign’s milk and honey. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. Now our polls opinions measure. Fa-la-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. While we hustle campaign treasure. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. HARK THE CAMPAIGN COFFERS RING Hark the campaign coffers ring, So candidates can keep running. Cash in hand for extra polls; Checks to make their media goals. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Contradictions of Nostalgia Driven Redevelopment BEN STOCKWELL Contributing Writer T here is a nostalgic vision of Over-the-Rhine that is popular among many in who have a stake in the neighborhood. Redevelopers-3CDC, the OTR Chamber of Commerce and various related entities such as bloggers and reporters--like to look back to this period as a sort of model for what Over-the-Rhine can be in the future. While creative imagination certainly requires inspiration, this vision, which looks back over 100 years to a golden era, forgets other portions of the neighborhood’s history which included racist riots and, if the rumors are true, the origin of the “Jim Crow” character. (New York Times, 1881:10) In policy and rhetoric, to look back with blinders is to ignore conditions in the past and present. To claim that the problem is crime and blight is to misinterpret and misdirect the public away from the root cause of those conditions: built-in inequality in an apparently color-blind, gender-blind and class blind system. A recent history of this golden era is indicative of the problematic nature of the nostalgia-based redevelopment. This nostalgia for OTR’s history as a neighborhood bustling with breweries and pubs has usurped the Cincinnati area’s position as home to an important abolitionist heritage which includes Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Lane Seminary– interest in underground beer stores have overtaken interest in the underground railroad. While this is nevertheless an interesting history, telling these stories in isolation is part of the process of an ethnic cleansing of the OTR’s past. While we need to look back only ten, twenty or thirty years to hear stories of black struggles and triumphs, the golden age was more than a century ago. Michael D. Morgan’s Over the Rhine: When Beer was King tells of OTR’s roots, beginning in the mid 1800′s and blossoming a few decades later. OTR’s cultural founders, German immigrants, were trained by the struggles in the Rhineland in the 1830s and 40s (OTR being home to a number of “forty-eighters”). When in 1855, nativist Know-Nothing’s launched an assault on the votes, literally destroying the ballots of those living in the GermanAmerican wards, the resulting violence in defense of the right to vote, and really in defense of their lives, is rightly looked on as fully justified. Without the support of the police, the German defense turned offense that won the day is lauded. “German-Americans marched from their fortified positions in Over-the-Rhine and engaged the Know-Nothing’s in a gun battle. The Germans drove the Battalion of bigots from the Vine street bridges” (Morgan, 49). The Miami and Erie Canal, now Central Parkway, served “In 1829, 1836, 1849 and again in 1862, the city experienced tumultuous racial strife. The race riots in the 1800s set the stage for further riots in the next century. Ignorance, hate and competition for resources including jobs and living and recreational space were at the heart of much of the racial tension in Cincinnati.” (Bunch-Lyons, 108). If we are to paint an accurate materialist history of Cincinnati, as any history of an industry as large as brewing surely must, we cannot ignore these other incidents. For the struggle of the oppressed against the oppressor also existed outside of OTR, and the reverberations permeated through the entire city in every case for years, if not decades after. It is impossible to talk about the 1855 riots without also mentioning the anti-Catholic riots on Christmas 1853 which were led by German Forty-eighters and supported by the anti-Catholic Know Nothings. In the years after the 1853 riots “the incongruity of their position was becoming more apparent to these Germans. The anti-foreign side of nativism, which had been submerged by the Know-Nothings in order to secure German support at the polls, now began to assert itself more deeply” (Baughin, 268). What Morgans account lacks is a backing in material conditions and an understanding of ideology that drove the various forces in the period, for Morgan’s history is not just a history of brewing, but one of people. In a discussion on redevelopment in April 2012, Josh Spring, director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, told an alternative history of the area, connecting its settlers to the working class who live there now. “They would have us think that Over-The-Rhine, was 100 years ago, 150 years ago, some sort of romantic place, maybe an art mecca, maybe a place where people ventured, some sort of grand place with beautiful buildings and lots of happenings... Over-The-Rhine was a crunched in, cramped, working class, neighborhood. And it’s sort of always been that way, that’s been the Hey, good lookin’. Asa Franckewitz and Bruce Cromer. Photo by Sandy Underwood. Give your spirits a lift. for the holidays. as the dividing line between the Germans and the KnowNothings–ethnic enclave in the North against reactionaries in the South. This geographic division would be echoed in the 2001 uprising, but sympathies with the minority in OTR would not. Morgan’s book highlights two anti-German riots in 1855 and 1883, but ignores several other 19th century riots which were at least as important to the development of the city. These riots, not having taken place in OTR and not having been directed at Germans, are not relevant to the historical picture that Morgan attempts to paint. But these riots can not be discredited in the story of Over-the-Rhine, which, for better or for worse, serves as the spiritual home for the city’s downtrodden. for country music. presents By Charles Dickens Adapted by Howard Dallin Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2012 A must-see family favorite for the holidays. “For my money, there’s no better local holiday entertainment.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer Special price for kids and students! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Under 5 not admitted. The Music and Legend of Hank Williams By Randal Myler and Mark Harelik Nov. 3 – Dec. 23, 2012 Featuring more than 20 of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” “Exhilarating!” – Rolling Stone Sponsored by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. Call 513-421-3888 or visit www.cincyplay.com for tickets. Season presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Company. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 neighborhood.” The disagreements over the history of the 19th Century are eclipsed by those over the 20th. Spring continues: “We are then told that in the last 100 years people moved into the neighborhood with lower incomes, they didn’t see the value of the beautiful buildings, they didn’t invest, they brought in drugs and crime, and it fell apart. And in fact, if you go on 3CDC’s website and you read their history of Over the Rhine, you’ll get 2 paragraphs about the last 100 years. And in those 2 paragraphs, the only mention that you’ll hear of people is in regard to poverty statistics, crime statistics, income--you don’t really about people hearts, people’s passions, the way people lived, what they cared about. (2012)” Indeed, of the current conditions of the neighborhood, 3CDC’s website reads: “Despite its pivotal location directly between the city’s two largest employment centers, the central business district and the Uptown 13 LOCAL medical and university community, OTR was becoming Cincinnati’s urban center for crime, poverty and a large concentration of social service agencies. The troubles in OTR spilled over to destabilize the surrounding communities, particularly the central business district. This unstable environment had prevented growth and investment in the city’s core, which has in turn impacted the health of the entire region. In the absence of a major turnaround, the region was in danger of losing some of its largest employers.” (Retrieved December 5, 2012) In his description of the last century, Morgan seems afraid to even acknowledge other recent historical trends as important to the history the neighborhood. After a discussion of prohibition, he writes of “waves of Appalachian migration in the mid-1900s [which] dramatically changed Over-the-Rhine” continuing with “a shift in racial composition that occurred in the latter part of the twentieth century,” (2010:153) tiptoeing around the most impor- tant ethnic group in the current area of OTR. The latter “shift” is the black migration into OTR following white flight and economic decline in the decades following World War II. Morgan’s omission is telling–the entire book is a whitewashing of the history. Of the struggle in the later period he simply states “these stories are as compelling as the story of the neighborhood’s original era, but they are the stories of human struggles in a place that had become obsolete,” (2010:153) choosing to ignore 50 years of history because it is apparently irrelevant. This is a racist and classist erasure, an othering of poor whites and blacks reminiscent of the process of unpeopleing in Orwell’s Nineteen-Eighty-Four, and I believe it is indicative of all of the nostalgic visions of OTR. Morgan skips right over the 2001 uprising, the formation of the Over-The-Rhine People’s Movement, and all the other stories of creation to focus on the only noteworthy kind of development–that which has occurred in the last decade and may offer a return to the German heritage. It would seem that, to Morgan and many others, the history of OTR, is one of German influenced prosperity followed by decline that accompanied ethnic shifts made up of groups who are not worthy to be named. Christopher Kolb encapsulated the psychology behind this thought: “The current residents of [OTR] would seem to be merely an obstacle to Cincinnati’s nostalgiabased future. They directly embody what went “terribly wrong.” They make [OTR] a temporal black hole, a place where the past could not escape the gravity of drugs, violence, and decay, and so was derailed from becoming the future it was destined to become.” [2010:5] As Morgan concludes, the only suitable solution for OTR’s problems must start with the return to its roots in beer culture dominated by “moerlein,” “bockfest” and “lager.” This prognosis fails to reconcile actual conditions present in the area. ------------------------ INTERNATIONAL Ja Meet the world’s most inspiring work force With the financial crisis still wreaking havoc on the world’s economies and job markets, the fact that anyone can become homeless – irrespective of age, nationality or social status– is becoming ever more apparent, as is the vital importance of street papers. LAURA SMITH Inter Press Service www.street-papers.org F or many people in poverty or without a home, selling a street paper can offer a lifeline and act as a stepping stone to greater things. Whether they are on the streets of Glasgow, Cape Town, Melbourne or Milan: every single street paper vendor is part of a global family that shares in a desire to lift themselves out of poverty. More than 28,000 vendors each year work towards this goal by selling their local street paper. The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites over 120 of these publications in more than 600 towns and cities around the world. From its base in Scotland, INSP helps its members with start-up and editorial support, staff and vendor training, funding, networking and campaigns to raise awareness of their work. The stories of our More than 28,000 vendors every year sell their local street paper to lift themselves out of poverty. The International Network of vendors are a testament to Street Papers (INSP) unites over 120 publications in 600 cities around the world. Photo: INSP Worldwide, street papers have helped the strength and effectiveness of the street thousands of vendors to change their lives by paper model, which has spread across 40 counallowing them to earn a living and learn new tries on six continents and earns vendors over skills. Some will sell for just a few months, 40 million USD per year. others for decades - however long it takes “I saw many bad things on the streets to get themselves back on their feet. but I also met people who, like me, wanted to change their lives,” says Brazilian vendor Nelson Carvalho, whose drug addiction led to him becoming homeless. For Nelson, selling Aurora du Rua on the streets of Salvador meant more than earning an income: “I have the opportunity to share my experiences with others and show them that people on the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED streets are human like everyone else.” Reaching a combined readership of 6 million per edition, vendors like Nelson are proud to sell the publications. He explains: “Street papers portray people living on the street with dignity and humanity and change the way {Continued on page 14) Ma Ph �14 INTERNATIONAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Meet the world’s most inspiring work force {Continued from page 13} society sees them.” His South African colleague Erica Phillips also believes street papers change people’s perspectives on homelessness. She sold The Big Issue South Africa for seven years after being forced to quit her job when her eyesight deteriorated. “I’ve gained so much and found people that have really supported me. They notice my determination and outgoing personality. I’m fortunate to have many customers who see me not just as a vendor but as a friend.” Without the street paper Erica says she could never have financed her own business, which she recently started. “I hate to think where I would be without this job. I would probably have given up, but it helped me see that there’s hope.” For Charles Yost, a vendor in Portland, USA, selling Street Roots has helped him overcome a lifetime of alcohol addiction: “It got to a point where I was either going to get drunk or sell papers. It’s something I can look forward to. I get to talk to a lot of people. It keeps me out of isolation.” Selling Norwegian street paper Megafon completely transformed the life of Johnny Larssen, who swapped a daily reality of drugs and violence for a dignified job. “When you work as a street paper vendor, you need to look people in the eye, share a laugh, and care about others. If you would have met me few years ago, you would have never believed that I could do this.” For The Big Issue Australia vendor Tapiwa Chemhere, who escaped a life of violence and political oppression in Zimbabwe, it is the customers who inspire him: “If you smile and talk to me, it makes my day. I feel very encouraged. I thank all my customers for helping me.” Worldwide, street papers have helped change more than 250,000 thousand lives for the better. As the INSP network continues to expand, it is hoped that vendors’ stories will inspire others to join the movement. For all the vendors that street papers support, it is the readers who help make the difference. So wherever you go in the world: buy your local street paper. The change is in your pocket. International Street Paper Vendor Week Take part in our international programme of events and activities to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of street paper vendors, and challenge perceptions of poverty and homelessness. At any one time, there are more than 14,000 vendors selling over 100 different street newspaper and magazines titles in 40 countries. They are inspiring people. Join the conversation on Twitter: #INSPiringpeople 007 from puzzlechoice.com Across 1. Young nocturnal bird 6. Fastner 10. Reckless 14. Fumble 15. Look 16. Male singing voice 17. Relating to kidneys 18. Footwear 19. Layer 20. Immerse 22. Urge on 24. Tender 25. Outflow 27. Candy 29. Lofty 33. Device used to shape metal 34. Individual structure 35. Swarm 37. Postage token 41. Form of transport 42. Angered or excited 44. Negative vote 45. Livid 48. Entice 49. Agitate 50. Small island 52. Short hours employment 54. Can make your eyes water 58. Stead 59. Unwell 60. Female red deer 62. The second of two 66. Destroy 68. Den 70. System of five lines in music 71. Boundary of a surface 72. Gumbo 73. Spooky 74. Surface impression 75. Submerged rock or coral 76. Mythical cave-dwelling creature D own 1. Fiend 2. Small bird 3. Lengthy 4. Shoulder board 5. Bank employee 6. Cooking surface 7. Highly excited 8. Single-masted sailing vessel 9. Explosive device 10. Rodent 11. Legal excuse 12. Beer mug 13. Multitude 21. Belief 23. Rostrum 26. Bow down 28. Allow 29. Musical instrument 30. Burden 31. Desire 32. Outfit 36. Wall painting 38. Opposing 39. Wound seriously 40. Funeral mound 43. Danger 46. Sense organ 47. Close 49. Stammer 51. Sartor 53. Tableware 54. Weary 55. Evade 56. Coordinate 57. Reptile 61. Desperate 63. Root vegetable 64. Malevolent 65. Bobbin 67. Trap 69. One of the British armed services, initially SOLUTION #006 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Shelter: Both 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 471-1100 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Treatment: Women 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Treatment: Both People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Northern Kentucky Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Brighton Center 8303 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Advocacy 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton/Middletown 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 558-8888 981-5800 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 First Step Home 961-4663 Anthony House (Youth) 961-4080 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 352-6363 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 15 RESOURCES Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 859-491- 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-2618009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-4914435 Welcome House of NKY 859-4318717 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 code of conduct All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 Distributors will never buy papers from and/or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 JOHN JOHNNY KERNS GAINES SINCE 12/2009 SINCE 9/2012 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own wellbeing and income. KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. MARK SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 TIM NEUMANN SINCE 7/2011 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 SAMUEL RONNIE JACKSON PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 10/2006 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RICHARD SCHULTE SINCE 5/2012 TAMMY GRIES SINCE 5/2011 TERRY RANSON SINCE 10/2008 WILLIAM W. KENNETH BURDINE BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 8/2009 Streetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 50 cents per copy and sell it for a $1.50 Donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, northern Kentucky and area churches. Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2012 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 21, 2012-January 3, 2013 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: In Unity There is Strength Pg 3: CO2: The Elephant in the Room Pg 4: Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Gun Massacre Pg 5: Cincinnati Living Green Engaging Community Voices Pg 6: Spotlight On: Victoria Morgan Pg 7: Engaging Community Voices Continued Green Energy Alliance Continued Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: Victoria Morgan Continued Pg 11: Street Voice Pg 12: Contradictions of Nostalgia Driven Redevelopment Pg 13: Meet the World’s Most Inspiring Work Force Pg 14: Meet the World’s Most Inspiring Work Force Continued Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 21, 2012-January 3, 2013 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Jim Luken Ben Stockwell Jason Haap Mimi Rook Christopher Wilkey Kyle Nunn Chris Anderson Olabisi Eddy David Rosenthal Willa D. Jones Bill Woods Olivia Caldwell Josh Moore Adam Nelson Peter Mueller Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Adam Nelson Ben Stockwell Bill Woods Chris Anderson Christopher Wilkey Cincinnati Community David Rosenthal Dental Fracking Green Energy Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken Josh Moore Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kyle Nunn Leslie Moorhead Mimi Rook Ohio Olabisi Eddy Olivia Caldwell Pete Roper Peter Mueller Photography Protests Sandy Hook SCPA Victoria Morgan Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5514effdc513a98bd66d0139c8cbcc4e.pdf ea9724e19fbb60793ef47cde4371f474 PDF Text Text �2 EDITORIAL Restore Human Services From the Director JOSH SPRING Executive Director I t’s that time again. And no, I don’t mean the holidays. It’s city budget time. The Homeless Coalition has extreme familiarity with city budget time. It typically means lots of meetings planning strategy, meetings with council people, getting people out to speak at council meetings, press conferences, emails, many long hours at city hall- late, sometimes real late- hours at City Hall. Every year the Homeless Coalition puts a lot of focus on Human Services. Human Services are dollars that go to what you might guess- human services, meaning shelter, housing, senior services, youth services, violence prevention, job programs, etc. In the 1980s, it was set that 1.5% of the city’s General Fund was to go to Human Services and then through a process distributed to qualifying organizations. Nearly a decade ago, city council started cutting Human Services, and has done so nearly every year since. Every year we struggle and there is less of a cut. Last year there was no cut at all. This year the City Manager has proposed a 29% cut, that would eliminate a category within the funding called “Self-Sufficiency.” There are signs that some city council members are supportive of keeping Human Services funding at the same level it was at in 2012, without a cut. Despite this, we must continue to push for no cut, because, as we at the Coalition well know, much with the budget can change at the ninth hour- or as previous years have shownat midnight just before Christmas- whenever everyone wants to leave City Hall. Beyond no cuts, we need to push for something else. Some council members are saying they support Human Services. Let’s continue to give them encouragement to do Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1.50 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. so. A clear way to show support for Human Services would be to increase the allocation to more than it was in 2012. We must make this need known. We have spent the majority of a decade with regular cuts. Let’s start going the other way. -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls 513-352-3604 roxanne.qualls@cincinnati-oh.gov President Pro Tem Cecil Thomas 513-352-3499 cecil.thomas@cincinnati-oh.gov Council Member Laure Quinlivan 513-352-5303 laure.quinlivan@cincinnati-oh.gov Council Member Chris Seelbach 513-352-5210 chris.seelbach@cincinnati-oh.gov • Council Member Yvette Simpson 513-352-5260 yvette.simpson@cincinnati-oh.gov • Council Member P.G. Sittenfeld 513-352-5270 pg.sittenfeld@cincinnati-oh.gov Council Member Christopher Smitherman 513-352-3464 christopher.smitherman@cincinnati-oh.gov • Council Member Charlie Winburn 513-352-5354 charlie.winburn@cincinnati-oh.gov • Council Member Wendell Young 513-352-3466 wendell.young@cincinnati-oh.gov Karen Chatman, Chris Fowler, Rubye Goode Justin, Jeffre, Josh Spring, Angela Pancella, Jason Haap, Jim Luken, Willa D. Jones, John Cranley, Bill Woods, Mimi Rook, Dylan Speeg. Gopal Sharma, Stella Paul, EcoWatch Journal, Sonny Williams Justin Jeffre David Sorcher, Justin Jeffre, Darren Whiteside, Enny Nuraheni, Stringer Russia, Akhtar Soomro, Kahled Addullah Ali Mahdi, Stringer Nepal, Jane Pendergrast, Stella Paul, Monisha Ringler. Deborah Poindexter. Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Education & Development: Kristin McGee Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper �Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 LOCAL 3 Places to go, people to see I took my family to the Balluminaria in Eden Park on November 17th and we all had a fantastic time. Thousands gathered around Mirror Lake and enjoyed great food, jugglers, clowns and all sorts of entertainment while awaiting the spectacle that was about to unfold. Just before dusk, a bunch of hot air balloons were inflated around the lake much to the crowds delight. My 20 month old daughter was blown away. The balloons were so colorful and beautiful. Their beauty was doubled by the reflection in the water. It was a real treat for photographers. It’s a very cool event for the entire family. You should check it out next year if you get the chance. It’s free so what do you have to lose? DYLAN SPEEG Contributing Writer Do you want to know one of my favorite things in the world to see? Santa. Throw in scuba diving and I am in paradise. Check out Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium at Newport on the Levee. See beautiful seasonal decorations throughout the Aquarium, Scuba Santa’s Post Office and Reindeer Roundup game. Scuba-diving Santa Claus performs in dive shows with sharks every day. It is happening right now up until December 22nd and admission is $23, $15 ages 2-12, free under age 2. For more info visit www. newportonthelevee.com The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo, December 16th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., will be stuffed with aisles of unique holiday gift ideas. For one day only, local artisans, vendors and boutiques will display all the very best in products and services for the holidays, including the best selection in beauty products, one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, health, nutrition, fitness, home decor, children’s stuff and so much more! Bring your mom, kids and boyfriends out for a day of pampering, shopping, and holiday fun while the featured local businesses show off their holiday treats and specialties. You can get a free facial, purchase beautiful “just for me” items, or find a gift for that special someone. Whatever it is that you like, they have just the right thing! There will be something for everyone at this event. You won’t leave empty handed. Great raffles, giveaways and samples too! It all goes down at Receptions Banquet and Conference Center Erlanger on 1379 Donaldson Road in Ft Mitchell, KY. To order your free Dylan Speeg with his daughter Clara. Photo: Monisha Ringler tickets, simply go to ultimate boldly re-envisioned this classic for Cincinnati. holidaycraftexpo.eventbrite.com. After the outstanding success of its world premiere in 2011, this holiday season she may When young girls dream they discover prove to have a few new tricks up her sleeve. It the most fantastic places like The Nutcracker, happens December 14th -23rd at the Aronoff which is a holiday favorite. The Cincinnati Center for The Arts. You can visit www. Ballet makes it all come to life. It’s a ballet cballet.org for more information. set to the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony You simply must check out the ice skating Orchestra, conducted by Carmon DeLeone. on fountain square, bundle up and walk This visually decadent production has across the Purple People Bridge, see a local surprises around every corner. Clara takes us band of musicians and create some holiday on a journey through battling kitchen mice and traditions of your own this December. Visit a storm of snowflakes to arrive at a Land of myfountainsquare.com/features-ofSweets that will surely defy even the highest of the-square/us-bank-ice-rink/ for more expectations. Revel in the joy and wonder that info. comes only once a year with a new tradition See you around town, that is extravagant, comical and overflowing Dylan Speeg with holiday spirit. Artistic Director/CEO Victoria Morgan has Attorney for the people JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer W e’ve all heard lots of lawyer jokes; “Lawyers believe a man is innocent until he is proven broke” or “The shyster lawyer has become a stereotype.” But there is a flip side to this generalization, explains Cincinnati attorney, Rob Linneman. “I’m licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky and both have very high profile programs encouraging all members of the profession to give back in terms of service.” Then he adds, “There are always endless opportunities for public Rob Linneman service lawyering.” Linneman himself seems to need very little of this encouragement. Along with Jennifer Kinsley, Brennan Grayson and Geoff Miller, he was an attorney for us, Occupy Cincinnati (OC) activists, in the fall of last year. Linneman along with Kinsley as lead attorneys gave hundreds (maybe more) hours to the myriad of legal entanglements that emerged as the Occupy movement took center stage in our town. “Looking back,” Rob reflects with a smile, “this seems like a pretty casual pace that I’m living in, compared to last winter and fall.” More recently, Linneman donated his services to Josh Spring of Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. In June, Spring found himself attempting to calm a tense situation involving police officers. He was arrested and charged with obstructing official business, a criminal offense, which was anything but minor. After all the legal battles related to Occupy Cincinnati, Spring was very familiar with Linneman’s work ethic and his generosity. He asked Linneman to take the case. Rob obliged. “From the very beginning,” Linneman states, “he [Spring] and these witnesses I interviewed were clear that it was the police officer who had made a bad decision in a tense situation.” The two police officers who were involved obviously didn’t agree. “We were offered a plea deal, offered Rob Linneman and Jennifer Kinsley representing Occupy Cincinnati. a less severe [but still substantial] October 2011. Photo: David Sorcher. charge.” But Spring would not fold. “His conscience wouldn’t let him and a half hours of deliberation, the jury anplead guilty. So he stood up before a jury of his nounced its unanimous verdict. Not Guilty. peers. He was convincing. He was resolute.” Both defendant and lawyer reflected on the As the September trial closed out, trial. Linneman gave a forty minute summation, in Spring: “Rob defended my basic civil rights which, he says, he pointed out that speaking to with passion, and I think also, wisdom. What a police officer is not a crime, that a citizen has I noticed—outside of his passion—was that he a first amendment right to petition an officer was extremely thorough. He hit every mark, if he has a grievance. The trial lasted two days. made sure he covered every thread.” On the morning of the third day, after two {Continued on page 4} �4 LOCAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 Attorney for the People {Continued from page 3} Linneman: I feel like it was a great case; a good case to take. I thought he was very courageous in standing by his principles.” Linneman recalls that, not long after the trial, he ran into one of the officers. “He was very polite. He congratulated me.” Rob Linneman is a Cincinnati native from Western Hills. He went to St. X High, where he was involved in a number of community-oriented projects. With classmates, he went to Peru and Appalachia, and was involved with the mentoring program Big Brothers, Big Sisters. “Those Jesuits, they’ve got a way with consciousness-raising…I’ll say that,” he says. Linneman pursued his bachelors at Miami University, earning a BA in International Studies. During his college career he was a canvasser and worked for Greenpeace, work that he continued for several years after college. Following this, he became a carpenter and tile setter with (among others) a company in New Mexico that focused on sustainable—green—housing. At age 28, Linneman began his studies in law. “Even at that age, I was a non-traditional student.” He completed his degree program when he was 31. For the past twelve years he has been with a Cincinnati law firm, Santen & Hughes (S&H). His primary practice is in civil litigation, which he describes as “asserting the rights of clients, or defending the rights of clients, that are civil, not criminal.” But his longest list of clients has come from defending arrests in criminal cases that occurred on the streets of Cincinnati, most of them at Piatt (Garfield) Park, just two blocks west, and Rob Linneman addresses the court regarding Occupy on December 8, 2011. Photo: David Sorcher. easily visible from his 27th floor office and march held on October 8, an injunction against further at S&H. There were 2011. police actions against the approximately 100 Occupiers who • Working on early scheduling demonstrators. spent at least one night in jail. and logistical planning. • Filing a lawsuit seeking, Linneman is no longer certain of • Consulting with activists and later winning, to the exact number. But, he can list who were considering civil establish a place where open those things which “occupied” disobedience. demonstrations could be held his free time (and business time) • Representing demonstrators 24 hours a day, seven days a during those hectic months. after they received citations, week. That settlement received Here is his summary: but prior to actual arrests. national attention. • Helping organizers plan and • Filing a civil lawsuit seeking secure permits for the first rally {Continued on page 5} Cincinnati Living Green Compost Cincy MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer R ecently, sustainability has become a popular word. Living sustainably is living within and supporting the circular natural systems of our planetary ecosystems. Sustainable businesses reject the reckless abuse and destruction of our natural resources. They practice careful, conservative use of the earth’s resources and they take additional steps to enrich, restore and return to nature what was taken for use in their business operations. Begun this year, Compost Cincy is one of Cincinnati’s first cuttingedge models of a sustainable business, receiving large volumes of food, yard and manufactured organic waste originating from various local businesses and city sources. Within less than 3 months, that waste transforms into clean, nutrient-rich compost, coveted by landscaping firms and local gardeners. Grant Gibson, the managing owner of Compost Cincy says, “I always wanted to do something renewable. I like being outside and I truly wanted to do something environmental…we live in such a throwaway society.” On the Compost Cincy website, a quote from the US EPA states, “The amount of food wasted in the US is staggering. The US generates more than 34 million tons of food waste each year. Paper is the only material category where we generate more waste, but we also recycle more. Food waste is almost 14 percent of the total municipal solid waste stream. Less than three percent of the 34 million tons of food waste generated in 2010 was recovered and recycled. The rest —33 million tons— was thrown away. Food waste now represents the single largest component of municipal solid waste reaching landfills and incinerators. Gibson says his idea for Compost Cincy originated in September, 2011. He was ready for something new. During a networking event he attended he met an executive from the Castellini produce group, the largest and most successful produce wholesaler and distributor in the Greater Cincinnati area. Gibson called this initial encounter his “idea on a cocktail napkin”. He pitched the idea and was encouraged to come back and approach Castellini group with a solid business proposal. Months of serious homework to refine the idea followed. Castellini has over 2,500 fruit, vegetable and floral items in their inventory, much of it housed at a massive warehouse in Wilder, Kentucky. Such a sizable, perishable inventory also means the company generates a formidable waste stream. Gibson credits Bob Ostop at Castellini for helping him to completely and thoroughly analyze and build the business proposal that convinced the wholesaler to contract with his little startup business, something highly irregular in the business world. To divert such a sizable waste stream to a composting facility meant it had to be a big one, easily accessible by the trucks delivering Castellini’s tons of food waste. The site had to be big enough to lay out the 300 to 450 foot windrows of composting material and to allow enough space between them for the enormous equipment needed to lay down and turn the windrows. Gibson found his solution in January of 2012 when he looked at site on Este Avenue at the bottom of Center Hill. It was a perfect fit - 65 acres of contiguous land, a former municipal waste landfill opened in the 1950’s and closed down in 1971, during the dawning years of the EPA. He approached the city’s Office of Economic Development, presenting a March 2012 proposal to lease the site from the city for his business. Cincy Compost was a tough sell for Sam Stephens, the Senior Development Officer who would okay the decision. His office is responsible for jobs creation. His objection was that the compost site required only a minimal staff to run the machinery at the site and to orchestrate the trucks entering, depositing or picking up product and exiting the site. But there were multiple compensating factors that convinced him to do so, including the written endorsement of the project by Larry Falkin, director of the city’s Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ). Falkin had heavily questioned Gibson about his business plan and the sustainability and environmental objectives of the business. He came away convinced Compost Cincy was a perfect solution to divert large waste streams away from local landfills. While the compost business might not have met the criteria of jobs creation in the Department of Economic Development, Gibson hit a home run for the objectives within both OEQ and also the Hamilton County Solid Waste District. As Stephens put it, “It may not get jobs into the city, but it meets other criteria… It’s a nice start, it serves a great purpose… it helps put other company’s waste streams to good use and diverts them out of landfills. Based on Falkin’s recommendation, and because, as Stephens said, “Nobody else was beating down the door to use the site,” the Este Avenue site was granted to Compost Cincy. Gibson also had to complete detailed paperwork for the environmental permits required to operate the business. Rule 13 was the first, a shorthand name for a permit issued to those operating on former landfills. Rule 13 requires a detailed proposal explaining how the business will construct, excavate and operate on the site without disturbing the waste mass beneath the site. It was granted. The next permit required Gibson’s plan to handle storm water diversion so as not to contaminate local watersheds by erosion and surface water runoff from the site. The third was the state EPA permit to operate a Class II composting site, granted in June of 2012. Finally, in July he got the final permit, issued by the Board of Health, his only formal presentation during the whole process. As Gibson said, “from February to August of 2012, everything was due diligence… you have to have a lot of patience going into this, everybody has protocols, (you get) put through a test.” With permitting completed, Gibson opened the gates of Compost Cincy in August 2012 and the parade of deliveries �{Continued from page 4} Then came the arrests. “We had a lot of people to talk to, consult, advise. We had to research and draft and argue motions before twelve different judges, and then trying the cases of course, and negotiating the settlements. We had numerous arguments and court cases, but we ultimately had one evidentiary hearing before judge Mallory that lasted two days.” And the result? “Dismissal of all the charges.” Linneman says his company and colleagues at S & H were very supportive of his work on behalf of Occupy. At a Christmas party in December they acknowledged and honored his accomplishment. And Linneman’s own take on the whole Occupy endeavor? “It was fun. It was a blast. In hindsight, there is no way I would have missed it. Because I saw a lot of relationships come together, a lot of synergies formed among different parts of the community that hadn’t worked together before. It opened my eyes to a lot of things that were going on in the Occupy discussion outside the courtroom. Photo: David Sorcher. began. Every week Castellini trucks in an estimated 200 to 250 tons of food waste. Smucker’s is another 150 tons of weekly waste. Givaudan, an international flavor manufacturing firm, is another customer with a factory delivering waste from nearby Elmwood Place, as do St. Bernard Soap and Emery Industries in St. Bernard. John Morrell, the meat packer located in Tri-County disposes of spent sausage casings and a sludge material with the acronym DAS, which is pressed meat scraps. Gibson humorously described DAS as looking like concrete, but having a consistency between jello and whipped cream. He receives about 40 tons of Morrell waste a week and observed that the sludge is a wonderful composting aid. Local municipalities are also using Compost Cincy, which accepts the yard waste from their public works departments, saving them significant fees formerly spent on hauling and disposal. Currently Wyoming, St. Bernard and Elmwood Place use Compost Cincy to dispose of their yard waste collections. Compost Cincy has also completed another milestone, the first EPA tests on its finished compost. EPA testing is mandatory for every 10,000 yards of compost. To get an idea of how much compost that is, imagine a thousand semis filled with loads of dirt. The test results, costing Compost Cincy $1,000, came back clean – no heavy metals, no toxic bacteria and a good soil chemistry balance between carbon, nitrogen, potassium and sodium. The test is expensive, but 5 LOCAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 gains the business compost sold with the golden stamp of EPA approval. Gibson is working to solve another challenge -- spent food waste from large institutions such as restaurants, hospitals and universities. Such operations most often use disposable but non-compostable plastic ware. Compostable food waste ends up mixed with non-compostable plastic ware into trash receptacles lined with non-compostable plastic garbage bags. It is too complicated right now for the service of Compost Cincy. Gibson hopes institutional food service will eventually move to compostable service ware and to food waste tossed straight into unlined garbage bins and then easily incorporated into his composting system. Sustainability creates abundance – abundance of resources, abundance of employment and shared opportunity. It is far preferable to the corporatocracy which profits only a few through scarcities. This model creates profitability not at the expense of others, but rather as a shared benefit to all within its framework. Compost Cincy is a great example of sustainability and vision. It is not only sustainable, but it is also the very first urban composting site in the nation located within a major city’s boundaries. He said, “I like being out in the forefront where there is no competition, at the leading edge.” ------------------------ city by people who were involved in the movement.” And his conclusions? “I’m glad for the things that Occupy Cincinnati did. I was happy to see that the movement [OWS] manifested itself in Cincinnati in a really outspoken way. I believe that Occupy Cincinnati has played an important part in this city’s history.” Currently, Rob is seeking the reform of certain Cincinnati Police policies through a civil suit on behalf of a citizen journalist, Lloyd Jordan. Jordan was arrested while documenting one of the major Occupy Cincinnati demonstrations at Piatt Park last November. He was charged with taking photographs of undercover policemen who were doing surveillance and infiltration of OC. Like Josh Spring, Jordan was charged with obstructing official business, plus disorderly conduct. His camera was confiscated and held by the police for a number of months. “He was literally prevented, physically, from carrying out the mission that he wanted to carry out.” Thanks to the work of attorney Danielle Anderson, a good friend of Linneman, all criminal charges against Jordan have already been dropped. But Rob’s civil suit is one of a wave of similar cases nationwide in which citizens are attempting to establish the right to bear witness to police conduct through photography and video. Linneman refers to the police response to Jordan’s work and others as what is known in First Amendment law as “the Chilling Effect.” He spells out the concept. “When a citizen is threatened with arrest for simply documenting the activities and workings of our government, that’s bad for democracy. It prevents us citizens from doing a good job as citizens. That is the heart of the first amendment.” Lawyer jokes, like the shyster lawyers they lampoon, are not going to go away but the next time you hear one, you might mention to those laughing that there are some really special lawyers doing really special work…for all of us… and doing it for free. Example: Rob Linneman. His approach in a nutshell: “I believe that part of my job as a lawyer is to ensure that our justice system is accountable to our citizens.” ------------------------ A Humorous take on the 2012 Election JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor A re you so relieved that the election is over that you can now enjoy a few laughs when reminded of some of the political absurdities that occurred during the past year? If your answer is yes to this question, you will want to read “The Un-Divine Comedy of Campaign 2012: Political Commentary in Rhyme.” Since last winter, Bill Woods has written for Streetvibes a series of political spoofs in the form of short poems that provide a running commentary of each phase of the 2012 campaigns. From “A Plethora of Preference Polls” to “Binders Full of Women,” the author offers rhymes that skewer the current world of politics. Now they are available in book form published by Blurb, an on-line publishing outfit. Besides satirizing the candidates and events leading up to November 6th, Woods also pokes fun at some of the icons of the right such as Rush Limbaugh and Fox News, and his piece entitled “The Polarized Pooh” offers a humorous depiction of how the right wing media brainwashes its clientele. Apropos of these pieces initially appearing in Streetvibes, a number of them deal with the failure of the politics of 2012 to confront the issues of poverty and a badly tattered safety net. His poem, “A New Kind of Safety Net,” is particularly telling on that subject. Although serious themes can be found in quite a few of his spoofs, many of them are written purely for laughs. “The Not So Secret Service,” a poem that deals with the escapades of Secret Service Agents in Columbia, falls into that category. By day, Woods is President of Applied Information Resources, a nonprofit community research and public policy corporation here in Cincinnati. The author of numerous reports on homelessness, urban issues, and government, he has also published humor pieces over the years. “I don’t consider myself to be a poet,” said Woods, “but I do enjoy playing with words to create humorous rhymes. The politics of 2012 provided an irresistible target for such writing.” ------------------------ �6 LOCAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 21c Hotel Ribbon Cutting: Business District. Can you imagine a company buying your homes and over 200 homes around you and then telling you and all of your neighbors you must leave, because they want to bring people with more money in? We must remember that this is the same fight the women of the Anna Louise Inn are involved in. Western and Southern would like to own the Anna Louise Inn in order to remove all of the women and open new condos or a luxury hotel. Western and Southern like 3CDC did with Metropole - is working to displace people with low-incomes from the Central Business District. decided in January. To top it off, the city continues to state that the streetcar will not jeopardize the operating budget of the City, but the $3 million needed annually to operate the streetcar comes directly from the operating budget of the city and makes the City’s structural deficit worse. Increasingly, under the leadership of Finance Committee Chair Roxanne Qualls, who is the leader on every one of these issues, we are not told what the City is doing with our tax dollars, our city assets, our energy bills, and the prevailing culture is to mortgage city assets on a generational basis in order to get through next year’s election. This is wrong. I promise to restore our proud tradition of good government, but I just hope that there are some parts of the City that haven’t been hawked when I get there. Giving the parking garages and meters, the rates, and the enforcement powers to an out-oftown company for 30 years will have a profound negative impact on the vibrancy of downtown and will put at risk the progress we have made. Please join me in asking City Council to deal with its budget honestly rather than selling out our future for a short term political fix. A Celebration Of Discrimination JOSH SPRING Executive Director O n November 26th the ribbon was cut to open a 21c Boutique Hotel. 3CDC displaced 208 people from their homes in order for 21c to open this Boutique Hotel. The primary cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing. 3CDC destroyed about 223 affordable apartments in the Central Business District. The Metropole Tenant Association fought 3CDC for two and a half years, eventually filling a federal lawsuit. Tenants secured the first settlement in favor of displaced Tenants ever in Cincinnati history. It is important that the public knows that those celebrating the opening of the 21c Boutique Hotel are also celebrating the forced removal of 208 people from their homes- young people, old people, black people, white people, men, women, veterans, people with disabilities, conservatives, liberals, etc. All of these people were displaced. The recent celebrations celebrates discrimination- the belief that only certain people with lots of money should live in the Central Business District and that if we forcibly remove everyone with lowincomes, the downtown will thrive. This is not only a wrong belief, it is immoral and hateful. We should not praise discrimination, bullying or disrespect. We should not praise public and private dollars going into the forced removal of people. We should not praise the economic cleansing of our Central Tenants of the Metropole at a meeting in 2010 Photo: Streetvibes. John Cranley’s take on the city budget and transparency JOHN CRANLEY Contributing Writer L ast week I announced my candidacy for mayor and focused my announcement on my plans for job growth, better schools, and enhanced safety. But I also will restore our city’s good government tradition, which is now in crisis. Recently, without a public hearing or a vote of our elected officials, the City decided in effect to sell through a long-term lease the City’s downtown parking garages and meters. The stated purpose is to generate a large cash payment in order to solve the City’s ongoing operational deficit for just one year—next year, which happens to be an election year. However, in order to receive the money they need to paper over their structural deficit again, they will have to give a private company the power to raise parking rates and issue tickets for 30 years, effectively mortgaging our future for a short term fix. Much worse, rising parking rates controlled by an out-oftown company will deter jobs and retail from locating and staying downtown just when downtown is gaining momentum. Chicago has already experimented with this scheme and the results have been disastrous. Sadly, this is just the latest chapter in an increasing pattern of violating the City Charter. Last year, without a vote of our elected officials, the City settled with Convergys for not meeting its stated job targets in exchange for massive tax dollar assistance for LESS than the Convergys incentive contract required, then used that one time settlement payment to balance the 2012 City budget. The Smale Commission, placed into the Charter by the voters, recommends that 122 lane miles be paved per year, but last year the City paved only 62 miles. Two years ago, to paper over the operating deficit, City Council took $2 million from the transit tax, which the voters put into the Charter by referendum as a dedicated source of funding for the bus system, which people depend on to get to and from work. Four years ago the City agreed to drop its opposition to the regional increase to our electric and gas rates—rate increases that cost the region over $500 million per year—for $4 million for the streetcar project. Now, the City claims that the additional $15 million it approved for the streetcar will be paid by Duke Energy’s corporate profits and that the proposed “rider” to our utility bills for the streetcar will not occur. However, the City isn’t even formally opposing the “rider” that is in front of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, to be ------------------------ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I was opposed to the city’s attempt to move the Drop Inn Center from Over-the-Rhine, from the earliest, when the late Eric Kunzel started his attempt to buy the property for a music school. Then the city got Cincinnati Public Schools to close Washington Park elementary school. As a lifelong Over-the-Rhine resident that was born in that neighborhood and lived there for 50 years, I have stayed at the Drop Inn Center in the winter for several years and it saved my life. I agree with Josh Spring that the city and county should spend more money fixing up low income housing for the homeless and homeless families rather than spend money on new shelters. Sonny Williams Clifton �Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 7 STREET VOICE Elementz Q&A: Building community with Hip Hop culture JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor Streetvibes: What is Elementz? Brother Abdullah: Elementz is a nonprofit hip hop youth arts center. At Elementz we engage and inspire youth, unleashing creativity and respect, engaging them in performance, community development and leadership through the values of Hip Hop culture. Streetvibes: How did it come about? Brother Abdullah: Elementz was founded by young activists who were seeking to build community in Overthe-Rhine after the 2001 riots. The founders focus became to create a safe space that had programming within in it that was relevant to youth from the urban core. This led to the idea of a youth center themed upon hip hop and urban arts. Prior to the opening of Elementz our founders initially surveyed over 1,000 young people to decide what our work should be based on and over 500 youth to pick the name of our center. Streetvibes: What’s the average age of kids in your program and what neighborhoods do they come from? Brother Abdullah: Elementz has served teenagers and young adults 14-24 for its general programs. We recently have begun to expand to doing after school programing for children K-5th grade and to teaching adults DJing, & hip hop dance. Our youth generally come from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods such as Mt. Auburn, Avondale, Walnut Hills and Westwood. Streetvibes: What has your experience there been like? Brother Abdullah: It’s an amazing experience to work with such talented young people many of whom face much adversity in their lives. These youth don’t let the adversity keep them down but they rather keep striving and use Elementz as a positive outlet to express their selves, to meet friends who have similar interests and pursue their dreams. Because we have been for nearly 8 years we have literally seen youth grow up in front of our eyes. It has been great to see many of our youth abandon street life, finish high school & further their education, become leaders within Elementz and grow as human beings. We have successfully been able to create a bridge for the outside community to have perspective on the lives of urban youth. Streetvibes: What have you learned? Brother Abdullah: Working around youth on a day to day basis over the last 7 years has helped me mature as a man. Not all but many of the youth that I’ve come across over the years have had a lack of involvement from parents and in particular fathers in their lives. Through my observation of this I’ve been inspired to be a role model to our youth through my own character and actions. I’ve also learned that Cincinnati’s urban core has very gifted young artists. Streetvibes: How would you like to see the organization grow or evolve in the future? Brother Abdullah: Our near future goals are to work more closely with inner city schools to find opportunities for us to teach workshops that are related to our urban programs to youth within these schools and also to inform students of the after school services that are available to them here at Elementz. Our other goals are to continue to help the community understand that the Elementz brand has expanded from being a hip hop center to becoming an Urban Arts Center that offers a wide variety of programs that are relative to the urban core. We think of ourselves as an Urban Neighborhood Arts Center and we’d like for Elementz to be filled with passionate arts leaders and passionate youth on a daily basis. We - Brother Abdullah also hope to continue to be a place where Cincinnati can come to see and hear the artistic gifts and the inside perspective on urban youth. Where it makes sense we also will look to expand our programs to other areas of Ohio and abroad. Streetvibes: How can people support Elementz? Brother Abdullah: People can support us by donating to our programs, attending our youth’s performances, and helping to spread the word about our mission. ------------------------ February 15 to March 10, 2013 Tickets On Sale Now! �8 PHOTO ESSAY Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 �Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 9 PHOTO ESSAY REUTERS Staff writer A child eats breakfast in a garbage dump, where hundreds of people live and make a living by recycling waste and making charcoal, in Tondo, the Philippines. Photo: REUTERS/Darren Whiteside Children living at a dump site play in a toy house they constructed out of debris in Tondo, Metro Manila, Indonesia. Photo: REUTERS/Enny Nuraheni A boy jumps off a derelict boat in the former Aral Sea port of Aralsk in Kazakhstan. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer Russia - www.street-papers.org / Reuters Children living at a dump site play in a toy house they constructed out of debris in Tondo, Metro Manila in the Philippines Photo: REUTERS/Darren Whiteside Three-year-old Sabir wears an old helmet on his head, which he found in a dumping ground, while playing in a Karachi slum, Pakistan. Photo: REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro A boy swims in polluted water to beat the heat in the western Yemeni city of Hajja. Photo: REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah Ali Al Mahdi �10 INTERNATIONAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 From trash to treasure: Everest litter becomes art GOPAL SHARMA Reuters www.street-papers.org T he 75 sculptures, including one of a yak and another of wind chimes, were made from empty oxygen bottles, gas canisters, food cans, torn tents, ropes, crampons, boots, plates, twisted aluminum ladders and torn plastic bags dumped by climbers over decades on the slopes of the world’s highest mountain. Kripa Rana Shahi, director of art group Da Mind Tree, said the sculpting - and a resulting recent exhibition in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu - was aimed at spreading awareness about keeping Mount Everest clean. “Everest is our crown jewel in the world,” Shahi said. “We should not take it for granted. The amount of trash there is damaging our pride.” Nearly 4,000 people have climbed the 8,850 meter-high (29,035 feet) Mount Everest, many of them several times, since it was first scaled by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. Although climbers need to deposit $4,000 with the government, which is refunded only after they provide proof of having brought the garbage generated by them from the mountain, activists say effective monitoring is difficult. Climbers returning from the mountain say its slopes are littered with trash which is buried under the snow during the winter and comes out in the summer when the snow melts. The trash used in the art works was picked up from the mountain by Sherpa climbers in 2011 and earlier this year and carried down by porters and trains of long-haired yaks. The yaks were commemorated in one work. For another, empty oxygen cylinders were mounted on a metal frame to make Buddhist Art made from trash picked from Mount Everest are pictured at a visual art symposium in Kathmandu prayer wheels. November 20, 2012. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer Nepal Another, by wall painter turned into useful items. artists and the rest to the Everest Krishna Bahadur Thing, is a “It shows that anything can Summiteers’ Association (ESA), Tibetan mandala painting showing be utilized in an artistic way and which sponsored the collection the location of Mount Everest in nothing goes to waste in art,” of garbage from the mountain, the universe - made by sticking said 18-year-old fine arts student organizers said. yellow, blue and white pieces of Siddhartha Pudasaini. “Garbage on Everest is discarded beer, food cans and The art is on sale for prices shameful. We are trying to turn other metals on a round board. from $15 to $2,300, with part it into gold here,” ESA chief Visitors said they were amazed of the proceeds going to the Wangchu Sherpa told Reuters. at the way waste products were �Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 11 LOCAL Cincinnati passes resolution requiring GE food labeling EcoWatch Journal www.freepress.org O n November 30, the city of Cincinnati became the first in Ohio to pass a resolution to require the labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods, citing that consumers should have the right to know what is in their food. The consumer advocacy organization Food & Water Watch brought the resolution to city council as a part of their “Let Me Decide” campaign to make GE labeling the law. GE foods have not been fully tested for their impacts on human health and the environment. Alison Auciello, Ohiobased organizer for Food & Water Watch said, “genetically engineered foods are potentially unsafe, and consumers should have the right to decide for themselves if they want to eat GE foods. It took regulation to get food processors to label ingredients and nutrition facts on labels, and now we’re calling for federal lawmakers to require the labeling of GE food.” The majority of processed foods are genetically engineered, but unlike fat, sodium and sugar content, labels do not disclose which foods contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. Biotechnology companies submit their own safety-testing data, and independent research is limited on GE foods because licensing agreements that control the use of patented seeds prohibit cultivation for research purposes. Genetically engineered foods are made by inserting the genetic material from one organism into another to achieve a desired characteristic such as resistance to herbicides or pesticides. Roundup Ready varieties of corn, for example, are engineered to withstand treatment with the Roundup herbicide. But, the unintended consequence of increased use of herbicides has been a rise in “superweeds,” aggressive weed species like ragweed and pigweed that have become immune to Roundup. Cincinnati Council Member and resolution co-sponsor Wendell Young said, “this is about transparency, about ensuring that people can make informed choices about what they feed themselves and their families. Consumers have a right to know what is in their food, especially until we know for certain whether genetically engineered foods are truly safe.” Some of the independent research that has been conducted on biotech crops has revealed troubling health implications, including deteriorating liver and kidney function and impaired embryonic development. However, the Food and Drug Administration has no way to track adverse health effects in people consuming GE foods, and because there is no requirement for labeling GE ingredients, consumers don’t know when they are eating them. “As consumers, we have a fundamental right to know about the safety of the food we’re eating,” said Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls, who co-sponsored the resolution. “With so much still unknown about the long-term risks of genetically-engineered products to our health and the environment, labeling of these foods is just common sense.” -----------------------Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from; keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes; protect the environmental quality of oceans; force government to do its job protecting citizens; and educate about the importance of keeping shared resources under public control. STREET VOICE Life is a treasure or life be can a jewel Life is made of choices made of win, draw or pull Looking back on my life not to mention the bridges I’ve burned Understanding that I do have a choice which way my life will be turned Having this knowledge I wonder what changes could I have made in my life Seeing my past and believing in God, knowing with him there will be no strife Treasures of reconizing my past and always asking would I have changed to be younger or right Treasures are things I cheerish from childhood up to date, anything else is out of sight Knowledge of my past and in the belief of a change which would come with a new day Having lived and grown into who I am right now, question: “who are you?” ANSWER I SAY!! Treasures to me are things of the past that I have memory of, where making changes is too late Treasures, my belief in God and to know with faith his love and grace is forever great! Are you frankly getting quite bored stiff Of daily coverage about “The Fiscal Cliff?” I wish those words would simply go away, As they’ve turned into a meaningless cliché. Let’s talk about “The Next Financial Crash,” Or possibly “The National Loss of Cash.” We then could give one long collective sob, And plead with Congress just to do its job. WILLA D. JONES Streetvibes Distributor When a person of fame’s sex life goes sour, The news will řash updates every half hour. Abuses of power are more worthy of telling, But as entertainment are far less compelling. So people striving for respected public lives Better not cheat on their husbands or wives. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer DEBORAH POINDEXTER Streetvibes Distributor This photo was submitted by Streetvibes Distributor Deborah Poindextor (right) who attributes Josephine Baskerville (left), a fellow Streetvibes Distributor, as a guiding light and mentor when she was at her lowest point while on the streets. Deborah says Josephine helped her when she needed it most. �12 LOCAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 Writing for your life with justice seekers ers Writing for Our Lives. Bonnie Neumeier, one of Peaslee’s founding mothers, and Kristen Barker of Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center welcome women to this writing circle. The series happen quarterly (each Peaslee Neighborhood Center. Photo: Justin Jeffre. season). Each series consists of 4-5 weekly sesANGELA PANCELLA sions between noon and 1 p.m. Contributing Writer on Tuesdays. Attendees can also linger afterward for snacks and conversation—the fare might ou enter the piano room include hummus and veggies, at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. homemade cookies, apple cider and tea. This room used to be a When asked about the classroom back when this buildgroup’s founding, neither Bonnie ing was a public grade school. nor Kristen could recall an exact Chalkboards, bulletin boards, date, though a flyer for Januand pianos line the perimeter. ary 2007 shows it will soon be The middle of the space catches at least six years old. When they your eye—chairs are arranged began, they identified what they around a rectangle of fabric laid wished to accomplish: “Our goal like a picnic blanket on the rug. for Justice Seekers Writing for A potted succulent, a candle, Our Lives is to inspire us to creand a Navajo storyteller figuate more conscious lives through rine arranged on the patterned the art of writing and the practice cloth create a simple oasis in the middle of the floor, in the middle of building community. Through participation in this writing of this building, in the middle of series we hope those of you who a workday. come will strengthen your voice, Welcome to Justice Seek- Y tions for the group as a whole. June Alexander, art instructor and board member at Peaslee, has been part of the group for three or four years. “I write a lot—to have people to hear [my writing] makes a difference,” she says. The opportunity to hear from like-minded writers, all active in causes related to social justice, is a key part of the group’s appeal for June: “I get some of my best ideas from the ladies.” Amy Silver, Resident Services Coordinator at Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, has been involved with the group for at least four years. “The circle is a place to connect with people at a level that we don’t usually tap into on our own time,” she says. “The process in the circle brings out the most wonderful, powerful, simple, and important stories of each woman present. Each voice is honored and I know that people leave feeling heard and valued—something that we all need but don’t always get in such an intentional way.” Kristen says simply, “I love the circle. It grounds, connects, and inspires me. I find it to be a soulful experience that helps me pay attention.” ------------------------ Hey, good good loo lookin’. kin’. Asa Franckewitz and Bruce Cromer. Photo by Sandy Underwood. Give yo your sp spir irits its a lift. lift. for the holidays. enhance your health, and appreciate your own capacity to create positive change wherever you live and work.” “It still rings true for me,” Kristen says of this goal. The process Kristen and Bonnie use for the group was learned from Women Writing for a Change. When the group gathers and after everyone briefly checks in with each other, there is time for twelve to fifteen minutes of writing at a pace that outstrips any voice inside your head that might say “That’s not good enough.” A poem provides the context—a poem such as Mary Oliver’s “It Was Early,” which (among other things) says, “Sometimes I need/ only to stand/wherever I am/to be blessed.” Various prompts are given from the poem to jog your creativity, but there is also the possibility to (as the prompt paper instructs) “FOLLOW YOUR MUSE!” Everyone is then given the chance to share what they have written—all, part, or none, as you wish. During this time the listeners jot down words or phrases that caught their attention. These words and phrases are then spoken aloud after everyone has had the chance to speak, each taking a turn, creating an effect not unlike polyphonic music. Each session ends with a chance to provide written feedback on index cards, sharing some gift or challenge of the week, encouragements or sugges- for country music. presents By Charles Dickens Adapted by Howard Dallin Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2012 A must-see family favorite for the holidays. “For my money, there’s no better local holiday entertainment.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer Special price for kids and students! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Under 5 not admitted. The Music and Legend of Hank Williams By Randal Myler and Mark Harelik Nov. 3 – Dec. 23, 2012 Featuring more than 20 of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” “Exhilarating!” – Rolling Stone Sponsored by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. Call 513-421-3888 or visit www.cincyplay.com for tickets. Season presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Company. �LOCAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 13 It’s budget season in Cincinnati I t’s budget season in Cincinnati. That means we’ll start hearing from JASON HAAP people Contributing Writer like ViceMayor Roxanne Qualls and former City Council-member John Cranley – two front-runners for the next mayoral election. We probably won’t hear from people like Jim Berns, though. That’s because he’s a fringe candidate always engaged in a losing campaign for one public office or another. Now that he’s expressed an interest in running for Cincinnati’s mayor, we should think about whether the public should pay nearly half a million dollars to subsidize his vanity campaign. Several years ago, I threatened to run for mayor myself. That race would have featured me, Mark Mallory, and Brad Wenstrup. Cincinnati faced a budget crisis back then, too. Had I inserted myself as the third candidate, I would have forced an obscure mayoral primary election on a weird date with typically low turnout. That election would have cost Cincinnati around $413,000 from its general operating fund. Think about that: in the midst of a budget crisis, I could have singlehandedly cost the city nearly half a million dollars, all to make a point. Instead, I staged a press conference and presented the city with one of those “big checks” representing the money I saved them. I wanted to draw attention to this weird electoral issue. The idea was for the city to enact common sense reforms – like eliminating this pointless and wasteful mayoral primary. I vowed to make sure there would always be a primary from that day forth – but, now that Jim Berns has entered the arena, I can take a break. He only needs to gather 500 valid signatures to get on the ballot. That’s not very hard. Just spend a few late afternoons and early evenings down at Fountain Square and the Metro bus stop one block away, and you can get tons of signatures. Ludlow Avenue in Clifton is also an easy hot spot. I don’t mean to rally against the right of candidates like Jim Berns to be on the ballot. That’s part of the democratic process. But why should we foot the bill for a mayoral primary, which runs on an obscure date with nothing else on the ballot? It is completely unnecessary. Instead, we should let Jim Berns, and anyone else who can collect signatures, run for whatever office they desire. And they should all have a shot during the general election in November. Some will say that whoever wins the mayoral race should have more than 50% of the vote – and that, therefore, through narrowing the field to two candidates via the primary, we can accomplish this allegedly important goal. If that really is significant, however, we could simply adopt democratic solutions like other cities have, such as Instant Runoff Voting. With IRV, you rank your candidates. If you vote for Jim Berns and he doesn’t have enough to win, then your vote gets transferred to your number two choice. This would guarantee a winner with more than 50% of the vote while eliminating our expensive and wasteful primary election. The real reason the politicians instituted this primary was to eliminate certain voices in the final month prior to the Jason Haap at the Board of Elections. Photo: Jane Pendergrast mayoral election, wastefulness, adding more money focusing instead on the two canto Cincinnati’s constantly strained didates with the biggest campaign operating budget. coffers. Living in a democracy, -----------------------however, should mean having access to alternative voices and choices – even if those choices include Jim Berns. His ideas might be bothersome to candidates like Qualls and Cranley, but that doesn’t mean the public should foot the bill to silence him with a pointless primary. City Council should act now to eliminate this INTERNATIONAL There’s life in the AIDS ribbon Stella Paul Inter Press Service www.street-papers.org S he bends over the bundles of red silk ribbon spread on a reed mat, swiftly cutting and stitching dozens of upsidedown, teardrop-shaped loops, each of them two inches long. On AIDS day these shiny ribbons are being worn by thousands of government staff and social activists in a symbolic show of their fight against the deadly HIV/ AIDS. For Swapna, who has been living with HIV for past 11 years, these ribbons are more than a symbol; sold at a rupee (two cents) a piece, they are also an important source of sustenance. “AIDS control in India is still largely limited to providing free counseling and ART,” says Swapna, founder and former president of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the southern Indian city Hyderabad - a network of HIV positive men and women with 2,00,000 members. “But most of the HIV infected or affected people in the state (of Andhra Pradesh), especially women, are ostracised by society, thrown out of their homes and have no way to support themselves financially. So, besides counseling and medication, what they also need is a way to earn a living.” Swapna’s belief arises from her own decade-long personal struggle to survive as a HIV positive person. At the age of 20, she was infected by her husband. Following her husband’s death two years later, Swapna was on her own, fending for herself and her Many women living with HIV earn a living making ribbons to promote AIDS awareness. Photo: Stella Paul/IPS toddler son. A counseling job in an NGO gave her the chance to interact with thousands of HIV positive people across the state, and she gained deep insight into challenges and possible solutions. “I have HIV, but I can still live like a normal person.” The main challenge, she said, was that every woman feared her health would deteriorate to a point when she could not travel out of her home to take up a job. In 2007, Swapna formed the PLHIV network in Hyderabad and started to train HIV positive women in making candles and Christmas trees, beads and paper lanterns, in embroidery, making flower bouquets and garlands and above all, stitching clothes, banners and ribbons. “So far, more than 500 women have been trained in Hyderabad alone. Each of them is a member of a self-help group. The group gave each woman a micro-loan of 2,000 to 3,000 rupees to start a business. Some of them are now earning as much as 10,000 rupees a month.” Nillamma Marakka, a 47-year-old HIV positive woman was a commercial sex worker who migrated from the coastal district West Godavari to Hyderabad in 1999. Three years back her failing health forced her out of sex work, pushing her close to starvation. In 2011, Nilamma joined the PHLIV network and received training in tailoring for three months. Today, she has a comfortable life stitching ribbons of different colours, each symbolising a fight of a certain kind - red (AIDS), purple (domestic violence) pink (breast cancer), orange (leukemia) and white (peace). Nilamma says demand for red ribbons is the highest. Government departments, NGOs, political parties and churches buy thousands of red ribbons around AIDS day, which is observed with growing enthusiasm in the state. According to the National {Continued on page 14) �14 INTERNATIONAL Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 There’s life in the AIDS ribbon {Continued from page 13} Aids Control Mission, Andhra Pradesh has a quarter of India’s 2.4 million HIV positive patients. “For every thousand ribbons, I spend about 250 rupees (five dollars) on buying silk ribbon, thread and safety pins. So, I can save at least 3,000 rupees (60 dollars) out of every order of 5,000 ribbons. Since these are bought directly by the customers, there is no need to pay a middleman. These are indeed ribbons of life.” K. P. Rangacharylu, a livelihood expert working on several state government HIV/AIDS projects says the recently concluded health programme ‘Bal Shyayoga’ found that most HIV positive women in the state were incapable of laborious jobs. “The programme ran from 2007 to 2012, during which we found that 42 percent of the HIV affected families in the state were headed by women. Of them, nearly half were above 50, unable to work for hours together or travel outside their homes. “The best way to support them was to build ‘soft skills’ like making candles, stitching blouses and banners and making ribbons. As an initial investment, each woman was given 8,000 rupees (160 dollars) by the government.” The programme, he says trained 56,000 people. Encouraged by the success of Bal Sahyoga and NHPLIV, positive women networks in other states of India have started to promote ribbon making as an alternative livelihood. Muthu Kani, a 29-year-old HIV positive woman in Chennai says that making ribbons has not only helped her earn a living, but also overcome to recurring suicidal thoughts. “In 2006 when I first learned that I was HIV positive I wanted to kill myself. I felt very helpless and didn’t how to take care of myself or 006 from puzzlechoice.com Across 1. Actress, ___ Berry 6. Prod 9. Golf club 13. Movie starring Sigourney Weaver 14. Nocturnal creature 15. Ambit 16. Wanderer 17. Body of water 18. Relative 19. Push down 21. Wrongdoing 23. Forty winks 24. Used as fuel 25. Man or boy 28. Small stream 30. Nuance 35. Part of the eye 37. Burden 39. Oddity 40. Solitary 41. Coherent 43. Secret agent, James 44. Remedy 46. Used to calculate net weight 47. Rim 48. Consortium 50. Rip 52. Long fish 53. Peel 55. Be seated 57. Monolithic 61. Enchant 65. Obviate 66. Fish eggs 68. Empower 69. Circumvent 70. By way of 71. Rhonchus 72. Actor, ___ McGregor 73. Tree 74. Surname of actress who played Arwen in The Lord of the Rings Down 1. Part of a clock 2. Succulent, ___ vera 3. Hobble 4. Gain knowledge 5. Make attractive or lovable 6. Chinese god 7. Wonder 8. Incrimination 9. Magician’s baton 10. One time only 11. Stare at 12. Action 15. Pastoral 20. Tumble 22. First name of actor who played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings 24. Notice 25. Fragrant plant 26. Perfume 27. Buffet car 29. Oaf 31. Regular hexahedron 32. Wear away 33. Undertone 34. Alpine call 36. Transported 38. Desperate 42. Impenetrable 45. Mock 49. First name of actress in 74 across 51. Compilation 54. Effrontery 56. Large marine food 57. Manufactured 58. Affirm 59. Soft drink 60. Part of the zodiac 61. Ray 62. Object of worship 63. Traditional knowledge 64. Pitcher 67. Fuel Many women living with HIV earn a living making ribbons to promote AIDS awareness. Photo: Stella Paul/IPS my two children - one of whom was also HIV positive. Four years ago I met some people from the Positive Women Network who trained me in basic accounting, screen printing, embroidery, and red ribbon making. “Of all these, I find screen printing and ribbon making the least physically exhausting. I get orders all through the year and can earn about 6,000-8000 rupees each month. I feel confident of my own abilities now. I have HIV, but I can still live like a normal person,” she says with a smile. �Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House Grace Place Catholic Worker House Salvation Army YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission Drop Inn Center St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House Mt. Airy Shelter 381-SAFE 557-2873 681-2365 762-5660 872-9259 Shelter: Both Anthony House (Youth) Caracole (HIV/AIDS) Drop Inn Center Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) Housing: CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn Cincinnati Union Bethel Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry Our Daily Bread St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside FreeStore/FoodBank Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 961-4080 761-1480 721-0643 471-1100 221-3350 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 721-8666 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 768-6907 621-5300 961-1983 621-6364 535-2719 591-2246 241-1064 271-5501 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over Treatment: Women First Step Home 241-5525 721-0643 381-4941 661-4620 562-8841 15 RESOURCES Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 Treatment: Both AA Hotline CCAT Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County ADAS Board Recovery Health Access Center Sober Living Talbert House Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 784-1853 921-1613 961-2256 961-4663 Health Center for Respite Care Crossroad Health Center Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van McMicken Dental Clinic Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center Peaslee Neighborhood Center Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House 241-2600 241-2563 621-5514 381-0111 771-4800 751-0600 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 351-0422 381-6672 241-2965 946-4888 281-7422 681-0324 641-4300 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Other Resources 579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 621-1868 381-2247 357-4602 352-2902 352-6363 558-8888 981-5800 458-6670 977-4489 351-7921 631-1114 211 977-5541 421-5211 People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place United Way Women Helping Women Off The Streets Hamilton/Middletown 863-3184 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Northern Kentucky Brighton Center ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 Dec. 7th-Dec. 20th, 2012 All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 Distributors will never buy papers from and/or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 JOHN JOHNNY KERNS GAINES SINCE 12/2009 SINCE 9/2012 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own wellbeing and income. JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RICHARD SCHULTE SINCE 5/2012 Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. TAMMY GRIES SINCE 5/2011 TERRY RANSON SINCE 10/2008 There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 TIM NEUMANN SINCE 7/2011 SAMUEL RONNIE JACKSON PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 10/2006 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WILLIAM W. KENNETH BURDINE BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 8/2009 Streetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 50 cents per copy and sell it for a $1.50 Donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, northern Kentucky and area churches. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2012 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 7-20, 2012 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Restore Human Services Pg 3: Places to Go, People to See Attorney for the People Pg 4: Cincinnati Living Green Pg 5: A Humorous Take on the 2012 Election Pg 6: 21c Hotel Ribbon John Cranley’s Take on the City Budget and Transparency Pg 7: Elementz Q&A Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: From Trash to Treasure Pg 11: Cincinnati Passes Resolution Requiring GE Food Labeling Pg 12: Writing for Your Life with Justice Seekers Pg 13: It’s Budget Season in Cincinnati There’s Life in the AIDS Ribbon Pg 14: There’s Life in the AIDS Ribbon Continued Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 7-20, 2012 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Jim Luken Willa D. Jones John Cranley Bill Woods Mimi Rook Jason Haap Dylan Speeg Gopal Sharma Stella Paul EcoWatch Journal Sonny Williams David Sorcher Darren Whiteside Enny Nuraheni Stringer Russia Akhtar Soomro Kahled Addullah Ali Mahdi Stringer Nepal Jane Pendergrast Monisha Ringler Deborah Poindexter Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 21c Hotel Aids Akhtar Soomro Bill Woods Budget Cincinnati Darren Whiteside David Sorcher Deborah Poindexter Dylan Speeg EcoWatch Journal Election Elementz Enny Nuraheni GE Gopal Sharma Hip Hop Human Services Jane Pendergrast Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken John Cranley Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kahled Addullah Ali Mahdi Leslie Moorhead Living Green Mimi Rook Monisha Ringler Pete Roper Photography Sonny Williams Stella Paul Stringer Nepal Stringer Russia Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/ed4a34bbaa20b514f4e1ba3487577ba4.pdf 30483d019e30d56f3e8a46cd79a09502 PDF Text Text S E P T . 2 8 - O C T . 1 1 2 0 1 2 VOL.16 ISSUE 20 (No. 235) PAGE 11 PAGE 9 PAGE 3 facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 12 inspiring stories from around the world twitter.com/streetvibesnews 13 PAGE 10 streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL Improperly Charged From the Director trust in the legislative process? Do you JOSH SPRING Executive Director Y ou’re driving down the interstate- the same route you’ve taken home from work for a decade. You’re going your normal 65 miles per hour. A State Trooper pulls behind you and turns on their lights. Confused, you pull over. You remember that you recently replaced your left brake light, so it must not be that. The Trooper walks up to the door and asks for your license and registration, you remember finances are tight for your family now and you really can’t afford a ticket. You hand over the demanded papers as you ask why you were pulled over- knowing you were not over the 65 miles per hour speed limit. The State Trooper says, “You were speeding.” You ask how that could be. The Trooper says, “You were going 65 in a 50.” You explain that you know the speed limit is 65 and you have been traveling this same route for ten years. The Trooper says, “There’s a sign half a mile back that says 50.” You express being surprised. You had not noticed the sign. A few weeks later when you have scraped up enough money, you pay the fine. Afterward you do some research and you find out that in fact the State Trooper, at the order of her superior painted and hung the sign dictating 50 mph just the day before. Furthermore you find out that this so called new speed limit law was never discussed by any legislative body, the general public never had the opportunity to voice opinions and no legislative body ever adopted the new rule. Additionally the government was never notified of the actions of the State Trooper’s office. Yet, you were charged with an offense and punished with a fine. How do you feel? Are you angry? Are you frustrated? Do you lose feel apprehensive about driving on area roads for fear of breaking rules you did not know exist and had no say in? This situation sounds either absurd or like a conspiracy we would see on a program like 20/20. But would you believe something very similar happened in Washington Park and in fact had the potential to happen throughout this city. Meet Park Rule 28. Park Rule 28 granted the Cincinnati Park Board the ability to have an employee erect a sign of any sort in any park at any time with any “rule” or “rules” on it. These “rules” would then be enforced by the Cincinnati Police Department as if they were laws. If you broke one of these “rules” you could receive a criminal charge, you could be fined, you could even be arrested. Park Rule 28 allowed for these “rules” to be posted without having been passed through any proper legislative process in which the Public had an opportunity to speak. We saw the consequences of this Park Rule 28 in Washington Park. After it re-opened, there was a laundry list of new rules, ones that were not consistent with the normal Park Board Rules. They were rules that specifically targeted people with low incomes and/or people experiencing homelessness. These rules were created via last minute emails between a couple of Park Board employees, one Police Department employee and a couple of 3CDC employees. In fact 3CDC, the private organization, created the final draft of the “rules” with input from the other two groups. The rules were not passed by the Park Board in an open public meeting; the new rules were not given to City Council or the City’s Law Department. Yet they were hung and enforced like laws. We connected three very concerned and affected people we know and work with, Jerry Davis of the Homeless Congress and Ann Brown Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 and Andrew Fitzpatrick of the People’s Platform for Equality and Justice with Civil Rights attorney Jennifer Kinsley. Jennifer, an expert in such issues, assisted the three people in filing suit against the Park Board, specifically calling out the unconstitutional nature of Park Rule 28. On September 20th the Park Board Photo: sodancapassion.blogspot.com voted to strike down Park Rule 28. cannot disregard that no significant The Park Board realized it did not effort was put in on the part of 3CDC have a winning case and could not to ensure that qualified people living stand up to the fight. They struck down near the Park had a positive opportuthe rule. This returned Washington nity to get work in the park. Fourth, Park specifically to normal Park Board we cannot disregard that nearly $50 rules. More importantly, this means million dollars was spent on 2 square that, now in the City of Cincinnati, blocks, as we have people sleeping rules for parks must be passed through under bridges. the Park Board in open public meetSpecifically to Park Rule 28. The ings, in which the Public has the opground-level consequence of Park Rule portunity to speak. Back door, biased 28 is that it allowed for the creation of rules can no longer be created simply rules meant to target certain people by posting a sign. because they are experiencing homeHow absurd is it that until Seplessness- rules that made it so food and tember 20th- it was actually the case clothing could not be distributed in that you could get a criminal charge for the park for example. We can never be breaking a rule that was never estabokay with a rule that is meant to negalished in any democratic fashion? Until tively target certain people because the 20th you could have been charged they are experiencing homelessness. with a criminal offense for breaking Even more importantly however, Park a rule a few people, over last minute Rule 28 circumvented democracy and emails, decided to paint on a sign and more to the point, circumvented the hang in a park. People. Park Rule 28 handed power to Some folks have looked at all this a few people that had enough money and said, “Oh Washington Park looks to have access to power. This is wrong. great, why do you all keep complainThe resulting terrible rules in ing?” First of all, we cannot disregard Washington Park were the consethe way in which the People in Overquences. We know that if we don’t stop the-Rhine were disregarded- the way it here, it will only get worse and we in which amenities People needed and will see more discriminatory “rules.” used were taken away despite outThanks to the three Plaintiffs and Ms. cry. Second we can’t disregard all the Kinsley, our city is more democratic negative and stereotyping arguments today than before September 20th. against people with low-incomes or people experiencing homelessness that -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director were made to convince others to pay for the park to be re- done. Third, we �Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 3 LOCAL Tavis Smiley and Cornell West’s Poverty Tour 2.0 Every Friday at Noon People’s Platform for Equality & Justice Peaslee Neighborhood Center Monday, October 8th 5PM Occupy Western & Southern, Support Anna Louise Inn 400 Broadway Saturday, October 12th 1-4PM YWCA’s What Women Want 2012 National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Friday, October 12th 1-4PM Drop Inn Center’s Mental Health Forum Health Foundation Thursday, October 18th Noon Homeless Coalition’s Annual Meeting Church of the Redeemer Thursday, October 18th 5:30-7:30 Over the Rhine Community Housing’s Celebrating Our Beloved Community Music Hall Photo: briggsandtort.com F rom September 1215, Tavis Smiley and Cornell West mounted their “Poverty Tour 2.0,” focusing on stops in key battleground states of the presidential election, including Ohio. Their purpose is JASON HAAP simple: to inject a Contributing Writer discussion of poverty into the political landscape - one that too frequently focuses on the mythical “Middle Class,” which, according to Smiley and West, has largely disappeared. “We expect that the forthcoming census data will reveal that poverty in America is not an abstraction,” said West in a press release. “Too many Americans are living hand to mouth. Basic needs such as living-wage jobs, food, clothing, medicine, and shelter cannot be ignored by the major parties during the upcoming political conventions, or by their respective nominees on the campaign trail.” Their tour hopes to draw attention to the millions upon millions of Americans experiencing poverty - those who have lost their “Middle Class” status, and who therefore are being ignored by both the Democrats and the Republicans. Tavis and Smiley predict that the new census report will show that half of all Americans are living in or near poverty. According to the website for “Cincinnati Works,” census data indicates that 316,000 adults and 167,000 children are living in poverty in the Cincinnati Tri-state area. Cincinnati actually ranks as one of the worst cities in the country for childhood poverty. Interestingly, according to the web page for Cincinnati USA, our region “ranks in the nation’s Top 10 markets for number of Fortune 500 headquarters per million residents, higher than New York, Boston, Chicago, or Los Angeles.” Some of these local companies have a strange way of interacting with the poor. Western and Southern has been trying to stop the Anna Louise Inn from helping abused women in a location where they want to build condos, and 3CDC has worked, in conjunction with the city, to put pressure on the Drop Inn Center to move from their current location - right in the middle of prime real estate for wealthy development. It’s still unclear if the Drop Inn Center will maintain their current location, or whether they will be tempted to upgraded facilities in a downgraded locale. Either way, the poverty wars are alive and well in Cincinnati, so efforts like those of Smiley and West are well-timed. Coincidentally, it appears an unnamed group of activists have been distributing flyers around town on this same theme (at least, if the very nonscientific measure of what appears on my doorstep means anything). The flyer investigates details about U.S. income, and ends with this proclamation – while making no direct calls for action: Saturday, October 20th 1-3PM Homeless Awareness March Location TBA Saturday, October 26th 6-9 p.m. Day by Day Calendar Launch & Exhibition Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut Street Friday November 2nd 7 p.m. Faces without Places “Yellow Bus Ball” The Syndicate 18 East 5th Street Newport Kentucky 41072 513-549-3155 or www.faceswithoutplaces.org TBA December Homeless Coalition Annual Dinner If your organization is having an event, demonstration, etc. and you would it like it included on the Streetvibes calendar, please email with the details: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org “Some people are concerned as the 1% continually gain more power over governments, and own ever more of the media we depend on. The vast amount of money they pour into lobbying and political campaigns make it hard for our leaders to act in our interest rather than theirs. The 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations to make massive contributions to political campaigns greatly increases their power. The gaps continue to grow with no end in sight.” Perhaps this flyer is an answer to the call put forth by Smiley and Tavis. The time is now to start thinking and talking seriously about poverty - as a community, and as a nation. Standin’ on the Corner Watching all the Girls Suits Go By JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer I ’ve been a very active “activist” most of my adult life. As such, I have been to hundreds of demonstrations, marched for more than a hundred miles, spoken at rallies, and performed in dozens of “street theater” events. I was arrested once in the late 80s at an anti-war sit down at our local Federal Building (all of us were released shortly after our arrests). Over the past six weeks, several of us agechallenged (read: old) activists have engaged in another, different, form of “active” protest. In an attempt to give it a name, we call what we have been doing “vigiling.” Each stands by himself on a street corner in front of, or near, Western & Southern Financial Group Headquarters. We are protesting what this corporate goliath is doing to Anna Louise Inn (the Inn), a 103-year-old haven for poor women located on the southeast edge of Lytle Park. The Inn is “little David” in this metaphor. We don’t carry slingshots. We carry signs. There have been as many as four of us old guys in any given morning, or late afternoon, vigil. The important thing is that we do not stand together the way people do at demonstrations. We each stand at a different place around the W & S quadrant of buildings. This is a vigil. We stand alone, each holding his sign in the face of oncoming traffic or oncoming pedestrians, many of whom are W&S employees. Most of these people do not like what we are doing. Some confront us angrily. Others whisper furtively that they are on our side. “Thanks for doing this,” they often say. I have “vigiled” several other times in my life. In my religious days, I stood watch for an hour each week in the middle of the night near a bonfire in the back of St. Bernard’s Church in Winton Place. At the time, our church community was praying,24hours daily, for an end to the US- sponsored “Contra” terrorist war in Nicaragua. I no longer pray in any formal way, but I clearly understand vigiling to be part of a long-standing, very special kind of prayer. Jesus kept a vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before he was tortured and murdered by the state. In my mind, Dorsey Steb- {Continued on page 4} �4 LOCAL Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 Natalie Portman campaigns for Obama at Union Terminal JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor O n September 19th Academy Award winning actress Natalie Portman spoke to a packed house at the “Ohio Women Vote 2012 Summit” at the Cincinnati Museum Center in Union Terminal. Ohio’s former First Lady Frances Strickland also spoke as well as State Rep. Alicia Reece. Portman told the crowd of about 300, “This really is a crucial moment in our history and you in Ohio, especially women in Ohio, will decide this election. It could come down to a few votes so you know that every woman you talk to, every person you help register, each one of you in this room will have an enormous impact.” And, “I think we are really lucky to have a very clear decision in this election; there are very clear differences between President Obama and Mitt Romney.” Before she went on to contrast the differences she told a personal story about her connections to the Queen city. Her mother went to high school at Walnut Hills and her grandmother lives in Hyde Park. She said her grandfather came to Cincinnati after WWII. “He couldn’t afford to go to college. He had to start working right away. He started working as a door to door salesman and he built up his business into Champion Windows which then became a big business,” said Portman. “And because of that I see President Obama’s support of small businesses as so crucial to our economy. He’s cut taxes for small businesses 82 times since he’s been in office.” Standin’ {Continued from page 3} bins, an 80 year-old Lutheran Minister is by far the most Jesus-like of us four vigilers (but he won’t like my saying so). I recently had a long break when I went out of town on vacation. Dorsey has been faithfully standing watch for an hour and a half, most weekday mornings and evenings, for many weeks. Standing for an hour and a half on pavement is no mean thing for a youngster of 68 like me. Dorsey lives in Forest Park. Every day, and sometimes twice a day, he drives and parks near a bus stop, takes the bus downtown for 45 minutes or longer, walks five blocks each way to W&S, and stands vigil, in his black suit and Roman collar. He laughs that passersby sometimes say “Hi, Father” to him. For many years, Dorsey has been one of my activist heroes. He never gives up. The other guys are Mike Shyrock, of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian, and an 83 year- old doctor, who doesn’t want his name used. They come to 5th and Broadway most afternoons and hold their signs in front of the rush hour traffic heading North or East, both one-way streets. Dorsey and I come for the afternoon vigil as well, but we prefer the mornings. We arrive at W & S at around 7:30 a.m.; we each stand near one of the main entrances on 4th Street. Most of the pedestrians are company employees, walking up from their big garage on Third Street. Our Portman described why she isn’t voting for the Romney-Ryan ticket. “The Romney-Ryan plan will raise taxes on the middle class an average of $2,000 per family. And those taxes don’t go to investing in education which will grow our economy, but will go to cutting taxes on the wealthiest people.” Portman said Obama’s plan only raises taxes on the wealthiest and the middle class gets tax breaks. “97% of voters will get tax breaks under Obama’s plan, but the money that they raise from the wealthiest will go to education”, she said. Portman also told the crowd that the President has reformed student loan repayments, doubled Pell Grants and made scholarships more available. She told the adoring audience that, “We were on the brink of another great depression when he came into office. He was handed Portman speaks at the “Ohio Women Vote 2012 Summit” at the Cincinnati Museum Center in a miserable situation and he has Union Terminal .Photo: Justin Jeffre steadily improved it. He’s also take us back in a time machine. “In invested in stem and science techsame services. “He’s created the Equal fact Ryan co-sponsored a bill with nology, engineering and math. Our Pay Act so that women get paid the Akin, that Congressman who made young people are being trained for same pay for the same jobs that they the comment about rape; they sponthe types of jobs that are going to be do as men, he’s protected a woman’s sored a bill using the term forcible available in our new economy.” right to choose and also has created She said Romney wants to expand rape for the first time, to distinguish a health care plan under which all of between different kinds of rape the economy with “trickle-down these preventative treatments like ‘because we all know some rapes are economics” and we have seen “an mammograms are covered for women not forcible’ - which absolutely makes and will save lives. And that I think assault on women” in the past few months. “We have seen a very accom- no sense.” She said she thinks women women deserve,” said Portman. need to stand up for themselves beplished young woman who testified She said her Grandma is a lifecause their mothers and grandmothbefore Congress about using birth long Republican, but that she is cauers made giant strides to win women control being called a slut. We saw a tiously optimistic that she will vote for representative of Congress that sits on the rights they have gained and they Obama because they’ve been having can’t afford to go back now. the Science Committee saying in the a lot of conversations lately. She She said Obama’s created a national media that a woman couldn’t said they caught up the night before healthcare program where women get pregnant through rape,” she said. at Boca, their favorite restaurant in aren’t charged more than men for the Portman said Romney wants to town. vigil gives us a wonderful opportunity to study human nature. We are not confrontational in any way, although my signs sometimes are. I spend a great deal of time (and money) making my 24” x 30” signs, in bold black and colorful letters. I want them to have impact and get into the “head space” of those who read them. “No Room in the Inn for Corporate Greed,” or “WesternSouthern: Abusing Poor Women Since 2010” are some examples. Yesterday afternoon, I had a sign that said: “HONK if you [big red heart] the Anna Louise Inn.” It was raining, at times, hard. It took 45 minutes to get 52 honks. In that time, probably 3000 cars had passed. One guy walked by me. “Honk-honk,” he said. I counted that in my 52. Dorsey Stubbins protests in front of Western Southern Corporate office in Downtown Recently, I softened up and made Cincinnati daily. Photo: Justin Jeffre a sign that read: “We [red heart] Western-Southern Employees. Your Where does this anger come they need in order to remain safely Boss—Not So Much.” That sign drew from? I find myself wondering. Do middle-class. quite a few smiles, to which I rethey think we are going to shut down As traffic dies down, and most of sponded, “Thank you,” or “It’s true.” the company and they will lose their the employees are tucked inside their And it is true. We understand jobs? Impossible. My sense is that it corporate womb-tomb, we are given that the attack on the Anna Louise comes from some highly internalized a bit of time for other thoughts and Inn is being waged by the “Corporate fear-factor. I believe that many, if notions. One that keeps coming back Person” not any one employee or not most Americans, have swallowed to me is that being “out there,” makgroup of them. Nonetheless, the vast “fear” as they would a prescription ing a kind of fool of myself, is the very number, maybe as many as 75%(?), of drug. They see anyone who would best thing I could be doing with my employees who walk by refuse to even stand on a corner with a sign in the time on these early fall mornings and glance at us. Many scowl as they turn early morning hours as crazy. “Why is afternoons. Were I religious, I might their heads. We scan each one of their this lunatic trying to make me think say that this vigiling thing is almost faces for a sign of warmth, of humanabout anything but my security and holy, almost a prayer. ity. If they make even a moment’s eye well-being?” You, Dear Reader, might consider contact, we greet them with a smile We “vigilers” are doing something joining us of a morning or afternoon. and a “good morning.” Then, most that few of them can even imagine Make a sign. Come on down. We’ll respond with a “good morning” of doing themselves. They know we are find a not-so-quiet street corner for their own. I often thank the ones who in opposition to an institution that you. offer a smile. �Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 LOCAL 5 4-Year Councilors Could Be More Focused, or Could Lose Touch LAURENCE BAIBAK Contributing Writer T he ballot in November will include a proposal to extend Cincinnati’s city council terms from two to four years. Critics say it will reduce accountability to the public, but supporters of the extended terms are hopeful councilors will pay more attention to doing their jobs than to keeping them if they’re not up for election every other year. Be it a race for local office or a national election, money is essential to campaigning. In the age of super PACs, it’s become a common complaint that politicians pay more attention to constituents with more money. And according to Gene Beaupre, Xavier University’s director of government relations, the less time our councilors spend fundraising, the more time they can spend attending to the needs of their low-income and homeless constituents, and to people less involved in the political process in general. “Politicians don’t campaign on something that’s going to happen in five or ten years,” he said. “They campaign on ‘making your streets safer today.’” Given a four-year term, councilors would be allowed enough time and security between campaigns to dive into more complicated topics, like poverty, infrastructure, and civil rights. Beaupre mentioned the argument that elections are effectively “report cards” on performance and that fewer elections could reduce accountability to the voters. But, he countered, that matters more in head-to-head races than in a city-wide 9X race like the one that produces Cincinnati’s city council. Such an election doesn’t seem sincere as a grading system, he said, because “traditionally, the incumbents and the people with name recognition are the ones that get elected or reelected.” Last year was an exception, he added, likely owed to the significant anti-SB5 turnout. Former County Commissioner and City Councilman David Pepper, however, remains concerned about accountability. According to Pepper, councilors tend to fall out of touch with citizens between elections. Speaking from his own experience, “it’s too easy,” he says, “for the politicians’ priorities to become their own projects, or the priorities of those with easy access to City Hall—as opposed to everyday voters’ needs.” He also points to “petty bickering and shifting alliances” among the councilors Council Chambers. Photo: Justin Jeffre. as a distraction that may only worsen if terms are extended. Frequent elections are the surest way to keep politicians in touch with the voices of their constituents, he says. “I never felt more ‘in tune’ than in the heart of a campaign—which is why I started knocking on doors even in the noncampaign year.” Pepper, a Democrat, is joined by the Hamilton County Republican Party in opposing four- year city council terms. The GOP is in favor of “a structural change in city govern- ment that is comprehensive and that would include districts and a more executive/accountable mayor,” but is “firmly opposed” to the term extension, calling it a “power-grab” and a reduction in accountability. Meanwhile, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, supports the extension, claiming it would “enable greater stability for decision making on City Council and give Council members more time to focus on longer term issues.” League of Women Voters: Vote Yes on Issue 2 JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor T he Community Issues Forum kicked off its 32nd season on Thursday, September 6th. The Forum featured a presentation by Ann Henkener from the League of Women Voters on Issue 2, the proposed Constitutional Amendment to change the way federal and state election districts are drawn in Ohio. Currently, state elected officials and the State Legislature redraw the federal and state election districts every ten years once new Census data is official. Following these guidelines means that state representatives of the party then in power draw the district lines in ways that favor the election of candidates from their party. It essentially allows politicians to pick their voters rather than voters having competitive elections that give them real choices. In 2011, the Republican Party’s blatant gerrymandering prompted the League of Women Voters, Common Cause and other reform groups to draft the proposed amendment that would eliminate this highly partisan approach. Issue 2 would institute an open process guided by a nonpartisan commission comprised of four Republicans, four Democrats, and four independents appointed by Ohio’s Appeals Court Judges. In open meetings that permit citizens to submit their ideas and plans, the Commission would adopt new districts based on criteria such as compactness, potential political competitiveness, and respect for existing communities. Gerrymandering is when the process of selecting electoral districts is used to establish a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating geographic boundaries to create partisan or incumbent-protected districts. The term was first used in Boston back in 1886 to describe how Governor Elbridge Gerry had signed a bill to redistrict Massachusetts to benefit his Democratic-Republican Party. One of the districts was carved into a shape that looked like a salamander. The term is a mashing of the governors name and the word salamander which was originally written Gerrymander. The non-partisan League of Women Voters has a long tradition of being a resource where voters can go to get unbiased information about candidates and issues. They even ran our Presidential debates until the Democrats and Republicans decided they wanted to control the debates themselves in the 1980’s. According to Henkener the League throughout the nation is now in the interesting position of being called very partisan on the issue of Gerrymandering. Henkener says that, “In every state across the nation one party is getting the short end of the deal when it comes to fair and competitive districts. And every party that is ending up with the short end of the stick is very reform minded. The LWV is also very reform minded so we work together.” She listed some examples. “In California Republicans were getting the short end of the deal so they supported the League’s reforms there. California ended up passing the reforms. In Florida the Democrats were getting the short end of the deal. So the Democrats became reform minded and supported the League’s reforms there which also passed. Generally whichever party doesn’t get the short end of the stick doesn’t think that reforms are necessary,” she said. Henkener says, “Theoretically our congressional maps are supposed to be drawn by the Ohio legislature. They are our representatives and are supposed to have the citizen’s best interest in mind.” But thanks to the public records request that was made by a coalition led by the League we know what really happened. The Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting (OCAR) released a comprehensive transparency report on Ohio’s redistricting process. The independent group graded state officials a D minus on transparency. The report, entitled, “The Elephant in the Room”, shows that decisions were not made in public. Public input was ignored and the public had limited opportunity to review proposed maps. The public was not provided with relevant data for proposed districts. Nonpartisan redistricting criteria were not used and the criteria used to evaluate plans were never publicly identified. It also documents: A concerted strategy of secrecy was employed which included use of a national consultant, secret meetings, and a secret redistricting office. The plan to shroud the process in secrecy was recommended early on by a national Republican consultant who advised state officials in a series of secret meetings. $210,000 was secretly paid to two Republican staffers. A downtown Double Tree hotel room they called “the bunker” was rented for three months to use as a secret redistricting office. Taxpayers were charged $10,000 for it. Speaker of the House John Boehner’s team was the primary decision maker for the congressional map. A last minute change was made to the congressional districts to honor a request from Boehner’s team to move the corporate headquarters of a major campaign contributor into a different congressional district. It took just 13 minutes for the request to be fulfilled. Republican officials believed that changes they made to state legislative districts could save them millions of dollars in future campaign expenses. Based on their own political indexes, Republican officials believed they created a congressional plan which would provide a 12 – 4 Republican advantage and a state legislative plan which would ensure their control of the legislature even if there were a strong Democratic year. Multiple maps were considered including pairings of Congressman Sutton and Fudge, Gibbs and Johnson, and Turner and Jordan. Requests by State Senator Chris Widener to keep Clark County in one congressional district were ignored because this would hurt the political index for Congressman Stivers’ district. A last minute change was made to split Mercer County into three congressional districts in order to move State Senator Keith Faber’s home from the 8th congressional district to the 4th congressional district. Many questions remain because many of the records requests have not been fulfilled. For example many asking: what lobbying did legislators and congressmen engage in for their districts? What congressional district plans have been proposed in private negotiations between Democratic and Republican politicians? How many other district boundaries were manipulated to raise campaign funds? What else was discussed in the political backrooms? Last year Issue 2 was a big issue about collective bargaining rights. Most voters voted No on 2. The League of Women Voters urges citizens to become informed about the issues on the November ballot and to vote YES on State Issue 2 this year. [Editors note: I sit on the Board of Common Cause Ohio.] For more information visit: www.lwvca.org �6 NATIONAL For Homeless, Mobiles Are A Life Line JESSE CALL The Contributor (USA) www.street-papers.org His daughter is in the hospital and is about to die. Her blood work shows she has diabetes but does not know it. He has finally landed a job if he can start later today. She might get a job if she can interview tomorrow morning. The river’s about to flood his campsite. She just got assaulted and robbed and needs help. These are circumstances that the homelessness can face each day, and without access to a mobile phone, such individuals may not get the information or help they need in time. Health care providers, career counselors and those living on the streets say that having access to a mobile phone is essential for the homeless. Federal and state governments have also long recognized mobile phone access as a need for those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Governments have teamed up with major cell phone service providers to offer free or low-cost cell phones to people with low incomes under the Lifeline Assistance Program. The Universal Service Fee that cell phone subscribers pay on their monthly bills covers the costs of the program, which was set up under a 1996 federal law. To qualify for a free mobile phone with 250 free minutes and 250 free SMS text messages, an applicant needs to show that his or her income falls below 35 percent above the federal poverty guidelines or that he or she is receiving other federal benefits such as SSI or food stamps. “People shouldn’t have to face the decision to pay for phone service or pay for food,” said Jack Pflanz, spokesperson for Assurance Wireless, one of the providers of the Lifeline Assistance Program in Tennessee. “In today’s society, I think it is essential that someone experiencing homelessness has access to phone service.” Tool for employment Critics of the homeless contend that an individual should be doing everything they legally can to bring in more income in order to ‘get back on their feet.’ For many, this means securing additional employment, a task that is particularly challenging in its own right but which can be further complicated by the lack of regular access to a phone. Unfortunately, most potential employers are not particularly understanding about the life circumstances of homeless people. Regardless of their housing status, these employers expect employees or potential employees to be available on short-term notice to complete interviews or show up for work. Most employers also expect employees to have his or her own phone number where he or she can be reached and can receive a message, according to local career trainers and counselors. “In today’s job market a job seeker must have an active email address and a reachable phone number,” said Connie Humphreys, career development manager of Davidson County at the Nashville Career Advancement Center. “It is not enough to provide this information on a résumé. The job seeker has to regularly check their email and phone for messages and respond immediately. If an employer is not able to reach the applicant or the applicant does not respond quickly to the employer’s call to set up an interview, the employer may assume that the person does not really want a job with their company.” This sentiment is echoed by the state-operated Tennessee Career Centers. “The easier you’re accessible, the better likelihood you have for getting a job interview,” said RJ Sherr, area manager for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He adds that being able to be reached at a moment’s notice for an interview should always be a prospective employee’s goal. Too often, however, people without regular phone access call back too late, and find out the position has been filled or they are no longer accepting interviews. “People shouldn’t have to face the decision to pay for phone service or pay for food ... In today’s society, it is essential that someone experiencing homelessness has access to phone service.” This is exactly why Debra Hyden, who currently homeless in Nashville, says she has a Lifeline Assistance Program phone. “For me, it’s to find a job,” she said while waiting for a meal from a local ministry. She says that the government-provided phones are the ones she sees most on the street and she expects most others also have them mainly to secure employment. Also waiting for a meal at the local ministry is a woman who recently graduated from Vanderbilt University but now finds herself homeless because she defaulted on her student loans. She says she does not currently have a cell phone but wants to know more about the Lifeline Assistance Program after overhearing Hyden talking about it. She agrees that having a cell phone would be helpful to her in finding a job and feeling more secure. Robert A., a veteran of the Marine Corps and vendor of Nashville’s Want to help fund Streetvibe’s Mission? Register your Kroger Plus Card! It’s easy. www.kroger. com/mykroger/ pages/ community_ rewards Register with your Kroger Plus Card number or use the phone number associated with the registered card. Our agency number is #82944 Forward this on to friends and family. This takes seconds...one time! You can help bring $100 of dollars for our agency. Each time you use your Kroger Plus Card we get 4% of that sale back. Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 street paper The Contributor who is currently living out of his truck, says that he recently applied at a local Social Security office to get a Lifeline phone. “I’m trying to get a job,” he explained, adding that the process for obtaining the phone is a lot of work in itself, which has kept him from having time to sell the paper and earn an income. Nevertheless, he says, having a phone will be worth the effort. Accessing health care Yet another reason that having access to a mobile phone can be essential to someone experiencing homelessness is that a phone enables more immediate access to medical care. “Phone service is important for maintaining health,” Pflanz at Assurance Wireless said. “Customers need to be in contact {Continued on page 7} with doc- �LOCAL Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 7 Ohio Justice & Policy Center celebrates its 15th anniversary JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor T he Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC) held its second annual fundraising dinner and celebrated the important work that they do. They have a small staff but they have been accomplishing big things when it comes to reforming our criminal justice system in order to make it more just. The OJPC works to rehabilitate incarcerated people. Their goal is to enable them to successfully reintegrate back into the community and -Al Gerhardstein {Continued from page 6} to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal justice system. “In Ohio we have 50,000 prisoners, 54% of them are black despite the fact that only 11% of Ohioans are black. The criminal rate of crimes for blacks is no higher than the rate of crimes by whites. We need to litigate, to advocate in a way that will reform the system and make it more fair,” said Al Gerhardstein. Gerhardstein founded the organization. At the end of 2011 Ohio’s prisons held 50,000 in a system that was deAl Gerhardstein speaks at OJPC’s annual dinner. Photo: Justin Jeffre signed to hold just 38,000. That same year Ohio became prisoner in American penal history to tor David Singleton “The whole state the first in the nation to sell a state win freedom from censorship. Over benefits when people leaving prison owned prison facility to a private have a better chance at becoming the next quarter century, he won corporation. The Corrections Corpohardworking, tax-paying citizens.” many of the nation’s highest journalration of America bought it for $72.7 The keynote speaker, Wilbert ism awards, including the prestigious million. Rideau, is a former inmate of 44 George Polk Award, for his outstandIn 2011 OJPC played a crucial role years in Louisiana State Penitentiary. ing contributions to public underin getting a Smart-on crime-Reform In 1976, Wilbert became editor of standing of the criminal justice and bill that was passed by the Ohio The Angolite, the prisoner-produced prison systems. Senate. According to OJPC’s direcnewsmagazine, and was the first Cricket is one of many companies offering such service. Reaching clients quickly can be essential in some circumstances, FriskicsWarren says, especially when laboratory work comes back and shows that a client has a condition that requires immediate treatment. “They may need serious and immediate attention and if we can’t find someone we can’t manage their condition,” he explained. Another circumstance that frequently arises at UNHS is when his organization is trying to help someone obtain the medicaLike many people experiencing homelesstion they need for free. ness and poverty, Patricia Reeves uses her “Medications of theirs cell phone daily to make calls and send texts. come in that we’ve Photo: Raven Lintu arranged for them to receive directly from tors, clinics and drug stores to be able the manufacturer through patient to get their prescriptions,” he said. assistance programs,” he said. “Being The staff at United Neighborable to reach folks is essential.” hood Health Services (UNHS), a local healthcare service provider that Create a safety net provides healthcare to those without insurance, agrees. While reaching clients for health “A great number of our patients care concerns is important, Friskicssuffer from multiple chronic condiWarren at UNHS says that another tions and they are often serious, so important need for people experiit’s important for us to be in contact encing homelessness is to be able to with them,” said Bill Friskics-Warbe reached by those who care about ren, who coordinates services for them. people experiencing homelessness “Family members will purchase at UNHS. “Fortunately, a lot of folks cell phones and put some minutes on have the government-issued Assurthem so they can know that they are ance phones and a lot of folks have safe and OK during their time on the Cricket phones,” he said, referring to streets,” Friskics-Warren said. the inexpensive prepaid cell phones “It’s all about relationships for that do not require service contracts, people that live in poverty. That’s which he says some of his clients use. how they survive,” added Debbie Grant, E & T development coordinator at Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, who also serves as chairwoman of the Nashville Coalition for the Homeless. “So their cell phone may be to call a best friend or family member because that’s going to be the person that can come and help them.” While she believes that access to a cell phone helps Goodwill’s clients get jobs, she also says the access to support from others that a phone provides is key. “Just having a viable means of communication is more important,” she said. Having a cell phone also helps keep families in touch, particularly for single parents who do not get to see their children all the time. Charlie Edward Keyes, who is also homelessness in Nashville, says he uses his phone to speak with his kids in Louisiana. Pflanz at Assurance Wireless also tells the story of a man who became homeless after being laid off during the auto industry meltdown and how he used his phone to secure new employment and stay in touch and arrange meetings with his kids under a shared custody agreement. Access to a mobile phone is also good for reaching out during emergencies. “People might see me holding a lot of ones and mistake me for having a lot of money,” Robert A. said. “What if they decided to rob me?” Web and email access Having a government-issued or cheap prepaid cell phone is one thing for critics, but often it’s the quality of the phone that seems to bother them the most. On Twitter, “Alex Ferrari” (@ amferrari1), from Nashville, wrote: “At a red light on my way home a guy selling the contributor (paper homeless people sell in Nashville) pulls out a iPhone and makes a call…” Similarly, “Annelise Walley” (@ AnneliseWalley) wrote: “I was about to give this homeless guy on the street some money. Then I saw him pull his iPhone out of his sock. #Nashville.” One Twitter user took it a step further. “Mark Hobson” (@matchstickmgmt), also from Nashville, wrote: “If you have an iPhone, you shouldn’t be allowed to sell the contributor. #fact.” However, as more and more employers are requiring immediate Internet and email access, having a smartphone is becoming more than a luxury for those on the street. “One of the reasons a cell phone is important is so an employer can get back in touch with a person,” Grant at Goodwill said. “However, more and more employers are using the computer and job applications that require an email address.” Most free or prepaid phones have very limited web capabilities, making checking email and accessing online applications difficult or impossible. Thus, people without Internet access on their phones have to resort to using public computers like those at the library or outreach organizations, which often limit access to traditional work hours, as well as the amount of time one can spend at a computer before it’s the next person’s turn. Humphreys at NCAC echoes the need for people seeking employment to be able to check and respond to emails throughout the day. “If the jobseeker doesn’t respond quickly to an interview invitation, they may not respond to the calls and messages from customers, which will result in poor customer service,” she said about employer expectations. Thus, jobseekers that are able to purchase a smartphone may be making an investment that will-with time, and perhaps a new job-pay off. �8 INTERNATIONAL Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 World Record Attempts REUTERS Staff writer Four hundred and eighty-five children from the Training Resource and Care for Kids (T.R.A.C.K.S), a charity for single mothers and children, took part in a peace march in an attempt to create a Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of people dressed as Mahatma Gandhi. Photo: REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri Children hug trees as they attempt a Guinness World Record for the most number of people hugging trees for two minutes in Kathmandu 2011. 879 people took part in the event, which was held on World Environment Day to spread the message of saving the environment. Photo: REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar A total of 3,110 students from Nanjing Agricultural University broke the Guinness World Record for World Largest Smiley Face in April 2012, overtaking the last world record of 2,961 volunteers in Canada on July 2011, local media reported. Photo: REUTERS/Sean Yong The highest number of riders on a single wave at Muizenberg in Cape Town, 2010. Surfers posted an unofficial tally of 95 riders standing on a single wave for more than five seconds but failed to beat the record of 110. Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings December 17, 2011, Fifty thousand candles were lit in Praca do Comercio, Lisbon’s downtown square, as part of an attempt by non-governmental organization Terra dos Sonhos (Land of Dreams) Photo: REUTERS/Hugo Correia �Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 POLITICS 9 Chicago teachers fight for kids MIKE CANNON Contributing Writer Earlier this month, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) launched its first strike in 25 years. At a time when strikes seems more like a historical throwback than a modern tactic of a weak labor movement, their showdown with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanual sparked a heated debate over the future of public education. Faced with imminent school closures and layoffs after a summer of stalled negotiations, on September 10th teachers decided to walk-off the job. The source of the frustration felt by teachers, and many parents and students, is an aggressive school “reform” agenda championed by both Republicans and Democrats. One of the key features of this plan is increasing the number of “charter” schools (schools which are privately managed, but with public funds). Teachers argued that not only are charter schools no more effective than traditional public schools, but putting education in the hands of private corporations reduces community oversight and accountability. The city has also been pushing for “standardized tests” to be used as measures for a teacher’s performance. CTU responded that, not only are these tests not good measures of learning, but student performance cannot be the sole responsibility of teachers. Many children in Chicago suffer from malnutrition, domestic abuse, and neighborhood violence, no doubt affected their school performance. Chicago’s unelected school board (CPS) and their allies sought to paint CTU as greedy and lazy, concerned only with increasing their salaries and protecting bad teachers. Faced with this PR smear campaign, the union mobilized its members to forge ties with communities and neighborhoods throughout Chicago, both to express their own message, but to also hear the concerns of parents and students. Through grassroots organizing, the teachers and their community Photo: Mike Cannon partners were able to put forward a broader vision of quality education for all. While state law prohibits the union from striking over many issues, the union leadership made it clear that the strike was also about smaller classes sizes, more art and music classes for kids, more social workers to council troubled students, and air conditioners in classrooms. As one fifth grade teacher put it, “Our struggle has not just been about simply a contract...This has been about returning power to where it belongs: amongst the working people and the communities they serve.” During the seven-day strike, it was hard to walk two blocks without running into a crowd of red-shirted union supporters cheering and passing cars honking with approval. Polls showed a clear majority of Chicagoans supported the teachers in their fight. This was despite media portrayals of teachers as incompetent and over-paid. After over a week, the city finally agreed to negotiate in good faith and teachers were able to sign-off on a deal filled with many small victories. Although the union did not win all of its demands, important concessions were won. CTU was able to secure “recall rights” for many laid-off teachers. This means when new teaching positions open up, jobless teachers get priority. CPS will also be investing funds into AC units for classrooms and standardized test scores will no longer be the major factor in teaching performance evaluations. As several union officials have said, “this strike is not the end, but the beginning”. A number of schools are slated to close in November and CTU aims to build on the strike momentum and force the Mayor to back down yet again. At a time when labor unions are weaker than ever and wages for working class Americans have been stagnate for decades, this strike victory could mark a turning point for the American labor movement. The teachers of Chicago remind us that when communities band together and fight, they win. Photo: Mike Cannon CCM Drama students celebrate the Occupy Movement on OWS’s anniversary Photo: Justin Jeffre Photo: Justin Jeffre JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor O n September 17th drama students at CCM marked the anniversary of Occupy Wall Street by acting out the words of people that have been a part of the movement. Some of the students participated in the movement in NY and in other cities including right here in Cincinnati. The students conducted interviews with people that were a part of Occupy Wall Street and off shoots like Occupy Cincinnati. They say they want to conduct more interviews and have more performances of the evolving piece they are creating. They say there are plans in the works to do another performance of the piece in Piatt Park, possibly on an anniversary of arrests in the park. As part of its educational mission, CCM Drama encourages community engagement by actors in the program. They train artists to ask big questions while searching for larger answers. The show was a partnership with CCM Drama and The Civilians for #S17 Occupy. Occupy Cincinnati kicked off on October 8th in Lytle Park. The work of these students is proof that the spirit of the occupy movement is still very much alive here in Cincinnati even if it now takes a different forms of expression. �10 INTERNATIONAL Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 In Greece, People Demand Dignity There’s another reason too. Some politicians tell you that the cause of our economic problems in America is that “jobs are going to China.” Not many seem to worry about who buys the stuff that American workers produce. Europe is an important American trading partner. If European workers can’t buy American goods, then who will? China? Most Chinese generally live at a lower standard of living, so that’s not a good answer. Think about it. If Europe continues on its current road, let’s say that a serious financial crisis develops, that would affect America. The people of Greece have put up a stop sign. Enough is enough, in America, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Streetvibes: What is it like for the common person to be a Greek today? Taki Manolakos speaks at Clifton Cultural Arts Center Sunday September 23, 2012. Photo: Justin Jeffre Streetvibes: What is the importance of the Greek situation for Americans? Taki: An important aspect of daily life for many is the tyranny of loneliness and poverty. Our rulers and the governments they control have imposed this tyranny in order to preserve institutions that serve their economic interests. We must break out of our isolation and reestablish our basic dignity as people and we cannot do it alone. Winning the fight for dignity depends on understanding events beyond our shores. It’s a fundamental idea that has a noble genealogy in America going back to Thomas Paine and W.E.B. Du Bois, who I consider great American thinkers. Taki: Greeks live in difficult times. The country has always been poor when compared to the other nations of Europe. Today the situation is unbearable. Consider that unemployment is roughly the same as it was in America during the Great Depression of the 1930s. That gives you an idea of problem and suffering of the Greek people. Many Greeks simply don’t have jobs. The country is facing an economic catastrophe. Every day is just a battle for survival. Will I have enough money to buy food? Will my kids be hungry? Many people are leaving the country in search of work. Others move in with their parents to cut down on rent. For these and other reasons, working class folk have reached their breaking point and started to defend themselves. Even the “middle class” is suffering. I don’t mean rich people that live in wealthy areas, closed off from the rest of the world. These are people who may run a small business selling not much more than laundry detergent and cigarettes. The result has been social unrest. This spirit of rebellion takes many forms. Recently, the government decided it was going to levy a new tax. It decided to use the electricity company as a collection agency. A new charge appeared on everyone’s electric bill. If you couldn’t pay, then the government would shut off your electricity. Lots of people simply refused to pay. When the electric company showed up and attempted to turn off their power, people refused to let them into their homes. There was nothing that the power company could do about it. There were and are lots of strikes by the unions. Workers of the Greek equivalent of the New York Times have been on strike for a long time now and the paper has not printed a single edition in months. {Continued on page 11} Social media gives voice to Berlin’s homeless After 26 years of sporadically living on the streets, Helmut Richard Brox chose to share his experience through a website, which offers advice, help and hope to Germany’s homeless. Four years on, its success has won him a nomination for the ‘Deutschen Engagement Preis’ (German Prize for Civic Engagement). He reflects on the nomination, Berlin and how the internet can help people in need. ANNE JULIANE WIRTH Staff Writer Strassenfeger (Germany) www.streetnewsservice.org H elmut Richard Brox is homeless - and dedicated. The computer in the internet cafe is buzzing; the sound of monotone typing is occasionally punctuated by mouse clicks. A man with glasses, light grey hair and three-day stubble sits hypnotised by a computer screen. His fingers fly over the keyboard. Skilfully, he uses search engines, answers e-mails, blogs, updates information on his three websites, sends links and generally greets the digital world. Helmut Richard Brox is well connected. He has a proud 31 Facebook subscribers and 119 follow him on Twitter. The fact that this media man is homeless is not something the other customers probably realise. Yet, Helmut Richard Brox has lived for over 26 years - with sporadic intermissions - on the street. Helmut Richard Brox has been nominated for the ‘Deutschen Engagement Preis’ (German Prize for Civic Engagement) for his work with fellow homeless people in Germany. Photo: Helmut Richard Brox The 48-year-old identifies himself as someone who has intentionally opted to be homelessness be there during the day.” On a rainy day in NoFrom then on Brox saved money for visits to and moves from place to place. The Mannheimer vember, Brox sought refuge in an internet cafe on the internet cafe. Later he began to expand his was also on the move in Berlin. “The capital is Kurfürstendamm. There he met a pair from ‘The website to include an information portal. “I got a the friendliest city in Germany,” he assures. Good Chaos Computer Club,’ who introduced the long kick out of it. After a while it began to look more friends and a “fling in Hellersdorf” as well as visits term homeless man to the digital world by creating professional,” he says proudly. At www.ohnewohto the internet cafe has shaped his residence there. an e-mail address and website for him. nung-wasnun.de and www.woundwie.blog.de he “So many people are living on the poverty identifies safe homeless spaces throughout the “I got a kick out of it” line, are isolated and feel embarrassed - I want to whole of Germany, blogs about his life and offers give them a voice. With my website everyone should advice to fellow homeless people. Over 900 ad“In 1999 I learnt how to use a computer and the be able to find a way back into civic life.” dresses are available World Wide Web. I slept in a shelter but couldn’t {Continued on page 12} �Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 INTERNATIONAL 11 From In Greece {Continued from page 10} The entire society has been gripped by a new common sense that the current situation can’t continue. It’s everywhere. Streetvibes: Do you see the European Union and Greece being able to reconcile their differences and bring about an end to the crisis? Streetvibes: The European Union’s financial institutions have imposed budget cuts on Greece, how have the Greek people responded? Taki: The road out of the crisis will not be found in financial and political negotiations between Greek politicos and European technocrats. Greece must refuse to pay the usurers. The people have rejected supposedly progressive political parties that sold them out and the rotten political system. But it is not enough for political parties that actually have the people’s interests at their core to win the elections, like the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), although that is a must. What is now needed is a democratic alliance of patriots, leftists and people of character to take the country off the road to catastrophe. Those who sold the country to the EU technocrats, the International Monetary Fund, that great credit bureau of the international banking system have no place on this new road. Taki: People have responded with individual initiatives like the “we won’t pay” movement. But they realize that there is no individual solution to what is basically a national problem. They have organized in new and old ways geared towards defending the people’s interests. The Greek island of Crete is a good example. The island is one of Greece’s largest and sits between Greece and Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has a rich history of resistance to occupation by foreign forces. During the Second World War, it was a hotbed of Greek resistance against the Nazis. I visited a small village that was the site of a notable massacre by the Germans during WWII. A neo-Nazi party called Golden Dawn attempted to enter the village during election season to campaign for their candidates. The villagers would have nothing to do with it. The idea that neo-Nazis might enter the village was treasonous to the locals. Everyone knows about the Nazi occupation; everyone knows a story about someone’s grandfather who died during the resistance. Old folk tell these stories to their grandchildren. The general sentiment was clear: my grandfather died fighting Nazis, and you fools have the nerve to try to enter my village. The outcome was that virtually the entire village gathered when Golden Dawn attempted to enter the main square and forbade them from proceeding. They departed with their tails between their legs. “The Global Frackdown” in Piatt Park There also has to be productive reconstruction. The European Union has destroyed Greece economically. There must be a nationwide discussion on such reconstruction. All must participate in this discussion: Greek and foreign scientists, government agencies, trade unions, cooperatives, small businesses, on a nationwide scale, assemblies of the people and workers. Their findings can be placed before the voters in a referendum. But we need to move quickly. If we merely wait for the great day to come, all we will get are tanks in the wee hours of the morning. Streetvibes: Thanks for your time and for giving us your insights on what is happening in Greece. In order to extract the gas they drill holes thouan On September 22nd sands of feet about 40 people gathered down into at Piatt Park for an antithe ground. fracking rally. Greenpeace Then the along with Food and Water Watch drilling goes and Southwest Ohio No Frack Forum horizontally organized the event which was part of for thousands the first international demonstration of feet more. against fracking. Millions of At the beginning of the rally gallons of organizers instructed people to call water are their representatives on the Gas and mixed with Energy Committee and demand a toxic chemipublic hearing on a Bill related to cals and silica fracking. “I put in the number and at sand. These September 22, 2012 Environmentalist march from Piatt Park to City Hall. Photo: Anna Bentley. first I heard a recorded message from high pressure someone from the Global Frackdown fluids along repeating the instructions. And then I with explosive the fluids, but Ohio hasn’t. Now Ohio Council members Wendell was connected to the voice mail of my charges fracture the shale which has become a dumping ground for Young, Laurie Quinlivan and Vice representative,” said Ellen Beirhorst a releases the gas and it bubbles up to their wastewater. Half of the fracking Mayor Roxanne Qualls spoke at the local activist. wastewater being injected into Ohio’s rally. City Council passed an ordithe surface. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) well sites comes from out of state, innance banning the injection of waste They use as many as 750 chemiis a technique used to extract natural cluding Pennsylvania and as far away on any land in the city. The city’s cals which are “trade secrets” but shale-gas from below the Earth’s suras Texas. lawyers cleverly got around a 2004 the ones we know about are known face. The Marcellus Shale is a massive carcinogens. Where the toxic fracking Food and Water Watch coordiState law prohibiting municipalities underground geological formation nator Alison Auciello spoke about from keeping wastewater injection fluids go isn’t entirely known. States that stretches from parts of New York like Pennsylvania and New York a “Haliburton Loophole” which wells out by making no mention of through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West exempted power companies from gas. Other municipalities are now folhave banned wastewater injection Virginia, Tennessee and Virginia. regulations from the Safe Drinking lowing Cincinnati’s lead. wells which are used to dispose of Water Act and Clean Air Act. She said Wendell Young, who sponsored the Ohio Department of National the ordinance, said he did for selfish Resources was given sole power to reasons. “I want clean air, water and determine policies related to oil and soil,” he said. “When you gather, it gas and, “They are totally on the side makes it easy for elected representaof the industry.” tives to champion this cause.” Auciello said the state of Ohio According to the Ohio Departwants to frack on public lands like ment of Natural Resources, the injecstate parks in order to generate tion of fracking waste into a disposal revenue. “Governor Kasich’s recent well Youngstown caused 11 recent energy bill rolls out the red carpet for earthquakes here in Ohio. And in July the oil and gas industry,” she said. 19 year old Paul Sherman was killed Cincinnati’s geology isn’t suited in an explosion at a fracking well in for fracking, but it does make us a Bolivar, Ohio. prime location for waste wells. The Father Neil Pezzulo, the Vicar majority of Cincinnati’s water comes General of the Glenmary Home from the Ohio River, but the CincinMissioners said, “God said care for nati Water Works does have a plant creation.” Adding, “We who are on the Great Miami Aquifer which privileged must speak up for the rural is highly vulnerable to waste water poor who are too busy just surviving injection. to speak up for themselves.” Wendell Young speaks at Global Frack Down Rally in Piatt Park, September 22, 2012. Photo: Anna Bentley. JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor D �12 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 Remembering Larry Gibson When I visited in 2010 it stood as the tallest mountain in the area, but 20 years before, it was the opposite. The mining executives made good on a only met Larry Gibson once. promise one of them made to Larry It was on his mountain, in his in the early 90s: that if you don’t sell, little cabin, huddled close to a Kayford will become “like an island” wood burning stove. We were visiting coal country, and preparing to in an ocean. That’s not a good way to put bring the knowledge we learned back it. Below the surface of oceans, the to school, so we could fight against waters are teeming with life, with the coal plant on Miami University’s intricate cosmos of organisms well campus. He explained to us his story, suited to their environment, where a indelibly intertwined with the story precarious balance of nature is like of the Appalachian mountains. And an intimate ballet. The water in the he gave us an ultimatum, Larry, executive’s metaphor is today, more nicknames “keeper of the mountains,” like the surface of the moon. Barren didn’t want to talk to us if we weren’t and grey, the only indication of life is going to do something about the the human footprint left behind in the mountains; we had to promise we form of mining machines and their weren’t wasting his time. When he Larry Gibson showing the damage to the landscape. Photo: Ben Stockwell. died in early September, it was a blow tracks. Larry didn’t want any of that, not for his mountain, and not for any to the environmental movement that to the “Gates of Hell”, where his that can also, incidentally, grow on of the others. seems almost impossible to recover property ended and the mines began, concrete. Driving up to Larry’s Place, you from. we were finally able to appreciate the But this isn’t happening without Kayford mountain, the homestead wouldn’t know that there was any devastation caused by mountaintop a fight, and Larry was a monolith in mining taking place, with the worst of Larry’s family, and where he had removal coal mining. environmental activism. His motto, offenders hidden behind untouched a small cabin appropriately named The process occurs in three “Love Them or Leave Them, Just mountains along the highways and “Larry’s Place,” stood at the center stages. First, the mountain is cleared Don’t Destroy Them,” is a reminder gulch roads. When Larry took us of the mountaintop removal debate. of all vegetation. Usually trees that that we’re not just fighting against would be harvested and sold the horrible practices of the mining elsewhere are bulldozed into the companies, but that we’re fighting to valleys. When the brush is all preserve a kind of nature that today cleared, and all that’s left is a lifeless is commodified and missing from mound of dirt, and core sample our daily experience, probably for drilling has determined the depth of the worse. Larry lived in the middle the coal seams, the layers of earth of the best and worst of all of this. As are peeled away one by one until the steward of Kayford, he lived in a a seam of coal is extracted. Once sublime wilderness, and just a half that seam is mined, the process is mile or so in any direction was his repeated over and over until the reminder of just how far capitalism costs (monetarily) are too great. Of was willing to go to reap enormous course, the environmental costs are profits. huge. When the coal is exhausted Though he stood just over 5 feet the mountain is supposed to be tall, his presence was remarkable. returned to its “approximate His courageousness in the face of original contour.” This means immense pressure has inspired a taking the mixture of rocks and dirt whole generation of young activists and waste generated along the way, to always stand up for what is right, and packing down the mountain, I know it did it for me. There was no if it can still be called that. Entire way I could go home and do nothing, ecosystems are destroyed, the and I still haven’t shaken the question topsoil is gone, and nothing can live “who has to suffer so we can keep the there except for the invasive turf Larry Gibson taking a stand on his land. Photo: Ben Stockwell. lights on?” We all stand BEN STOCKWELL Contributing Writer I From Social Media {Continued from page 10} and he has personally visited most of the establishments. The maintenance of his website is paid for through donations and out of his own pocket. Robbed and beaten Estimations by the Federal Association for the Homeless in 2010 show that around 248,000 people in Germany are homeless. The fact that life on the street is dangerous is something Helmut Richard Brox has personally experienced. He grew up in a children’s home before he choose the streets and fell into drug addiction. The vicious cycle of theft, drug crime and violence can only be avoided by the few. Yet, Brox made it through his addiction. In 2009 when he was on a street in Alsace he was robbed by youths, beaten up and badly injured. As a result of the attack Brox sustained a locomotor disorder, which still affects him. Furthermore, he has been affected by Morbus Scheuermann, a growth disorder of the spine: “My friend had it a lot worse. After a knife attack he had to have an emergency operation.” Brox has learned from this: he no longer chooses to sleep on a park bench. Despite all this, it’s clear to him that, “In the many years that I have lived on the streets, many people have helped me.” “An exemplary role model” The internet has changed his life. And now he wants to give something back with his website. “Finally I have a mission and can utilise other people. Brox is online daily for 1 to 2 hours and receives up to 40 e-mails. “A short while ago a young man called me wanting to know what was going to become of him in the future.” Brox likes to give tips and on this occasion he gave the advice, “See that you give out as little as possible. The less the outside world sees, the greater your protection.” Nothing on the streets is more important that total anonymity. Brox has to thank Klaus-Dieter May, the founder of the citizen initiative in Berlin ‘For Fairness against harassment,’ for nominating him for the 2012 ‘Deutschen Engagement Preis’ in May. The distinction appreciates people, organisations and businesses as well as administrations that show they are dedicated to civic causes. “Brox is a good and exemplary role model,” says May. “He deserves recognition, attention and support for his selfless dedication. “ The prize winners will be announced on the 5 December 2012, but Helmut Richard Brox is already profiting from the award. He gives interviews and has more site views than ever before. “The nomination means far more to me,” he says. “So many people are living on the poverty line, are isolated and feel embarrassed - I want to give them a voice. With my website everyone should be able to find a way back into civic life.” Translated from German into English by Nina Smith. �Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 LOCAL 13 Cyclists Own The Road Too! was a ghost bike that had been painted all white that served as a memorial. There they shared a moment of silence and a touching n September 4th about 550 moment of remembrance with his cyclists rode on what they family. called a ghost ride to pay The ghost ride and ghost bike their respects to the life of ceremony were organized by the fellow cyclist, Andrew Gast, and to Cincinnati Cycle Club, MoBo Bicycle raise awareness about safety. Gast Co-op and Queen City Bike. The was an Over-the-Rhine resident that Cincinnati Cycle Club president, was fatally struck by a motorists near John Chester, told the family and Lunken Airport on Wilmer Ave on the crowd that he had seen troubling August 28th. He was only 27 years comments on the internet that old. blamed Gast for the accident because The ghost ride began at 6:30PM he was riding in the road and not on at Lunken airport and went along the bike trail. ““He had every single Eastern Ave all the way to Gast’s right in the world to do what he was Memorial to Andrew Gast, killed while riding his bike on August 28th. home in OTR. As they rode back to doing,” he said. And, “God bless Photo: Justin Jeffre Wilmer Ave the weather was nice and you, Andrew.” as the sun was beginning to set there The bike trail gets rough was a light mist. Unfortunately many motorists don’t along that section and cyclists are When they arrived where the know that cyclists are supposed legally allowed to ride on the road. tragic accident had occurred there to ride on the road and not on sidewalks. Many cyclists say they encounter angry motorists that come dangerously close to them and yell at them for being on the roads. Chester mentioned that on the for a long time to raise awareness ride back from OTR there was an for motorists and cyclists that they elderly lady that had a sign that said, need to share the roads and be extra “I hope you enjoy your ride on God’s cautious because too often accidents bike path.” Then another cyclist can be fatal. An emotional Chester nearby said, “It’s all downhill in said, “I hope I don’t need to attend heaven.” another one of these ever again.” The Gast’s family thanked the crowd bike remained locked to a sign with a for being there to show their support helmet on it. and told them that it was helping Cincinnati has been adding bike them heal. Gast’s father said that if trails and signage in an effort to make it had happened to somebody else he the city more bicycle-friendly. A lot would have been at the rally for them. more work needs to be done so that Organizers said they hoped we don’t see more tragedies. the ghost bike would remain there More than 500 cyclists turned out for the Ghost Ride. Photo: Justin Jeffre JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor O �14 STREET VOICE Michael’s gone His fans felt all alone, When the world heard Michael was gone. The greatest entertainer in the world, I will always be his girl. Michael should never had been alone, Too bad he couldn’t pick up the phone, Too bad Michael’s gone. His big heart, that one and only voice His smile that always dazzled the crowd. His footwork and spins, no one could touch him, He would always win. The world has lost his wonderful songs. He would always make us feel we were never alone when he would sing his songs. Music history has lost its place Without Michael’s special face His beautiful eyes could make you cry. Too bad Michael had to die. He died so sad, OD’d in his bed. It all started when he got burned on his head. Looks like Mike lost that fight, that night. When I heard he had died, I just cried, cried, cried He really was like a family member Growing up with him I’ll always remember. He was like a songbird with outreach from a far We have lost a shining star He is finally back with the Lord. God watched over his humming bird. Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 Appreciation is a word that can be reckoned with Appreciation is something we often times consider a myth Appreciation is something I give to God each day for my living above ground And for his blessing of putting people in my life so stable and sound To understand just what it is that I as a person need to honestly appreciate And to know that my mission of appreciation will not be a simple piece of cake Through being jailed and being homeless, not to mention in the world all by myself I’ve learned to appreciate the hand that God to me has gracefully dealt I’ve learn to never forget the past and look forward to each day even though not promised I’ve learned to forgive but not forget and stop being a doubting Thomas I recognize and therefore appreciate the changes my life has ultimately taken I’ve learned to appreciate my faults, for without them there would be no lesson I’ve learned to recognize my short comings and now I appreciate God’s Almighty Blessings By Willa Denise Jones, Streetvibes Distributor STREETVIBES CROSSWORD PUZZLE #001 From: puzzlechoice.com By Kim Green, Streetvibes Distributor Across 37. Bill of fare 1. Snakelike fish 38. Napkin 4. Assist in crime 39. Quartz used in cameos 8. Particle 66. Halo 49. Infer 4. Simian 67. Defamation 50. Tree with conelike fruit 5. Pandemonium 12. Imitate 40. Used to control a horse 13. Fruit 41. As well 14. Pulsate 42. High mountain 70. Medieval land worker 16. Bad time for Julius 43. Fraud 71. Hinge joint 54. Chew 17. Border 45. Each 72. Conifer 55. Buddy 18. Wipe out 47. Cereal grass seeds 56. Wading bird 19. Laconic 48. Paddle 33. Woodwind instrument 21. Sediment 49. Aromatic herb 23. Additional to or different from 50. Fitting 24. Attempt 25. Slightly open 27. Cut down 29. Form of transport 30. Vitality 31. Fuss 34. Study of plants 51. Champion 52. Droop 55. Tablet 58. Aspersion 60. Languish 62. Residence 64. In the middle 68. Shade of blue 69. Pack tightly 34. Male hog 35. Merely 36. Variety 37. Coalesce 40. Saloon 41. Be unwell 43. Jump 44. Annual grass seeds 45. Melody 46. Gambit 51. Person 52. Fry quickly in fat 53. Pointer 57. Part of the ear 59. Long and thin 61. Facile 63. Mischievous fairy 65. Staining substance Down 1. Type of duck 6. Avid 7. Woody plant 8. Consumed 9. Tossed 10. Unwritten exam 11. Flowerless plant 12. Glove 15. Insect 20. Yield 22. Tibia 26. Crested bird 28. Flightless bird 29. Charge 2. Mineral used as 30. Animal doctor, in short an abrasive 31. Fit 3. Not as great 32. Saucer �Shelter: Women and Children Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 15 RESOURCES Sept. 28-Oct. 11, 2012 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Other Resources Prospect House 921-1613 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Starting Over 961-2256 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Treatment: Women Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Shelter: Both First Step Home 961-4663 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Lighthouse on Highland 961-4080 2522 Highland Ave., Cinti., OH. 45219 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 569-9500 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services 751-0643 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Northern Kentucky Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 St. Francis Soup Kitchen Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 535-2719 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org �16 Sept. 28-Oct.11, 2012 CODE OF CONDUCT STREETVIBES IS DISTRIBUTED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASE THE PAPER FOR 50 CENTS PER COPY AND SELL IT FOR A $1.50 DONATION, KEEPING THE PROFIT THEY HAVE EARNED. BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR IS A GREAT WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY POOR TO GET BACK ON (OR STAY ON) THEIR FEET. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME FOR THOSE UNABLE TO SECURE OTHER EMPLOYMENT. MONEY EARNED HELPS MEET BASIC HOUSING, FOOD AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS. THE PROGRAM IS A HAND UP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE OFTEN IN A PLACE OF GETTING ONLY A HAND OUT, OR EVEN NO HAND AT ALL. ALL DISTRIBUTORS WEAR A BADGE AND CAN BE FOUND SELLING THE PAPER IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, CLIFTON, NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND AREA CHURCHES. CURRENT DISTRIBUTORS ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 DOUGLAS JONES SINCE 5/2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. Distributors will never buy papers from and/ or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own well-being and income. Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARK ANTHONY SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MICHAEL BEHYMER SINCE 2/2012 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 TERRY RANSON SINCE10/2008 TIM NEUMANN NEW 7/2011 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 For questions or comments pertaining to the distributor program contact: Jeni Jenkins, Distributor Program Manager. Ph:513.421.7803 Ext. 14 jenijenkins@cincihomeless.org Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2012 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 28-October 11, 2012 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Improperly Charged Pg 3: Tavis Smiley and Cornell West’s Poverty Tour 2.0 Standin’ on the Corner Watching all the Girls Suits Go By Pg 4: Natalie Portman Campaigns for Obama at Union Terminal Pg 5: 4-Year Councilors Could Be More focused, or Could Lose Touch League of Women Voters: Vote Yes on Issue 2 Pg 6: For Homeless, Mobiles are a Life Line Pg 7: Ohio Justice & Police center Celebrates its 5th Anniversary Pg 8: World record Attempts Pg 9: Chicago Teachers Fight for Kids Pg 10: In Greece, People Demand Dignity Social Media Gives Voice to Berlin’s Homeless Pg 11: Greece Continued Pg 12: Remembering Larry Gibson Pg 13: Cyclists Own the Road Too! Pg 14: Street Voice Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 28-October 11, 2012 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Jim Luken Willa D. Jones Ben Stockwell Jason Haap Laurence Baibak Kim Green Mike Cannon Jesse Call Reuters Staff Writer Anne Juliana Wirth Anna Bently Rupak De Chowdhuri Navesh Chitraker Sean Young Mike Hutchings Hugo Correia Helmut Richard Brox Raven Lintu Briggsandtort.com Sodancapassion.blogsport.com Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Anna Bently Anna Louise Inn Anne Juliana Wirth Barack Obama Ben Stockwell Briggsandtort.com Chicago Cincinnati Cornell West Cyclists Fracking Greece Helmut Richard Brox Hugo Correia Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jesse Call Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Larry Gibson Laurence Baibak Leslie Moorhead Mike Cannon Mike Hutchings Natalie Portman Navesh Chitraker Ohio Ohio Justice & Policy Center Pete Roper police brutality poverty Protests Raven Lintu Reuters Staff Writer Rupak De Chowdhuri Sean Young Social Media Sodancapassion.blogsport.com Tavis Smiley Teachers Union Terminal Vote Voters Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/e42a4245bcdbf20f56d3b6a6412e73e7.pdf 3fd0245dfc5576a324a51cb85e1da54f PDF Text Text September 11th -September 24th 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 19 (No. 312) advocating justice | Building community Police Chief Blackwell discusses his termination with Streetvibes | 11 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Photo Series: The Art of War | 8-9 Are Income-Based Fines More Fair? | 7 Cincinnati’s TASER Policy Needs to Change | 5 “Me and the Grandmas of Baghdad” : A Book Review |3 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL The Words We Choose Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 JOSH SPRING D Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, Executive Director r. Carolyn Jenkins started the Xavier School of Social Work; bringing it over from Edgecliff College. While at Xavier Dr. Jenkins taught us many ways to process systems, look at the world and act accordingly. One of those lessons I remember often was about language. Dr. Jenkins was passionately adamant that language is of tremendous importance. The words we choose to use when talking or writing affect people and situations and therefore we should put care into intelligently and empathetically choosing them. We should consider how the listener or reader will understand those words and what they will communicate. I often find myself wishing that other folks had benefitted from this lesson as well. I think of this especially in regard to reporters, journalists, politicians, speakers, social workers, etc. I don’t mean this in a way to say that people are always saying the wrong things or that I know exactly what the right things are. I simply mean that too often it seems people choose words that over-generalize and over-dramatize descriptions of situations, not considering that some people will actually interpret the information incorrectly as a result. In the case of reporters and politicians these careless word choices advocating justice and building can lead people to be afraid when not needed or comfortable with injustice. People will say this focus on language is “splitting hairs” or argumentative. I don’t think so though. We should care about people enough to choose words that most accurately describe a person or situation and that will be received most accurately. We should be willing to think several steps beyond the words we choose to figure how they may affect the future. Fights, violence, arguments, admiration, trust, distrust, hate, anger, happiness can all be sprouted incorrectly with the carless choice of words. ------------------------ Save the Date! The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition invites you to our Annual Dinner December 9th at The Syndicate community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Michelle Dillingham Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Chris Fowler 18 E 5th St, Newport, KY 41071 (859) 491-8000 Steve Reams Charles Carpenter Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Jim Luken, Bill Woods, Janis Dutton, Jason Haap, Marian Spencer, Ricardo Taylor, Willa Denise Jones, Kim Green Photography/Artwork: Joe Wilson, Justin Jeffre, Aimee Willhoite, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 One Amazing Grandma - “Me and the Grandmas of Baghdad” by Martha Stephens: A Book Review JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer I first met the 78­year­old author of this book at an Occupy Cincinnati outdoor general assembly (meeting) in the spring of 2012. She was (always) wearing a foam visor, on which she had hand-printed the words: “Occupy Everything.” She was feisty then, and remains so. I wouldn’t want to cross her by writing a bad review of her 400 page book. Thank goodness, that won’t be necessary. It’s a whale of a tale she tells, with bravura, insight, compassion, and an almost withering self-deprecation, all blended with what Alice Walker (The Color Purple) might have termed “womanist” brio. Martha Stephens gave me a copy of her “memoir” to review for Streetvibes, because she knew that I carry an anti­war grudge similar to her own [We both hate war and see it as the ongoing cause for most everything bad in our country and the world]. At first, the book seemed immense, and with so strange a title, for a book against war. I’m also in my 70s. I’m impatient, and crotchety like Martha. I wondered if I could wade through it. As it turned out, my issue had nothing to do with reading the book. The problem was putting it down. “Grandmas,” as Martha refers to her book, is one heckuva trip down the rabbit hole of a remarkable woman’s life. Page after page, She ranges back and forth, between now and then, between here and there, between her patch of garden in Bond Hill and her “winter garden” in Las Cruces, NM, between her own (grandmotherly) situation, and vivid (albeit un­lived) similarities to grandmas like herself, trapped in the Mid­East country her country all but destroyed: Iraq. Born in Waycross, Georgia, Stephens spent much of her post­ graduate work­life as a professor of English at the University of Cincinnati. She has written numerous Photo: Amazon.com books, many of these published by reputable houses. A hugely important book In 1960, as a young UC teacher, Martha discovered and exposed the grotesque incidents she later detailed in “The Treatment: The Story of Those Who Died in the Cincinnati Radiation Tests” (Duke University Press, 2002). Her whistle­ blowing brought the wrath of the University and its medical community down around the slight professor whose expose had brought the experiments to a rather quick halt. But not before 21, mostly black, “patients” had died in those secret “total body radiation” tests conducted on behalf of the US military in the basement of the then General Hospital. Stephens weathered the storms, and now sees that her conscientious acts, as well as the book (written thirty years later), “probably did some good.” Indeed. “Grandmas”: a curious tale Most of this latest book is divided into short sections, often little more than a page, and often strangely titled, e.g., “Suicide of the Squashes,” or “But I Don’t Write Comedy.” Martha Stephens Photo: Joe Wilson 3 Maybe her style is not comedic, but she effects a sly, biting wittiness throughout. Critiquing American culture (one of the peppers with which she regularly spices the book), she often refers to her middle­ class, semi­pampered life as being a kind of begrudging gift, bestowed on her (and on most of her fellow bourgeoisie) by the elite folks who own our country. “I am a pet of the ruling classes,” she writes, “let it be said once more, and can afford to attend the opera and to buy almond bark at the concession.” In this memoir, Stephens gives herself free range to do just about anything she pleases, as she lays out the story of her life. “It is boring to have nothing but the present to inhabit,” she writes. She seems indifferent as to whether there is a reading audience. Often, she tells her story directly to the book itself. “On this day, I’d like to tell you, my book, a little more about my life in Waycross, Georgia.” She talks about various personal relationships with candor, good and bad. She sometimes writes, quite revealingly, of her strange and often troubled relationship with her professor husband, calling him “The Man.” In a kind of ongoing metaphor, Stephens comes back to her gardening skills again and again, often anthropomorphizing her fruits and vegetables, as if she believes they too can feel hurt, can long for life, just as people do. Martha Stephens knows that the grandmas of Baghdad have feelings as well. And she returns to them often, identifying with the hell in which she is certain they are living out their lives, comparing it to the somewhat agrarian life she lives in one of the near Cincinnati suburbs. The interior life One of my favorite passages (of many) can be found in a section (oddly) titled, “On Not Disliking St. Augustine.” Stephens writes, “...the interior life is so private, so lonely a life; but somehow we don’t care if it is lonely, we are so full of our lonely curiosity.” As I read through it, I found that “Me and the Grandmas of Baghdad” is exactly that: the story of a lonely, yet public, inner life, a living “curiosity” willing to face rejection and defeat, because — like those women in Iraq — she has little choice. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED In this amazing book, Martha Stephens goes “public” with her inner life. She sets the story down exactly as her inner life demands it. She’s a sharp old lady who has taken many risks. So late in life, she knows that she can tell her story exactly as she chooses, without worrying over consequences. I predict that a good many folks will fall into this book as into their grandmother’s arms. Like me, they will cherish it, the way the author cherishes her grandchildren and her butter beans. She raised those beans, damn it. And she wrote this amazing, fearless book. The plot thickens In a middle section of the book, referring to the lack of a plot in one of her novels, she reflects, “...life itself we don’t see as a plot...It may be we ourselves are always the last to discover the plots of our lives, or can they only be apprehended by others after we are gone?” I had never before thought of my life as being plotted. After reading this memoir, I can’t stop thinking about so odd a notion. Am I writing my own plot? I wonder. Or is it being written by the demands of my culture, my family, and my friends? The author as activist Professor Stephens often mentions having worn her favorite visor, before and after she wore the “Occupy” edition in 2011. She still wears it daily. You will recognize her immediately when you see her at a meeting, or on the street: a thin, white­ haired gramma, wearing a plain cotton skirt, and a visor over her brow that reads: “War is Not the Answer.” I admit to not having the guts to fight war’s depravity every time I walk out the door, as Martha does. But Stephens is a wily teacher. Maybe I will learn from her book how to put more of myself on the line. To push the plot­line of my life. In an early chapter of “Grandmas,” Stephens talks about opening a textbook that she has treasured through the years [The History of the English Language, by Alfred Baugh, 1935]. Her take on this old book could be a review clip for her own strange and beguiling memoir: “I open it to reflect on the wonders of my language yet again, but also to marvel at this: that a scholar of English could unfold his story in so graceful and easeful a way, could engage even the common reader and show such a reader every courtesy and consideration.” This same unfolding, this same engagement, Martha Stephens provides us “common” readers. I suggest you consider going on line and purchasing a copy of Grandmas. It will make you feel not common, but “special.” [As this review comes out, Martha has decided to give any profits from the book’s sales to the Homeless Coalition. Martha has also generously agreed to meet with you and sign your copy. Her email address is: stephem@ucmail.uc.edu. Her blog address is http://marthastephens.wordpress.com/] ------------------------ �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 �LOCAL No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 Community Issues Forum Kicks Off Its 35th Season BILL WOODS Contributing Writer T he Community Issues Forum kicks off its 35th season of forums on Thursday September 17th. Sponsored by the Outreach Committee of Christ Church Cathedral, the Forum features presentations on critical community and public policy issues every other Thursday at noon from September to June. The opening Forum on September 17th features Mary Carol Melton, Executive Vice President of the Anna Louise Inn, in a discussion of hu- man trafficking and how “the Off the Streets Program” assists women seeking to escape from prostitution in order to forge new lives. This presentation will take place at the Anna Louise Inn and will include a tour of the Inn’s new building at 2401 Reading Road. Unlike Forums at the Cathedral, reservations are required (call 381-4994). “This session,” noted Melton, “gives us a an opportunity to better understand issues facing women who are homeless, involved in drug use, prostitution, and human trafficking in our community and what is being done to assist and serve them.” Two Forums in October will focus on state and local ballot issues and candidates running for the Cincinnati School Board. The Forum on Wednesday September 30th will review the pros and cons of three State Constitutional Amendment proposals and two proposed Cincinnati Charter Amendment. Issue 1 Bill Woods and Vice Mayor David Mann at Community Issues Forum Photo: Justin Jeffre Cincinnati’s TASER policy needs to change JANIS DUTTON Contributing Writer C incinnati Police policy defines a TASER as a “non-lethal force alternative” to assist officers in performing their duties. Some law enforcement agencies in Southwest Ohio define them as “less-than,” or “less lethal.” It is hard to imagine James Carney III, who died last week after being shot with a police TASER, being described as less dead. And, the families of Kevin Piskura, Leroy Hughes, Douglas Boucher, Kelly Brinson, Everett Howard, and Cory McGinnis-local people who have died in the last seven years after law enforcement use of TASERS--likely find little comfort that their loved ones should be less than dead. Words are important. They not 5 only reflect our thinking, they guide our actions. Cincinnati policy calls TASERS “devices.” My cell phone is a device. A TASER is a weapon. If law enforcement believes these weapons are harmless devices, like mobile phones, non-lethal and safe, they may be more likely to use them in circumstances where they might have before used more conventional and less dangerous methods to deescalate a situation. In fact, Cincinnati policy recommends the weapons to be used at an alarmingly low threshold of use compared to other local law enforcement agencies. It also allows the use of TASERS on children as young as seven years old. Barring extreme circumstances, use on young children is an unconscionable, no, an immoral, abuse of power. The United Nations Committee Against Torture has, since 2006, repeatedly expressed concerns that TASERS are used as instruments of torture, and a form of cruelty. In 2008, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child questioned the use of “Taser guns” on children and called to “put an end to the use of all harmful devices against children.” Local media cites reports from Amnesty International that claim 540 people in this country have died since 2001 after being shocked by the electronic weapons. Factoring in international deaths that number is THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED would reform the process for drawing district lines for state legislative elections every ten years, while Issue 3 would legalize marijuana in Ohio. Meanwhile, Issue 2 would prohibit the granting of monopolies in state ballot initiatives. One City Charter Amendment involves funding new park facilities on the West side of Cincinnati, while the other would change the date of the mayoral primary from September to May. At the October 15th Forum, candidates for the Cincinnati School Board will be asked to present their views on various education reform policies. The next four Forums pick up some of the strands from last season’s sessions on economic inequality and reforming the criminal justice system. On October 29th, leaders from the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center will make the case for enacting an anti-wage theft City Ordinance. The following Forum on November 12th will examine initiatives underway to lower the rate of incarceration in Ohio and the U.S. and to ease the re-entry process for former prison inmates. The preThanksgiving Forum on November 19th will feature Kevin Jones, a nationally recognized advocate for transforming urban neighborhoods into healthy economic centers with good employment opportunities for their residents. Finally, Black Lives Matter will be invited back to the December 3rd Forum to report on ongoing efforts to reform police practices nationally and locally. Forums are free and open to the public, and normally take place every other Thursday at 12:00 Noon, Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street. Lunch can be purchased for $5.50, or you can bring your own brown bag. For further information, call 381-4994. -----------------------much higher. Canada is facing a similar problem, with one big difference. When Robert Dziekanski died after being shocked multiple times by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the Vancouver Airport in 2007, the province of British Columbia launched a full public inquiry—the Braidwood Inquiry--into the safety of TASERS and the police actions surrounding his death. The commission looked at a variety of medical research, not just that presented by, and often funded by, Taser International, Inc. The US government launched a full inquiry into the safety of Toyota acceleration systems after fewer than 50 deaths. Researchers are beginning to look into the effect of these electrical weapons on the brain function of adults. One study measured a significant reduction in cognitive functioning within 5 minutes after exposure and a return to normal 24 (Continued on page 7) �6 LOCAL “Breakdown Stereotypes” Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Leslie Moorhead at (513) 421.7803 x11 The B Word What are you saying when you call someone a “bum”? All too often when we discuss the phenomena of homeslessness, we use words like “bum,” “hobo,” or “vagrant” to describe people. But what are we really saying when we label people with those words? REMEMBER: PUT PEOPLE FIRST *Always use “people-first” language when discussing the issue of homelessness. It is a misconception that those who “People experiencing experience homelessness do so out of homelessness” choice; many work long hours. Homelessness is a multi-layered issue. When we dismiss people who live in extreme poverty as being NOT lazy or deserving of their situation we are actively contributing to the problem. “Homeless people” Learn to change your language. Learn how to make a difference. To learn more about the lack of affordable housing and the inadequacy of services that force people into homelessness, contact the Homeless Coalition at (513) 421- 2701 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �7 LOCAL Are Income-Based Fines More Fair? No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 JASON HAAP Contributing Writer A t lunch the other day, a friend introduced me to the concept of “income-based fines.” I had never heard of this idea, and I became a believer right away. The short version: fines should be based proportionally on one’s daily income, rather than an amount that means nothing to wealthy people but can be devastating to people near or below the poverty line. Let’s take a traffic ticket as an example. My last traffic ticket (which was bullshit, by the way - but that’s another matter) cost $65. According to PayScale.com, the average hourly salary in Cincinnati is $16.80. Someone working eight hours would gross $134 per day. My traffic ticket cost nearly half of an average Cincinnatian’s daily gross pay. So what if these kinds of traffic tickets cost half of the offender’s daily salary? Let’s say someone makes $100,000 per year (with two weeks unpaid vacation). That person would earn about $50 per hour - or about $400 per day. This person’s ticket would cost $200. Similarly, if some- JANIS DUTTON (Continued from page 5) hours later. (Cognitive deficits following exposure to other forms of electrical shock are well documented.) What that might mean to the growing mind of a child as young as seven is a frightening prospect. Police Chief Blackwell states that the officer involved in Carney’s death followed policy. Therein lies the problem. The policy is fundamentally, fatally flawed, putting the city and its citizens at risk. Listen to the words We had a similar situation in Oxford, OH. Kevin Piskura died five days after being shot in the chest with a TASER in April 2008. After an investigation into the incident completed in October 2008, Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper also determined the local police department followed its Use of Force policy. A group of citizen activists, myself included, challenged the policy, which stated “when used inappropriately, a Taser application can result in fatality.” The activists confronted city officials with reports from Amnesty International and The Braidwood Inquiry as well as documentation challenging the manufacturer’s safety claims and target areas, which then included the chest area. We pointed out that Taser International had been sued in 2005 by law enforcement officers, who challenged the safety claims in the corporation’s marketing after they suffered serious injuries after being shocked during training exercises, and by their own shareholders who claimed the corporation obscured the truth about the safety of its weapons. one made $25,000 per year, that comes to around $12.50 per hour - or about $100 a day. This person would have a $50 ticket. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland all have some version of this system in place. If Cincinnati were to adopt such an approach, what would happen? I think, almost immediately, police would be incentivized to patrol wealthy neighborhoods for traffic violations increasing the amount of dollars collected through fines. It’s pretty widely known that black neighborhoods, for example, are more likely to be targeted for traffic stops. What if that were flipped to a focus on wealthier parts of town? Maybe the cops would also find drugs on those Hyde Park kids, too! In all seriousness, though, when I think about the recent shooting death of Samuel DuBose, I think about why the UC police department would be patrolling for traffic violations. It seems pretty clear to me. I like thinking about what would happen if we adopted income-based fines. It might radically change the face of who gets pulled over for moving violations. A key point in our position was captured in a quote from Judge Thomas Braidwood in the Braidwood Inquiry Report: In my mind we have no idea of the relative risk of death in a large population due to TASER use. A significant risk could be being missed due to a lack of study in the real world. We really have no handle on what other injuries associated with TASER might also be important—standing fractures, falling fractures, spinal cord injury, brain injury—as these are not being routinely followed in a systematic way. At a public meeting in 2009, then Oxford Chief of Police Steve Schwein said, Kevin Piskura’s death “wasn’t supposed to happen.” The department, it seemed, relied solely on the marketing and information provided by the manufacturer, and it was unaware of the medical and human rights controversy surrounding the issue. A month later city council held a hearing, and the chief announced that Taser International revised its warnings and recommendations to avoid the chest area. The Oxford Police Department did change its police policy guiding use of TASERS in 2009, eliminating the “when used inappropriately” (because even when used appropriately TASERS can result in death) and raised the threshold of use and constraints on deployment. The City of Oxford paid $750,000 to settle a 2013 lawsuit filed by Piskura’s family alleging excessive force and failure to adequately train, supervise, and control its employees. The family also sued Taser International, and may have been one of two pre-2009 cases settled in 2013 for 2.3 million. According to the cor- This is not an “out there,” untested, fantasy concept. It works in other parts of the world, and it could work here. Local politician David Pepper made news a few years ago for his high number of parking tickets. He paid them, but then again he could afford to pay them. But what if each offense cost him a half day’s pay? Right now, wealthy people can afford to be a bit more loose with some of these laws, and police have no reason to focus on them. Maybe now’s the time to change that. I’d be interested in what might happen if Cincinnati (or the state of Ohio!) were to implement this kind of system. ------------------------ Parking meter Photo: Justin Jeffre poration’s filings with the US Security Exchange Commission for 2013, “They implemented new risk management strategies, including revisions to product warnings and training to better protect both the Company and its customers from litigation based on ‘failure to warn’ theories.” Speak the words It’s time for the people of Cincinnati to demand a new policy that, at the very least, takes into account the warnings of the company to avoid killing, maiming, or brain-damaging its citizens. Taser International once referred to their now-named Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) as devices and marketed them as non-lethal, but no longer. Perhaps amid a growing number of deaths after their use, and having to defend against an increasing stack of lawsuits, including claims they misrepresented the safety factor filed by law enforcement officers and their own shareholders, the corporation changed the language to less-than or less lethal. Today they just call them safe, which, according to dictionaries, is defined as “protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.” The warnings spelled out in the company’s “Important Safety and Health Information” document suggests otherwise, as does a growing body of research. Cincinnati’s Police Use of Force policy has changed a number of times since Taser Intl. changed its language in 2009. Yet it still labels the weapons as “non-lethal,” and places it in a non-lethal position on the continuum of force. The officer involved in the recent death of James Carney III may have THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED followed policy, but that policy--based on faulty assumptions that disregard the language and warnings of the manufacturer as well as recommendations by law enforcement groups, results of medical research, and concerns raised by human rights agencies-- needs to change. In 2005, Council member Christopher Smitherman tried to raise the age at which a child can be jolted with 50,000 volts of electricity from 7 to at least 11. In 2004, Cincinnati police had used the weapons 629 times, with 52 of those on children between the ages of 12 and 17. His efforts in the Law and Public Safety Committee failed on a vote of 3-2 with Laketa Cole voting in favor, and John Cranley, David Pepper, and Jim Tarbell voting no. Tarbell is quoted in the Cincinnati Enquirer saying, “We don’t want them to use any of these things if they don’t have to. The distinction is compared to what?” The current continuum of force options shows the “compared to what.” •Officer presence •Verbal skills •TASER /Chemical irritant •Escort techniques • Balance displacement • Hard hands (pressure points/ strikes) • Monadnock Auto-Lock baton •Monadnock PR-24 •PepperBall launcher (Non-lethal) •Beanbag shotgun (Less than lethal) •40mm foam round (Less than lethal) (Continued on page 10) �8 PHOTO ESSAY Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 Photo series: The Art of War RUETERS / STAFF WRITER Courtesy of INSP News Service A mid the rubble of bombedout buildings in the world’s most volatile war zones, politically charged murals and graffiti offer ground-level views of the conflict. This Reuters photo series captures murals and graffiti that chronicle the violence, fear and oppression felt by those trapped on the front line. ------------------------ A man walks past a graffiti, denouncing strikes by U.S. drones in Yemen, painted on a wall in Sanaa November 13, 2014. Yemeni authorities have paid out tens of thousands of dollars to victims of drone strikes using U.S.-supplied funds, a source close to Yemen’s presidency said, echoing accounts by legal sources and a family that lost two members in a 2012 raid. Credit: REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah A Free Syrian Army fighter poses next to graffiti on a wall drawn by Syrian artist and activist Ahmad Jalal along a street in Kafranbel, Idlib province January 31, 2014. Jalal’s drawings have been used as banners during anti-government protests as well Credit: REUTERS/Fadi Mashan A man sits next to a wall with graffiti in a cell of the central prison in the district of Wango, in the capital Bangui, March 21, 2014. Hatred between Christians and Muslims in Central African Republic has reached a “terrifying level”, the U.N.’s top human rights official said on Thursday, warning that atrocities were being carried out with impunity. Credit: REUTERS/Siegfried Modola Pro-Houthi activists finish painting graffiti depicting Saudi-led air strikes on the wall of the Saudi embassy in Sanaa July 29, 2015. Saudi-led warplanes bombed targets in Yemen’s northerly Saada province, a bastion of Iranianallied Houthi forces, local officials said on Wednesday, and a U.N. official accused both sides in the conflict of failing to respect international law. The writings read: “I am hungry” and “Yemen”. Credit: REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 PHOTO ESSAY A member of the Iraqi security forces stands guard with his weapon at Camp Habbaniyah between the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, March 12, 2015. Picture taken March 12, 2015. Credit: REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani A view of graffiti on a wall in Kabul March 5, 2012. Encased in a head-to-toe burqa, the image depicts a distraught woman slumped on a cement stairwell, the work of Afghanistan’s first street artists who use graffiti to chronicle violence and oppression. The sombre depictions of Afghan women on Kabul’s rutted streets offer rare public insight into their lives, still marred by violence and injustice despite progress in women’s rights since the Taliban was toppled over a decade ago. Credit: REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 JANIS DUTTON (Continued from page 7) •Deadly force In other words, the use of TASERS is the first use of force just after verbal demands, and long before other “less than lethal” options. Children and adults can be shocked for actively resisting arrest, defined as a subject “making physically evasive movements to defeat the LOCAL officer’s attempt at control, including fleeing, bracing, tensing, pushing, or verbally signaling an intention to avoid or prevent being taken into or retained in custody.” Perhaps we as citizens, at least those who haven’t experienced the wrong end of a TASER, have been suckered into believing the advertising and marketing safety claims of Taser International, Inc. We may also have been brainwashed by Hollywood filmmakers and other media to think Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 being shocked is funny. A new documentary called Killing Them Safely, currently making the rounds of film festivals, should force us to rethink our laughter and motivate us to speak out. Scheduled for wider release in November, the film documents the almost cult relationship between Taser International and law enforcement with local governments and police departments accepting all of the company’s claims at face value, and allowing them to have a monopoly over the training and safety of the weapon. Words are important, and Cincinnati’s police policy needs new language and a revision to its continuum of force. TASERS need to be understood as potentially lethal weapons. If the barbs were propelled by gunpowder, as they once were, instead of the gas propellant they now use, they would be considered firearms and subject to regulation. Cincinnatians should be sick and tired of hearing that another preventable TASER-induced death was according to police policy, and should no longer tolerate “That wasn’t supposed to happen,” or “oops” as an excuse. Start by contacting Mayor John Cranley, who voted to allow officers to torture seven year olds. You can email him at mayor.cranley@cincinnati-oh. gov or call 513-352-3250. On a side note: The name TASER stands for Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle. The inventor was inspired by the 1911 young adult novel Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle, or Daring Adventures in Elephant Land. In this 10th volume of Tom Swift’s adventures, young Tom uses his new invention to kill elephants, and rhinoceroses, and in battles with “tribes” of “red pygmies.” The weapon and the corporate name pay homage to this racist history. ------------------------ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com Ad Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 Police Chief Blackwell discusses his termination with Streetvibes JUSTIN JEFFRE Contributing Writer A fter a chaotic council meeting on Wednesday September 9th where many of Chief Blackwell’s supporters spoke, Blackwell briefly spoke to the media just outside of council chambers. He was hounded all the way down the stairs onto the street and to his car. It was a media circus where reporters were nearly practically pushing each other down the stairs. After I walked away from the circus I decided to walk to my favorite place for lunch, Skyline. As I entered the restaurant on Court Street I saw that Chief Blackwell was sitting there having lunch with two other guys. I assured them that I wasn’t following them, I just go there to eat often. After I finished eating and paid my tab I decided to give the former chief my card and told him I’d like to interview him whenever he got a chance. He said let’s do it now. So here it is: Streetvibes: Why do you think Mayor Cranley and City Manager Harry Black wanted you to go? Blackwell: “I think they’ve always been against me, from day one. I think it’s well chronicled that Cranley did not want me to be the Police Chief here. I think we’ll also be able to demonstrate over the coming weeks that Harry Black was brought in to do what he did today. It’s unfortunate for the young kids of the city who we’ve elevated and made a priority. So I’m going to miss that, I’m going to miss this city.” Streetvibes: You seem to have a lot of support in the community, do you have a message to the people? Blackwell: “I love them. I really do and I’m going to miss them.” Streetvibes: The fact that there still seems to be a need for the Sentinels (a black police union) to exist 11 suggests racial problems in the department. Can you shed some light on that? Blackwell: “In the coming weeks and months a lot will be revealed about some of the inner workings of, or un-workings of CPD. It’s unfortunate that there’s still a fracture there along racial lines internally, but there is. A very pronounced fracture. So it’s a tough place. It’s a tough place.” “This is a great city and I think we’ve demonstrated in two years that it can be a model for policing. Doing it in a way where you elevate people, where you focus on engagement over enforcement and worry about lifting people up over locking people up. I just hope that some of that continues here with my departure.” Streetvibes: Do you have anything you’d like to add? “I haven’t been given the liberty or the respect to be handed the report that I was apparently fired over. I haven’t seen it, haven’t read it, don’t know what’s in it, but I’m hearing from other people some of the salacious details put in there by people in the department. That’s disappointing to me, but more importantly I will defend my character and my reputation until the day I die. So to those individuals, get ready for depositions.” Do you think you were treated fairly by the media? Blackwell: “Mostly.” Streetvibes: Do you think any media outlets or reporters were unfair to you? Blackwell: “The Enquirer is not fair.” Streetvibes: Thank you for your time. Blackwell: “Thank you.” ------------------------ Letter to the Editor [Dear Editor], I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate Streetvibes as a great way to support people experiencing homelessness. (By the way, I learned that terminology from your recent issue!) I have purchased Streetvibes from many different vendors, and all of them have been friendly and gracious. In terms of content, the variety of stories is usually good, and I especially like the inclusion of a crossword puzzle and sudoku. In the past I have seen poems or stories written by Streetvibes vendors themselves, which I think is neat. And in this recent issue, there was a good list of resources and job openings. The color photos of vendors on the back is a nice update, too. The vendor I purchased from today even circled herself, giving it a clever personal touch. Finally, I may just be one person, but I can tell you that I look kindly upon any businesses that I see advertising in Streetvibes. For example, Lackman and Lachey’s are much more likely to get my business now. Just wanted to let you know my thoughts and thank you for all that you do. Best, Kristan ------------------------ Marian Spencer: Why the Parks Levy is bad policy MARIAN SPENCER [Local civil rights activist, former mayor, council person, and Charter Committee Board member sent this letter to Parks Director Willie Carden recently.] I t is with regret that after carefully reading the text of the Parks levy that I cannot support it. This action is difficult for me because when asked for my support last June, I was unaware that this would be a Charter amendment rather than a normal property tax levy, or that its income would be used only for capital projects. I returned to Cincinnati just this week and have spent a great deal of time studying the Parks levy. Had I known the details earlier I would have notified the campaign immediately. You need to know my decision before next Tuesday’s Cincinnatus Association luncheon. Due to the Labor Day holiday this letter will not be received before Tuesday. The primary reasons for my change of heart are: 1. As a 75-year member of the Charter Committee, vice mayor and council member I have always stood for good government. A property tax levy should not be in the city charter. Voters should have an opportunity to renew (or deny) any tax levy in future years. This one is permanent. It is bad policy. 2. My late husband Donald Blackwell outside of council chambers Photo: Justin Jeffre THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and I always wanted the parks and all their activities to be open and accessible, free of charge to everyone. Donald fought so effectively to keep Krohn Conservatory free that they didn’t charge there until after he had died. This levy does not guarantee that new park projects will be free and open to everyone. The new carousel at Smale Park, while truly lovely, is an example. Many children cannot afford to ride, let alone have their parents pay for parking to get there. 3. This park levy should not be for capital projects only. What about personnel to manage them? Large projects such as bike trails or significant other changes to our beautiful parks should be initiated by our citizens and adopted by council through the normal budget process. I am sorry for my confusion about the content of the levy. I had not seen its content at the time I supported it, therefore I am compelled to withdraw my support. The timing is very difficult for everyone, because I have been out of the city for two months, with no local news readily available. Please discontinue to use my name in your Pro Parks levy campaign literature or any future community gatherings. ------------------------ �12 LOCAL Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Housing Specialist - Resident Assistant for our transitional housing facilities. - Case Manager Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us/ about/connect/jobopportunities/ Manager - Head Start Family and Community Engagement - Head Start Teacher - Payroll and Accounting Coordinator - Kitchen Manager - Assistant Cook Lighthouse lighthouse.org Shelter House shelterhousecinti. org - Multiple Openings - Early Childhood Site - Resident Aide Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Residential Support Worker - Housing Aftercare Coordinator DeSales Marianists Mission- We are a Catholic Parish of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati ministering in the Marianist tradition. The Society of Mary (Marianists) is a religious congregation composed of lay and religious members; Sisters, Brothers and priests. The Marianists honor Mary as a model of courage and hospitality. In their ministry, they work to bring about the kingdom of God. 1600 Madison Road | Cincinnati, OH 45206 | P: (513) 961-1945 | F: (513) 221-4907 http://saintfrancisdesalesparish.org/ I Just Don’t Get It RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor I n the recent past, I was under the impression that, because of what I often witnessed of some people’s actions, that they just didn’t get It. Simple rules of civility, or minor roles of conduct just don’t seem to apply. Then all of the sudden, the reality changed and I came to see; oh, it’s really me. I just don’t get it! I’m puzzled; you see, because I don’t quite understand. For every cause there is a reason, for every action there is a reaction, or at least, so logic says. It is for this sense of logic that so often we take things for granted. Simple things, such as, if you don’t work, you don’t eat! That is to say it’s understood that if you want something, then you have to put forth some effort in order to obtain that something. Yet, there is a mindset amongst some that they are owed something from others without their own efforts...huh? Living on the second floor not wanting to traverse the stairs in order to take out the trash you just toss it out of your window? Or, riding along a street you just throw your trash out the car window? I just don’t get it! Perhaps for me it’s the question of one’s environment which leaves me in that state of puzzlement. Trashing your personal area, how, I ask does one stand in the midst of refuse that they create? Bottles and cans mixed with food and wrappers from the social gathering places which many of us often frequent, just scattered about the area, trash can a few feet away; socializing in the midst of trash which we ourselves have created and we are OK? I just don’t get it! There they are standing in the soup line every single day, demanding more than their share, believing that the kitchen has the obligation to feed them, becoming vulgar or aggressive if they don’t get their way. I just don’t get it! Using or abusing others for per- sonal benefit or for personal gain and then calling it a blessing. I just don’t get it! Listening to the clatter of some panhandlers, aggressively (Continued on page 13) Ricardo Taylor Photo: Aimee Willhoite THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED asking �STREET VOICE No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 RICARDO TAYLOR (Continued from page 12) and upon receiving a No; they become abusive often pointing out your responsibility towards them; huh? Now, I understand that sometimes we need the help or support of others and therefore we have to ask, yet, when and how do we become their responsibility? I just don’t get it! Well, there are endless examples of some people’s civility or roles of conduct which fit the, I just don’t get it scenario and I am sure you can think of some on your own. Even living in a society where anything goes, [is acceptable]. The question remains. Who is it that really doesn’t get it? Note: If you are a Streetvibes reader I would like to ask you if you have had some really outrageous encounters with the concept of I just don’t get it to send your experiences to our publication and see if we can’t get them shared. ------------------------ The Copy Cat Copy Cat, Copy Cat climbing up the Copy Cat tree The Copy Cat is always waiting, hanging around On the prowl looking for a victim in the crowd The Copy Cat scratches, bites, lies and deceives Needing attention, it’s what the Copy Cat needs The Copy Cat is a lost soul, wore out and old Bad behavior that can’t be lost WHO DO YOU LOVE TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THE WAY ONE HAS LIVED THEIR LIFE TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THEIR OWN HAPPY DAYS AND DAYS WITH STRIFE TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER SO MUCH AFTER SO MANY YEARS TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER MORE HAPPY TIMES THAN YOU REMEMBER TEARS TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER SOME FACES NOT TO MENTION SOME PLACES TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THEN UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SUPPORT I HAVE NO BASES TO KNOW I HAVE NO POWER OVER THE WORLD BUT I HAVE POWER OVER ME TO KNOW HOMELESSNESS, TO BEG, TO PLEAD FOR HELP AND NOBODY SEES TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR YOURSELF AND LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND KNOW THAT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE YOU SHINE Copy Cat you should stop Let’s hope one day the Copy Cat can grow And ask for forgiveness and a new soul KIM GREEN 13 WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor Giving the Donald His Due Even from Trump occasional wisdom is spoken. The Donald declared “the system is broken!” THE DONALD SHOW OR THE FIRST GOP DEBATE Ten Republican hopefuls took to the stage, And toward the Prez they vented their rage. Their choice of issues showed a limited range, and there wasn’t a mention of climate change. Every one of them seemed to be quite unaware That any benefits could result from Obamacare. These guys were not even the least bit stealthy When promoting tax breaks for the wealthy. They think veering right is the best way to win, And a woman’s right to choose is labelled a sin. Did the event provide anything of value to know, Or did Fox simply produce “The Donald Show?” BILL WOODS Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 77 Across 1. Celestial body 5. Circuit 8. Hard kind of stone 13. Field sport 14. Female horse 15. Spooky 16. Remove from office 17. Pivot 18. Used to control a horse 19. Theatrical group 21. Molecule 23. Unit of play in tennis 24. Bird shelter 26. Female sheep 27. Solemn 29. Reclamation 34. Assistance 35. Snare 37. Clan 38. Baby bed 40. Projecting bay window 43. Sweet pulpy tropical fruit 44. Summarize 46. Way out 48. Regurgitated food of a ruminant 49. Put into the care of someone 52. Talisman 54. Jurisprudence 55. Excavation 56. Globe 59. A turn made in skiing 61. Bid 65. Herbaceous plant 67. Pleasant 69. Donate 70. Distribute 71. Trampled 72. Large woody plant 73. Shelf 74. Hankering 75. Group of animals Down 1. Blemish 2. Travel 3. In addition 4. Corpulent 5. Slack 6. Song for solo voice 7. Annoy persistently 8. Agitation 9. Sheltered side 10. Part of the eye 11. Value of Roman IX 12. Trial 14. Artist of consummate skill 20. Vegetable matter, can be used as fuel 22. Be obliged to pay 25. Rend 27. Temptress 28. Decree 30. Epoch 31. Flinch 32. Approximately 33. Give temporarily 34. Unit of area 36. Pastry item 39. Exclude 41. Set of evaluating questions 42. Restricted 45. Throb 50. Was seated 51. A score in number 53. Continuance in time 56. Ellipse 57. Irritate 58. Fearless and daring 60. Morass 62. Desperate 63. At any time 64. Part of a woodwind instrument 66. Captain’s journal 68. Swindle SODOKU PUZZLE NO 211 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 311 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 76 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 210 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 312 | S ept 1 1 - S ept 2 4, 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 381-SAFE 557-2873 681-2365 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 872-9259 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Shelter: Both Starting Over 961-2256 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 721-0643 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 721-4700 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 562-8841 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 271-5501 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Parkway Center 661-4620 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 535-2719 591-2246 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Drop Inn Center Our Daily Bread 621-6364 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 Shelter: Men 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 961-1983 15 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Crossroad Health Center 961-0600 381-2247 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 351-3500 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 381-0111 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Mary Magdalen House 771-4800 751-0600 579-8547 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Sept 11 - Sept 24, 2015 | No. 312 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 LOTTIE MANNER PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TINA SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 11-September 24, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: The Words We Choose Pg 3: One Amazing Grandma Pg 4: Charity Gold Ball Drop Pg 5: Community Issues Forum Kicks Off its 35th Season Pg 6: The B Word Pg 7: Are Income-Based Fines More Fair? Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: Janis Dutton Continued Pg 11: Police Chief Blackwell Discusses his Termination with Streetvibes Pg 12: I Just Don’t Get It Pg 13: Ricardo Taylor Continued Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 11-September 24, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Leslie Moorhead Michelle Dillingham Peter Kobak Chris Fowler Steve Reams Charles Carpenter Pete Roper Jim Luken Bill Woods Janis Dutton Jason Haap Marian Spencer Ricardo Taylor Willa Denise Jones Kim Green Joe Wilson Aimee Willhoite Bill Woods Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimee Willhoite Baghdad Bill Woods Charles Carpenter Chris Fowler Cincinnati civil rights Income Janis Dutton Jason Haap Jim Luken Joe Wilson Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Leslie Moorhead Marian Spencer Michelle Dillingham Pete Roper Peter Kobak Photography Police police brutality Ricardo Taylor Steve Reams War Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/55cbaaff49e19510f747987d359371fb.pdf 6fddfdad0985f75ec69c3dc73f10b40f PDF Text Text October 9th - October 22nd 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 21 (No. 314) advocating justice | Building community City-Wide Shantytown: Raising Awareness and Advocacy Across the Region | 5 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Activists Rally at City Hall | 11 Fighting Olympic Eviction in Gentleman Leatherneck | 7 Rio Favela | 8-9 Code Orange for Women’s Choice | 3 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Marijuana Criminalization and Racism JOSH SPRING F inally in Ohio we are closer than ever (since it was made illegal at least) to legalizing the possession and use of marijuana. This is good and a step that should never have never been needed, because marijuana should have never have been made illegal. In this country people had been using cannabis for a very long time. After the Mexican Revolution there was an increase in the number of people from Mexico immigrating to the U.S. People from Mexico also had used cannabis for a very long time. White people were prejudiced against people coming from Mexico. The media, legislatures, etc. played on this fear and prejudice against people from Mexico. People from Mexico were portrayed as dangerous along with their drug marijuana as people from Mexico pronounced it. There was not a general understanding that cannabis and marijuana were actually the same thing. It was assumed by whites that marijuana must be bad because people from Mexico used it. This led us to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 which effective banned marijuana, local municipalities used the criminalization of marijuana as a means to detain and search people from Mexico without any real cause. In the 1930s during hearings regarding marijuana it was reported that marijuana had the ability to cause Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, Executive Director men of color to become violent and pursue sex with white women. In short, the illegalization of mar- http://www.bloomwellbend.com ijuana was directly tied to anti-immigration prejudices and racism. Hopefully after reading this brief history it makes it even clearer that it is absurd that we are debating the legalization of marijuana. In fact it is offensive, because its criminalization is the direct result of fear and hate. Marijuana should be legal. The sight of people being murdered, imprisoned, sanctioned and criminalized because of marijuana is outrageous. Marijuana being illegal doesn’t end the demand for it, it just drives the demand into more dangerous circumstances. Our prisons are crowded with people who have not committed violent crimes, leaving communities missing neighbors, advocating justice and building children missing parents, parents missing children and on and on and on. Of course we also know that both tobacco and alcohol are legal. Both of these certainly cause far more violence as substances. It is sad and frustrating that the legislation promoting our first primary chance to legalize marijuana in Ohio is tied to corporate control and would put the ability to grow and sell in the hands of very few. This certainly would mean that marijuana would still be sold on street corners at a lower rate, perhaps in less quantity. Of the people that believe marijuana should be legal, some are saying this legislation is not good because of its elitism, but it does at least legalize marijuana and that is a step forward we should not miss. Other people say we should not get ourselves into a corporate controlled situation and should push for better legislation. This is a decision we will have to weigh. It is worth saying however, that we did not just happen to get to this point. Instead people have been organizing, protesting, writing, speaking, and proposing similar legislation for years. That work got us to this point. Historical Information came from: “How Did Marijuana Become Illegal in the First Place?” by Dr. Malik Burnett and Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW. http://www.drugpolicy.org/ blog/how-did-marijuana-becomeillegal-first-place ------------------------ Homeless Coalition Works With Alms Apartment Residents To Correct Major Problems RACHEL HARTWICK H oles in walls that were big enough for children to crawl into and windows that would not close throughout the winter were just two of the problems that residents of Alms Apartment Complex have been encountering for years. And for two years, repairs for these issues have taken a back seat. “We don’t have in and out access to community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Michelle Dillingham Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Rachel Hartwick, Kate Gallion, Mark Mussman,Bill Woods, Robert Park, Jim Luken, Jason Haap. Justin Jeffre, Lee McCoy, Willa Denise Jones, Kim Green, Ron English, Photography/Artwork: Contributing Writer the back door, [the property manager] put new locks on it that lock them down basically,” said Ronnisha Jones, a 12-year resident of Alms Apartments. “We all locked out and have to walk all the way around to the front of the [building].” Josh Spring, Executive Director of GCCH, began holding off-site meetings with Alms residents to discuss a plan of action. With the Homeless Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 Justin Jeffre, Jim Luken, Bill Woods, Coalition’s member organization Legal Aid as their legal representation, Spring joined residents in forming the Alms’ Residents Association (ARA). The ultimate goal, he said, was to shift residents from their usual defensive—defending themselves against “petty evictions, harassment” and right to clean facilities—to the of- (Continued on page 10) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Aimee Willhoitte Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 Code Orange for Women’s Choice KATE GALLION Contributing Writer C incinnati’s only remaining abortion provider is poised to close, leaving thousands of women in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky without access to legal safe abortion services. Abortion services will be curtailed at Planned Parenthood’s Mt. Auburn clinic and Dayton’s Women’s Med Center if the Ohio Department of Health fails to accept a “variance” (an easing of rules) to a 2013 law requiring these two walk­ in surgical centers to have patient transfer agreements with a hospital within a 30 miles radius. With a continuance order set to expire on October 12, the clock stops on October 13. Under the relentless pressure of radical anti­choice actors, such as Ohio Right To Life, their paid political operatives within the Republican controlled Ohio State legislature, and the notorious anti­choice Governor, John Kasich, Cincinnati could become the largest metropolitan area in the United States without access to legal, safe abortion. In what could result in a massive public health crisis for Ohio, women in need of abortion services will be forced to travel out of state, often incurring lost wages and lost time. Some may resort to unsafe self-induced interventions, possibly resulting in injury ­or death. When asked how dire the outcome of this current legal catch 22 is for the Ohio women’s rights to control their reproductive destinies, Planned Parenthood’s Southwest Ohio Region Director of Communications, Danielle Craig replied: “I think code orange is a great way to put it. At this time, we have a temporary restraining order that’s in place until October 13. Unfortunately, that’s all I know.” Ms. Craig continued with this guarantee to the patients of Mt. Auburn surgical clinic: “From here, we continue to focus on our patients and let our attorneys continue to fight this battle in the court room. What I can tell you is that patient safety is our #1 priority and that abortion is a very safe medical procedure. This is not about patient safety. The purpose of these requirements...is to simply make it impossible for abortion providers to operate in Ohio and to eliminate access to safe, legal abortion.” Access Without Apology In response to the critical nature of these latest attacks on women’s health, NARAL* Pro­ Choice Ohio and Planned Parenthood have joined with a group of pro-choice state leg- with a safe, licensed health care provider. This new legislation will remove these obstacles.” She continued: “John Kasich’s 16 new restrictions on reproductive health care and the closure of half of Ohio’s abortion clinics has resulted in women delaying their procedures or fleeing to other states, including Michigan. John Kasich is creating a pending health crisis for women seeking an abortion. It is wrong to endanger women’s’ health for political gain, or ideologi- Planned Parenthood rally in Mt. Auburn Photo: Justin Jeffre islators in initiating a new legislative agenda they call: Access Without Apology. NARAL Pro­ Choice Ohio’s Executive Director Kellie Copeland: “A woman who decides to have an abortion deserves access to safe and legal care for the procedure. Once she has made her decision, her health is best protected by getting an abortion procedure as early as possible. Forcing a woman to travel outside her community, delaying her procedure for a 24 hour reflection period, or forcing her to scrape together money because her insurance is banned from covering the procedure are all barriers that are designed to prevent her from accessing abortion care Planned Parenthood rally in Mt. Auburn Photo: Justin Jeffre cal reasons. That is why we support this group of legislation.” Below are the six new legislations and their pro-choice sponsors in the Ohio Legislature: Bill #1: Lift the transfer agreement requirement for public hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities. Sponsor: Rep. Kathleen Clyde and Rep. Dan Ramos Bill #2: Lift the ban on using Ohio public dollars on abortion care. Sponsor: Rep. Teresa Fedor and Rep. Nick Celebrezze Bill #3: Lift the ban on insurance coverage of abortion for public employees and for Ohioans who purchase insurance through the federal health exchange. Sponsor: Rep. Greta Johnson and Rep. Nickie Antonio Bill #4: Lift the 24­hour waiting period before women may obtain an abortion. Sponsor: Rep. Greta Johnson and Rep. Kent Smith Bill #5: Create right of action for those targeted by anti­abortion protesters’ non-physical harassment – e.g. Wright State doctors having trucks parked outside their homes and “killers among us” postcards sent to their neighbors. Create a buffer zone to protect clinic patients from harassment by anti­abortion pro- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 3 testers. Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Howse and Rep. Michele Lepore­Hagan Bill #6: Require Crisis Pregnancy Centers that get funding through TANF­ funded program provide only medically accurate information or face sanctions. Sponsor: Rep. Emilia Sykes and Janine Boyd Kasich is Anti-Women For the record, Governor Kasich leads the nation in the number of anti-choice legislations he has signed into law. 16 separate anti women’s heath bills are the legacy of his vicious political agenda. It may take years to right the egregious affronts to women at the hands of John Kasich, but It is imperative that the newly re­ branded presidential candidate Kasich, the “good guy who wants to do good things for America” be exposed for cementing his right wing voter base at the expense of Ohio women. Since becoming governor of Ohio in 2011, John Kasich has: • Banned insurance coverage of abortions (2011, HB 79) • Added barriers to minors seeking an abortion (2011, HB 63) • Banned abortion at 24 weeks, without exceptions for women’s health, or rape/incest (2011, HB 78) • Banned abortions at public hospitals, without exceptions for women’s health, or rape/incest (2011, HB 153) • Banned local governments from offering abortion insurance (2011, HB 153) • Banned rape counselors from discussing abortion (2013, HB 59) • Defunded Planned Parenthood (2013, HB 59) • Banned public hospitals from having “transfer agreements” with abortion providers (2013, HB 59) • Required women to receive biased information before an abortion (2013, HB 59) • Required a forced ultrasound before an abortion (2013, HB 59) • Created a program to support anti­choice crisis pregnancy centers (2013, HB 59) • Required a 30­mile limit on transfer agreements (2015, HB 64) • Required an automatic denial on abortion clinic license applications after 60 days (2015, HB 64) • Eliminated coverage of a Medicaid family planning program (2015, HB 64) Funded crisis pregnancy centers with $1,000,000 of tax dollars (2015, HB 64). Sources: Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio; Naral Pro Choice Ohio. *NARAL stands for National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League. ------------------------ �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 �LOCAL City-wide Shantytown: Raising Awareness and Advocacy across the Region No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 5 MARK MUSSMAN Contributing Writer A s this is my first Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month at the Homeless Coalition, I’m learning a lot about different awareness events that are taking part across the region. One of the most visible events is the City-wide Shantytown, which raises awareness and is a fun, yet thoughtful, event for high school students. A big part of Shantytown is hearing from one of our Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau speakers who talk to the students about their life growing up and the circumstances that landed them on the streets. Our speakers give students the opportunity to hear about the harsh realities that exist for those experiencing homelessness. The speaker also talks about the organizations that have helped them, and what they are doing today. The speaking engagements end with a question and answer session when students ask questions about a range of topics, from the severity of homelessness to what the speaker’s family is doing today. It is a great opportunity to break down barriers between students and the speaker, and to really shed light on the realities of homelessness. Shantytown events give students the choice of sleeping outside of schools, in an attempt to raise awareness. I always caution people to not claim they are events to CHCA students with Speaker Lauren Lovett and Dr. Mark Mussman “feel what it means to be homeless” because the safety net of the school and their families is still there, even though they may be experiencing a cold night, sleeping on a hard cardboard box. If I know one thing about service learning, it’s that there are times when you feel uncomfortable, and Students at Roger Bacon High School those times are when you are actually learning Walking Tour that we give on the something. It’s great that schools history of Over-the-Rhine and the do Shantytowns, especially if they many community organizations include a speaker, so they can raise who have been in service to indiawareness and opportunities for viduals. The tour demonstrates how advocacy. We are asking everyone to use contested the neighborhood has a hashtag #GoBeyondTheBoxCincy been for more than 100 years. We when they take pictures for Shantyalso make sure to explicitly show town this year. Although October is how gentrification has affected the Hunger and Homelessness Awareresidents of Over-the-Rhine and ness Month, many schools are what developers are doing today. planning their Shantytown events If you are interested in signfor the spring – which we totally ing up for any of our educational support! We also will do speaking events at any school or community programs, please go to the Shantygroup, or even your business to help town page and use the link to regisraise awareness, understanding, ter your educational event with the and empathy towards those experiHomeless Coalition. We look forencing homelessness. ward to seeing you soon! For their Shantytown this year, -----------------------Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy also took part in our Social Justice “Breakdown Stereotypes” “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Leslie Moorhead at (513) 421.7803 x11 Forum Focuses On the Ballot Issues - Legalizing Marijuana, Redistricting Reform, And a Permanent Tax for City Park Development BILL WOODS Contributing Writer I mportant ballot issues dominate this fall’s elections. They include three Ohio Constitutional Amendments and two City Charter Amendments. At the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on September 30th, speakers reviewed State Issues I and III, and the pros and cons of Issue 22, the City Charter Amendment establishing a tax levy for parks, were aired. Issue I would change the process for drawing state political district boundaries every ten years. Alice Schneider, President of the Woman’s City Club, explained how this Constitutional Amendment establishes criteria that will make gerrymandering very difficult to implement. Map makers must create compact districts that divide counties and municipalities only when absolutely necessary. Schneider next cited the proposal’s wording: “No district shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a political party.” The new districts, she noted, must reflect the voting patterns of Ohioans over a ten year period. Transparency of this process is assured, Schneider said, as all meetings of the Redistricting Commission will be open to the public, and public hearings are called for during and after the Commission’s work. If citizens believe the redistricting criteria have not been followed, the Amendment names the Ohio Supreme Court as the place to file a legal challenge to the plan. Furthermore, in order for new district maps to go into effect, at least two members representing the mi- nority party on the Commission must approve them. Without this minority party approval, the process must be redone in four years rather than ten. Jane Anderson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Cincinnati, reviewed Issue III, the Ohio Constitutional Amendment proposal that would legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. Proponents, declared Anderson, believe that the time has come to accept marijuana use like alcohol consumption, while removing the legal framework that is unworkable and creates more problems than it solves. Besides the opposition based on safety and health issues, she noted, this Amendment confronts opponents who dislike the establishment in THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED the proposal of a fixed and small number of marijuana growers. In fact, members of the Ohio General Assembly drafted and put on the ballot, Issue II, a Constitutional Amendment that would prohibit monopolies from inclusion in Constitutional Amendments. If both issues pass this November, Anderson predicts either a messy and lengthy court battle or a Supreme Court decision that declares Issue III null and void. The main debate of the Forum took place between Brewster Rhoads, representing Cincinnatians for Parks, and Tim Mara, representing Save Our Parks. They took opposite sides on Issue 22, the City Charter Amendment that creates a (Continued on page 6) �6 LOCAL Socialist Nation ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer T he leading candidate in the Democratic Party primary calls himself a “socialist” and is proud of it. The masters of the universe can hardly believe it and don’t know where to start in attacking this abomination. Before asking what they might do, let’s examine what socialism means to Bernie Sanders. It probably means a highly regulated corporate capitalism where the rules are made by democratic, transparent processes, not by lobbyists and bought politicians in backrooms. It would mean the internet is regulated as a public utility, the banks are very constrained in what gimmicks they are permitted, and some limited parts of the economy are pulled back into public ownership, i.e., reversing privatization. Universal health care would be a given and so would free higher education. Enormous changes in national priorities would happen, like sustainable agriculture and energy conservation with huge programs to train and employ millions of workers in good jobs. It would become possible to make unions again to represent working people. In some ways America would resemble Sweden, Denmark or Norway, not that scary. Here’s what the fear mongers will say. “This is step one on the way to Soviet enslavement!” Clearly these people don’t believe in democracy because why would the supporters of a socialist in the U.S. (the majority if Sanders were elected), choose such a dismal future down the road? Now it’s true that with a wildly successful Sanders administration, many people may want to bring more of the economy under public control in any of a number of forms such as workers cooperatives (already being created in some cities), municipal corporations such as public power utilities and banks owned by cities (as already exists in some places, negotiating best deals from the electric/natural gas grids), and absorbing some private for-profit educational institutions into public systems. “This will destroy innovation and incentives for high productivity.” It’s the dominance of giant corporations that has clearly stifled innovation. Massive wage theft, including poverty wages throughout the economy, and absent sick leave, health care and other benefits, have caused billions of dollars in annual lost productivity. Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 (From Democratic Party bosses) “Sanders is a left-wing Trump-wacko, possibly threatening to give the election to the GOP and ruining our future.” It’s the old lesser evil theory again: vote for Hilary Clinton because the GOP is worse. Sanders should say: “Give democracy a chance; vote for the greater good, not the lesser evil. When you vote for evil, you will get evil. (From some union bosses) “We have to vote for a Democrat who can win; Sanders isn’t electable. There are viable Democratic candidates we can work with.” For a start, this is a denial of fundamental class interests and solidarity, they see their goals as different from most working people, immigrants, and minorities, or are convinced that other working people can’t figure out who’s on their side. If we don’t start voting for the greater good, we will never escape from our corporate plutocracy. ------------------------ Save the Date! The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition invites you to our Annual Dinner December 9th at The Syndicate 18 E 5th St, Newport, KY 41071 (859) 491-8000 BILL WOODS (Continued from page 5) permanent 1-mill property tax levy dedicated to Cincinnati’s public parks. Stating that Cincinnati possesses one of the finest and most extensive city park systems in the nation, Rhoads champions what he sees as an innovative way to insure ongoing funds to both preserve current parks and to build new ones. The levy would bring in approximately $5.5-million per year, and a fourth of this money must be used for park maintenance. It also calls for City Council to allocate at least $2.2-mil- lion per year for the parks. Rhoads compared the Amendment to the 1998 Amendment that established a tax to maintain the city’s infrastructure. With fiscal tough times for cities like Cincinnati and the gutting of Ohio’s Local Government Fund, he stressed the necessity of setting up a permanent alternative revenue source to improve and maintain our park system. Rhoads also talked about the prospect of a series of new park facilities for Cincinnati’s west and east side neighborhoods. Extensive bike trails are part of the initial development plans if Issue 22 passes. One bike trail goes through Western Hills along the Mill Creek, and another would go from Evanston to Hyde Park. The levy, exclaimed Rhoads, gives us an opportunity to add creative new extensions to an already great system. Tim Mara emphasized his love for Cincinnati’s parks, but he worries that some of the projects proposed if the new levy passes will actually jeopardize the natural environment of some of our parks. He cites the proposed new road through Burnet Woods that might harm this park’s natural habitat that makes it an Audubon designation for many types of birds. He also fears that many of the projected new recreational facilities such as the beer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED garden in Mt. Airy Forest will not be accessible to citizens who cannot afford to use them. Mara stressed that the major flaw is the fact that Issue 22 is a permanent tax embedded in a City Charter Amendment. Such an allocation of funds, he stressed, should not be in the City Charter. Good government calls for a regular review by City Council and the citizenry on how funds are being used. Issue 22 lacks this good government process, he concluded, while it also gives too much power to the Mayor in terms of determining future projects. ------------------------ �7 LOCAL Gentleman Leatherneck No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer W ar is like love... it always finds a way. Bertold Brecht Meet Peter Hames. Self-described as: tall, analytical, witty, innovative, rigid, a cat lover, golfer, tennis player and biker. You may already know Peter, since he seems to greet many of us down­ towners by first name. Like many septuagenarians, Peter has lived a lifetime of stories. So many, in fact, that we will need two issues of Streetvibes to do him justice. This time, we will focus on several amazing—even historic— “moments” of his early life. For the record, Hames remains a proud Minnesotan who migrated to Cincinnati 12 years ago, but—now in his retirement—longs to return to the Twin Cities. Well, to one of them. He makes it pointedly clear that he hails from St. Paul (and equally clear that he views Minneapolis as the inferior “twin”). Although he describes himself as having been a “fairly disciplined” high school student, Hames decided to follow the advice of a wise guidance counselor after graduating. The teacher had suggested that he (and other classmates) might consider putting off college for a while and let the world, so to speak, be his classroom. The year was 1961. John Kennedy was our popular young President. Vietnam had not yet been elevated to the status of a “back burner” situation. 18 year old Peter Hames heard the familiar call that the U.S. Marines were looking “for a few good men.” In the dead of a Minnesota winter, he enlisted. He was sent to do boot camp in San Diego. Boot camp was “three months of hell,” humiliating and demeaning. But being demeaned in an almost tropical environment made it all seem somewhat heavenly. Hames passed muster, graduated and—suddenly—he was a fullfledged Marine. He was sent to a month long ITR (Infantry Training Regiment), where you learn to function as a unit in a “squad.” After a two-week vacation at home, he returned to Camp Pendleton, CA to complete his training. Instead of a rifleman, the Marines had decided the young private should be a machine gunner. The Marines are part of the Navy, the part that does on the ground operations. “They do a thing called the ‘new/ old combination,’” Hames explains. The seasoned “veterans” (who have been around maybe a year) help the new kids in the unit in training exercises, called “Lock on,” preparing you to become part of a “ready” battalion. Few nineteen year-olds could be ready for what was to come. “We had all our gear packed,” Hames declares, “and we were ready to go anywhere any time.” Cuba But Hames’ unit would not be going just anywhere. Early in October, they boarded what he describes as a “banana boat” and headed through the Panama Canal for Cuba. As we old folks remember so vividly, for two weeks in late October, President Kennedy faced off against Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in what became famously known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviets had been installing ICBM missiles in Cuba. The US set up a blockade preventing additional ships from entering Cuban waters. Nuclear sabers rattled. Both countries were on full alert. Those 13 days in October would be the closest our country has ever come to nuclear confrontation (so far). If you lived through them, you remember. On board the banana boat, the young Marine and his fellows waited. If war occurred, they would be among the first wave to go ashore. For ten days, everyone sweated sleeplessly on board the ship, studying maps of the Cuban coast line and of the areas they would invade. “There was a lot of gallows humor.” Hames recalls, as the soldiers attempted to relieve some of the unbearable tension. “Finally, they announced that Khrushchev would not attempt to cross the blockade. They turned away. That was a cause of joy. They made the agreement that the missiles could be taken down. Then we got to go on liberty in Jamaica.” As re reflects on his role today, Hames remembers that “there was a lot of bravado about fighting the communists, but in your heart and mind and body you knew this was some serious stuff.” War #2: Vietnam The Marines were not yet done with their young soldier. In August of 1964, almost two years after the missile crisis, there was another crisis that occurred in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam. Several American ships were supposedly confronted by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. This became known as “Gulf of Tonkin Incident.” Most historians are convinced that this “incident,” this provocation by North Vietnam never happened. It’s an old story. The non­ confrontation was trumpeted by the press and the politicians to inflame passions here at home for a confrontation with communist North Vietnam, which the US claimed had been encroaching on our “democratic” ally in South Vietnam, thus threatening the “stability” of all of Southeast Asia. Congress immediately gave President Johnson all the “war powers” he needed in order to escalate a war in Vietnam, a war that became a devastating humiliation for the US, killing 50,000 plus of “ours,” and probably a million of “theirs.” At the time of the “incident,” Peter Hames and his unit were watching a movie at a US base in Okinawa, Japan. They stopped the movie. An announcement blared over the loudspeakers. “Go back to Peter’s High School photo your company areas. Pack up. We’re going.” After a day and half sail from Okinawa, Peter’s unit anchored three miles off the coast of North Vietnam. The scenario was eerily similar to Cuba. “We were there, sailing up and down the coast, studying the maps and ready to embark on our adventures,” he says. This adventure included an invasion of North Vietnam. As with Cuba, that invasion didn’t happen. Hames remains convinced that they had every intention of invading. The military career of the “Jarhead” (a Marine nickname) from Minneapolis—correction—from St. Paul, ended abruptly with an early honorable discharge. He returned home and found a horrible job on “the killing floor” of a huge meat packing company. Hames had been through two of most tension filled moments of modern American history, and now he was witnessing blood and death at a packing plant on the prairie. Did he feel the irony? He views his experiences in service to his country as positive. “It was wonderful. It gave me what I was looking for: Discipline. And of course it made me a man.” And quite a man. Read more about him in the net issue. In the upcoming issue of Streetvibes, we will follow Peter Hames in his career as a different kind of fighter, this time fighting on behalf of neighborhoods (and their marginalized citizens). This time some of his battles occurred on behalf of Over-the-Rhine. ------------------------ Peter Hames at home Photo: Jim Luken THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 WORLD Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 Photo series: Fighting Olympic eviction in Rio favela STAFF WRITER A www.INSP.ngo / Reuters s sports arenas rise up around them and neighbours’ houses are demolished, around 50 families remain in Vila Autodromo, a favela bordering the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. About half of those refuse to leave the favela, which they describe as “paradise” because of a lack of violence compared with poor areas elsewhere in the city. With a year until the Games come to Brazil, over 90 percent of resi- dents have already left after accepting compensation. The holdouts, despite violent run-ins with police, vow to fight eviction whatever the cost. Living in a ghost town with sporadic access to water and electricity, the families have become a symbol against the use of the Olympic Games to modernize Rio, a move critics say is only benefiting the rich. Remaining residents tell Reuters why they want to stay. ------------------------ The demonstrations took place in Shibuya on August 2nd, organised by T-ns SOWL (Teens Stand up to Oppose War Law). Photo: Kazuhiro Yokozeki Maria da Penha, 50, poses for a photograph at her house in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 31, 2015. When asked to describe the community, Penha said: “The Vila Autodromo is a piece of paradise in Rio de Janeiro, an orderly, peaceful community where I’m really happy. I hope that my rights will be respected and I can carry on living here.” Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Children play near demolished houses in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 28, 2015. Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Denise Costa, 65, poses for a photograph at her house in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 31, 2015. When asked to describe the community, Costa said: “It’s a really good place to live, it’s a quiet, family community. This is not like other places where there are gang members. Now everybody is sad because the families got split up when some wanted to go to one place and others to somewhere else. Simply because of Olympic Games, a lot of families were destroyed.” Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 WORLD 9 An aerial view shows the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 29, 2015. As sports arenas rise up around them and neighbours’ houses are demolished, around 50 families remain in Vila Autodromo, a favela bordering the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Construction work for the Rio 2016 Olympic Park is seen from a partially demolished house in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 13, 2015. With a year until the Games come to Brazil, over 90 percent of residents have already left after accepting compensation. Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Luisa de Oliveira, 23, poses for a photograph at her house in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 31, 2015. When asked to describe the community, Oliveira said: “Vila Autodromo is a piece of my history which they are trying to take away from us.” Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Children play soccer in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 31, 2015. Credit: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Aid - Case Manager Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org - Early Childhood Site Manager - Disability & Mental Health Manager - Family and Community Engagement RACHEL HARTWICK (Continued from page 2) fensive against their managers. After a month of weekly meetings, on March 2, the group created a list of approximately 27 demands for Robert Griffin the property manager, including providing access to hot water, repairing elevators and cease making threats of eviction for ordinary residents. Spring said that residents deserve quality housing and when owners of affordable housing don’t respect residents or building maintenance, it creates a bigger opportunity for developers and - Head Start Teacher - Payroll and Accounting Joseph House josephhouse.com - Chemical Dependency Counselor Lighthouse lighthouse.org - Multiple Openings businesses to take over the property and displace people. “I would hear people often say, after talking about the conditions of the building, it’s like we live in a prison,” Spring said. “I think this was a battle won for the residents.” The ARA demanded the firing of the building manager, Robert Griffin. After regular tenant meetings, demand letters of securing support from City Hall, and a major inspection of the building, ARA was successful in their effort to force the owners to fire Griffin. Just because ARA is celebrating this major success doesn’t mean there isn’t Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us/ about/connect/jobopportunities/ - Kitchen Manager - Assistant Cook Shelter House shelterhousecinti. org - Shelter Director still work to be done. The group then began putting pressure on ownership to include ARA in finding a new, trustworthy property manager. A success in this manner would be abnormal, as residents are not typically allowed to be involved in such processes. “The residents clearly identified that the only way this was going to begin to be corrected was if Robert was fired,” Spring said. “We put out a flyer that said ‘would you like to have new management’ and made it clear that’s what people in the building are talking about. That became the constant push. The city had also collected plenty of THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Residential Support Worker - Housing Aftercare Coordinator The Exit Program theexitprogram.org - Accepting Ongoing Resumes data about his history.” Jones said that she hopes a new property manager comes in with a clear conscious and compassion for residents. “It’s a bad building on the outside, but it’s all different kinds of characters in the building. We have fun. We aren’t miserable even if it is a bad situation,” said Jones. “We try to make joy out of this stuff; I hope [a new manager] brings that to the table because if they don’t, they’re going to upset people and we’re going to start all over again.” Jones added that she is happy with the (Continued on page 13) �11 LOCAL No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 The Modern Day “Meme” JASON HAAP Contributing Writer W hen Richard Dawkins first introduced the idea of a “meme,” he used his familiarity with genes to discuss how ideas can enter a culture in the same way. Dawkins is perhaps most famous for his atheist activism, and the concept of religion as a “meme” can explain how the idea of the supernatural has persisted in human culture for so long (presuming, of course, that you are not theist). When Dawkins coined the term, however, we had yet to see the birth of the “internet meme.” Internet memes are deliberately created by human agency, whereas Dawkins’ original meme was meant to explain how a concept spread naturally as opposed to by design. Human-designed memes exploit what appears to be an inherent human desire to spread ideas with which we are already inclined to agree. Perhaps this is a function of our mirror neurons, a part of our brain structure that gets activated when we see a representation of something we have enjoyed in the past - the science of the vicarious experience, so to speak. I’ve become convinced the manner by which our mirror neurons activate when confronted with certain internet memes will become the downfall of our culture’s political discourse. Have any Facebook friends freaking out about the privacy set- tings of their photos? Seen any infographics about gun deaths around the world? The truth about Big Pharma and natural remedies? Maybe you love the pope because he met privately with Kim Davis. Maybe you love him because he said he didn’t actually meet with Kim Davis. Maybe you like telling people “the truth” about the economy under Obama. Amazingly, the rates of workplace participation and unemployment, as well as the current federal deficit, all seem to align perfectly to the political leanings of whomever is communicating with you at the time. Maybe you’ve seen the video that proves Planned Parenthood sells fetal organs. Maybe you’ve seen the video that proves the existence of the North American Great Ape. Maybe you’ve heard of the people who practice CE-5 meditation to contact aliens, and seen their videos of UFO’s. Maybe the truth is out there, and if we actually take the time to research all these claims, we’ll be able, collectively, to reach reasoned and accurate conclusions. The problem is that we’re all in a hurry - and even if the truth really is accessible, it’s only accessible to those with time. The rest of us hear our soundbites through our favorite filters, and we’ve probably picked filters that make our mirror neurons feel good. ------------------------ Activists rally at City Hall and protest Mayor Cranley’s State of the City Speech JUSTIN JEFFRE O n Monday October 5th over 50 pro-choice activists gathered at City Hall to rally support for Planned Parenthood. The Cincinnati Radical Feminist Collective organized the rally and marched to Great American Ball Park to protest Mayor Cranley’s State of the City address. Cranley is an anti-choice Democrat. The Dayton Women’s Med Center and the Mount Auburn Planned Parenthood clinic could soon be closed due to a number of legal barriers Gov. Kasich and his fellow Republicans in the House have been erecting. They are the last two abortion clinics open in southwestern Ohio which combined provide over 5,800 women with safe and legal abortions a year. If these health centers close Cincinnati may become the largest metropolitan area in the country without an abortion provider. A Cincinnati Radical Feminist post on Facebook said, “With Editor sexual violence and rape increasing in our community, having no access to abortion would present yet another level of emergency if any women victims were to be impregnated by force. How long must they wait? Or will they find themselves desperate and take matters into their own hands?” They say that if the Mount Auburn Planned Parenthood is closed there could be a public health crisis for women. Many low income women would lose access to other health care services as well. These health centers provide a wide range of safe, reliable health care — and care, which helps prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections through testing and treatment, and screen for cervical and other cancers. the majority is preventive, primary Rally at City Hall Photo: Justin Jeffre THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ �12 In my eyes again LOCAL LEE MCCOY Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor R emembering my 63 years, I have seen so much injustice. Everywhere I look there’s a police shooting, unnecessary force – sometimes causing the death of a person. Just a few weeks ago I read in the news- Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 paper that a police officer assaulted ally needs a complete overhaul. Can his own son, of all things because he you imagine? If you have to go to didn’t like the way his son’s hair was court for anything and if you have a cut. Now that’s sad. criminal record you are more than Every time you turn on the TV likely going to go before the same it should be called Cops Gone Wild. judge every time? That’s not fair. The Even on a higher level DEA agents judge may feel like he has seen your have been acting like criminals. face enough. And then what are your Our criminal justice system re- chances? You do the math. Back in my days we used to have a system like a lotto system to have your case tried. The balls will come up and then you know who your judge will be. So I say turn around that old saying about innocent until proven guilty around. Just over the last few weeks Washington Park has had so many events where you have to buy tickets to get in. They had a fence so high you can’t even look in, but if I am wrong you tell me what other parks have events like that. Oh, maybe that’s the way 3CDC gets their investment of $50 million back into their pockets. [Editor’s note: The city put $12 million tax payer dollars for the renovation of the park and pays for the park’s maintenance.] ------------------------ Longtime Streetvibes distributor Lee McCoy Photo: Aimee Willhoite For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 RACHEL HARTWICK A NEW BEGINNING (Continued from page 10) GOD IS GOOD, NOT SOME OF THE TIME BUT ALL THE TIME 24/7 I BELIEVE THAT BE THE REASON WE LIVE ON EARTH AND GOD LIVES IN HEAVEN LOOKING BACK ON MY LIFE AND THE SO MANY CHANGES THAT I WENT THROUGH LEARNING FROM REPEATED MISTAKES GOOD AND BAD UNTIL I LEARNED WHAT TO DO REALIZING TODAY KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT PLUS THE METHOD TO USE I SEE NOW THAT HAVING KNOWLEDGE DOESN’T DETERMINE THE ROUTE WE CHOOSE I KNOW NOW THAT EVERYDAY ABOVE GROUND IS A DAY TO TAKE HEED AND LEARN I KNOW NOW THAT MY CHOICES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER I LIVE WITH GOD OR I BURN TODAY, KNOWING, UNDERSTANDING WITH THE REALIZATION THAT YESTERDAY IS PASTED PRAYING AND HOPING MY WORDS WILL LINGER IN YOUR MEMORY MAKING A CHANGE TO LAST IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID ATTENTION TO YOUR LIFE MAY YOU LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT A NEW BEGINING IS WHAT’S UP FOR THE POLITICIANS AND THAT INCLUDES YOU AND ME WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer way ARA has succeeded and Spring’s work specifically. “He’s a real humble man and we appreciate his character in dealing with us,” Jones said. “We appreciate him. The people are happier in here now.” [Editor’s update: A new site manager has been hired and the owners of the building have also hired a new management team for all of their properties, yet there are still more improvements needed. Because of the ARA’s work the owners will have to go before a judge later this year to be held accountable and hopefully forced to make more of the necessary changes needed in order to give the residents the improved conditions they deserve.] ------------------------ Ferguson and Others Unarmed but dead Death still came Life taken by whom And for what Shots were fired Innocent men were killed Time after time Police brutality Bad judgement Racism Cops not indicted Cops not brought to trial Police guilty of policing themselves Riots for justice Police chiefs and the justice system Not being responsible for police actions Unfair killings Police should maintain To restore human dignity Of all those they are sworn to protect and serve Law enforcement is supposed to be A part of the community Not killers in the community Gardner – Dead Martin – Dead Brown – Dead Wilson – Dead The Grand Jury and Our Justice System must prevail KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer The Campaign Mother Goose Hillary, dillary dock. Hillary gets a shock. Concern starts to mount About her e-mail account, And her poll numbers Drop like a rock. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Washington Park closed to the public Photo: Justin Jeffre Spiritual Hope I have a dream Of a poor man’s honor Man of respect Praying for salvation Honoring hope Where legends was made Where dreams was born Saying, “I am a man amongst men” Standing tall In the eye of God For mother’s salvation Father’s respect Sister’s love Brother’s freedom May your wishes be merry May your dreams be fulfilled May your love not be conquered Out of the creation of Heaven Of love and compassion Born of spiritual blessings I say, “Peace be with you Let freedom ring May God bless you May Heaven take hold of you And Lord be with you RON ENGLISH Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 79 Across 1. Unit of area 5. The least favorable outcome 10. Affirm 14. Part of a hat 15. Become less in intensity 16. Stupor 17. Possess 18. Demon 19. Succulent plants 20. Open and observable 22. Shout 23. Repair 24. Consumer price 26. Official emissary 28. To the lowest degree 31. Operate 32. Female red deer 35. Civil wrong 37. Faculty 41. Metal bearing mineral 42. Indulgent 44. Hawaiian garland 45. Migratory aquatic birds 47. Strong wind 48. Encounter 49. Sensory organ 51. South American cudchewing animal 53. Floor covering 56. Type of sailing vessel 60. Stinging insect 61. Pack to capacity 64. Turn up or remove earth 65. Dull pain 66. Roof overhang 68. Inert gas 69. At that time 70. Part of a play 71. Receive something that is offered 72. Portable shelter 73. Swagger 74. Afresh Down 1. Loathe 2. Have a great desire for 3. Heavy stud fastener 4. Precious stone 5. Batch 6. Comply 7. Rant 8. Static photograph 9. Bank cashier 10. Intransigent 11. Personal attendant 12. Earth’s protective layer 13. Unwanted plant 21. Bind 25. Tardy 27. Strong current of air 29. Birdcall 30. Test 32. Sheep up to the age of one year 33. Anger 34. Indicating maiden name 36. Narrate 38. Beer 39. Charge for professional services 40. Healthy 42. Jump 43. Close 46. Ophidian 48. A dark purple-red 50. Niche 52. Indicating center 53. Hoard 54. Livid 55. Extended area of land 57. Get or derive 58. Summon up or bring into existence 59. Regenerate 60. Unit of power 62. Allege 63. Bill of fare 67. Fixed and unmoving SODOKU PUZZLE NO 213 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 313 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 78 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 212 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 314 | O c t 9 - O c t 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Parkway Center 661-4620 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Shelter: Both Starting Over 961-2256 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Drop Inn Center 721-0643 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Oct 9 - Oct 22, 2015 | No. 314 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 9-October 22, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Marijuana Criminalization and Racism Homeless Coalition Works with ALMS Apartment Residents to Correct Major Problems Pg 3: Code Orange for Women’s Choice Pg 4: The Cause Cincinnati Pg 5: City-Wide Shantytown Forum Focuses on the Ballot Issues Pg 6: Socialist Nation Pg 7: Gentleman Leatherneck Pg 8: Photo Series Pg 9: Photo Series Continued Pg 10: Rachel Hartwick Continued Pg 11: The Modern Day “Meme” Activist Rally at City Hall and Protest Mayor Cranley Pg 12: In My Eyes Again Pg 13: Rachel Hartwick Continued Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 9-October 22, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Rachel Hartwick Kate Gallion Mark Mussman Bill Woods Robert Park Jim Luken Jason Haap Justin Jeffre Lee McCoy Willa Denise Jones Kim Green Ron English Bill Woods Aimee Willhoitte Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activists Aimee Willhoitte ALMS Ballots Bill Woods City Hall GCHC Jason Haap Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kate Gallion Kim Green Lee McCoy Marijuana Mark Mussman Mayor Cranley Photo Series police brutality protest Rachel Hartwick Racism Rally Redistricting Rio Favela Robert Park Ron English Shantytown Socialism State of City Speech Taxes Voting Willa Denise Jones Women Rights https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/fd31352c46cb4fe731b3f31cf9124c78.pdf 22dd6abd93065cd61f25de9442caff2c PDF Text Text October 23rd - November 5th 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 22 (No. 315) advocating justice | Building community Pave Our Parks? | 3 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Xavier Students get the Cincinnati Urban Experience | 5 Drop Inn Center Has Moved | 2 Community Issues Forum on Hot Topics in Education | 6 Common Cause Ohio Opposes Issue 2 | 7 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Drop Inn Center Has Moved JOSH SPRING F Executive Director riday, October 9th was the ribbon cutting of the Drop Inn Center’s new location in Queensgate. Residents and Staff have now moved to Queensgate. The women’s shelter moved to Mt. Auburn on Reading Road months ago. Writing about this topic is a bit like walking a tightrope. The Drop Inn Center is our oldest member-organization. In fact for many years, the Homeless Coalition really was an arm of the Drop Inn Center. I don’t want to make statements about the systematic issues that eventually led to this move that somehow get removed from the hands of those organizations responsible for them and re-explained as negative speak about the Drop Inn Center. So to be clear from the outset: the staff of the Drop Inn Center at all levels are focused and committed to serving single men and women experiencing homelessness. Their goal is to provide healthy shelter and the opportunities necessary to become permanently housed. Not only is this where their hearts and minds are, but they are also very good at it. The Drop Inn Center staff have fit this description for more than 40 years and continue to do so. The Drop Inn Center is always ready to step up when there is a need or a gap they can fill. Let’s be clear: far too much pressure is placed on shelters of all vari- eties. When good jobs go away and affordable housing is depleted, shelters are expected to take people in when they don’t have room. Shelters are then expected to quickly exit each person after achieving a steady income and permanent housing whether or not there are new jobs and new affordable housing. Systematically this is an impossible situation. Despite that fact that shelters and people living in them keep chugging away at each individual case. Systematically shelters were never meant to be the solution to homelessness or the end to homelessness. Shelters were primarily created or significantly expanded both in size and mission in the mid to late 1980s as the super wealthy were given tax breaks, federal programing for housing was slashed and gentrification increased. Shelters were meant to keep people alive until enough people organized, fought back and these policies were fixed. Instead governments at all levels continued to make homelessness creating policy decisions: backing big profit over people and homelessness continued to increase and become institutionalized. Instead of making the necessary overarching systematic changes, new systems have been created that put the pressure on shelters and people experiencing homelessness. We have continued to fight back across the country and have had victories but we continue to have an uphill struggle ahead of us. After years of corporate and political efforts to move the Drop Inn Center and build two new shelter buildings, instead of the systematic focus of that time and those dollars into new affordable housing, the Drop Inn Center needs more space. Needing more space does not dictate a move, but DIC needs more space. I say all of this to make this point: The Drop Inn Center, now called Shelterhouse, will continue to work incredibly hard with the many people who come through its doors. But I don’t want to see any more pressure on Shelterhouse than was already there. A new building is not what brings major change in a systematic problem like homelessness. Certainly it has more to do with the people who work in that building: Employees and Residents. It has more to do with how we strategize, organize and act. It has more to do with overcoming corporate greed, creating just polices and funding new affordable housing and good paying jobs - not to mention healthcare, education, mental health, addiction recovery, housing first, etc. The corporate elite want to seem like they have done a great thing, but the real people deserving of acco- (Continued on page 11) Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Michael Earl Patton, Bill Woods, Mark Mussman, Michelle Dillingham, Justin Jeffre, Robert Park, Jason Haap, Willa Denise, Jones, Kim GreeN Photography/Artwork: Mark Mussman, Dylan Speeg, Bing images, LeeAnn Scherbauer, Sydney Boyer, Alice Schneider, Michelle Dillingham, Progress Ohio, Bill Woods, Ron English Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Shelterhouse ribbon cutting ceremony Photo: Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �3 LOCAL No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 Pave the Parks? MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer I t’s often the details that really matter. There are so many things wrong with Issue 22, the so-called “Preserve Our Parks” levy, that it is hard to know where to begin. I’m going to begin by pointing out that the language on the ballot when you go to vote is not the same as the language of the actual charter amendment. This is allowed in some cases where the amendment is very long and a summary is necessary, but it seems strange in this case where it could easily fit on the ballot. It’s easy to find the language that will be on the ballot; it is not so easy to find out what the change to the charter would actually be. It is possible to find it on the city’s website if one searches the “Council Online” section (assuming it is up and running), but that is one of the few places. One can also find a comparison at the local Green Party’s website, www.swohgp.org. Here’s why it matters. Where the actual change to the charter would say that the funds raised will be used for capital improvements to new and existing city parks, the language on the ballot has a whole bunch of other words added that would not be in the actual change to the charter. These ghost words would disap- pear like the morning fog, but not before possibly blinding voters to what they hide. Here are the ghost words on the ballot language which follow capital improvements: “… and capital maintenance, including the acquisition of new park lands and green space, upgrades to existing park facilities and equipment, bicycle paths, and lighting and safety improvements…” Sounds nice, and I especially like the part about bicycle paths and more lighting. Only problem is, that won’t be in the actual charter amendment. What will the city do with that money? Or more properly, what will the mayor do? The mayor and the park board (which is appointed by the mayor), not city council, will be in charge. We do know that recently an underground garage was added to Washington Park, a popular city pool was demolished, and there has been talk of a new road in Burnett Woods, a restaurant with a parking lot there, and even a beer hall in Mt. Airy Forest. These are all capital improvements. The ballot language would be at least as accurate if instead of talking about bike paths and new lighting it had said “including parking garages, paved roads, res- Mayor Cranley thinks the trees in Burnet Woods are creepy Cartoon: Dylan Speeg taurants, and parking lots.” If you think a restaurant is too far-fetched, then remember there is already one on Fountain Square – Via Vite. Another strange thing is with the city golf courses. The city has six golf courses, three of them are within city limits and three outside. Yes, Hamilton County has a park system Making Your Vote Really Count - Don’t Forget Issue One On November 3rd BILL WOODS Contributing Writer V oting for Issue I this November 3rd appears to be a no-brainer. This proposed Ohio Constitutional Amendment establishes a fair process for creating new state representative districts after every U.S. Census. Ohio is currently a text book example of gerrymandering, the practice of crafting political districts that favor one party. Issue I would essentially prevent this unfair outcome when mapping takes place to define district boundaries for General Assembly elections. Passage of Issue I, however, isn’t a shoo-in. It’s not a sexy issue with an immediate impact, and it has received very little news media coverage. Public interest and media attention remain focused on Issue 3, the legalization of marijuana proposal, and Issue 22, the City Charter Amendment that would establish a permanent tax for parks. The fear is that Issue I could be overlooked or The original Gerrymander cartoon Photo Credit: Bing Images rejected by an uninformed electorate. What are the nuts and bolts of Issue I? The proposed Constitutional Amendment establishes very specific criteria that will make gerrymandering very difficult to implement. Map makers must create compact districts that divide counties and municipalities only when absolutely necessary. Under this guideline, the priority is to keep large counties, other counties, and municipalities from being split into two or three districts, and it would put an end to those oddly shaped districts created to preserve a General Assembly seat for one of the political parties. A second criterion deals headon with partisan map making. “No district shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a political party.” Having this language in the Ohio Constitution gives citizens the legal right to challenge any possible gerrymandering that should happen to occur in the redistricting process. A further guideline requires that the overall allocation of seats “corresponds closely to the statewide political preferences of the voters of Ohio,” and that preference will be measured by the average of votes cast for the major parties’ candidates over the previous decade. The Issue I Amendment proposal charges the Ohio Redistricting Commission with the job of creating new state districts every ten THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and city residents help pay for that with their property taxes. But there are only a couple county parks inside the city limits while the city has three golf courses located basically for the county residents – who don’t pay city property taxes. Why the city doesn’t (Continued on page 11) years. Comprised of seven elected state officials, this body must include at least two members from the minority party, and two members from the minority party must approve of the final redistricting plan in order for it to go into effect for a decade. If this minimum minority support cannot be achieved, then a new plan must be drafted after four years instead of ten. Transparency is a hallmark of the Issue I redistricting process. All meetings of the Redistricting Commission will be open to the public, and public hearings are called for during and after the Commission’s work on a new plan. If citizens believe the redistricting criteria have not been followed, the Amendment names the Ohio Supreme Court as the place to file a legal challenge to the plan. If the Court agrees with a citizen complaint, the Commission must redraw the district or districts found to be out of compliance with the Amendment’s criteria. If Issue I is not in the spotlight this fall, it does have the support of a large number of organizations and groups. The Ohio Democratic, Republican, and Green Parties have endorsed it. A sampling of other endorsers includes the Ohio Council of Churches, the Ohio Education Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, the United Auto Workers Region 2B, the Ohio Coalition on Homelessness and Housing, the Ohio Student Association, Applied Information Resources, the League of Women Voters, and Common Cause/Ohio. The mantra of these supporters is not to overlook and possibly lose this major step forward in renewing democracy in Ohio. ------------------------ �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 �5 LOCAL No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 Xavier Students get the Cincinnati Urban Experience MARK MUSSMAN Contributing Writer Y ou might wonder why I look so tired this week… it’s for a good reason – I am still recovering from a great experience last week with 10 students from Xavier University who chose to do an Alternative Break (AB) instead of going home or on vacation for their Fall Break. The topic of the trip was “Gentrification of a Neighborhood.” I don’t have any great quotes from them yet, but let me tell you a little about their trip and what I learned over the course of a few days. We started off the week on a low note – as you may know by now, the Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen caught fire on Sunday, October 4th. The community was devastated by this fire, even though it was small and contained. It knocked out power at the Sarah Center, and caused serious smoke damage to the inside of the building. The quilts, which many women have been working on for months, were destroyed by the smoke damage. These quilts were meant to be fundraisers for the holidays. I was very sad to hear this news because it’s a major setback for the Sarah Center. In addition, our Xavier students were going to be staying at the Sarah Center – I was so thankful that the students weren’t there yet, but I needed to find a new place for them to stay. Reverend John Suguitan, from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, stepped in an offered to let the Xavier students stay at the church on Race Street. I was amazed by the outpouring of support by Prince of Peace, and I was so thankful that the Xavier students had a place to stay! So, I dragged the cots over (with the help of our Xavier interns, Jai-La and Daulton) so they wouldn’t have to sleep on the hard floor. On Thursday, after staying the night at Prince of Peace, the students went to St. Joseph Catholic Worker House and learned about the history of the house and the process of helping men through recovery. They then spent a couple of hours distributing bagged lunches through the sandwich window where they came face-to-face with many people experiencing homelessness. In the afternoon, we went to Peaslee Neighborhood Center and learned about how gentrification has affected Over-the-Rhine from longtime activist and resident Xavier students visit Findlay Market on a beautiful day. Photo by LeeAnn Scherbauer Bonnie Neumeier and about current struggles from Jenn Arens, the Community Education and Volunteer Coordinator. We learned about the “We can go there” campaign to help save the basketball courts on Main Street. We went to St. Francis Seraph and learned about the history of the building, and the way that Catholics were forbidden from building in the city, resulting in their current location on Vine and Liberty. Bubs gave us a great tour of the grounds, including the crypt underneath the church, containing 6 bodies that were left when the cemetery was moved and the church was built. Since the parks are a hot topic right now, we took a park tour up McMicken, over to the community garden and courts on Main, and down to Zeigler Park, near the former SCPA on Sycamore. I discussed the process of privatization of the parks and how we are facing a changing landscape. By then, we were getting tired and hungry, so what a better way to fix that but a pizza buffet at Venice on Vine? M. Shannon, executive director of Power Inspires Progress, hosted our dinner and gave us another history lesson on the neighborhood. Our host explained the historical changes in the neighborhood and the role of Venice on Vine for those who participate in the education and employment programs. The Xavier Students Visit New Shelterhouse. Photo by Mark Mussman sense of community by the end of the day was strong, and the students were beginning to understand why we fight so hard for our neighborhood’s identity. Early on Friday, we walked from the current Shelterhouse (formerly the Drop Inn Center) on 12th street, to the new facility in Queensgate. I wanted to make sure they understood how far the move is, and what that means for someone seeking shelter. After a half an hour walk, we arrived at the former Butternut Bread facility. We noticed right away the lack of crosswalks and the dismal surroundings of the new Shelterhouse. With a highway on one side and railroad tracks on the other, it certainly seems like a far cry from the neighborhood setting of Over-the-Rhine. We were fortunate to get a tour before the ribbon cutting ceremony from a member of the staff. We attended the ribbon-cutting and I pointed out that this facility is in the shadow of the former jail. GCHC Board Member Chris Wilke gave us a more in depth history on the moving of the Shelterhouse after the ceremony. Walking back, we cut up Linn Street, through the West End, and even caught a glimpse of the carriage horse stables. Lunch at Findlay Market was an activity where each student had $1.30, roughly the amount a person on EBT (Food stamps) has per meal. The students could only afford corn dogs and they ate them while considering what that might mean for them if they only had this amount for each meal. I was happy that they stuck to the activity and some of them pooled their money together. Following lunch, we headed to the Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center where we learned about Wage Theft from executive director Brennan Grayson and Manuel Perez, Membership Coordinator/Organizer. The Xavier students learned about different types of wage theft and looked deeply into a specific case that occurred here in Cincinnati. It was an eye-opening experience for me that employers could be so malicious and do it repeatedly. The students even played a game in the hallway to illustrate how rules are changed and things are tilted in favor of employers, even though employees outnumber them. We met up again with Bubs so that we could help serve a hot meal at St. Francis Seraph’s soup kitchen. Following dinner, students met with Brian Garry at the Miami University Center for Community Engagement on 13th and Vine. Brian discussed his role in helping to establish St. Joseph’s Catholic Worker House, the changes he’s seen in the neighborhood, and ways to get involved with affordable housing. I felt that the students were fired up after hearing Brian speak about the struggles against gentrification in the neighborhood. On Saturday, Prince of Peace was putting on a service festival called Building Hope in the City. Our Xavier students put up and took down the festival, including the bounce house for kids. The Xavier students helped to cook and pass out food, kept the bouncy house safe, and aided me with my information table for the Homeless Coalition. I met a good number of people who were thankful for what we do at the Homeless Coalition, including Streetvibes. As you can imagine, by this time we were all getting a little tired, but we were not finished! We went to the Homeless Coalition and heard Willa Jones’s story as part of the Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau. Willa read her poetry and told us about her struggles. (Continued on page 11) Xavier Students having fun after cleaning up the Building Hope in the City Festival. Photo by Sydney Boyer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL Community Issues Forum on Hot Topics in Public Education MICHELLE DILLINGHAM Contributing Writer O n October 19th Christ Church Cathedrals’ Community Issues Forum hosted “Hot Topics in Public Education”. The format included an overview of the recent, local hot topics around our public schools some of which I presented as the coordinator for the Cincinnati Educational Justice Coalition. The overview was followed by an introduction to the 2015 school board candidates who are running for the CPS Board of Education this year, incumbent Eve Bolton and new candidate Carolyn Jones. Incumbent Chris Nelms was invited but could not attend. Although there is no contested seats in this election (there are 3 candidates, and 3 seats), there was a recognition that it was still important to hear from the candidates, as they will be three of the seven board members leading the third largest public school district in Ohio for the next 4 years. Also, it was an opportunity to have some open discussion around recent controversial issues the district is addressing. The “hot topics” summary included the following information; The District: The CPS district has about 30,400 students enrolled Eve Bolton speaks at forum Photo: Alice Schneider in 55 schools. The District covers 91 square miles and includes all of the City of Cincinnati, Amberley Village, Cheviot and Golf Manor; most of the City of Silverton; parts of Fairfax and Wyoming; and small parts of Anderson, Columbia, Del- hi, Green, Springfield and Sycamore townships. Public School Funding: Public school districts use a combination of state funds, local sources such as property taxes (and in some cases income taxes) and federal funds. “Breakdown Stereotypes” Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 The amount of state funds a district receives is based on a formula that includes the property wealth of the district and the number of students. The property tax is one of the main funding mechanisms school districts rely on. The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled in 1997 that Ohio’s school funding was unconstitutional, given the variance in real estate values. Charter Schools: Privately run schools funded by taxpayer dollars. They are not subject to the same regulatory oversight. Some are operated by for-profit private companies. There are no district officials to whom they answer, and are not democratically run. The Accelerator Fund: In May, 2015 the Cincinnati Enquirer reported, “A group of Cincinnati business leaders, educators and philanthropists Tuesday announced a landmark $25 million education “accelerator.” It’s a public-private partnership meant to boost the number of high-quality schools open to Cincinnati’s poorest students, and it involves some of Cincinnati’s most venerable organizations: the Cincinnati Business and Cincinnati Regional Business committees, and the Farmer Family, Haile U.S. Bank and KnowledgeWorks foundations.” There has been no new information shared publically since May. The League of Women voters recently tried to host a meeting with their CEO Patrick Herrel, however he cancelled his appearance. His for- (Continued on page 12) “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Common Cause Ohio Opposes Issue 2 No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 is satisfied, that board shall brand the initiative a “monopoly” (among other things) on the ballot. We can be confident that any initiative so branded would likely be defeated -- whether or not it actually creates a monopoly. Who after all will vote for an initiative with such scarysounding language? This is a scarlet letter that the Ballot Board can manipulate to exclude any initiative of which it disapproves. And here’s the kicker: the italicized language seems to foreclose judicial review. If it’s left to “the opinion of the Ohio Ballot Board” to determine which initiatives get the scarlet letter, there would seem to be no authority in the courts to remove this fatal brand. This is perhaps the most devious feature of Issue 2. It gives our highly partisan Ballot Board – no stranger to political controversy – a silent veto of citizens’ initiatives. That’s directly contrary to the core purpose of the initiative process. No one likes a monopoly. But that’s not really what Issue 2 is about. Issue 2 would give Ohio’s partisan Ballot Board a poison pill with which to kill citizens’ initiatives it opposes. Because Issue 2 would undermine direct democracy while empowering Ohio’s hyper-partisan ballot board, Common Cause Ohio urges Ohioans to vote No on 2. Common Cause Ohio takes no position on Issue 3. Common Cause Ohio supports Issue 1. [Editor’s note: I’m on the board of Common Cause Ohio.] ------------------------ must have an approving audience out there. How does the marketing of sex to adolescents fit in here along with gradients in social class and absent career prospects? This would be a conversation that would touch on all the fundamental beliefs that lead young, white, so far mainly, men, into the ideological swamp created and sustained by the GOP, some Democrats, Fox News, and all their predatory friends. Millions of young people seeing no future in the vast digital corporate universe are ill-equipped to explain their dismal prospects based on history and valid social theory. It’s so easy to blame other groups of less deserving underachievers for their own underachievement. Bernie could talk for hours on this. He would have the whole stage to him- self – are there any other candidates for President in either Party that would dare raise this or could even carry on a credible dialog about it? NAFTA, TTP, the Great Recession, the best Congress money can buy, a trillion dollar infrastructure program… it would all come up, not to mention the continuing adverse consequences of slavery or world capitalist domination. So much to say, so little time. This wouldn’t mean dismissing gun control. Given the depth of the primary problem – widespread social disease – even vigorously attacking those root causes would do little to prevent these outrages in the near term. Gun control is not the solution, it is an emergency response that makes sense only if the real solutions are implemented. ------------------------ JUSTIN JEFFRE Editor O n October 1st Common Cause Ohio issued the following statement from its governing board chair Sam Gresham regarding the board’s opposition to State Issue 2: Issue 2 on this November’s ballot is a poison pill for direct democracy in Ohio. While pretending to stop monopolies, Issue 2’s real impact would be to give the Ohio Ballot Board the power to kill any initiative it dislikes. Issue 2 would therefore undermine direct democracy in Ohio, taking power away from the People and giving it to the partisan politicians and bureaucrats on Ohio’s Ballot Board. Ohio’s citizens’ initiative is an essential component of our constitutional system. It gives ordinary citizens a voice, allowing them to enact laws that serve the public interest when incumbent politicians won’t. It’s no surprise that some of the most important political reforms in our nation’s history have been adopted through the citizen’s initiative. Oftentimes these initiatives are opposed by some career politicians, even though they serve the public interest. No one likes a monopoly, least of all Common Cause. But to understand the harm that Issue 2 would do to direct democracy in Ohio, you need to read its fine print. A careful reading shows that it’s not actually limited to monopolies. Issue 2 would apply to initiatives that create a “monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel, specify or determine a tax rate, or confer a commercial interest, commercial right, or commercial license to any person, nonpublic entity, or group of persons or nonpublic entities, or any combination thereof, however organized, that is not then available to other similarly situated persons or public entities.” The key terms aren’t defined anywhere in the measure, so it’s precise meaning and application is anyone’s guess. Issue 2 also suffers from sloppy draftsmanship. Most notably, it’s not clear what the limiting clause at the end of the sentence above (starting with “to any person…”) refers to. Does it apply only to the phrase “commercial interest, commercial right, or commercial license,“ or does it apply to everything that pre- cedes it? The last antecedent canon of construction would suggest that it’s only the former. If that’s correct, then the initiative would bar a wide range of measures, possibly anything that affects anyone’s tax rate. But it’s hard to know exactly how this broad and vague language would be construed. Issue 2’s careless language isn’t even the worst part of it. Buried deep in Issue 2 is language that expressly gives the Ballot Board the power – apparently unreviewable power – to decide whether an initiative meets its nebulous standard. Issue 2 says that if “in the opinion of the Ohio ballot board” this standard Massacre Nation ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer S ocialist Senator Bernie Sanders thinks hunting for animals is OK (they do a lot of that in his state of Vermont), he’s just opposed to hunting for people, the way all sorts of wackos and others seem to find desirable, maybe even gratifying, or at least an acceptable cost of freedom. Bernie’s pretty good at going to the opposition’s base and having a meaningful conversation. He went to that right-wing Christian university and talked about saving the planet, for example. Gun control presents an- other opportunity. Bernie should embrace the NRA’s favorite slogan “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” and then ask what is it about America today that produces so many deranged mass killers appearing on an almost weekly basis. Inspiring presidential visits to grieving families and much hand-wringing. What is driving the racist, misogynist hatred behind these young men with their little arsenals, co-conspiring mothers of limited vision, grand plans and dramatic exits. They 7 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 WORLD Going from homeless to hip hop with Prose and verses STAFF WRITER W www.INSP.ngo / Big Issue North hen I was young my dad was heavily on drugs and a bad alcoholic. My mum split up with him when I was really young, and married my stepdad - who was a bad alcoholic as well. When I was 17 my mum and my stepdad split up, and my mum moved to Canada with my younger sister. Me and my older brother ended up staying. We’d not really experienced living on our own, so we weren’t prepared for what was coming. The house ended up getting taken off us - we lived there right up until the point where they boarded up the windows - and then we both ended up just couch surfing, not even together. I had a few friends so I was dotting about on different couches before sleeping rough. That went on for a long time. Music was always a big thing for me even before I was homeless. I would always draw from, and write about, my personal experiences so music became the only thing to focus on. I did some stupid things, but I never really let it get out of hand and knocked it on the head quite quickly while a few of my friends around me didn’t. I didn’t want to carry on heading down that path and wanted to focus on my music. Music gave me a purpose, a reason to keep pushing on and not just completely give up, because I could have easily gone down a completely different path. I was always writing lyrics and I used to do solo rapping around Manchester. My cousin Dave used to make me some beats and produce my music. But he also used to make music with his mate Lee, who was in a rock band. We met up with Lee, made one song, and then just didn’t stop. We never really sat down and said, “this is a band”, but we just never stopped making music. It happened really naturally, and felt right. David and Lee helped me a lot as well when I was homeless. They would get me to the studio every week, and that helped me get out of that scene of just hanging around on the streets. I had something meaningful to focus on. I felt like people needed me and wanted to be involved with me. One of my friends who had a video channel on YouTube asked if he could film us. We went round and he filmed us with a little digital camera and put a song up. We got a call saying that Naughty Boy, the producer from London, had seen it and he asked us down to London to make some songs with him. We knew it was going to change our lives. We recorded two songs that sounded pretty good. Naughty Boy fell in love with the music and asked us to come down the following week. Before we knew it we’d signed a publishing deal and had some of the world’s biggest record labels saying what they could do for us. It might sound like a cliché but I always knew that I was supposed to do something with music, but beProse members Michael, David and Lee. cause of the situation that Photo Credit: Ben Parks I was in I could never see taken from it as well. how the transition was going to hapI write the music from personal pen. experience, but the best compliment I I think - I hope - that emotion could ever get is when people tell me comes through the music. But I also they relate and it means a lot to them. hope that it’s not all doom and gloom When I was young and listening to and ‘poor me’. I hope that it is hopeful rappers like Eminem, and relating to as well. If someone can achieve somewhat they said, I thought if I could give thing that they have wanted ever since someone the feeling they gave me then they were a child, despite all the other that would mean the world to me. stuff, then there is a positive thing to be ------------------------ Out of the cave and onto Facebook – the life of a modern hermit NEIL HALL AND ANGUS BERWICK www.INSP.ngo / Reuters Like any good hermit Rachel Denton rises early in the morning to tend to her vegetable garden, feed her chickens, and pray. But the former British nun, who has pledged to live the rest of her life in solitude, has another routine that sets her apart from her society-shunning brethren - she has to update her Twitter account and check Facebook. Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 Unlike other hermits, such as a man discovered in 2013 living in a wood in the United States having spent 27 years without any human contact, Denton has embraced the Internet age. “The myth you most often face as a hermit is that you should have a beard and live in a cave, none of which is me,” she said, sat in her simple red-brick house near Market Rasen, a Lincoln- shire village ringed by rolling green countryside. The 52-year-old is not as profligate on Twitter as most of its users - “tweets are rare, but precious,” she wrote on her profile - but for the modern-day hermit, she says social media is vital. “Things like the Internet make hermitage possible in a very practical way these days,” she said. “I can do all my shopping online and I can communicate with friends.” “So I am a hermit but I’m also human,” she added, clad in a dark tabard with a large silver cross hanging from her neck. Denton said she had sought out solitude ever since she was young, one of six children raised in a crowded Catholic family. What she valued most then was being able to play in her bedroom alone. “I remember practicing for hours by myself throwing a ball at the wall,” she said. In 2002, she resigned from her position as deputy head teacher of a school Sister Rachel Denton checks her Facebook page at St Cuthbert’s Hermitage in Lincolnshire, north in Cambridge and moved east Britain August 24, 2015. Credit: REUTERS/Neil Hall THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED north to Lincolnshire to begin life as a hermit in an ex-council house with a garden big enough to allow her to grow her own food and keep a few chickens. “A hermit is a person who chooses to live alone, and does that with the intention of, in some sense, finding God,” said Denton, who spent time living in a monastery before teaching. She made an official commitment to life-long hermitage in 2006 at a special Catholic mass. Denton, whose LinkedIn page is immaculately maintained, earns a living through calligraphy and by designing and producing bespoke stationery and cards, although she says she doesn’t attract “hoards of customers.” She also writes for a church publication about some of the trials and tribulations of hermitic life, such as her regular attempts to defend her garden from moles. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. “The possibility of death is always there,” she said, her head shaved bare following chemotherapy. Due to her presence online, followers started a campaign to raise money for other cancer sufferers and social media helped her find support. She said this proved how valuable a tool the Internet is for those living alone. But her diagnosis has not changed her need for isolation. “It was interesting when I got cancer because you make a bucket list and my bucket list was to spend my life as a hermit,” she said. ------------------------ �WORLD Native women dig into urban farming to feed families in Bolivia No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 9 FRANZ CHÁVEZ T www.INSP.ngo / Big Issue North he hands of women who have migrated from rural areas carefully tend to their ecological vegetable gardens in the yards of their humble homes on the outskirts of Sucre, the official capital of Bolivia, in an effort to improve their families’ diets and incomes. “The men worked in the construction industry, and 78 percent of the women didn’t have work - they had no skills, they washed clothes for others or sold things at the market,” Lucrecia Toloba, secretary of “productive development and plural economy” in the government of the southeastern department of Chuquisaca, said. Her hair in two thin braids and wearing traditional native dress - a bowler hat, a short, pleated skirt called a pollera, and light clothing for the mild climate of the Andean valleys - Toloba, a Quechua Indian, is an educator who now runs the National Urban and Periurban Agriculture Programme in the region. In her modest office, she explains that women are at the centre of the programme, which brings them recognition from their families and communities, diversifies their families’ diets, and offers them economic independence through the sale of the vegetables they grow ecologically in the city, which at the same time benefits from healthy, diversified fresh produce. Five km away, on the outskirts of the city, women in the neighbourhoods of 25 de Mayo and Litoral, who belong to the Sucre Association of Urban Producers, met us with a basket of fresh produce from their gardens, including shiny red tomatoes, colourful radishes and bright-green lettuce. A total of 83 poor suburban neigh- borhoods in Sucre are taking part in the project, which has the support of the national and departmental governments and of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The initiative has 680 members so far, said Guido Zambrana, a young agronomist who runs the Urban Garden Project. The lunch we are served is soup made with vegetables grown in their backyard gardens, accompanied by tortillas made with cornmeal mixed with flour from different vegetables. Fresh produce is also grown in greenhouses built throughout the hills of Sucre, 2,760 metres above sea level and 420 km south of La Paz, the country’s political centre. The women have learned how to grow vegetables and how to improve their family’s food security, Tolaba explained. “We want to reach zero malnutrition,” she said. In Sucre temperatures range between 12 and 25 degrees Celcius. But in the greenhouses, built by the families with support from the government, temperatures climb above 30 degrees. Sometimes, the temperatures marked by the thermometers in the greenhouses spike and the windows have to be opened. The greenhouses have roofs made of transparent Agrofil plastic sheeting and walls of adobe. They are built under the guidance of technical agronomist Mery Fernández. The luscious leafy chard and lettuce in the greenhouse of Celia Padilla, who came to Sucre from an indigenous village in the neighbouring department of Potosí with her husband in 2000 and settled in Bicentenario, a neighbourhood in a flat area among the hills surrounding the city. Women from the Sucre Association of Urban Producers, who are from poor neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Bolivia’s official capital, with a basketful of ecologically grown fresh vegetables from their greenhouses, which have improved their families’ diets and incomes. Credit: Franz Chávez/IPS Padilla, who also belongs to the Quechua indigenous community like most of the women in the association, joined the project with a garden of just eight square metres last year, and is now thinking about building a 500-square-metre greenhouse. Her husband, a construction worker who does casual work in the city, is pleased with the idea of expanding the garden by building a greenhouse. Their home garden provides the family with nutritional food and brings in a not insignificant income through the sale of fresh produce to neighbours or at market. With the earnings, “I buy milk and meat for the kids,” Padilla told Tierramérica, holding bunches of shiny green chard in her hands. Water for irrigation is scarce, but a local government programme has donated 2,000-litre tanks to capture water during the rainy season and store it up for using in drip irrigation. The chance to improve the family diet generated a good-natured dispute between Alberta Limachi and her husband, who came to this city from the village of Puca Puca, 64 km away. The couple, who own a 150-squaremetre plot of land on the outskirts of the city, had to decide between a family garden or using the space to build a garage. Limachi, one of the leaders of the urban producers, won the argument. Her enthusiasm is contagious among her fellow urban farmers. “We organised as women, and now we eat without worry because we grow our food free of chemicals,” she said, after proudly serving a snack of green beans and fresh salad “I don’t ask my husband for money anymore, and we Two of the peri-urban agricultural producers of Sucre proudly show one of their greenhouses, which don’t spend anything families from 83 poor suburban neighbourhoods have set up in their yards as part of the National Urban on vegetables,” Padilla and Peri-urban Agriculture Programme. Credit: Franz Chávez/IPS said, pleased to help THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED support her family. Her garden is wellknown in the neighbourhood because she grows lettuce, chard, celery, coriander and tomatoes, and her neighbours come knocking every day to buy fresh vegetables. A committee made up of associations of farmers and consumers monitors and certifies that the fresh produce is organic and of high quality, José Zuleta, the national coordinator of the Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Programme, told Tierramérica. “The women grow their food without (chemical) fertiliser, using organic compost that can return to the soil, which means their production is sustainable,” Yusuke Kanae, an agronomist with the FAO office in Sucre, noted. Kanae, originally from Japan, offers the women technical know-how and simple practices such as converting a creative variety of containers - ranging from a broken old football to plastic television set packaging - into improvised pots for growing vegetables. “Even if it’s just 20 bolivianos (slightly less than three dollars), the women can help buy notebooks and shoes,” said Kanae, to illustrate the importance of the women’s contribution to the household, which chips away at what he described as “sexist” dependence, while putting them in touch with their indigenous cultural roots. Kanae also supports the introduction of organic vegetables in the city, and has encouraged the owners of the Cóndor Café, a vegetarian restaurant, to buy products certified by the women as organic. Visitors to the restaurant enjoy substantial dishes prepared with the vegetables from the women’s peri-urban gardens, which combine Japanese and Bolivian cooking, and cost only three dollars a meal. The manager of the restaurant, Roger Sotomayor, said that he enjoys supporting the family garden initiative. “We want to encourage environmentally-friendly production of vegetables,” he said, stressing the high quality of the women’s produce and the fact that the cost is 20 percent lower than that of conventional crops. ------------------------ �10 LOCAL Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �11 LOCAL No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 White Liberals, Legalizing Weed and Issue 3 JASON HAAP Contributing Writer A s a white liberal, I feel strange when, categorically, I have a problem with white liberals. But I just can’t understand the fauxphilosophical outrage against the so-called “monopoly” Issue 3 would create should Ohio vote to legalize marijuana. These white liberals like to assume that anyone who supports Issue 3 is some narrow-minded stoner looking for a legal high, whatever the ideological cost. Their use of words like “monopoly,” or “oligarchy,” or “legalized drug cartel” are scare tactics because they don’t want a finite number of investors making money from legalized marijuana. This notion of “wealthy investors” attempting to “cash in” on legalization drives them crazy. They take to newspaper editorials and social media, stumping against this particular ballot issue while also saying they support legalization, just not this version of it. While these white liberals (probably college educated and in the middle class) make their angry points about how the initiative would “only” allow individuals to grow four plants for personal use (apparently forgetting they can currently grow zero plants for personal use), and while MARK MUSSMAN This Cincinnati Urban Experience was one of the most exciting and meaningful things I have done with a group of college students. I am so thankful that each Xavier student acted respectfully and appropriately throughout the whole trip. They asked insightful questions and participate fully in each activity. The community members who assisted us wove the most comprehensive view of the neighborhood that I have ever known. They were gracious with their time and information, and I so thankful to each and every one of them. Although I may be tired today, I am energized by the spirit of our community. I look forward to doing more of these in the future! (Continued from page 5) ing Tour through the neighborhood which ended in Washington Park. We went to the Drop Inn Center to get a sense of what it’s like, but couldn’t get a tour on the weekend. It was good just to peak in to contrast it with the new Shelterhouse. To end our experience, we joined the Contact Center in watching Selma at Washington Park. This movie is an excellent tribute to the Civil Right Movement and shows the sheer brutality of the times. The students watched intently as the struggle played out on screen, I’m sure they were thinking about how similar struggles continue today. We huddled up after the movie and I wished them a farewell. JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) lades well before this move, and after this move are the many people who work at Shelterhouse and have resided at Shelterhouse, the advocates and organizers over all these many years fighting against civil rights violations, gentrification and the defunding of housing, the dedicated street-outreach workers and the go-above-and-beyond case-managers and social workers, the development personnel, the lawyers, accountants, writers, photographers, speakers, cooks, intake specialists, counselors, maintenance people, volunteers, donors, documentarians, strategists, etc. These are the people that have been and will continue to work to end homelessness on both the individual level and the systematic lev- MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 3) the city doesn’t just sell the golf courses outside the city limits and use the money to fund bike trails, park lighting, and safety improvements was the first question that came to my mind. Now I wonder if the money is going to be used to fund capital improvements for city-owned golf courses outside the city limits. Again, you might think that is far-fetched, but then why does the city have these golf courses in the first place? In the past, it had at least been rel- ------------------------ they stump against millionaires owning all the farms (despite the fact it’s incredibly unlikely they wish to quit their jobs to enter the unpredictable market of commercial marijuana farming), they seem to forget the real lives (mostly of non-white people living in poverty) affected by draconian anti-marijuana laws. According to NORML, there were over 18,000 marijuana arrests in Ohio in 2012, and according to the ACLU, black people are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than whites. (Here in Hamilton County, blacks are about 2.5 times more likely to be arrested than whites.) For me, this issue is pretty straightforward: I can oppose Issue 3 on the basis of some philosophical opposition to “legalized drug cartels” (to the detriment of the real lives impacted by marijuana prohibition), or I can support it on the basis of the relief it would provide to the lives that get ruined once entangled in the criminal justice system. Is the situation proposed by Issue 3 perfect? No. But if we can change from prohibition to limited investors being able to harvest farms, then we can also change, at some point, from that to a more open marijuana marketplace. I just don’t understand holding some hard line on an obscure philosophical point when actual people’s lives are in the balance. ------------------------ Xavier Students Visit New Shelterhouse. Photo by Mark Mussman el. Now some of these people will be housed in a new building. A new building in and of itself should not increase expectation beyond what progress we make systematically. This is not simply a systems issue, it is also one of emotion. Advocates, activists, organizers, volunteers, and residents had to occupy the old Teamsters hall near the corner of 12th and Elm during a blizzard in January 1978. They then had to vehemently fight off the aggression of the city politicians, officials, developers and corporate folks to stake claim to the right for safe shelter. These fights continued over the years. They also created a housing organization, recognizing the solution to homelessness is housing. As homelessness boomed out of control, they raised the necessary funds, fought the battles and expanded the shelter all the way to the corner of 12th and Elm. As more women began to experience homelessness, they took in women. Over the last 40 years tens and tens of thousands of people have passed through the Drop Inn Center at 217 W. 12th. Tens of thousands of people have been empowered to exit homelessness and move on with their lives. People were inspired to come back and work for the Drop Inn Center. High school and college students came, met people and were inspired to commit their lives to working for the end of homelessness. Court strategies, political strategies, marches, rallies, memorials, negotiations, trips…were planned inside. People cleaned, maintained, decorated and worked to make the building welcoming. People laughed, cried, argued, found solace, found empowerment, smiled, yelled, whispered, sang and listened. In a lot of ways the Drop Inn Center at 217 W. 12th has been a mother to many people; providing harbor and nurture during good times, hard times, sad times, confusing and joyful times. The lives of a great number of people have been saved within its walls and the lives of some people have ended inside its walls. It has been a bulwark in the midst of attack. It is for all these reasons and more that this is not just simply a move. Please continue to support the Drop, now Shelterhouse, in the ways your strengths and opportunities allow. The systematic struggle to end homelessness continues up hill. atively easy to do a public records request with the city and obtain the requested information, including agreements, contracts, and account ledgers. That was important to those of us who want to keep track of how our money is spent. Unfortunately, that seems to have changed. A couple Ohio Supreme Court decisions gutted the law so that it is now much more voluntary than it was before. And that is bad when the city has something that they might not want in the sunshine. It has been well over two months since I filed my last request and the city has stalled and stalled. At one point they sent me just half the pages of a document and then said they couldn’t find the rest. And they still haven’t sent the rest to me. Lawyers tell me that this is the new normal. And this is important, too, because of the strange way the money responsibility lies with the proposed charter change. It will be the mayor and the park board in charge of all this money – not the city council. I started checking the Ohio Revised Code and it looks like the competitive bidding laws pertain mostly to the legislative body. I frankly don’t know if the competitive bidding rules apply here, and there is virtually no chance of an authoritative answer unless and until the levy passes. Finally, here’s another detail that is missing: the whole campaign for the levy is based on the slogan, “Preserve Our Parks.” Preserve them from what? From the rabble (I mean the citizens of Cincinnati) who would like a say in how our parks are run? It’s our money after all. Why bypass city council on this? Why are there ghost words in the ballot language? How much paving will be done to our parks? THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ ------------------------ �12 MICHELLE DILLINGHAM (Continued from page 6) mer job was as a recruitment director for Teach For America. High stakes standardized testing: The signing of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 ushered in highstakes testing requiring states to administer math and reading tests with harsh punishments on schools that failed to make progress. By 2011 almost half of schools nationwide were labeled as “failing” because they could not make adequate yearly progress. A study by the Brookings Institute showed states spend $1.7 billion per year on testing, up from $423 million states spent in 2001 before NCLB. Some say standardized tests present a limited view of student performance. Some worry emphasis placed on standardized tests leads schools and teachers to decide to “teach to the test,” narrowing what students are taught. Ohio spent $26 million for PARCC to provide math and English exams, both online and on paper, this past school year, according to ODE last year alone. A new provider “AIR” is now providing the tests. House Bill 70: A “takeover” bill that put into state law in July, 2015 how public schools will have their democratically elected school boards taken over by a CEO based on the state scorecard. Preschool Expansion (CPS preschools and “Preschool Promise.”): An organization called “STRIVE” has been working on a public education campaign around the importance of quality, early childhood education as LOCAL a predictor of academic success. For about 2 years they have been working on a proposal to provide preschool to every 4 year old in Cincinnati. The question for them remains, who will pay for it? Cincinnati Public Schools has a number of quality preschools, co-located in their schools already, and these are staffed by certified teachers who have a background in Early Childhood Education. CPS is looking to expand their offerings. Cincinnati Public Schools has a track record of running successful preschools and have wait lists: 1,095 kids are reportedly on a wait-list. CPS Magnet School Lottery: The district has had in place a “first come, first serve” policy for magnet school enrollment. One school, Fairview Clifton School, parents started to campout in 2008. Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 open discussion by the participants and the candidates for the Board of Education that included the future of the school on Vine Street, the State Scorecard, decisions around the Preschool Promise working with the district, and magnet schools. ------------------------ The old policy was the following order: #1 siblings #2 30% lottery for 6 lowest performing schools #3 rest, 70% first come, first serve Used to be you had to have a tour first too… The district has instituted a new policy to address the inherent inequity a campout has. Now this is the new order: #1 siblings #2 30% lottery for 6 lowest performing #3 city-wide lottery The forum ended with some great Mayor Cranley runs away from spooky trees Cartoon by Dylan Speeg For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 BETTER Better, is everyday above ground Better, is appreciation from everywhere all around... Better, is to upgrade things that are out dated Better, is acknowledging the changes with the recognition that the cost may be out rated Better, is to make downscaled areas be upscaled and look good Better, is to not to neglect the people, RICH or POOR! I thought this you understood... Better, is being able to enjoy life in the park, the library, church or just on the square Better, is when I can enjoy upscaled living in this life without my pockets going bare... Better, is to be able to enjoy and have peace of mind no matter what I hear or what the sound Better, is growing from homelessness into housing and gaining respect from all around.... Better, is for me today even though I have to pay taxes for things I may never understand Better, is knowing God is watching us all good and bad all over this land.... Today WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer The Denouncement of Speaker Boehner Little Johnny Boehner Quit the Speaker’s job. “It’s gotten too much,” He declared with a sob. “All these House factions, They give me the blues, With Tea Party zealots Who worship Ted Cruz.” Will John now retire To Country Club bars, And wait for an invite to “Dancing With The Stars?” BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Woke up today feeling insane Wondering why people take life as a game Why is life and love so hard to retain Is Good and Bad equally sweet When one is crying hurt and weak Years stopped suddenly Layered time risen up into the atmosphere Life and love not always so sweet Today is here Tomorrow may come Live your life Have some fun KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer RON ENGLISH Streetvibes Artist THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 80 Across 1. Large brass instrument 5. Type of file 9. Astern 12. Relating to audible sound 13. Malevolence 14. Average 16. Aplomb 17. Urban area 18. Group of three 19. Singing voice 20. Young goat 21. Colossus 22. Orderly 24. Number of items in a brace 26. Moose 27. Pastry item 30. Beer 31. Submerged ridge of coral 33. Recommendation 35. Assistance 36. Particle 40. Gear projections 41. Limb 42. Clan 43. Leporid mammal 44. Hard-shelled seed 45. Part of the ear 46. Miserly 48. Offspring 49. Oculus 50. Witness 53. Pertinent 54. Roman cloak 56. Mettle 58. Part of a Morse code signal 59. Hirer and firer 63. Impulse 64. Object of worship 66. Automaton 67. Roofing material 68. Misplace 69. Tusk 70. Snakelike fish 71. Sharp 72. Encounter Down 1. Implement 2. A single undivided whole 3. Large shaggy bovid 4. Hotshot 5. Narrate 6. Zealous 7. Be seated 8. Travel a route regularly 9. Not in favor 10. Part of a sword blade 11. Test 12. Health spring 15. Member of a religious order 20. Type of cabbage 21. Forepart of a hoof 23. Apiece 24. Pare down 25. Marry 27. Track 28. Notion 29. At any time 32. Cultivate by growing 34. Detail 35. Products of human creativity 37. The fourth dimension 38. Comply 39. Small pond of standing water 41. Female relative 42. Tart spicy quality 44. Short sleep 47. Consume 48. Purloined 50. Closed 51. Spooky 52. Bird of prey 55. Higher up 57. Bobbin 58. Measured portion of medicine 60. Woodwind 61. Classify 62. Pig pen 64. Kind of person 65. Female deer 66. Flange SODOKU PUZZLE NO 214 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 314 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 79 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 213 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 315 | O c t 2 3 - N ov 5 , 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 381-SAFE 557-2873 681-2365 981-5800 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 872-9259 Charlie’s 3/4 House 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House Tender Mercies 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn Cincinnati Union Bethel First Lutheran Church 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 271-5501 562-8841 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over First Step Home Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline CCAT 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-1983 351-0422 381-6672 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 221-HELP 721-8666 621-5300 981-5800 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 421-0065 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women 721-0643 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 768-6907 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 661-4620 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing 241-1064 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 535-2719 591-2246 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men 241-5525 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 621-6364 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Shelter: Both Drop Inn Center 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Our Daily Bread FreeStore/FoodBank 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Parkway Center 15 Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS Health Center for Respite Care 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Crossroad Health Center 961-0600 381-2247 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 351-3500 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center 241-2600 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 381-0111 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Mary Magdalen House 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place Talbert House United Way Women Helping Women Off The Streets Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 771-4800 751-0600 579-8547 721-4811 351-7921 631-1114 751-7747 211 977-5541 421-5211 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Oct 23 - Nov 5 , 2015 | No. 315 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 23-November 5, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Drop Inn Center Has Moved Pg 3: Pave the Parks? Making Your Vote Really Count Pg 4: the Cause Cincinnati Pg 5: Xavier Students get the Cincinnati Urban Experience Pg 6: Community Issues Forum on Hot Topics in Public Education Pg 7: Common Cause Ohio Opposes Issues 2 Pg 8: Going from Homeless to Hip Hop with Prose and Verses Out of the Cave and Onto Facebook Pg 9: Native Women Dig into Urban Farming to Feed Families in Bolivia Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: White Liberals, Legalizing Weed and Issue 3 Pg 12: Michelle Dillingham Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 23-November 5, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Michael Earl Patton Bill Woods Mark Mussman Michelle Dillingham Justin Jeffre Robert Park Jason Haap Willa Denise Jones Kim Green Dylan Speeg Bing images LeeAnn Scherbauer Sydney Boyer Alice Schneider Michelle Dillingham Progress Ohio Bill Woods Ron English Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Bernie Sanders Bill Woods Bing images Bolivia Cincinnati Drop Inn Center Dylan Speeg Facebook Issue 2 Issue 3 Jason Haap Jones Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green LeeAnn Scherbauer Liberals Marijuana Mark Mussman Michael Earl Patton Michelle Dillingham Native Women Ohio Progress Ohio Public Education Robert Park Ron English Students Sydney Boyer Voting Willa Denise Xavier https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/63e92e00b22eb73d3036f708cc533bc9.pdf 79a7cefadbb35e54fcead2ae90dd14ea PDF Text Text November 6th - November 19th 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 23 (No. 316) advocating justice | Building community History of Wage Theft in Cincinnati | 3 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Social Justice Walking Tours: Contested Spaces | 5 Housing First: Who Gets Left Behind? | 8 Hawaii, Portland, LA in State of Emergency Over Homelessness| 9 Cincinnati For Palestine Rally | 10 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Do Human Rights Exist? JOSH SPRING Executive Director H ow many rights do you have? How many rights does another person have? Do different people have different rights? The real question is: “do human rights exist?” Because if “human rights” do exist, then they must apply to everyone who is human. I bring up this question because there are laws and societal assumptions in this city and across this country that suppose one of these two options: there are no human rights; or not every person is a human. There are those that say it can’t be that simple or that extreme. They claim there is a compromise position or middle ground. But how can that be? Let’s use a popular topic to consider this. In Cincinnati right now, three people who don’t know each other could be standing at a crosswalk: persons A, B and C. Person A says to person C, “Long day at work, headed home to the family?” Person C explains, “Yes, my boss is really on my case, can’t wait to sit down.” Person B says to person A, “Hey, I’m short a dime for the bus, any chance you have an extra one you could give me?” Person A responds, “No, I’m sorry, I only have enough for my fare.” Person B says to Person C, “Any chance you’ve got one?” Person C digs in their pocket, pulls out a dime and hands it to person B. The bus arrives, they all get on. This was a normal, human conversation. Each person asking a question or engaging in conversation. Were there any laws broken? Yes. Person B broke the law twice because he asked for a dime within 20 feet of a crosswalk. This is against the law in Cincinnati, but should it be? Why is it that in this example, person A can ask a question of person C, yet person B has broken a law because he asked for something; for help. This law either assumes human rights don’t exist, yet it is within the UN’s Universal of Declaration of Human Rights that in other locations would lead you to believe there are human rights, so this law must assume that not every person is human. Let’s be honest here, laws like this are created because one group of people feels uncomfortable or even afraid being approached by a group of people they see as differ- Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 ent. A law that bans speech based on what that speech is can never be good. Such laws inherently target specific people believed to be associated with that particular banned speech. Of course the example here is one of panhandling or as the municipal code labels it: “Improper Solicitation”. Anything that You, Me or Anyone else can do that would be illegal when panhandling or soliciting for something is already illegal in every circumstance and it need not be labeled specifically to people who are panhandling. Think about it: assault, menacing, battery, robbery, etc. There is no statistical evidence of a trend of people panhandling committing these crimes, but the fact is that if these crimes were committed, hopefully the perpetrator would be charged with a crime regardless of whether panhandling was happening or there was some other form of human interaction. To label an action wrong because it involves specific language ignores human rights and inherently targets a group of people. If there is any wonder as to if this is true in the case of panhandling, simply consider that everything someone could do wrong as a panhandler is already illegal, yet to date the local government has felt it necessary to tie it to people who panhandle. ------------------------ Making the Case for an Anti-Wage Theft Ordinance - Community Issues Forum Attendees Hear Why It Is Needed BILL WOODS L October 29th. A panel led by Brennan Grayson, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, also made the case for a proposed Panel led by Brennan Grayson Photo: Alice Schneider advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Contributing Writer ocal wage theft received intense scrutiny at the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, Williams anti-wage theft City Ordinance. Such an ordinance, according to Grayson, would help prevent the all too prevalent practice of cheating workers out of all or part of their wages. What is wage theft? It can take many forms, explained Grayson, but it basically involves denying employees a portion of or the entire compensation for the work they have completed. Specifically, employers often fail to pay the minimum wage or proper overtime compensation, or they concoct various ways of not paying workers their initially agreed upon wages. Recent immigrants and the working poor are primary victims of this ugly practice, and Grayson noted that among low-wage urban workers, Latinos and African Americans are the most likely to experience wage theft. Wage theft, acknowledged Grayson, takes place on a daily basis in (Continued on page 10) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Curt Braman, Mark Mussman, Jim Luken, Justin Jeffre, Steve Sunderland, Ricardo Taylor, Ron English, Willa Denise Jones, Kim Green Photography/Artwork: Alice Schneider, CIWC, Mark Mussman, Jim Luken, Justin Jeffre, Aimee Willhoite, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 LOCAL History of Wage Theft in Cincinnati: Bringing the Living Wage to Rumpke Recycling CURT BRAMAN Contributing Writer I n the spring of 2007, several workers contracted from the Day Labor temporary staffing agency TLC to Rumpke’s St. Bernard Material Recovery Facility, the largest of Rumpke’s recycling sorting plants, turned to the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center (CIWC) for help. As it is for all workers paid sub-poverty wages, the practice of Wage Theft was common for those who found work through the Day Labor Halls. The Center with its partner organization The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) had founded the Day Labor Organizing Project (DLOP) over 2 years prior in the fall of 2004. During that time DLOP had helped investigate the abusive behavior of TLC and the other Day Labor Halls in the region, and organized campaigns against the unjust and often illegal treatment of workers contracted out to many of the areas well-known companies. At the time Rumpke’s St. Bernard plant, employed about fifty workers every day to sort and separate the recyclable materials that had arrived. They separate plastics from cardboard, remove glass items, pull out trash, hazardous materials and sometimes even dead animals. If the processing machines are “down” or in need of maintenance, they clean the machines. The plant is the final stop for the contents of the ubiquitous plastic recycling bins that Rumpke trucks pick up all over Cincinnati. After all the sifting and sorting is done, bails of plastics, paper and cardboard, and containers of glass leave; sold by Rumpke to vendors for reuse. 3 It’s hard and dirty work, and its work on a City of Cincinnati contract that brings Rumpke over $2,100,000 per year with additional revenue from the sale of the final products. The TLC workers share? Seven dollars per hour less a mandatory $7.00 per day transportation charge, $15.00 for a helmet and a few more dollars for safety glasses and a vest. The majority of workers at the plant were employed by TLC and supplied two shifts of manpower. Then as now, nobody wanted to work Day Labor. Issues of homelessness, lack of transportation, criminal history, use of alcohol or drugs, lack of work experience or any of the many other problems that made holding a steady job nearly impossible kept people turning to Day Labor for subsistence. Since the summer of 2006, DLOP had held open weekly meetings in a conference room at Our Daily Bread, the Over-the-Rhine ministry that serves free hot lunchtime meals to several hundred of those in need. The reason for this location was simple. Many of the people who suffered from food insecurity and came for a free meal worked Day Labor. In fact one of the critical factors in starting DLOP was that the majority of Cincinnati’s homeless population worked. The weekly meetings attracted many of them who struggled to understand how life could be so hard and so unfair to those that got up early in the morning and made their way to the Hiring Halls. So the Rumpke workers’ stories were familiar ones to the group. In fact, DLOP had launched a public campaign that forced the Tempo- rary Staffing firms contracted by the Cincinnati Reds to supply ball park cleaning staff to abandon the requirements of long unpaid waiting time and excessive transportation fees the previous summer. Shortly after this event, in the fall of 2006, there was a campaign with contract workers supplied by Labor Works to Schwan’s Foods around similar issues culminated in a successful and well publicized law suit filed in April 2007. DLOP and Rumpke workers, including Frasier Kidd, Patience Fuller and Cleve Williams, began to bring their case to the public. The first step was a small group of informational picketers displaying signs and passing out leaflets as they followed the Rumple entry into the popular Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. Their presence was noted by the Rumpke officials and sensing an embarrassing public relations problem, Rumpke quickly agreed to a meeting with DLOP. The meeting between Don Sherman, members of the clergy and Rumpke was held in early spring of 2007 at the Peaslee Community Center. The meeting almost immediately ended when Rumpke found out the dispute involved the TLC workers. Like nearly all users of Contract Labor, Rumpke refused to recognize them as employees. This was familiar ground for the DLOP activists, but then came a startling game changer. In 2006, The United Steel Workers and The Sierra Club formed The Blue Green Alliance (BGA), the first groups in a national coalition that was based in the cooperation between labor and environmental activists. Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center marching for living wages Photo: CIWC THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Shortly after the formation of BGA, Susan Knight, a local political and social justice advocate, was brought on as the Director of the regional organization. One of her first jobs was to make contact with Cincinnati Labor Groups and Environmentalists and foster relationships among them. Among the first on board were members of the Miami Group of Sierra Club, including Debbie Clarke, Marie Koloshis and Joe Bowman. They were actively working with the City to reshape its recycling program. Don Sherman and Susan Knight quickly realized that DLOP’s Rumpke campaign had the potential power to help the broader reform to recycling practices, and the Sierra Clubs efforts would empower DLOP by framing its campaign in the context of environmental justice along with its goal of worker justice. On February 1, 2003, City Council passed a living wage ordinance applying to firms whose contracts with the city exceed $20,000. The law covers any service employee of the contractor or its subcontractors. In 2007, the law required employees without medical benefits be paid $10.70 per /hour. Rumpke and TLC were stealing nearly $4.00 an hour from these workers. In 2006 and throughout 2007, DLOP had rigorously pursued the passage of a new City Ordinance that would regulate the Day Labor Halls. Current CIWC Director Brennan Grayson, then a third year law student, worked tirelessly with City Council Members and their staffs. While eventually in 2008 the law would fail to be adopted, Council and the Mayor were already aware and sympathetic to the travails of working Day Labor as a result of that effort. The basis of the partnership with the Environmentalists was DLOP would not settle its labor claim apart from the reforms demanded in the recycling system, and the Sierra Club and BGA would not accept a new recycling contract without assurances that all Rumpke employees, including contract workers, would be covered by the Living Wage Ordinance. Soon, small delegations of TLC workers, DLOP and their allies in Labor and other Social Justice organizations began meeting with individual Council Members, exposing the Living Wage Violations and asking them to recognize the workers as covered by the ordinance. Don Sherman presented this information to Rochelle Thompson, Contract Compliance Officer for the City and asked that she investigate. Thompson recommended that the workers not be regarded as covered employees, largely based on several specious arguments contained in an email sent to her on September 27, 2007 by Charla Cabe, Rumpke Human Resources Director. The most remarkable one was that they didn’t really work on the recycling lines. At the time Rumpke’s website included a video of the plant, which showed the TLC workers (they were identified as contract workers by the color of their hard hats) working all the stations as the materials moved through the (Continued on page 6) �4 LOCAL Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Social Justice Walking Tours: Contested Spaces No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 5 MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer I ’m sure you’ve seen big groups of tourists walking around Over-the-Rhine, following a guide talking about historical events. The tours on Vine Street include Haunted Queen City, Rookwood Pottery, and an Underground journey. This time of year there seems to be endless streams of them walking down and blocking the sidewalk as they hear about murders, scandals, and squalor. But what if you want to learn about the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement, or if you want to really understand what gentrification looks like in a neighborhood? This is where the Homeless Coalition’s Social Justice Walking Tours fill a void. On our walking tour, we learn about the historical context of the current wave of development in our neighborhood. I like to start the tour with a deeply historical discussion about the contested nature of the land – how was this before the white man came and conquered it? How did the people here communicate and relate to each other? How did they deal with disputes? These are questions that are not answered on any of the other tours given in the neighborhood. Moving from there, I skip ahead to more contemporary times when the land was cleared, the Northwest Ordinance forced the people of native descent to leave the area, and development began at a quick rate. It’s important to discuss how the neighborhood got its name, and how the changing demographics lead to the largest German population in America at the time. There are many things about that time that people think were perfect, but the reality was much more harsh than that. As we move through the streets, I discuss how the fabric of the neighborhood has changed, and with it the Why has this building been vacant for almost a decade? Find out on a tour. Photo: Mark Mussman people. I go into how the use of buildings has changed, and what brought us to this point today. I discuss the many times that the community got together to help an organization or individual who had a grand vision. I discuss how pieces of the neighborhood were literally rebuilt brick by brick. How does this contradict the media’s portrayal of the neighborhood? How do we stick together in tough times? What future do we want to have available here? One of the most important pieces of our tour includes a discussion of the affordable housing left in the neighborhood. Affordable housing helps people from ending up in the streets or at the shelter. It encourages people to work and raise families in a way that upholds the dignity we all deserve. Affordable housing also helps senior citizens and single-parent families in our neighborhood. In Over-the-Rhine it’s no secret that rents are raising at alarming rates, which is forcing people out of the neighborhood – but what does this actually look like? As I wind down the tour, I cover the changes to Washington Park, and what those changes mean for taxpayers and neighbors. I discuss the suit that we filed to reverse the unjust rules posted by the Park Board, and I talk about the events that have affected us greatly. It’s important to look at Washington Park since it is now being used as an example for everything from the ill-designed Issue 22 to the restructuring of Ziegler Park on the east side of Over-theRhine. The issues that are covered in the Homeless Coalition’s Social Justice Walking Tour vary from discussions about history, sense of place, changing facades, the power players, social service organizations, affordable housing, privatization, and more. If you are interested in bringing a group on the Homeless Coalition’s Social Justice Walking Tour, you can easily sign up on our website under Education. I hope that you will consider coming over and taking a very interesting Social Justice Walking Tour with the Homeless Coalition! ------------------------ How important was this space for the community before this was built? Find out on a tour. Photo: Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 CURT BRAMAN (Continued from page 3) plant. DLOP responded to this tortured logic with a letter to the City Manager’s office which disputed Cabe’s claims and offered point by point arguments to refute them. The decision remained unchanged, but concern about the issue was gaining momentum throughout City Government. Another key element to the success of the campaign was the growing public and political will to expand recycling in the city. At the time, recycling was only available to single family and small rental properties. The popularity of the program caused civic leaders to want to extend it to large apartment buildings and businesses. In the summer of 2007, a new department, the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment & Sustainability (COES) hired Director, Larry Falken. Falken came to Cincinnati with an ambitious and multifaceted approach to making the city Green. He turned his attention to the Recycling Program upon arrival and was willing to listen, and perhaps even take counsel, from the local environmental activists including those from the Sierra Club. Throughout 2007 and 2008, public and stakeholders meetings devoted to the logistics and goals of expanding and revamping the Recycling Program were held. In every one, justice for the TLC workers was discussed. In the past, changes to the recycling contract with the city were largely made by amending the Rumpke contract. Realistically, Rumpke was the only local company with capacity to deliver the conditions of the contract, so the contract was renewed with a few changes, than rather awarded through a bidding process. With the City stalling on the question of whether or not the TLC workers were “covered”, DLOP and the BGA realized that a new contract with Living Wage provisions included might be the best way to di- LOCAL rect the campaign. The Rumpke workers, DLOP organizers and allies from Organized Labor continued to lobby city officials. The workers met and told their story to groups across the city. They addressed schools, church social action committees, and civic action groups; in short, to anybody that would listen. A rally at Washington Park, in October, led by Debbie Clarke and Marie Koloshis drew nearly 200 people. By the end of 2007, the City was forced to convene a hearing on the issue. On January 10, the workers went to City Hall to share their views in an informal meeting with city administrators and Council Members. Several of the workers described the process at the plant and their central role in receiving, sorting, and preparing the materials for shipment. According to the workers and DLOP, the contract was clear. It defines the term “recycling” to include the type of tasks performed inside the plant by these workers and leaves little room for misunderstanding. At the conclusion of meeting, one of the workers, Eddie, asked the city leaders, “Am I a covered employee? You’ve heard us describe the work we do. Now we want to know, do we deserve a living wage?” The city administrators answered his question by squirming and saying they would continue to investigate. City Hall continued to be unresponsive, but the idea of clearly codifying the living wage provision in a new recycling contract was floating around the building. The decision was made to, for the time being, shift the focus to Rumpke. The living wage demand was probably off the table with Rumpke, but the minimum wage violations by TLC could be ended. The workers were surprised when they were able to schedule a meeting with one of the plant managers Jeff Rumpke for February 15, 2008. About a week before the scheduled meeting DLOP organized a community dinner with a program that highlighted the state of the campaign Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 CIWC on Fountain Square Photo: CIWC and a request for solidarity. Over one hundred people attended the dinner held at First English Lutheran Church on Race Street in Over-theRhine. The February 15th meeting between 5 or 6 workers, Jeff Rumpke and a couple of line foremen went well. Rumpke management must have become all too familiar with all of the buzz surrounding both the recycling contract and the worker justice battle. Management listened and indicated that the fees for transportation and equipment might be excessive. Almost immediately, the first victory of the campaign happened. The fee for safety equipment was eliminated and the transportation fee was cut in half (it too would be eliminated in a few weeks). The next victory occurred in early May. City Council voted unanimously to reverse the Office of Contract Compliance’s decision and enforce the Living Wage Ordinance when Rumpke’s contract was up for renewal in June 2009. In addition the demands for expanded recycling capacity were included in the new contract. In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer in June of 2009, Rumpke promised to honor the requirement. All of the exhilarating victories won during the Rumpke came at price. An article in CityBeat by Dave Malaska stated that by February of 2010 less than half of the original TLC workers still had jobs. Rumpke converted to a highly automated processing system and only four of the fourteen jobs were given to the former Day Laborers. Over time, however, the things reverted to the old system. According to a report from recent a TLC employee who worked regularly at Rumpke in 2014 and 2015 approximately 54 positions are filled at the facility 5 days a week through TLC. Using these figures as a baseline, and figuring the spread between the city’s living wage and the Ohio minimum wage over the years 2010 to 2015, it is estimated that the wage increase, across the all temporary workers from 2010 to 2015, is at least $1,484,864 and counting, in additional wages. All of which is paid to an overwhelmingly group that is black and living in Cincinnati. Was it worth it? Patience Fuller, who lost her job in the Rumpke living wage struggle said her mother, a union steward at the old Hostess plant in Queen City, “would have had it no other way.” ------------------------ Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Assistant - Medical Care Coordinator Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment ccatsober.org - Resident Assistant Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org - Payroll and Accounting Coordinator - Early Childhood Education Site Manager - Head Start Disability and Mental Health Case Manager - Family and Community Engagement Manager - Assistant Teacher Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati lascinti.org - Legal Assistant (FullTime) Lighthouse Youth Services lighthouse.org - Multiple Openings Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us - Kitchen Manager Shelter House shelterhousecinti. org - Shelter Director - Resident Aide THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Accounting Assistant The Exit Program theexitprogram.org - Accepting Ongoing Applications UpSpring upspring.org - Program Manager �7 LOCAL No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 Peter Hames: “Engaging” the Community (P2) JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer “Sometimes you gotta go a long way out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly.” – Edward Albee M eet Peter Hames (again). Former President of the Over the Rhine Community Council. Retired, but always busy. Selfdescribed as: tall, analytical, witty, innovative and rigid. One of Peter’s major areas of interest these days is “Citizen Engagement.” In short, Peter would like to see citizens (you) take charge of your communities, making your own life and your neighbors’ lives the richer by engaging in the dynamic processes of governing. Not an easy task, since—according to Hames—the citizens of our fair city (you) already have two strikes against them. This, thanks to the arcane (read: “corrupt”) way Cincinnati is governed and managed. More on this later. A month ago in this newspaper, we described Peter Hames’ exciting life as a young Marine, deployed off the shores of Cuba and North Vietnam in the early to mid­sixtiees. This time, we will focus on his life after retirement. One could hardly call Hames “retired,” in the traditional sense. Recently, I spent several weeks painting the exterior of the Hames house in the Mohawk area. On many of those days, Hames drove off two or three times to attend various meetings. In addition, he works hard to stay fit, doing Pilates several times a week, exercising at the Y, and playing as much golf as possible. “I’ve been working on my golf game,” he explains. “I call it a game, but it’s really torture. Except every now and then I get a good shot.” But what about all those meetings? It turns out that Peter Hames is doing something for free that he has often been payed to do during most of his work life: He is busting his 72 year­ old patootie, trying to make life better for the residents of his adopted city. That’s you and me. How did Hames become so involved in municipal and neighborhood affairs? One might say: organically. Just out of the service, the gung- ho Marine found himself face­ to­face with more blood than he had ever seen as a soldier. He took a job at meat­packing plant and found himself on what was called the “kill floor.” He couldn’t handle all the animal death, so he quickly enrolled at the University of Minnesota. At 23 he married. The marriage lasted nine years. He has a son back home who is 50. A lifetime in city government Hames then did post graduate work at the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. His specialty was to work in policy analysis and municipal planning. After graduating he took a job as an intern at the St. Paul mayor’s office, remaining there for 13 years. Hames remembers his first big project was establishing the feasibility of implementing a citizen­based “suggestion” system. “I really love working at the local level,” Hames says, “where you can see things happen and make them happen.” He describes helping create profiles of various neighborhoods in the city, then writing a kind of “owner’s manual” for the citizens of St. Paul. He laughs. “We were big on re-inventing government, he recalls. “It was a breakthrough in customer service, a fine thing to do.” Hames spent most of his working life in various city/governmental departments in Minnesota, San Jose, and finally—18 years ago—Hamilton County. His final job before retiring was as Finance Director for the city of Montgomery. That retirement, eight years ago, brought Peter Hames into a very personal attachment to the Cincinnati neighborhood where he had chosen to live: Over-the-Rhine. He became involved in various activities here, including Neighborhood Enhancement, and National Night Out (promoting better police/neighborhood relations), Historic Conservation, and the Casino Neighborhood Working Group. A regular (and vocal) participant Peter Hames enjoying our parks Photo: Jim Luken Peter Hames at his home office Photo: Jim Luken at OTR Community Council meetings, in 2010 Peter was appointed to the Board of Directors, then voted President in 2011. His two year term ended, but he remained President for most of another year to help with the transition to an almost entirely new board. Regarding his time on the Board, Peter says, “It was a position where there was no end to the kinds of things you can do.” Citizen engagement His memories of his work on a “Better Neighborhoods” plan for St. Paul, Minnesota, led Hames to look carefully at the situation in Cincinnati. “I became aware of the absence of any kind of policy the city should have had, but didn’t.” He talked to other community councils about the situation. “We asked ourselves, ‘What could we do to enhance the quantity and quality of citizen engagement (CE) in Cincinnati?’” They decided to set up a group they named the Citizen Engagement Action Team (CETA).The team did a lot of research and work on the topic. They looked at other cities and their policies. “We came up with this report called ‘Strength in Unity,’ which is the city’s motto (although in Latin), calling for the strengthening of CE in Cincinnati. Three years ago, city council passed it. We’ve been spending the past 2 1 ⁄2 years trying to make progress in getting it implemented.” To put it mildly, things have not gone well in that regard. Progress has been more than slow. Hames blames this on the fact of changes in the administration (mayor and city manager), but mostly he believes that this isn’t their highest priority. “I’m not sure if our view of CE is congruent with their view.” Hames carefully explains what the Citizen Engagement team is trying to do. “It’s founded on several principles, THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED one of which—if you are effected by a decision, you should have a role in making the decision. And the city should be very aggressive in supporting that kind of decision making. Citizen engagement is not simply giving the citizens a notice of [this or that] meeting. It is engaging them in the decision-making process.” He continues: “And you know how corrupt they are down there [City Hall]. Corrupt is the wrong word. You know how they use those “emergency powers” all the time?” I told him I did not know about that. A “corrupt” city government. “They can use those emergency powers to put something on the agenda without notice. They suspend the rules that they had adopted, and now it’s gonna become law... immediately!” Normally very calm and collected, Hames is noticeably angry. “There’s been no notice. No citizen engagement. No opportunity for input. They do it all the time! “It’s ironic that something I used to work for when I was inside the organization [Twin City government]... for some reason, Cincinnati doesn’t value that.” I ask him why he thinks poor people in OTR aren’t more engaged in their city government, he responds, “Why should they be? They’re not listened to. If you look at the absence of citizen engagement for the white people in the city, why should the poor, black people expect more?” In the not too distant future, Peter Hames plans on returning home to his beloved St. Paul for good. Clearly, the city and our neighborhood will miss his energy and his passion. I, for one, am grateful to have known him, and to have watched as this quiet, respectful man gave his all to make things better here. I hope there will be others to fight the good fight, to continue this urban “turf war” in his absence. ------------------------ �8 WORLD Housing First: who gets left behind? ALEXANDRA PAMIAS www.INSP.ngo / Street Sense “There was a gentleman here this morning who, for whatever reason, had determined that I was a sorcerer and that I was trying to kill him,” Beau Stiles said to about ten people cramped in a small room one Wednesday morning in September. Computers lined the walls, all of them in use, but at the sound of his voice everyone pulled up a chair and turned to Stiles to hear what he had to say. Stiles is the program coordinator for Georgetown Ministry Center. He leads a community meeting like this one every week for the center’s guests. “First and foremost I assure you all: that was not the case. I was not trying to kill anyone,” Stiles went on. He proceeded to explain how the gentleman called the police, who came down to the homeless drop-in center to question Stiles and heard the man’s story. “They opted not to charge me with sorcery, which is a good thing,” Stiles said. “And he left.” His story was met with laughter, but ultimately there is a lesson to be learned. Stiles has no hard feelings towards the man. Although this situation may seem fairly comical to outsiders, it exemplifies a common problem for outreach centers: how to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness who also have a mental disorder. Gunther Stern, executive director of Georgetown Ministry Center for the past 25 years, identified the biggest challenge he faces with one word: Anosognosia. “It is a syndrome associated with neurological disorders. About half of people with mental illness also have some degree of Anosognosia, which is the inability to understand that they have a problem,” said Stern. “So they might be yelling and howling at the wind but they don’t perceive that they have a mental illness.” This issue becomes especially deadly during hypothermia season, the period between November and March when temperatures regularly drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and endanger the lives of those living on the streets. The D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness approved it’s Winter Plan in September, which outlines how to best help people experiencing homelessness during this time. The 2015-16 plan includes a significant expansion of street outreach. In order to best help people with a mental illness that refuse help during hypothermia season, there is a process called FD12 that can be invoked to get them to safety. “If a person is exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental illness and they are placing themselves in danger, there are police officers, mental health professionals, and a variety of people that have been trained to make that assessment,” said Dr. Tanya Royster, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health. “Then they can forcibly, involuntarily remove the person and get them to a safe situation.” Royster stressed the importance of evaluating people to make sure they are indeed experiencing metal illness. Free will is a right, and the govern- Housing First has been adopted universally, according to Stern. “The people that I work with are mostly missed by [Housing First] for two different reasons,” Stern said. “One is that they don’t get hit because they are too low functioning. Or the second is that they are too low functioning that they are unsuccessful once they receive housing.” He believes that half the people out there won’t be served by Housing First because they will refuse service. “There’s a woman, Janice, at the bottom of the street here who stays in the same place and every time I see her and ask her if she is interested in housing she says ‘I’ve got two hous- Winkfield examines an individual; he is complaining that his legs are sore. Photo: Alexandra Pamias ment can’t take that away without thorough examination. There is an ethical line drawn between forcing people to accept help and respecting their decisions as people with free will. “And that is hard for us, because we want to take care of everybody,” Royster said. “But in the end, people have some choice if they are mentally able to do so.” As a way to help people get off the street faster, District government has embraced the Housing First model. This form of permanent supportive housing is based on the concept that, first and foremost, an individual or family should obtain stable housing before they can properly address other issues such as addiction or unemployment. Stern emphasized that Housing First is a tool and not the end-all solution to homelessness. People are going to be left on the street even after es,’” Stern said. “She sleeps by the bank. And she shits and pees where she sleeps. There is not much I can do.” Stern and the Georgetown Ministry Center offer the homeless community services such as showers and laundry facilities, case management assistance, access to the Internet, phones, and medical care. Staff members, usually accompanied by medical staff, will regularly go on outreach runs to extend a helping hand to the homeless community and provide them with a friendly face and medical assistance. On a rainy Wednesday afternoon I accompanied Stern and nurse practitioner Devora Winkfield on one of these walks through the streets of northwest D.C. looking for people who might need healthcare. Medical professionals look for symptoms such as severe swelling, sores, or respiratory difficulties dur- Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 ing these outreach runs, according to Winkfield. Stern lead everyone around the area, stopping in locations where he knows people will be. Almost everyone we encountered knew him by name. The group made a brief stop at the West End Interim Library where Stern checked in to see if anyone needs help. “The library is probably the biggest day center in the country for homeless people,” he said. Just around the corner from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, Stern and Winkfield asked a man sitting on a bench whether he needed any help. While he initially refused, after a few minutes he decided to let Winkfield take his blood pressure. It was very high. Stern and Winkfield then discovered that the man is on medication and they advised him how to take it, which he had been doing incorrectly. “Same time every day, preferably with water and after a meal,” Winkfield told him. There is hope that he will listen to their advice. “We have to change the way we look at people with mental illness who decide to live on the street, and actually intervene whether they want us to or not,” Stern said. “I have been talking to the same people for 25 years. People do occasionally move up. But most of the people I talk to are still there. Or they’ve died.” There is no easy solution. People are difficult to engage in treatment, especially if they mistrust the system that is there to help them or if they deal with mental health issues, according to Tanya Royster. “So we know that there are a lot of people out there that we can continue to serve, but we could always do more,” Royster said. “Everyone could always do more.” Beau Stiles ended his opening statement at the Georgetown Ministry Community meeting by asking everyone to be sympathetic to those with a mental disorder. “It’s important to remember that we all have different perceptions,” Stiles said. “When you encounter that type of behavior, just be conscious that one - it’s probably not personal and two - it’s very real to them. And be sensitive to that.” ------------------------ One of many people experiencing homelessness in Northwest Wahington, D.C. where Georgetown Ministry Center completes outreach runs. Photo: Alexandra Pamias THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 WORLD Hawaii, Portland, LA declare state of emergency over homelessness RUPAL RAMESH SHAH www.INSP.ngo / Spare Change News I n October, Hawaii became the third U.S. jurisdiction to declare a state of emergency over homelessness, following similar moves in Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon in September. This unprecedented trend makes it easier for cities and states to free up more housing and funds, as local governments struggle to combat rising rates of homelessness. On 16 October, the governor of Hawaii signed an emergency proclamation on the state of its homeless population. By signing this document and assigning $1.3 million for this initiative, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to declare an emergency to address homelessness. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaii’s population is approximately 1.36 million. While it may be a tropical paradise, Hawaii has the nation’s second highest rate of homelessness after Washington D.C. At a press conference, Governor David Ige declared, “The biggest deficit in the system is shelter space for families.” The governor has put a task force in place. Moving forward, the task force will only meet on an as-needed basis, but the governor stressed that there won’t be any institutional complacency in dealing with the issue. Ige added, “It is still a state of emergency in the sense that there are thousands of members in our community that continue to be homeless. It remains a serious issue in every county throughout the state.” According to Scott Morishige, the state coordinator for homeless residents, Hawaii has the highest rate of homelessness per capita of any U.S. state, at 465 people per 100,000 citizens. Morishige said, “The state has identified a little over $1.3 million that we would like to put immediately out into the community through these various contracts statewide.” The funding will initially be used to expand housing in neighboring islands, and will help to speed up the process of getting individuals and families into permanent housing. Morishige added that the funding will also assist people with their first month’s rent and security deposits. “There’s still much work to do. The alarming increase in unsheltered individuals and families over the past two years is particularly significant on O’ahu [the island home to the state capital, Honolulu],” he added. Los Angeles city council was the first to declare a state of emergency over homelessness on 22 September when it announced plans to appropriate $100 million to fund initiatives such as housing subsidies, and to keep the city’s winter shelters open for an extra two months. In Los Angeles, the number of people living on the streets has steadily increased in recent years. At a press conference, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced plans to release nearly $13 million for short term housing initiatives. He added that the bulk of that money will be dedicated to housing homeless veterans. Skid Row, located in downtown Los Angeles, has often been coined the homeless capital of the country. Los Angeles city council estimates that approximately 50% of Skid Row’s population lives under the poverty line. For the rest of the country, Skid Row elicits thoughts of trash, tents and shopping carts, but there’s a lot more to it. Against the backdrop of the large skyscrapers of Los Angeles, just a few blocks away, is a neighborhood that is “home” to the homeless. The contrast in the two populations, as well as the two drastically different sets of privileges the two groups enjoy, is striking. Connie Llanos, spokesperson for the Los Angeles mayor’s office stated, “An estimated 26,000 Angelenos are A couple walks past tents on downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row, March 7, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson homeless today, which is why Los Angeles was the first city in the country to declare a state of emergency on homelessness, a distinction that allows the city to address the crisis with urgency and demonstrating the dire nature of this issue.” On 23 September, shortly after Los Angeles declared a state of emergency, the mayor of Portland announced a state of emergency for housing and homelessness in the city, setting aside a budget of $30 million. According to a press release, Mayor Charlie Hales wants more money, more shelters, and more homeless people off the streets. The mayor added that the declaration would allow them to work with city owned buildings to convert them into shelters. He envisions working to house all homeless veterans, women and people with mental health problems. Sara Hottman from the Portland mayor’s office said, “Mayor Hales and Chair Kafoury have committed to an investment of $30 million to address housing and homelessness. $10 million of that budget will come from the county’s funds and $20 million will come from the city’s funds. The mayor’s office will work with a consortium of groups including A Home for Everyone.” Hottman stated that the county will support the city’s efforts by implementing A Home for Everyone’s strategic plan, which includes health agencies under Multnomah County’s jurisdiction. She stated that the responsibilities are divided; the city has the housing bureau and is working to find facilities to create shelters and build affordable housing, while the county’s role is to provide human services, since successful housing placement also requires mental health, addiction and medical services. Ron Arp from the Portland Rescue Mission stated, “Regarding the 9 emergency declaration, our perspective is that we’re delighted to see additional focus being placed on the challenges surrounding homelessness. It’s a complex societal, economic, and community challenge. Portland is hardly alone, and it’s going to take more people working closely together over many years to ease the homelessness pressures faced by men, women and children.” He added, “Portland leaders have placed a strong priority on housing over the past decade, so we are particularly appreciative of the expanded focus to include emergency shelter and recovery programs. The latter two are where the nonprofit, Portland Rescue Mission, has focused its energies for the past 65 years.” Arp believes that Portland Rescue Mission is capable of serving more than 350,000 hot, nutritious meals this year. The organization provides emergency beds and transitional support for about 150 men and women and has the capacity to serve another 150 men, women, and children through their long term life-restoring programs. Portland Rescue Mission is privately funded by approximately 30,000 donors and hundreds of volunteers. The actions taken in Portland, Los Angeles and Hawaii to address homelessness reflects the seriousness of a widespread crisis across the U.S. that can no longer be pushed to the sidelines. Megan Hustings, interim director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, said, “Homelessness has been an emergency for thirty to forty years now. The cost of housing is increasing at a rate that people can’t keep up with. The National Coalition for the Homeless appreciates the cities and the states that are taking an initiative to seriously address homelessness.” However, Hustings stated that the root causes of homelessness need to be identified and addressed. She said, “In the short term, the emergency declaration is a reasonable solution. However, long term solutions need to be put in place.” ------------------------ People wait in a line stretching around the block as the homeless and needy are served a free Thanksgiving meal at the Los Angeles Mission on Skid Row in Los Angeles, California November 21, 2012. REUTERS/Jason Redmond THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 Cincinnati for Palestine Rally in Piatt Park JUSTIN JEFFRE Editor O n Friday October 23rd a rally was held by members of the Cincinnati Palestine Solidarity Coali- tion, Cincinnati Interfaith Workers’ Center and members of Black Lives Matter Cincinnati in Piatt Park to denounce the crackdown by Israeli Occupation forces on the West Bank. Organizers say that, “Under the banner of security, they have been harassing Palestinian youth and children, killing indiscriminately and without any accountability.” The crowd of about 30 people chanted, “Justice is our demand. No peace on stolen land. When Palestine is under attack, what do we do? free.” Fariba Nourian, an organizer said, “All of this is going on with the complicit silence of international institutions that turn a blind eye on the crimes committed by the Israeli government. The unconditional support of these criminal policies by the US government is what allows these atrocities to continue.” In a statement she said, “We must increase pressure here in the US and show up in mass to support the uprising against the unbearable conditions under which Palestinians live daily. We must demand an immediate end of the illegal and inhumane Israeli occupation!” Stand up, fight back.” And, “From the river to sea, Palestine will be BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) Cincinnati, and local workers lose millions of dollars in pay every year. One of the primary roles of the Interfaith Workers Center is assisting workers who have been cheated, and two of these workers told their stories to Forum attendees. Salustro and Carlos Perez, a father and son who are recent Latino-immigrants, worked as framers on building projects in Cincinnati. ------------------------ Both were denied their full pay until the Workers Center intervened on their behalf. Although the Workers Center has been quite successful in helping many workers over the years, Grayson declared that it needed a greater local and public effort to prevent wage theft from taking place. He cited other city governments that have passed laws, and these examples prompted the Center to promote a Cincinnati ordinance. It launched the “Just Pay Cincy Campaign” last May, and it currently Rally at Piatt Park Photo: Justin Jeffre works with Vice Mayor David Mann to draft a specific ordinance to put before City Council by the end of the year. What would an anti-wage theft ordinance do? Although details of a final ordinance are still being worked out, it would essentially impact all entities participating in City economic development and incentive programs. These entities would be responsible for reporting all wage theft complaints and wage theft findings made against anyone they contracted or sub-contracted with. These entities would be THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED subject to specific City imposed financial penalties or fines once wage thefts are determined. The Center, concluded Grayson, is also building a coalition of religious, civic, and labor groups to support an anti-wage theft ordinance. An event is scheduled for City Hall on Wednesday November 18th. For details, call the Center, 621-5991. ------------------------ �11 LOCAL No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 Freedom Navigators for Cancer Care: Youth Teams for Cincinnati STEVE SUNDERLAND Contributing Writer 1. Introduction: Recently I spoke at an inner city elementary school and a suburban high school on health in Cincinnati. Over 90% of the children, 6th graders in one school, and high school sophomores in the other, raised their hands when I asked how many had someone in their family with cancer. We talked about a parent that died, some brother or sister with cancer, and/or some family history of cancer that seemed to just persist from generation to generation. As we talked, it was clear that the youth felt isolated about what could be done. Some suggested the best we could do was to wear pink; others spoke of raising money for research. Prayer was also noted. These responses are not different from the average person who is coping with a family member facing cancer. Add to the difficulties of caring a lack of experience with medical institutions, insurance, and welcoming health individuals and institutions, and the difficulties facing a person with cancer are multiplied beyond one’s grasp. What the cancer citizen needs is a culture of support for themselves and their families. 2. What is a culture of support for cancer citizens? Simply, every person with cancer needs one team, one caring neighborhood, and linkage to cancer hospitals. Caring involves connection. Mortality can be reduced with relationships. Fighting cancer includes dialogue with support systems with the cancer citizen at the center. Helping people survive cancer is not usually thought about as a democratic enterprise. Yet, it is clear, the more barriers facing a person in their experience with the health care system, the more likely that they will experience both isolation, poor decision making, and ignorance about how they participate in their own survival. It is still not unthinkable that a person, ignorant of the complexities of cancer, will not be told where literature from the American Cancer Society can be obtained in their own language. With the flood of information about health insurance, it is still more likely that a cancer citizen is confused just how much is paid for by the patient and by the insurance company. Even though most professional health care workers know that the diagnosis of cancer can lead to emotional and psychological confusion that is persistent, it is still normal to find most people deeply confused about medical terms, treatment options, survival chances, side effects and their risks, and the “best” method for treatment. And feeling isolated and out of touch with any knowledgeable person who can assist in explaining the basics of the disease and the potential course of treatment. Instead of leaving the doctor’s office with a clear “road map” of the steps toward the best approaches, the individual and their families are left to find their ways through a “minefield” of decisions that may deter or disrupt the person’s key decisions. 3. 5 kinds of support cancer citizens need: Thinking about the person with cancer as a “citizen” with full rights, helps focus the kind of support needed. First and foremost for many citizens, is emotional support. Facing the fears of a cancer diagnosis can take place in a compassionate relationship that is ongoing. Nothing about stepping into the cancer treatment process can be better accomplished alone. Solid, fair, necessary, and caring relationships open opportunities for the citizen to have a person, in relationship, to bounce ideas off of, share concerns that may be irrational, and have a partner in the search to find the best next steps. Secondly, cancer citizens need to be informed about the complexities of their situation and have access to the latest information that is similar or identical to their case. The Election Results Are In JUSTIN JEFFRE Editor T uesday November 3rd turned out to be an interesting off year election. The election results rolled in late because Hamilton County had polling problems. A new system had been put in place and problems emerged that compelled Judge Robert P. Ruehlman to order an extension of poll hours to 9pm. Issue 1 passed which will make it harder to gerrymander districts on the state level. The League of Women Voters and Common Cause Ohio both had endorsed this bipartisan reform. Issue 2 also passed which critics find troubling. In a statement Com- mon Cause Ohio said Issue 2 would give Ohio’s partisan Ballot Board a poison pill with which to kill citizens’ initiatives it opposes. “A careful reading shows that it’s not actually limited to monopolies. Issue 2 would apply to initiatives that create a “monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel, specify or determine a tax rate, or confer a commercial interest, commercial right, or commercial license to any person, nonpublic entity, or group of persons or nonpublic entities, or any combination thereof, however organized, that is not then available to other similarly situated persons or public entities.” The key terms aren’t Information, provided by research that is understandable, or information provided by people who have already successfully been treated, or information from those who have been subjected to difficulties, all add up to supportive elements in how a citizen chooses to act. Thirdly, every cancer citizen needs some level of assistance in overcoming “basic” barriers related to finances, transportation, child care, employer release and other necessary life situations that may be planned for with able support. Fourthly, cancer citizens need support to persist in treatments, or be accompanied to second opinions, or be helped to understand how treatment will effect life chances, as well as some help overcoming the natural discomfort with regular, and often, painful treatments. Lastly, cancer citizens need support for facing the unknowns inside every cancer case. ‘What works? Will it work in my situation? For how long will a treatment take and with what kind of acceptable result? And, with some success, will the situation relapse into another level of cancer? And a thousand other questions. Caring support, in relationship, recognizes that there are questions that never go away irrespective of treatment and that these questions represent fears that are often deep and disabling. In conversations about taboo topics as well as discussions of questions that need to be asked to physicians that are awkward, there is a need for a caring team to work together on preparation, discussion, and review. 4. Creating Youth Freedom Navigators: As I talked with the teens about their interest in helping with cancer, and listened to their experiences trying to make a difference in often harrowing situations, I thought about the youth as a potential group capable of working in teams, in neighborhoods, with hospitals, alongside patient navigators, to credefined anywhere in the measure, so it’s precise meaning and application is anyone’s guess.” Issue 3 was handily rejected. It would’ve legalized recreational and medicinal use of marijuana. The Ballot Board referred to the constitutional amendment as a monopoly in their ballot language which essentially sealed its fate from the beginning. Mayor Cranley’s Parks Tax also was defeated by a large margin. The charter amendment would’ve created a permanent tax which the mayor would have largely controlled. The plan first began to unravel when longtime parks supporter and former Vice Mayor Marian Spencer revoked her support after she read the actual charter language. The Enquirer’s reporting helped embolden a grass roots citizen effort to defeat THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ate and sustain the caring culture. We know that young people were critical in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside community organizers in neighborhoods, assisting with the basics of protest for voting and school rights. We know that the most recent recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai, 15 years old, has organized worldwide for the chance for girls and women to receive education, and in other countries, Africa, India, Haiti, Indonesia, youth have been critical in relief operations, providing support for medical care following disasters. American youth are important factors in elections at all levels. Youth are still joining the Peace Corp. And, in many urban areas, youth have been involved in critical social justice movements. There is every reason to believe that American youth, engaged in training and supervised programs, could make a serious effort in reducing cancer through creating a culture of support. Youth in schools and religious organizations could be encouraged to take concerted action for changing health outcomes in cities that have horrible cancer realities. They would become Freedom Navigators. If the insight about early detection leads to early success in cancer is true, then Freedom Navigators could assist patient navigators in spreading information about cancer, accompanying people to health centers and hospitals, and supporting individuals, especially when there is no one else available. A directory of youth Freedom Navigator cancer support groups could be tied to the United Way phone information system with youth being activated. The cancer citizen needs special support to participate with success in survival. It is time for a partnership with youth to make a difference. ------------------------ John Cranley speaking in favor of the Park Tax Photo: Justin Jeffre it. This broad coalition included the Audubon Society, the Charter Committee, The Sierra Club, COAST, the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, CityBeat, the Green Party, Believe in Cincinnati, a majority on city council and others. ------------------------ �12 LOCAL Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 What We Do RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor “Some of them say; you gotta do what you do, but for me that ring’s so untrue!” T he life of the street person often becomes a self-created dilemma, in other words, you reap what you sow! The concept of, ‘ By any means necessary’ sometimes has some harsh or unrealistic world views for some; it becomes the anthem for many street people. We start to believe that our survival depends on how much we can hoard! The more I can get the better my chances of survival! The mindset allows us to think that what’s really important is our own needs, and we therefore reject any sense of responsibility or moral objectives, and just act according to our own whims, disregarding the rights of, or having respect for others! Self-centeredness becomes our only resource, and we tend to take on an air of self-righteousness. “I can do whatever I want,” regardless of what others think or believe! Cheating, lying, and stealing becomes the norm, and anything goes, as long as I can fulfill my needs and wants, the hell with anyone else! This conviction of mind allows the individual to act out in many cases, oftentimes to an extent that any sense of morality is cast aside. The world of the street person tends to revolve totally around self, ‘I need to do for me’, and that allows for no outside interference. The rules of society are for those who have a place in that society, but too often those who live on the edges of society IE. The street person, with feelings of dejection exclude them from that sense of obligation and their actions seem both necessary and in order. “I have to do what I have to do”! As in the words of the old Temptations song...’Dealing in debt and stealing in the name of the lord’, the street person often losses any sense of right or wrong and just acts on opportunity. ‘We do what we do’! So, I would like to conclude with some clarity, of course when I say street people I am not talking about everyone who has the misfortune to live this life style, however, in a sense to afford awareness a scenario such as this it is to me a necessity to inform those who don’t get it, what it is! Ha! Reaping what we sow is the epit- Ricardo Taylor Photo: Aimee Willhoite ome of our actions, so the obvious isn’t quite so easy to see, in the sense of what some individuals engage in has no benefit, however, when caught up in the lifestyle all seems fair to the perpetrator of course we can understand that there is no excuse, yet, is there a remedy or an idea of re­education for those who are caught up in the what we do scenario? This we will have to see! It becomes the responsibility of a community to address and assist those who may find themselves in those orbits, however, the last line says that we are all responsible for ourselves as well as each other! ------------------------ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 Spiritual Hope I have a dream Of a poor man’s honor Man of respect Praying for salvation Honoring hope Where legends was made Where dreams was born Saying, “I am a man amongst men” Standing tall In the eye of God For mother’s salvation Father’s respect Sister’s love Brother’s freedom May your wishes be merry May your dreams be fulfilled May your love not be conquered Out of the creation of Heaven Of love and compassion Born of spiritual blessings I say, “Peace be with you Let freedom ring May God bless you May Heaven take hold of you And Lord be with you RON ENGLISH Why the Tea Party Loves Dr. Ben Contributing Writer Ben Carson in a sound bite-wrath, Called Prez Obama a psychopath. Dr. Ben’s words of condemnation Make the Right feel great elation. Here’s a Black man being unkind About the Prez’s state of mind. If his smear ranks as the “basest,” Ben can hardly be called a racist. A THEFT IN THE ECONOMY It takes a thief to steal the people of the country’s belief It takes a thief to have the people have to change their lives, now that’s deep It takes a thief to double the price of football stadiums and fields It takes a thief to convince the county the police deserve a Las Vegas deal It takes a thief to steal channels from our children, scanning for the T.V. Whether it be for the Converter Box, Cable Box or Direct T.V. Do you understand me? For me to steal anything or to be classified as a political thief Would for me never to have believed in the Constitution and damn Democracy So now where do we go as a people in order to regain the stability we so freely lost In the future we must read every dotted line, keep the faith and let God alone be the boss! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer BILL WOODS Contributing Writer The Ghost The Ghost behind me Firing red, hot, heat at me Lying to me Worrying me Dripping sour honey on me Expanding out at me Looking for me It wants to destroy me Having no mercy for me It wants to deceive for thee Standing on the other side of me It wants to destroy me The Ghost KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 81 Across 1. Droop 4. Saturate 8. Faction 12. Frame of a ship 13. Exhort 14. Employee organization 16. Auxiliary 17. Whittle 18. Paris subway system 19. Iron and carbon alloy 21. Portable shelter 23. Repair 24. For each 25. Double-reed instrument 27. Beam 29. Decant 30. Front part of a vessel 31. Tender 34. Appointed assistant 37. Destiny 38. Fuss 39. Precipitation 40. Back muscle 41. Type of golf club 42. Small snake 43. Matured 45. Wander 47. Hymenopterous insect 48. Cooking vessel 49. Mush 50. Body of water 51. Vocalized 52. Append 55. Redact 58. Consideration in dealing with others 60. Worship 62. Aquatic bird 64. Cultivate by growing 66. Region 67. Hard material used as an abrasive 68. Succulent 69. Asterisk 70. Window glass 71. Let for money 72. Amateur radio operator Down 1. Matching set of furniture 2. Type of tree 3. Mirth 4. Consume a little at a time 5. Speaker 6. Concur 7. Sharp 8. Total 9. Foe 10. Make reference to 11. Ripped 12. Fastener 15. Show assent 20. Plunder 22. Slow pace of running 26. Purchase 28. Wonderment 29. Play on words 30. Nocturnal mammal 31. Agressive remark 32. Object of worship 33. Finished 34. Dreary 35. Alleviate 36. Tube 37. An interest followed with zeal 40. Allow 41. Mischievous fairy 43. Simian 44. Caprine animal 45. Operate 46. Seaweed 49. Regular customer 50. Austere 51. Relative magnitude 52. Large artery 53. Aspiration 54. Having a high price 55. Female sheep 56. Slightly wet 57. Notion 59. A great distance 61. Sprint 63. Cereal grass seed 65. Encountered SODOKU PUZZLE NO 215 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 315 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 80 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 214 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 316 | No v 6 - N ov 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Mercy Franciscan at St. John OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Both Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Nov 6 - Nov 19, 2015 | No. 316 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 6-November 19, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Do Human Rights Exist? Making the Case for an Anti-Wage Theft Ordinance Pg 3: History of Wage Theft in Cincinnati Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Social Justice Walking Tour Pg 6: Curt Braman Pg 7: Peter Hames Pg 8: Housing First Pg 9: Hawaii, Portland, LA Declare State of Emergency Over Homelessness Pg 10: Cincinnati for Palestine Rally in Piatt Park Pg 11: Freedom Navigators for cancer Care Pg 12: What We Do Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 6-November 19, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Curt Braman Mark Mussman Jim Luken Justin Jeffre Steve Sunderland Ricardo Taylor Ron English Willa Denise Jones Kim Green Alice Schneider CIWC Jim Luken Aimee Willhoite Bill Woods Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimee Willhoite Alice Schneider Bill Woods Cancer Care Cincinnati CIWC Curt Braman Election Hawaii Homelessness housing Human Rights Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green LA Mark Mussman Palestine Peter Hames Piatt Park Portland protest Rally Recycling Ricardo Taylor Ron English Rumpke Steve Sunderland Wages Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f5c7038bc92cbf6c6f49b80d258bd6c4.pdf d4d3422081afe228c2a6a035c0b36598 PDF Text Text November 20th - December 3rd 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 24 (No. 317) advocating justice | Building community Streetvibes Shadow: RENT Edition | 5 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Households Endure Collapsed Roof | 2 Imagine... | 3 Revolving Neighborhoods Tale of Two Cities - Focus on Urban League Report | 7 |6 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL buddy gray JOSH SPRING Executive Director S unday, November 15th was the 19th anniversary of the day that buddy gray was shot and died at the Drop Inn Center. This week, working with Residents of the Burton Avenue apartment building whose roof collapsed after years of neglect by the owners, I thought of buddy. The owners of this building own more than 750 affordable apartments in our city. We, along with Legal Aid have been working with Residents since January. We have organized a Residents’ Association at the Alms, Entowne Manor and Burton. Consider how hard it is to organize and fight back about your home, where you live. You know the owners will illegally try to intimidate you and persecute you. They may try to illegally threaten your very home. In these difficult endeavors we have to join together to see the long picture, knowing there will be lots of struggle, and some setbacks, but never losing sight of our strategy and goal. Much of the job of the organizing coalition is to empower people to keep the goal in mind despite the uphill climb. In this I thought of the following poem written by buddy in January of 1978: buddy gray with Donald Whitehead Photo: Jimmy Heath Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 Facing New Year To My Co-Workers Our Road has been a rocky, Risky, Uphill climb And our Peoples Program is only yet an infant in its travels There Have been casualties, many hardships, many frustrations Some joy, some advances Our Enemies have marveled at our Relentlessness Our FRIENDS have Appreciated our work, rallied behind us, And EVER grown in numbers The Road Ahead is Not Clear & Simple- as far as we can see… Our Days Ahead are not merely working hard, building----------RATHER periods of Difficult STRUGGLES, Working hard, building… BUT we have a People’s Heritage to Inspire us FOR UNMISTAKABLE are testimony to our Laboring Perseverance thus far-------stronger Unity, Much Growth, And The POTENTIAL to move The Mountainsbg ------------------------ JOSH SPRING H community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Executive Director mainder. Puretz, Reinman and others purchased these properties for approximately $20 million outright with no debt. They then mortgaged the properties for about $18 million. Every month they collect upwards of half a million dollars in rent. In the last two years they have hired staff with a history of thievery from management companies and from vulnerable people. They have put an extremely low percentage of these tens of millions into the repair or even basic upkeep of these homes. In regard to an extremely low percentage, consider this: the potentially low approximation of $500,000 each month for 24 months equals $12 million, plus the $18 million from the mortgage equals access to at least $30 million in the last two years, all in ad- advocating justice and building Peter Kobak Households Endure Collapsed Roof While Slumlords Slip On Millionaire Row: Our Plan To Upend Them ave you ever commented, “I don’t know how they can sleep at night!”? Most of us probably have. What we are really saying is that we assume that if most people acted in a way that hurt other people, their conscience would rattle them so much that they could not sleep. Two years ago the Puretz family of New York and New Jersey, as well as Steve Reinman who works for the town of Lakewood, NJ and other “investors” purchased about a dozen buildings in Cincinnati with 756 apartments. Each of these apartments provide subsidized, affordable housing for individuals and families who cannot afford market rate housing. Residents pay 30% of their income in rent and the federal government pays the re- Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, dition to the fact that these “investors” were already wealthy before this. It is difficult for the human mind to mathematically consider the extremely low percentage of this $30 million that has been put back into the properties. As a result, for a time, these properties were managed by a known criminal who stole $100,000 “from” the owners, though they won’t press charges… He used to walk into peoples’ apartments with a gun on his hip. We worked with Legal Aid and Residents of Alms to eventually get him fired. They have “lost” unknown amounts of filed work orders and also “lost” rent payments. They have employed virtually no security at each property despite the requests of Residents for safety. Their proper- (Continued on page 3) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Writers: Josh Spring, Jim Luken, Dr. Mark Mussman, Haley Day, Bill Woods, Sharon Doering, Steve Sunderland, Ricardo Taylor, Lee McCoy, Kim Green, Willa Jones Photography/Artwork: Jimmy Heath, Iris Roley, Dr. Mark Mussman, Justin Jeffre, Aimee Willhoite, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Imagine... nine children, deliberately wounded in an attack that had killed seven of their playmates two days earlier (1993). These were all victims of various forms of terrorism. More importantly—in the context of what happened in Paris—for many years I witnessed an entire country being terrorized by a wanton war, organized, directed, and illegally financed by the US and the CIA (Nicaragua, 1986, ‘87, ‘88). I read the CIA’s infamous “assassination” manual, which was distributed to the Contra terrorists whom Reagan called “the moral equivalent of our founding fathers.” Like all terrorism, what we did in Nicaragua was immoral, illegal, and perpetrated in order to frighten poor farmers into turning their backs on the revolutionary government that was providing them education, food relief, health care, and land reform— a chance for a better life. Thousands of teachers, nurses, lay catechists and farmers died at the hands of “our” Contras. I met some of the children and friends of several of those victims. Looking back, Nicaragua finds itself on a long list of countries whose elected governments were abused and overthrown by “the greatest country in the history of the world.” Today US drones—pilotless death machines—continue to wreak fear and terror, while creating intense anger among thousands of civilians in Muslim countries throughout the Mideast and Far East. Understandably these “accidental” casualties drive ever more desperate boys (and girls) into the ranks of Islamic radicalism. Some of these become fighters. Others, suicide bombers. Even now ISIS’s boots­ on­ the­ ground numbers are relatively minuscule. Like all terrorists, they have an agenda: to strike fear and revulsion in the hearts of huge numbers of white Westerners. With our mass media fanning the flames of hatred and revenge, their disgusting tactics are working wonders. As a people we are afraid. “What if it happens here?” we ask. “To my own children?” But the chance of any reader of this essay being the victim in a terrorist attack are similar maybe to having a car or truck crash into your home and killing a loved one. All this goes back to “the day that changed everything.” As many of you will recall, after 9/11, the US sought revenge. Where? Afghanistan, then Iraq. The Bush administration lied us into the Iraq war, claiming Hussein had abetted the plot that killed 3000 in the US. Fact: Hussein hated Al Qaeda. Fact: Not one on the 19 alleged hijackers came from either of the countries we invaded. They were from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the US’s most important client states in the Mid­east, after Israel. Osama Bin Laden sprang from a wealthy Saudi family. To this day, our hubristic grab for Iraqi oil and hegemony in the Middle East has yielded nothing...except the devastation of a once prosperous country...and ever more terrorists and suicide bombers. My point here must be obvious. America and its allies (like France and England) engage in systematic terrorism against Muslim countries. The fact that these tactics are warlike, and perpetrated by our militaries, does not make them any less gruesome. These actions—in terms of numbers, i.e., body­counts—far exceed anything ISIS has done, or will be able to do. But...1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, most of them poor and powerless, are aware of these realities. I may be preaching to the choir, but try to keep yourselves from being overtaken by fear. John Lennon instructed us to “Imagine.” Imagine the surprise and joy among Muslim people around the world if they were to see and feel the “Christian” West treating them with respect, care and love, engaging in benevolent acts of support that might make their lives better, instead of raining hell down upon them from the skies. Imagine all the people, living life in peace. Resident Associations joining the lawsuit. They own a series of properties on Burton Avenue in Avondale. Earlier in the summer one of those buildings burned, displacing the families that lived there, the company tried their hardest to provide zero support. This month another building on Burton had its roof collapse. At 4am the nearly 30 households were awakened by fire department personnel telling them they and their children had to evacuate because the roof was coming down. People on the top floor stepped out of their beds into ankle-deep water. Amidst pressure the owners agreed to keep households in a hotel for one week. Owners claim that providing for Residents is not their responsibility because according to them, the roof collapsing was an “act of God”. Residents had been filing work orders for months and months because of the many leaks. Before the roof collapsed, when it rained Residents had to take an umbrella just to walk down the hallway. These very wealthy people have jeopardized the housing of over 750 households in Cincinnati. They have threatened our community with the possible loss of over 750 affordable homes, hence our fight to save these homes. They have created environments that have led to violence. They have treated Residents with disregard and animosity. Adults and children have had to endure unhealthy living conditions, causing sickness. They have pocketed the rents families on the edge can afford to pay. They have pocketed the public dollars. And this month they forced 30 households into homelessness and then would only agree to pay for their continued stay in the hotel after 24 hours of argument, because the Residents gave up their right to reimbursement of their wasted November rent - amidst loss of food, clothing and other needed goods. All of this and the many unstated wrongdoings and sickening consequences - because there is not enough room here to state all of them - may lead you to say “How do they sleep at night!”. I know that thought has gone through my head quite a bit, but it is followed by a second thought, “I’m sure they sleep just fine at night.” I hope they don’t sleep fine. I hope their conscience relentlessly rebukes them for their evil-doings. But, honestly I don’t really think their conscience does. If they ever hear a hint of conscience, they are able to shut it up with little effort. Perhaps you could label this as psychopathy or sociopathy: a lack of empathy and conscience, the belief that you are superior to other people, the need for control, calm while manipulating and harming others to get what JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer ...there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do, nothing to kill or die for, etc.. John Lennon “T he one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.” Charles de Foucauld, French priest who lived among the Muslim Tuareg people in the south of Algeria. He was assassinated by Bedouin tribesmen in 1914. If you are a Facebook junkie, the first thing you see when you go to the site is your mini picture in a box that asks, “What’s on Your Mind?” “What’s on My Mind” this week is probably the same thing that is on your mind: The Islamic State killings in Paris on Friday the 13th. I understand your pain, and the pain of a great European city and country. Clearly you, and most everyone you encounter, are appalled by this almost inhuman, indiscriminate taking of innocent lives. Me, too. Perhaps I take it even more personally, because of several of my life experiences, e.g., I watched a man bludgeoned to death ten feet in front of me (Haiti, 1999). In an improvised Bosnian hospital, I saw dead victims of snipers, as well as JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) ties have roofs with major leaks, windows that won’t close, holes in walls the size children can climb in, fire hazards, leaking plumbing, mold, inadequate heat, broken locks - the actual list of infractions goes on for pages; literally. They have tried to wall off portions of buildings before inspections. There has been a notable amount of violence and even death in or on their properties because of the lack of security, lights, locks, etc. We have organized a Residents’ Association at both Alms (200 apartments) and Entowne Manor (100 apartments). Both Associations have made basic demands of the owners after years of submitting work orders and virtually none of these demands have been met. The city of Cincinnati filed a lawsuit against the owners along with our assistance, the legal representation of Legal Aid and the Alms and Entowne 3 ------------------------ (Continued on page 7) Burton Residents Association holds a press conference with the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Photo: Iris Roley THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Streetvibes Shadow: RENT Edition 5 No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer I t seems like every week there’s something new to learn at the Homeless Coalition. Recently, I helped facilitate a Streetvibes Shadowing activity with 10 students from Anderson High School. Now, this activity was unlike any other that I’ve done for several reasons. Notably, the students are preparing to put on the Broadway hit RENT at Anderson High School this month. The play has ignited a fire within them to learn more about issues surrounding gentrification, poverty, displacement, artistry, and more. They came with passion, questions, ideas, and a video camera. During intermission, they are going to play the video they created during their time with the Homeless Coalition and several of our member organizations, including Our Daily Bread and St. Joseph/St. Francis Catholic Worker House. Before I even interacted with the Anderson High students, they spent time at the St. Joseph/St. Francis Catholic Worker House learning about their transitional housing program and the sandwich window. The students showed how compassionate they were by asking insightful questions and paying attention throughout the presentation. I took them on a small walking tour of the neighborhood before heading over to the Coalition for the Streetvibes Shadow activity. We initially stopped at the former Urban Appalachian Council’s ID Center, which was formerly known as the HUB. Standing in the parking lot, next to the community garden, with abandoned buildings on every side, we discussed several important ideas that I wanted them to keep in mind as we spent time in the neighborhood. I asked them if they knew what gentrification means, and after a couple of wrong guesses, one of the students spoke up and hit it right on the head. I used their definition and expanded upon it further to show the many types of gentrification and how it has played out in our neighborhood. I challenged them to look at the public right of way (sidewalks, streets, light poles, etc.) and notice how they vary from one era to the next. I asked them to consider how, as the environment changes, it might feel to be left out of the process. With everything changing around you, but it’s not for you, how do you think you would feel? Before leaving the lot, I challenged them to try to define other terms such as “essentialism” and ton Park or on 3rd Street. I stressed these concepts to help them to see people for who they are, rather than a stereotype or label. When we made it to the Homeless Coalition, Lee, one of our Streetvibes distributors was at the Coalition ready to give the students the basics before heading out on the activity. Lee shared a little about of two or three and began to see how many papers they could distribute. After some initial success, they were having trouble getting papers into people’s hands, and you could see that it was paying a toll on them. To keep their spirits up, several of the students decided to sing a few songs from RENT on the steps of the courthouse. At first they seemed shy, but after some people began to listen, they started to open up and interact with the small crowd that gathered. It became a performance piece with them singing and distributing Streetvibes at the same time. Knowing the story behind RENT Anderson students sing on the steps of the courthouse. Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman “zooing” which I have seen far too often in Over-the-Rhine. Essentialism is when you see a person for one aspect of their lives, whether it be their race, gender, homelessness status, or any other single attribute. This goes hand-in-hand with our goal to use person-first language, which is an easy way to start being an advocate. Zooing happens when people come to Over-the-Rhine to “interact” with people experiencing homelessness. This happens all too often with people at Washing- his life and how the Coalition, and specifically Streetvibes, has helped him both financially and socially. He shared how the generosity of Kroger employees have impacted him, including a huge bag of candy for Halloween. He relayed to them that Streetvibes is more about relationships than anything else, although the money is also very important. The forecast called for rain, but it just turned out to be a gray day. We hit the streets and the Anderson students broke up into groups and the struggles that are portrayed in the play, I felt moved by their performance. When it was time to debrief, the students talked about how it was difficult to distribute the papers. One student distributed one to a former teacher, and she commented on how great it was to know someone who was willing to help out – it is these types of relationships that Streetvibes distributors count on every week. One student shared that it was most difficult when people would just look away, try not to make eyecontact, or just ignore them altogether. The other students agreed. Lee shared that he initially wanted to give up because of people who acted like that, but he’s thankful he didn’t give up and he continues to develop relationships with people who get Streetvibes and even those who do not. When it was completed, we headed to Our Daily Bread so that the students could rehearse before doing a performance there. I left feeling that the students took more out of the experience than I had expected. I also learned more about the depth of Streetvibes and the way it changes people’s lives. Later on, we were contacted because one of the students was so moved that she wanted to share her story. If you come to our Annual Dinner on December 9th you can hear how this experience affected her life. I hope you can make it! ------------------------ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL Revolving Neighborhooods HALEY DAY Contributing Writer A juggernaut of development has been propelling across Cincinnati for some time. Say “development,” or even “redevelopment,” in economically altering Cincinnati neighborhoods like Clifton Heights, and you’re bound to hear echoes of gentrification returned. It’s something we see across the country — like the winter flu, passed from unique neighborhood to moreunique neighborhood — sprouting monocultures of $12 cocktails and commonplace chains. In 1960s London — when the term was birthed — the English upper class (i.e. gentry - etymology, get it?) remodeled rundown Georgian terraces, previously owned by the working class. Today, gentrification doesn’t just “fix” the “fixer-uppers” — it replaces them. Remember when you could buy organic groceries at Clifton Natural Foods for 30 years in Clifton Heights? Now, the former location is scheduled to be luxury student apartments. (Clifton Natural Foods moved to Ludlow Avenue.) Remember when the city’s largest homeless shelters were housed in Over-the-Rhine? Now, the buildings are owned by one of the city’s largest developers. Of course we’re told people experiencing homelessness don’t reside in Over-the-Rhine, anymore, what with today’s macaroons and yoga. They, like the lower class of 1960s London, 1980s Boston, and 2010s Brooklyn, are pushed on. By now, gentrification’s cycle is clear. Lower class neighborhoods lure creatives for affordability and diversity. They open trendy bars and house the area’s best galleries and live music. The scene lures the crowd. The crowd makes the scene “safe,” even though it was safe before. The safety lures the strollers, and then the developers, until the scene is priced out, packed up, and relocated, just like those experiencing poverty before it. The cycle is perhaps clearest in New York City, where the epidemic traveled from Greenwich Village to Soho to Williamsburg to Bushwick — sometimes othering even the wealthy, by the slightly more wealthy. Cincinnati is not immune. Infections took place in Mount Adams, then Over-the-Rhine, then Covington, Ky., and now Clifton Heights. The next victims are always predicted. First it was Northside, then Avondale. What’s eerie about gentrification, is that it starts in an area desperately trying not to be what it ultimately becomes. Gentry first moved to Over-the-Rhine The Woodward Theater first opened as a silent movie theater in 1913, before becoming a used car dealership, Kroger, and, most recently, storage for an antique dealer. It opened as a music and event venue, under its original name, last December. Photo: The Woodward Theater. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 because it’s not Mount Adams. Now they move because it could be the next Mount Adams. Immediate advantages (or so the developers call them) of the early stages of gentrification are easy for many to cheer — higher property values, greater diversity, more public and business investment — but the long-term effects of a homogeneous class and race, are not. National media doesn’t see it that way. In a city plagued with bad national attention — Jerry Springer was our mayor, after all — they see it as a somewhat refreshing change. Fortune Magazine called the city “up-and-coming”. The New York Times said Cincinnati “thrives as riots memories recede.” The later implies that the two are mutually exclusive — Cincinnati doesn’t thrive unless its supposed blighted past is forgotten. Perhaps this includes the people who started these upheavals, based on an economically disparate neighborhood and racial tensions with police. Fortunately, that’s not how it works. Cities don’t thrive, unless everyone does. Diversity, among classes and races, creates cities’ souls. Take the quintessential dive bar — Milton’s, on — you guessed it — Milton Street, near Over-the-Rhine. If you went there today, you’d probably find a banker from downtown, a server from a nearby restaurant, a factory worker who lives next door. During Happy Hour, you’d also find a $2 High Life and $4 Fireball. That’s my kind of diversity. In a city full of predictions for its next development, here’s mine — if Milton’s ever closes, first will go the neighborhood bar, then the neighborhood. (Hayley Day is a Cincinnati arts and entertainment reporter.) ------------------------ �7 LOCAL A Tale of Two Cities –The Community Forum – Focuses on the New Urban League Report No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 BILL WOODS Contributing Writer T he Community Issues Forum on November 12th focused on “The State of Black Cincinnati 2015 – Two Cities,” the recent report of the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio. The presenter, Mark Curnutte, the Urban League’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, edited this report. Curnutte not only reported the stark findings of the study, but he also personalized this data by relating it to real people and to his own day to day experiences in Avondale. The disparities confronting Black Cincinnatians is startling. For instance, the median income of Greater Cincinnati African American families is $24,272, while the median income for white families is $57,481. Furthermore, 76% of the 14,000 Cincinnati families living in poverty are African American. The report, noted Curnette, is not an easy read. Separate sections on housing, health, education, criminal justice, inclusion, and the economy were written by multiple authors with expertise on these subjects. The goal was to provide some depth and insights beyond the raw data. Curnutte confided that he added the report’s subtitle, “Two Cities.” A geography major in college, he said that he tends to think in geographic terms. The fact that Cincinnati is the fifth most segregated city in the nation gives an added dimension in contrasting the population data of its distinct neighborhoods. “Two Cities,” declared Curnutte captures the “astonishing divide” that exists today between African American and white neighborhoods. He compared Mt. Lookout with Avondale in terms of income, poverty, and other indicators of quality of life. As expected, residents of Avondale fared much worse than those living in the predominantly JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 3) you want. Certainly you can identify greed, and egocentrism. Whatever labels we put on the Puretz family, Steve Reinman and the other “investors”, it is clear that their actions are all about themselves. They only care for their own current well-being. Their goal is to accumulate as much wealth as possible. They believe that a strategic way to accumulate massive wealth is to exploit the lives of people with little financial means. In this they are assuming they are far more important and more human than those they harm. They are also assuming that those they hurt are weak and ignorant and that the community will automatically blame the Residents. Puretz and Reinman could not be more wrong. While they themselves have gotten ahead by hurting other people, the Residents they are attempting to exploit have found ways of living with less than enough; financial means and resources. Mark Curnutte speaks about the great disparities between the black and white community Photo: Justin Jeffre white east side neighborhood. One statistic particularly stood out. Residents of Mt. Lookout are living on an average twenty years longer than Avondale residents. Beyond the statistics, Curnutte wanted to spend part of his presentation refuting some of the stereotypes that are used to justify these glaring disparities. In all his time in Avondale, he emphasized that he never heard an African American say that he or she would rather be on They have done all of this while maintaining friendly, empathetic and an open community. The people they planned to exploit have done all of this without hurting other people. Residents along with the Homeless Coalition and Legal Aid have taken on the fight against these evil slumlords. Puretz and Reinman now have a united army of intelligent, wise, resourceful, supportive and very strong group of people coming after them. We will be in court in mid-December. I don’t know exactly what the full timeline will be, we have been working with Residents since January. But I am confident that hand-in-hand, we will upend these slumlords in Cincinnati. Do I hope that these owners find redemption? Yes, but sometimes people need assistance hitting rock-bottom and we, together, are going to hammer that help on them. Hopefully then people who reside in these homes will sleep better in healthy living conditions. ------------------------ welfare than working. Then there is the stereotype of the irresponsible parent. Curnutte loves to walk around the Avondale neighborhood, and he regularly sees many young men meeting their children at the close of the school day. Holding their children by the hand, they then walk them safely home. Curnutte stressed that we must do better at breaking down the racial inequality that currently exists in Cincinnati. Segregation and po- larization have made us neglect the plight of our brothers and sisters, and the Urban League report provides a wakeup call to the city. The Urban League, concluded Curnutte, is already working with diverse organizations to develop strategies to address the deep-seated problems brought about by “Two Cities.” ------------------------ Ronnie Phillips and James Brown speak at Day by Day calendar launch party. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 WORLD Family fallout led disabled Gulf War veteran to homelessness SKIP ANDERSON www.INSP.ngo / The Contributor What would you like to talk about today? Yes. I loved it. It taught me how to survive and it taught me a new job. My first stint, I was 11 Bravo Infantry stationed in Berlin, Germany. I loved it. The people are nice. I’d like to go back, especially since the wall came down. I was on the West Side. I got a short tour of East Berlin when I was over there-there were still buildings that had been shot up from World War II. They hadn’t done many repairs yet. Did you do a second stint in the Army? Yes. The second time I was in the National Guard for eight years. I volunteered to go to Desert StormI was around 34 at the time. I got to Saudi Arabia in July 1991 when the military operations had been going on for about a year. A bunch of us had volunteered to go over to the war, so they sent a group of us to replace 107 Maintenance Unit out of Wisconsin. We became what they called the “combat carwash.” We cleaned military vehicles before they stored them. They had us working 20 hours per day and only let us sleep for four hours. It was that way every day for the three months I was there. veteran, and he took his PTSD out on me. He told me I wasn’t the same person I was before I left. He would beat me and lock me up in my room. He never admitted to having PTSD and still hasn’t to this day. When was the last time you spoke with your father? When I came back from the Gulf War, he would always stay in his room watching TV. The only time he would talk to me was when he wanted the rent money. Veterans Day. I served in Operation Desert Storm. I’ve been homeless several times in my life. The first time was when I was 16 years old. I didn’t have a tent or anything, so I built myself a lean-to [a makeshift shelter leaning against an existing structure]. I did that for about eight months. Then I met a family who let me stay with them. I stayed there about six months until I got arrested for somebody else’s crime. Someone had snatched a purse at Harding Mall. But I didn’t do it. I’m not a thief. The judge gave me the choice of getting locked up or going into the military. So I joined the Army in 1976. Did you like being in the Army? Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 I’m sorry about that. It’s OK. I’m over it now. I think all of those years getting beaten by him made me a stronger person. Is he still around? Gulf War veteran Brianna C. Photo: The Contributor the last to leave Kuwait. Then I came back here and got out of the National Guard. I had been promoted to sergeant while I was over there, but I didn’t like it. I had wanted to get away from the people who were in that unit who had treated me badly. In what way did they treat you badly? Nobody would be my friend because I’m different than they are. I had been in the regular army and they hadn’t, and that was a problem for some of them. So I resigned my commission in 1993 and took an honorable discharge. Thank you for your service. You’re welcome. I’d do it again if I had to. But I’m 100 percent disabled. I had been fighting for years trying to get disability and finally got it in 2007. At first, I was determined to be 30 percent disabled. Then eventually they jumped me up to 100 percent. Does the VA take good care of you? Yes. They’ve taken real good care of me once I got 100 percent disabled. Before then, I had problems with them. Is there anything else you’d like to talk about today? I can’t think of anything else, except that when I came back I stayed with my family for a little bit. And I ended up homeless for a second time about three months after I got back. My dad and I didn’t get along. I left on my own accord because he was charging me rent to live there, which I didn’t think was right since I was his child returning from the theater of war. He let his other children stay there rent-free. My dad is a Vietnam Yes. He’s still alive. But I won’t speak with him again; I won’t have anything to do with him, even though he’s the only parent I have. My mother committed suicide when I was 10 years old. I’m so sorry. Are you currently homeless? No. I’ve been in housing for about three months after living on the street in Nashville for about two years. I’m glad about that. Me too. I’m in Hermitage. I’ve talked to some of the people who buy papers from me out there, and they’re behind us. They don’t like the law [Metro Councilman Steve Glover] has proposed that would outlaw selling papers to cars from the curb. That would kill my income as well as the social aspect of talking to my customers during the transaction. I don’t have many friends and those exchanges mean a lot. They put a smile on my face. ------------------------ What happened after three months? They flew us from Saudi Arabia to Kuwait. The airport was severely damaged-they only had one runway working. I saw the damage the Iraqis did to Kuwait’s infrastructure. The Kuwaiti government gave us a book with photos from torture sessions the Iraqis did with Kuwaiti citizens-they did terrible things. How long were you in Kuwait? About eight months. I was one of A U.S. Army soldier walks towards a burning oil well in Iraq’s vast southern Rumaila oilfields March 30, 2003. Photo: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �WORLD “Laundry ministry” puts new spin on helping Nashville’s homeless 9 No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 SKIP ANDERSON T www.INSP.ngo / The Contributor he Rev. Lisa Cook drives a high-mileage Town & Country van, touring edition. It’s large on the outside and spacious on the inside, especially with all but one seat removed from the back like today. While she also provides traditional pastoral care, some days she shuttles people experiencing homelessness to and from appointments around the Nashville area. On others, she transports supplies to campsites throughout the city-propane is becoming increasingly in demand as the days shorten. Tents and sleeping bags, too. And cases of bottled water, since clean water can be especially hard to come by when you’re homeless. Cook also has a cache of coins-mostly quarters-secured in a lock box. They’ll soon come in handy. Today, a dreary, damp Wednesday morning, Cook is shuttling people experiencing homelessness to the Soap Opry Laundry on Dickerson Pike. She and two volunteers provide detergent and quarters by the fistful to the passengers she spent more than two hours rounding up and delivering to the laundromat. “Basically, I provide the money and the soap, and they bring their dirty clothes,” says Cook, whom the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ordained as a minister nearly two years ago. She operates as Sacred Sparks, an outreach ministry that has no bricks and mortar-her van, she says, often serves as her church, as do homeless camps, hospitals, and the street. Today, she’ll work out of the Soap Opry Laundry, located in a strip mall in North Nashville, not too far from the buffalo herd sculpture that demarks the spot First Street North turns into Dickerson Pike. “I don’t have a church with walls,” Cook says. “That’s really the best way for me to work with those I serve.” The Soap Opry Laundry, located in the shadow of a locally owned gas station that also sells expensive bongs and drug paraphernalia, has bars on its windows. But it’s also clean and has bright blue walls; it’s equipped with dozens of stainless-steel, coin-operated washers and dryers. The attendant on duty is friendly and the owner does what he can to support Cook’s weekly effort, including donating detergent from time to time, as well as clean clothes that have been unclaimed for plenty long to know the owners aren’t coming back. According to Cook, both are blessings. “I didn’t really expect the laundry ministry to take off like it has,” says Cook, who first started providing this unique service in April. “Even the simplest of things can be a huge challenge when you’re homeless. It’s almost impossible to do laundry if you’re homeless. Even if you have a roll of quarters, it can be hard to transport dirty laundry without transportation. And some laundromats don’t have [highcapacity machines that can wash] bedding. [The owner] has been so supportive, I just love that place.” Cook says she can’t take credit for the vision that led to the laundryministry component of Sacred Sparks. The idea came from a group of women at Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, with which Sacred Sparks is affiliated. “Really, I took a bunch of good ideas and put them into action,” Cook says. In addition to vacation Bible students preparing homemade detergent, she stations plastic containers to collect quarters at churches. Sometimes children from the congregations will fundraise quarter-by-quarter and put them in the containers each Sunday morning that Cook’s clients ultimately feed into the laundry machines. “Part of what makes this successful is that it’s a way for people to have their hands in our ministry and to support our mission from afar,” she says. Despite being a Christian minister, she neither discriminates nor proselytizes to those she serves. She’s there for them, to be sure, should they seek her counsel or ask her to address any spiritual needs, she says. Cook wheels her van to the side of the road near a bridge that provides shelter for a homeless camp. Two people who appear to be in their mid20s -Brandy and Joey-emerge from the woods. They throw several bags of clothes and bed linens into van and climb in behind them. “Hi!” Cook says, merging back into traffic. “How are things at the camp? You guys need anything?” “We sure could use some food,” Joey says. “We haven’t had anything real to eat for a few days now.” “OK, we’ll see if we can get some food for you and the others,” Cook offers. “And we’ll have some pizza at the laundromat, too.” Cook hands them off to her volunteers at the Soap Opry, and hops back into her van to pick up others who could use a helping hand-and a clean change of clothes. “We may not take communion during the laundry ministry,” Cook says. “But we do break bread together, if pizza crust counts.” Cold-weather compassion Sacred Sparks Ministry also provides emergency shelter services during the winter months. What makes the Rev. Lisa Cook’s service unique, compared to many of the other organizations that provide emergency overnight shelter, is that she doesn’t turn anyone away. “I didn’t affiliate with other organizations because I don’t want to be restricted in any way,” she says. “When it’s cold weather, you need to let people inside-period-including couples, people with pets, and people who may be drunk.” ------------------------ Brandy and Joey load their laundry into the Sacred Sparks van. Photo: Michael Ray Nott Brandy and Joey load their laundry into the Sacred Sparks van. Photo: Michael Ray Nott Area churches donate quarters to help fund the Rev. Lisa Cook’s “laundry ministry.” Photo: Michael Ray Nott Each week, the Rev. Lisa Cook (center) helps people experiencing homelessness in Nashville do laundry. Photo: Michael Ray Nott THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 Time for Change: The Lay Navigator LOCAL STEVE SUNDERLAND SHARON DOERING Contributing Writers C hange is often stressful. Many of us grow comfortable with what we think exists as a current reality. We have habits that keep us connected to the illusion of a world that seems incapable of changing. But the world is loudly shouting: “We are changing with or without you!” Being involved in change means touching fears, sometimes superficial fears and sometimes dramatic fears. Why are we so afraid of finding peaceful ways of going a different direction? The football team and their coaches understood that changing the structure of the University of Missouri could only occur if they threatened to not play last Saturday. A president and a chancellor resigned or were forced out. Now, the question is what will other sports teams do to change the access to college for black students and faculty. Why did the situation have to get to such a point of negative stress...on a college campus...and by faculty, students, and administrators? What habits of communication blinded and prevented the faculty from stepping forward and changing the ways in which the university welcomed minorities? When it comes to resistance to access for minorities and low income individuals, the health system is second to none. Even serious diseases like cancer are not higher on the priority list. Minorities and poor people have been dying from cancer in Hamilton County at rates higher than the Ohio and the U.S. average. (2008-2012 Trend Period, State Cancer Profiles, National Cancer Institute, Center for Disease Control.) Access to early screening and rapid treatment meets one health system obstacle after another. Even individ- uals with “suspicious” findings can be delayed to the point of giving up on ever getting efficient and effective treatment. The death rate climbs and climbs with little or no mention even by those who decry the status of cancer care for everyone in Cincinnati. But the habits of compassion are coming into being in terms of cancer care. A group of social service agencies have joined with religious organizations and educational institutions to plan for a different reality: full access to screenings, more rapid diagnosis, creating smoother transition to hospital programs, and more successful outcomes in terms of longer life, better quality of life, and more efficient and timely treatment for minorities and low income individuals. The key to this success is the agent for change: lay patient navigators. A group of educated, certified, and carefully matched community citizens will form the first class of cancer change agents. Thanks to courageous leaders of institutions that serve minorities and low income individuals, the structures for welcoming Hamilton County citizens is being created. It is now possible to think about a service agency like the FreeStore, or CAIN, or a church like Christ Church Cathedral, or a school can be a crossroads for spurring people to trust that they can be helped to receive cancer care at a high level. Thanks to lay patient navigators, the central obstacles to care can be overcome through persistent and knowledgeable action. Transportation, insurance, certifications by hospitals, and personal fears can become unimportant as lay patient navigators develop timely and effective relationships with individuals who are too afraid to enter the health system. The founder of lay patient navigation, Harold Freeman, MD, surgeon and former president of the American Cancer Society, has importantly raised the standard of care for cancer victims: “No patient with cancer should go untreated. No patient with cancer should experience a delay in treatment that diminishes survival. No patient should be bankrupted by the diagnosis and treatment Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 of cancer.” (Harold Freeman and Rian Rodriguez(8/1/2011). Cancer.) Now, Cincinnati is on the edge of creating a compassionate and bold change for all individuals. We hope it is in the immediate future. [Sunderland and Doering are members of the Peace Village Cancer Project.] ------------------------ Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Assistant - Medical Care Coordinator Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment ccatsober.org - Accepting ongoing application Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org - Payroll and Accounting Coordinator - Early Childhood Education Site Manager - Head Start Disability and Mental Health Case Manager - Family and Community Engagement Manager - Assistant Teacher Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati lascinti.org - Legal Assistant (Full- Time) Lighthouse Youth Services lighthouse.org - Multiple Openings Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us - Kitchen Manager Shelter House shelterhousecinti. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED org - Shelter Director - Resident Aide - Cook Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Accounting Assistant The Exit Program theexitprogram.org - Accepting Ongoing Applications �LOCAL No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Remembering Rememberance Day JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer “I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, Mother, what was war?” Eve Merriam F or the past four years, I have remembered “Remembrance Day” (Nov. 11, 1918) on the pages of this newspaper. After finding myself—as a journalist—in the midst of four wars, this annual ritual of writing has become quite important ritual to me, a kind of yearly catharsis. I am writing this essay on the morning of 11 November 2015, the day WW I is said to have ended (Armistice Day). At 11 minutes after 11 AM, I will observe the longtime European tradition of spending two minutes of silence, thought, respect and remembrance. You, Reader, might consider pausing for two minutes (even as you read this) to pray and/or reflect and remember the fallen and the forgotten victims of war. Even though this issue of Streetvibes will not appear until more than a week after what we in the US call Veterans Day, I am happy to remind the reader of the importance of a careful and correct way to remember, and to memorialize our veterans, as well as the ongoing US wars: the “good” wars (like WW II, perhaps) and the bad wars (Spanish­ American, Korean, Vietnam and Iraq, et al.). This year, I will focus on remembering those patriots whom most of American society would prefer to forget or to disparage, i.e., Conscientious Objectors. These are the people who—at often great personal risk and expense—refuse(d) to bow before the golden calf of war because they believe(d)—to the core of their being—that war is wrong. “i sing of Olaf glad and big whose warmest heart recoiled at war: a conscientious object­or” (These are the opening lines of a poem by American poet, e.e. cummings, who served as an ambulance driver in France during WW II.) The first thing we need to remind ourselves is that all war is an obscenity. No war was or is inevitable. Of course we must remember and respect those who have given their lives in service, but without glorifying them or the wars in which they found themselves, by choice or by conscription. Conscientious objectors (COs) have been with us for as long as there have been wars. Many of these individuals base their refusal to serve on strongly held religious beliefs, often relying on Jesus’s admonition to “love your enemies, and do good to those who hurt you.” Wikipedia describes a consci- 11 Muhammad Ali refuses draft Photo: pinterest.com entious objector as an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service” on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, disability, and/or religion. Such a definition could include atheists who come to their decision solely through listening to the “inner voice,” called the conscience. Current military policy has defined conscientious objection in the following way: “A firm, fixed, and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training and/or belief.” (DOD 1300.6) This is a very restrictive definition. As a result, not many individuals are granted CO status. Alvin York wanted to be a conscientious objector, was refused several times, drafted, served, and went on to become the most decorated American soldier in WW II. The famous Howard Hawks movie portrayed the life of “Sergeant York.” It is easier for a religious person to be granted the status of CO than for someone who claims no affiliation to a church. Individuals who can prove themselves to be long­standing members of so-called “peace” churches, like the Quakers and the Mennonites receive the status almost automatically. Others, like Catholics, say, have a harder time attaining the status, because their religion believes in war (“just war theory”) as a possible recourse in many instances. Many famous people have declared themselves total pacifists, without fighting outright military conscription. These include revolutionary war pamphleteer Thomas Paine, novelist Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace), the Dalai Lama, and Albert Einstein, who said, “I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war. ” The most famous CO of the Vietnam era was heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. He lost his championship belt as a result of “just saying no.” Ali felt that that particular war (Vietnam) was immoral. The military seldom grants CO status to such selective pacifists. It didn’t help his case that he was black and very outspoken against the war. If an individual does not convince the military of his (or her) qualifications for CO status, he or she often receives a lengthy jail term. We should not fail to mention another category of war avoiders: the so­called “Chicken­hawks.” These men found all sorts of ways to avoid going to war, specifically in Vietnam, then became war­ mongers during the 2nd Bush Presidency. To name a few: Ashcroft, Rove, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, and Cheney. Poppy Bush got his son “W” a cushy, safe enlistment in the Tex- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED as Air National Guard, but the boy skipped duty, didn’t take his physical, was suspended from flying, then went AWOL, all this before lying us into invading a sovereign country (Iraq) that had never threatened us. I will conclude this Remembrance Day reflection with a few of my favorite anti­war quotations: • “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” Samuel Johnson • “I cannot believe that war is the best solution. No one won the last war, and no one will win the next war.” Eleanor Roosevelt, 1947 • “Probably every generation sees itself charged with remaking the world. Ours, however, knows it will not remake the world. Its task is even greater. To keep the world from destroying itself.” Albert Camus’ Nobel Prize acceptance speech, 1957. • “You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.” Jeanette Rankin • “Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism. How passionately I hate them!” Albert Einstein, 1931 And finally, the closing lines of the e.e. cummings poem about Olaf: ...unless statistics lie he was more brave than me: more blond than you. ------------------------ �12 LOCAL Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 What We Do RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ‘A lifetime of misery up and down life’s track, how we wish we could give some of the misery back.’ T his is not a Stephen Spielberg sequence, nor an offspring of his creation. It is indeed a view of reality for many. Living without ambition; your only concern is survival for today. Living in the moment without a plan for the future, you just exist. Misery can be no one’s best friend, but often becomes a constant companion! Awakening in an abandoned vehicle at the break of dawn, hearing that old familiar sound of birds chirping, knowing the day has started and that you must get in motion. Hitting the pavement in your run over shoes, holes in your pants pockets, your every worldly possession in the book bag you wear on your back, you start your ritual. Finding your way to the soup kitchen hoping you run across a piece of luck; a coin or two that someone lost, or perhaps an artifice you may be able to sell for a small price. Anything to shake off the familiarity of being broke with only a wish! That oh, so lonesome wish for that small piece of luck becomes the reason for living; every thought is geared towards that wishful fate, of running into a happenstance which will take away the hardship. Wandering to and fro you put your hopes in the backseat and start your scavenging for the essentials of the moment. To realize, that all that you have coming is what you had yesterday and what you will have again tomorrow becomes the totality of your existence. The only difference in a day is its formal name Sunday or Monday, it’s all the same; that constant struggle, not sure of what’s to be gained. An existence where you can only hope that that oh, so, lonesome place of refuge isn’t towed for its abandonment! Your mind stuck on the simplest, yet most important factor of being, living physically and emotionally for the security of that one place in which you can feel alive - your abandoned vehicle - you spend the whole day hoping it stays secure. The loss would be devastating! The idea, or rather the fact, that life is destined for you to always be in shambles, without the slightest chance of change becomes your nemesis, as if this is how it is supposed to be. To lose hope is to lose reason- Ricardo Taylor Photo: Aimee Willhoite ing, so you just drift alone accepting things the way they are. Living without a past or future, you just exist! How is one to know that life exists without so much pain and pressure? How can one be free from the reality; that which they perceive to be their fate? ‘Existing, without a hope or prayer, such a miserable place to be! You tend to submit yourself to that idea of reality and continue along the life path that you are destined to. Huh? Well, it’s like they say. It is what it is! ‘Continuing along life’s track you realize that you can’t give the misery back’, so blindly you accept that position in life.’ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Ron English, Streetvibes Writer and Distributor, shares his art. In the eyes of Lee McCoy (Part II) LEE MCCOY Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor I Orange Barrels Orange Barrels, Orange Barrels They’re everywhere Each day the construction workers are there Putting up the construction signs Placing Orange Barrels all around From block to block, from street to street Construction work is on the streets So just sit down and take a seat Orange Barrels are what you’re gonna see KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer truly believe the more laws the less justice. You ever had that feeling that something just isn’t right? So to get right to the down to the meat of this article: to me I really think that when our Constitution was written oh so many years ago they were designing it for a certain group of people. You would have to agree with me that they weren’t geared up to protect the slaves. Now come on, let’s be real. Slaves weren’t even considered secondclass citizens. They were just somebody’s property. When they decided to free them way back then, they promised to give them 40 acres and a mule. If that promise ever came true, they can keep their 40 acres and just give me a Toyota. Now look at alcohol, it is legal but it causes so many problems and it is a leading factor in domestic violence, vehicle homicide and is one of the top killers in this country. It’s legal because our government can tax it. And when it causes problems with the individual they have a place for you called jail. Rarely do they see it as a disease, but I know it is habitforming. You can buy it in the store, but you better not get caught drinking it on the streets. It’s a Catch-22. How is it when you are charged with a crime and you have a jury trial you’re supposed to be tried by 12 members of your own peers? But if that happens to me, I look over there at the jury box and I see a banker, people who have a job, who don’t want to be there in first place and you can bet there is not a person on the jury who is homeless. If you have ever deal with our A Peaceful Place WILLA DENISE JONES ------------------------ Those Boring Democrats There’s a place I go to on different days of every week Where I can learn about making things that all kinds of people seek I learn to make jewelry, I learn how to knit and too even play with clay I learn all sorts of things and if I want, I can stay and learn all day This place is open to women from all walks of everyday life In this place you can find peace of mind from the world’s toils and strife We come together and talk to find solutions for so many different problems As we knit and make jewelry we pray for God’s help with our problems to be able to solve them This place is called the Sarah Center here in downtown on Vine Street Who would ever believe this place of peace would be located right off the downtown beat I have been blessed to find the Sarah Center and meet all the Sarah Center Girls I just wish that there were more places of this stature all over the world So I hope I can just pass the blessing on to those who may be lonely and bored And be able to open the door to those lost souls who feel their being ignored Come into the Sarah Center and meet all the many women of different cultures and pray That your day may be fulfilled by the grace of God in the Sarah Center each and everyday Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer “Justice Center”, it really needs to be revamped. I’m not saying having Sheriff’s deputies is wrong but you have to admit they are a law all to themselves who runs the jail. Some of them need to be locked up. Some people suffer from verbal abuse. It’s their way or the highway. You have no right and don’t be a person who suffers from a mental disorder. They need to be trained better to deal with these people who are being convicted of a crime. Did you know you have to pay $40 fee just to go to jail. Is that a jail or really a hotel? You tell me. And they’ll hold you while you’re waiting to go to court. And if you have a medical problem you have to pay, even for aspirin. Even if you have medical insurance. Remember you haven’t even been committed of any crime yet. And Lord knows if you have somebody send you some money while you are there and you don’t have any money to pay the $40 fee, believe me they are going to get their money one way or the other. Yeah and then on the other hand they always used to say it back in my days ‘three meals and a cot’. That is no longer true. You get two hot meals and one cold meal and that’s a bologna sandwich with a little piece of fruit and your stomach is already growling at night. I don’t understand this and it’s supposed to be nutritious, but I don’t believe that. Your stomach be making so much noise or just be so sick. You know I am so sick of this “justice” system that we have. Compared to the Republicans, The Dems are rather boring. Look at their recent debate. It left most viewers snoring. Pundits begin to speculate, That Hillary’s growing lead Will soon prompt old Bernie To call it quits and concede. Dems discuss dull issues, Like ending Citizens United. Repubs debate a new Wall, Which gets the base excited. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 82 Across 1. Subject 6. Breed of dog 10. Fit 14. Ice hut 15. Halo 16. Remunerated 17. Swiss currency 18. Toy 20. Elfin 21. Hummock 23. Cleverly humorous 24. Tournament for professionals and amateurs 25. A stratum of rock 26. Laporid 29. Musical instrument 31. Administrative division 34. Heron 35. Lieu 36. Fish eggs 37. Soil used in pottery 38. Essential fluid 39. Ring recurrently 40. Drag behind 41. Cut off 42. Taut 43. Nocturnal bird 44. Wharf 45. Leave empty 46. A great distance 47. Musteline mammal 48. Sweetner 51. Creep 53. Male title 56. Practical joker 58. Legal excuse 60. Look at amorously 61. Juicy fruit 62. Inflexible 63. Animal hide 64. Amiss 65. Impenetrable Down 1. Squabble 2. Fiend 3. Dramatic work 4. Electrically charged particle 5. Pilot enclosure 6. Male chicken 7. Body of a ship 8. Examination by word of mouth 9. Manner 10. Garden pest 11. Lure 12. Fabric used to dress wounds 13. Highly strung 19. Thick woolen fabric 22. Mesh 24. Take orders 25. Male hog 26. Right-hand page 27. Lambent 28. Free-for-all 29. Freshwater carnivorous mammal SODOKU PUZZLE NO 216 - MEDIUM 30. Alcoholic beverage 31. Structure for open-air sports 32. Cook with dry heat 33. Noisy riotous fight 35. Rescue 38. Low dam 39. Eat like a bird 41. Flicker 42. Large drinking vessel 45. By way of 46. Aspect 47. Jovial 48. Halt 49. Exhort 50. Respiratory organ of a fish 51. Cook slowly in a liquid 52. Close 53. One of the twelve divisions of the zodiac 54. Wading bird 55. Travel by horse 57. Health spring 59. Prevarication PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 316 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 81 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 215 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Mercy Franciscan at St. John OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Both Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 20-December 3, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Buddy Gray Households Endure Collapsed Roof While Slumlords Slip on Millionaire Row Pg 3: Imagine… Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Streetvibes Shadow Pg 6: Revolving Neighborhoods Pg 7: A Tale of Two Cities Pg 8: Family Fallout Led Disabled Gulf War Veteran to Homelessness Pg 9: “Laundry Ministry” Puts New Spin on Helping Nashville’s Homeless Pg 10: Time for Change Pg 11: Remembering Remembrance Day Pg 12: What We Do Pg 13: In the Eyes of Lee McCoy Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 20-December 3, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Jim Luken Dr. Mark Mussman Haley Day Bill Woods Sharon Doering Steve Sunderland Ricardo Taylor Lee McCoy Kim Green Willa Jones Jimmy Heath Iris Roley Justin Jeffre Aimee Willhoite Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimee Willhoite Bill Woods buddy gray Dr. Mark Mussman Haley Day Iris Roley Jim Luken Jimmy Heath Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Laundry Ministry Lee McCoy Nashville RENT Ricardo Taylor Sharon Doering Steve Sunderland Veteran Willa Jones