Cash For Crooks Div. of Refuge In Trouble Times Community Development, Inc., PO Box 28083, Birmingham, Ala., 35228.
Our give back was Monday, December 23, at the Harbert Center, 2019 4th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham.  Representative Roderick (Rod) Scott was our keynote speaker and Minister Treman Muhummad of the Mosque 69.
There were 96 people in attendance to receive gifts from 7-year-old Yana Davis. Yana (6 at the time) told her mom in October when asked what she wanted for Christmas:  I want nothing for Christmas, just give my gifts to all the children who have lost their parents through violence. Her mom Asley called RITT and the world pulled together to make her prayer gift come true.  Many children with their grandparents or moms came out. There were more than 1500 gifts that were given away. Santa came in around 7:30; the children cheered, shouted, taking pictures, and telling Santa what they wanted. It was a night for the children to remember a lifetime.
RITT works diligently with Law enforcement to help solve cold case files. One case was Jeffery Burke who last week when arriving home was gunned down as he exited his car. If you know anything about this or any of our cases here, please call 205-254-7777 or text CRIMES7777.  NO NICK NAMES PLEASE. You will recieve a cash reward for the info if it leads to an arrest/conviction. RITT would love to help you, our readers, stop crime where we live.  Email your story to odussasplace@yahoo.com or call Minister Ward at 205-240-9910. Thank you for all your support. Remember have a safe, blessed and prosperous Holiday season for 2014.  Reality is, when it happens to you, don’t let it happen before you get involved.

A total of 10 Birmingham schools were included on the list of failing schools presented in June 2013 by the Alabama Department of Education. Parents with students attending those schools were given an option under the Accountability Act to transfer their children to other non-failing schools in the district; enroll their children in private schools and receive a $3,500 tax credit; or seek to enroll their children in non-failing schools in neighboring school systems.
Each of the options falls short in remedying the problems that cause schools to fail, while two of the options bring a loss of funds for school systems at a time when we can not afford to reduce the dollars spent on public education in urban and rural settings.
The Alabama Accountability Act, passed by a Republican-controlled Alabama Legislature in 2013, harms instead of helps a large number of students whose opportunity for success rests with the educational preparation they receive in public elementary, middle and high schools.

Consider these facts:
All of the 78 failing schools in the State of Alabama are located within high poverty or rural communities, where 94 percent of the students receive free or subsidized lunch.
In Birmingham, 62 students transferred within the system to non-failing schools, and only two students transferred to private schools, granting their parents the opportunity to take advantage of a $3,500 tax break for tuition.
But, more than 3,000 Birmingham students, and thousands more throughout the state are enrolled in schools dubbed failing.
We must support the enhancement of public education in this state, but we should do so by developing initiatives that lift the masses instead of rewarding a few while destroying others.
We must call on the Alabama Legislature to take another look at the Accountability Act, and focus on what’s best for all of our children. We must encourage educational accountability that builds success by strengthening our local schools instead of removing the funds they need to survive and thrive.

Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting held Tuesday, December 31, 2013, Council: 

Referred to the Administration Committee a Resolution requesting that the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation establish a Bill that will restrict the further proliferation of payday lending institutions and cap the amount of interest that can be charged to consumers and any other regulations that will aid in the protection of our citizens from predatory acts that threatens the financial stability of families and those that are in need of short term loan alternatives. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Lashunda Scales at 254.2349.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:

1. Referred to the Administration Committee a Resolution requesting a meeting with the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation to establish a continuing dialogue to address the impending matter with the Water Works Board and to build a coalition to further strengthen our working relations during the 2014 Legislative Session. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Lashunda Scales at 205.254.2349.

2. Placed on consent a Resolution fixing a special assessment in the amount of $16,113.84 against the property located at 2621 Court R Ensley, Birmingham, for the cost incurred for the emergency demolition of an unsafe building or structure.

3. Set a public hearing February 11, 2014 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance “to amend the zoning district map of the city of Birmingham” (Case No. ZAC2013-00020) to change zone district boundaries from R-1, Single Family District to A-1, Agricultural District and B-2, General Business District, filed by Patrick Roll, owner, for properties located at 2000, 2008, and 2012 Mountain View Road; and situated in the NE¼ of Section 15, Township 17-S, Range 1 West, Birmingham.For more information, contact the office of Councilor Jay Roberson at 254.2498.

Announcements and Reminders:

1. In observance of the New Year’s Holiday, Birmingham City Hall is closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

2. A Special Called Administration Committee Meeting is scheduled on Friday, January 3, 2014, 12 Noon, Conference Rooms D & E.3. The Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 6, 2014, 4:00 p.m., Council Chambers.

4. A Special Called Transportation and Communication Committee Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 12:30 p.m., Conference Room A.

5. A Special Called Public Improvement and Beautification Committee Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 2:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E.

6. Council President Johnathan Austin announced a second work session with state law makers is scheduled on Thursday, January 9, 2014, 10:30 a.m., at the Birmingham Crossplex.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 244. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand. 

 The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact John Long, Senior Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing John.Long@birminghamal.gov, or by calling 205-254-2036.

Celebrating the New Year holiday with the reckless and irresponsible shooting of firearms in the air is not only unlawful, but dangerous.  The projectile that goes into the air has to come down.  It can cause property damage and more significantly may cause serious injury or death.  A bullet fired into the air can climb up to two miles. When it falls back to earth, it can reach a speed of 300 to 700 feet per second.  A velocity of only 200 feet per second is sufficient to penetrate the human skull.
We are asking that citizens refrain from shooting their weapons during this year’s celebration.  If you see someone fire a gun, call the police.  If a stray bullet from your gun should hit or kill someone, you will be arrested and charged with felony assault or murder.  There will be a high visibility of officers throughout the city to enforce firearms violations.
At 10 a.m. on Monday, December 30, Birmingham Police Chief, A.C. Roper and his command staff addressed the media about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and gave an overview of the upcoming New Year’s Eve operation to combat this problem.

Celebratory Gunfire Enforcement “Operation Crackdown”

The Birmingham Police Department reports officer enforcement during Operation Crackdown on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Information includes all four precincts.

Adult  Juvenile
Gunfire Arrest              0       0
Fireworks Seized          0       0
Weapons Seized          10      0

*Three seized weapons are recovered stolen weapons.

Felony     Misd.
Firearms Arrest        0           2
Other Arrest            11            4
Total Arrest             11            6
Total Charges         22            6

The information below reflects corrected stats that differ from earlier reported numbers in Media Release #1 of 2014. After analyzing the call response of officers, duplicate calls were removed from multiple officers showing to have responded to the same call

Curfew Violations                                     0
Gunfire Calls for service                      533
Shot-Spotter Gunfire Calls                  513
Shot-Spotter Fireworks Calls             430
Fireworks Calls for service                      0
Total Number of Calls for service   1,456

Shooting Death Investigation   
 

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a shooting death investigation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at approximately 1:30 a.m., at 3212 Wesley Avenue.

The victim has been identified as:
Desmond Bias, B/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama.

West Precinct officers responded to the incident location to investigate a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located the victim lying in the roadway suffering from a gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived and pronounced the victim deceased on the scene. The second party involved in the incident was located at the scene and taken into custody.

Investigators learned that there was a domestic altercation between two adult couples that included the victim and his wife and the male shooter and his wife. Investigators found that the altercation began in the neighboring City of Midfield and proceeded to the incident location just before the shooting. Detectives are continuing to investigate and will present their findings to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office for review and determination if charges will be filed.

This incident is not believed to be associated with New Year’s Eve celebratory gunfire.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the BPD @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Celebratory Gunfire Enforcement “Operation Crackdown” Update 2

The Birmingham Police Department reports officer enforcement during Operation Crackdown on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Information includes all four precincts.

Adult   Juvenile
Gunfire Arrest             0            0
Fireworks Seized         0            0
Weapons Seized *      10            0

*Three seized weapons are recovered stolen weapons.

Felony      Misd.
Firearms Arrest            0               1
Other Arrest                13               6
Total Arrest                 13               8
Total Charges             24               8

The information below reflects corrected stats that differ from earlier reported numbers in Media Release #1 of 2014. After analyzing the call response of officers, duplicate calls were removed from multiple officers showing to have responded to the same call.

Curfew Violations                                    0
Gunfire Calls for service *                 488
Shot-Spotter Gunfire Calls *            488
Shot-Spotter Fireworks Calls **      315
Fireworks Calls for service **              0
Total Number of Calls for service  803

* Most of the Gunfire calls for service and Shot-Spotter Gunfire calls are matching calls for the same location. Some Gunfire calls and Shot-Spotter calls also contain multiple calls to the same location.

** Most of the Fireworks calls for service and Shot-Spotter Fireworks calls are matching calls for the same location. Some Fireworks calls and Shot-Spotter Fireworks calls also contain multiple calls to the same location.

The tradition of a District 4 Holiday Gala continued this year with a festive gathering at the Shields Center, hosted by City Councilman William Parker. Residents from North Birmingham, Collegeville, Fairmont, East Lake, Norwood, Woodlawn, Kingston and other areas gathered to celebrate the holiday and enjoy friends and neighbors.
“This has been a difficult year for us, and I felt it was important that we continue the tradition,” Parker said. His mother, Council President Maxine Parker, had hosted the popular event each year.
Gift bags were presented to those attending the dinner, and several people whose numbers were drawn, walked away with gifts such as toys and bicycles. A hot meal of turkey, dressing and all of the trimmings was served, along with lots of sweet treats. There was also a visit from Santa Claus – Mr. Willie Jenkins of Collegeville.
“The seniors, children, adults and neighborhood leaders are the heart of District 4,” Parker said. “They look forward each year to this season of celebration. I am grateful for the support we received from the City, businesses and community friends to make this happen.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Thursday, September 19th; Friday, September 20th and Saturday, September 28th, Village Creek Society (VCS)  held its 8th annual Fall Clean-up with Alabama Power Renew Our Rivers and other partners.
During the in-creek Clean-up on September 19- September 20 and the out-of-creek Clean –up on Saturday, September 28, a combined total of 329 volunteers cleaned Village Creek and the surrounding areas. Our volunteers removed a total of 11.23 tons of debris and other items from the creek and surrounding area. Our annual Clean-ups, both Spring and Fall, have resulted in a reduced amount of debris and other items removed from the creek each time we clean!
Our lunch this year for the Saturday Cleanup was successful with the generosity of our sponsors: Vulcan Materials Company, Marino’s Grocery Store, and Mr. Michael E. Woodruff.
Thanks to our volunteers from the following organizations that joined us on September 19 and September 20 for our in-creek Clean-up:
Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Department of Public Works, Jefferson County Commission, Vulcan Materials Company, Arcadis-US, Village Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant, Black Warrior River Keeper

Thanks to our volunteers from the following schools and organizations that joined us on September 28 for our out-of-creek Clean-up:

Wenonah High School, Minor High School, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, Ramsay High School, Parker High School, Jackson Olin High School, Homewood High School, Woodlawn High School, UAB TASC/ Litter Squad, Miles College Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Phi Beta Lambda (Lawson State Community College Chapter), Kappa Beta Delta(Lawson State Community College Chapter), Birmingham City Council, Olivia’s House, Ensley Neighborhood, South Pratt Neighborhood, North Pratt Neighborhood, Ensley Neighborhood

About Village Creek Society: Village Creek Human and Environmental Justice Society, Inc. (VCS)
#1in the 1980s followed by Coalition #2 in 1996 to address extensive flooding in our minority populated communities in the Village Creek Watershed. VCS pro bono engineer, Mr. Richard S. Woodruff, knew how to control the flooding.  The three projects that he introduced are: 1) Gabion Wall from avenue F to avenue W in Ensley, 2) replace avenue F Bridge that has 12 piers with a single span bridge 3) place the sewer pipe across the creek at avenue F under the creek water. Until funds are secured for these designs, VCS will continue to partner with Birmingham Public Works and volunteers to 1) hold Clean-ups twice a year; both in-creek and out-of-creek 2) remove the creek banks that erode into the creek.
Since the first clean-up held in 2005 over an eight year period, a total of 90 tons of debris and other items have been removed by Village Creek Society from Village Creek the mission of VCS is to improve the Village Creek Environment for it s entire length of 44 miles to benefit over 300,000 or more residence, businesses, schools, and churches in its watershed. There are three sections of the 44 mile watershed:
1) Headwater Section: From Roebuck to East Lake
2) Mid Section: From North Birmingham to Ensley/South Pratt to Mulga
3) Lower Section: From Bayview to Black Warrior River