News about First Creek NeighborsTacoma News Tribune

Neighbors want better life for East Side kids
KATHLEEN MERRYMAN; THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: November 15th, 2008 12:05 AM

I thought the girl was dead. I thought that on the most ordinary of nights, she’d made the last, worst choice of her life. It was Thursday, and First Creek Neighbors had invited me to join a walkabout on Portland Avenue near 32nd Street East.

They looked like people you’d see in a grocery checkout line, except for the anti-drug, anti-prostitution, anti-gang signs they carried.

Every night at 7 the neighbors meet at Portland Avenue Community Center, then stroll toward spots where they’ve noticed shady activity. Somewhere in the background, there’s always a Tacoma Police Department or Puyallup Tribal Police squad car ready to respond if they run into trouble.

Jeanie Peterson, Hilltop Action Coalition’s queen of the walkabout, taught them how to take back their street: Be nice. Be firm. Wear white hats. Bring a high-beam flashlight. Let the women do the talking.

--------------------------

To read more of this article please visit the following Tacoma News Tribune link:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/columnists/merryman/story/538454.html

It can also be read in the newpaper dated: Sat 11/15/2008, page B1