Skyrockets in Flight - No Afternoon Delight on Kipps Lane -
ONLY POLICE CRUISERS WITH LIGHTS BLAZIN' & SIRENS BLARING
See Update at Story Above in Media Release from LPS - Sent June 11, 2009
I wonder if this one will make the Free Press or the A Channel evening news. Doubtful. The public would be shocked at how much crime hits my email inbox for posting from the LPS that is never reported on in the London Free Press or the A Channel. I post most stories I receive directly from the LPS media office.
I was talking to my homeowner friend Bill on Kipps Lane about the three guys who beat up the other guy who ran away yesterday right in front of Sir George Ross S. S. when the familiar sounds of Police sirens interrupted us, screamed down Adelaide and turned on Kipps Lane at about 4 pm. I asked myself what are they doing here.
The article in Saturday's Free Press said that "things are changing on Kipps Lane." and the world is a better place because we have another voice and we don't have to listen to that self-proclaimed spokesman and his spokespeople. (sounds like the name of a retro-punk band).
Yet another typical day on Kipps's Lane where just a week ago I read in a report to the Community and Protective Services Committee that there is no difference in Crime on Kipps Lane than anywhere else in London. RIGHT..............
COULD THIS BE THE SELF-APPOINTED SPOKESMAN OF THE KIPPS LANE AREA? COMMENTS PLEASE
Just before all this happened a cruiser had exited the Medallion buildings, turned right and headed towads Country Lane. He drove quickly with purpose. I noted and filed this event and went to talk to Bill who knows the neighbourhood and its history better than ANYONE.
One more cruiser came as well as a Police SUV. They headed down the Country Lane, Bridle Path area. Eventually they headed in the unsecured underground parking garage in one of the nearby highrises and one cruiser came out with a suspect in the back seat. The garage is also a quick escape to the Thames River Trails Parkway via a drug bush. The other vehicles dispersed and the whole show was over in about 15 minutes.
It should be a reality show like RENO 911. How about KIPPS LANE 911. I'll play the cop who wears cut-off shorts.
I had to wonder if there were small children playing in the townhouse area as school would have been out. After the show ended we said our goodbyes and I went to do an interview with a Masters of Journalism student who wanted to know about the Kipps Lane Community Association and the Kipps Lane Initiative.
If that happened in Good Old North the local City Councillor and trauma team would be there to assist the residents just on the other side of Adelaide. On Kipps Lane nobody even stopped gardening to look. IT'S JUST TOO DAMN COMMON AN EVENT. THAT SHOULD SAY IT ALL. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WITHIN SPITTING DISTANCE OF A HIGH SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND A DAY CARE.
How do you condense 10 years of hell into 40 minutes? I tried I also tried to condense what ordinary Kipps Laners who don't want City money have done to make things better for themselves and others in the neighbourhood for the last 5 years. Longer than any other group, including the City's pitiful $400,000 Kipps Lane Initiative which over 99% of the area served has ignored.
We talked for 40 minutes, but I could sum it up in a few words.
NOTHING'S CHANGING BUT THE KLCA HASN'T COST THE CITY $400 GRAND
I completely agree with the article, and as I have said before, although you are not self appointed you are a great spokesman for us.
Two items come to mind as I read this;
1. If anything happens in London, the last place you will find about it is in the LFP or on AChannel.
2. Sirens here are so common place that seldom do I even acknowledge hearing them. I was home at the time all of this was happening and can't recall even hearing the sirens.
Just as another item of interest. With July 1 just around the corner, I wonder if we will once again hear gunshots which seem to be fireworks.
I wouldn't call you self appointed spokesman... your just the voice that seems to actually get heard... one of the few who aren't afraid to speak up.
Many are terrified of repercussions from the landlords, and those who are behind the problems. Then there are those of us, who have tried to speak out, only to be ignored by the media, or the police.
So.. thank you.. maybe someday.. the city will actually listen, and something will be done about the mess we find ourselves having to endure.
To Merna: We will definitely hear the fireworks as there seem to be some diehards in the immediate area who shoot them off whenever they can purchase them. I believe there must be a quirk in some Provincial Law near stat holidays which allow their sale. The time for tighter regulation of the sale and use of fireworks is long overdue. If I come across the enabling legislation that allows their sale I will pass it on to one of our local MPP's in hopes that I might get a reply. Why wouldn't they consider tightening restrictions on the sale of these items and their use if only for safety reasons and their resemblance to gunfire. How much money could all these convenience stores and "off the truck" peddlars be making anyway from the sale of these fireworks.
Paul: My experience in community journalism has helped me to be comfortable in speaking up. I have interviewed so many people and written so many articles for different papers that the process is familiar to me. As for repercussions. I worry about them but I weigh each issue on its merits. I am no dragon slayer. I believe the key for tenants to be heard in London is for a City wide tenants association to be formed. This is possible and I know leaders in the City who could help. We need a City wide group to be taken seriously at City Hall. This group needs to be self-funding by dues in order to keep it from being another special interest group dependent on the City. Dues could be as little as $20 a year. I've done the research. The problem is finding at least 25 committed tenants who would begin the work in forming the group. This model works in Toronto where City Councillors listen to tenants and individual tenants learn to advocate for themselves. Anyone wishing to explore this idea s...
