communit03-08-11

COMMUNIT-E
August 11, 2003

SOME SPECIFIC NEW CITY LAWS NEEDED TO PROTECT US
FROM YOUNG VIOLENT CRIMINALS

Yesterday's Washington Post Outlook section ran an extremely important
story on how to significantly reduce violent crime in this city. Tom
Gillice, a federal prosecutor and former supervisor for DC Office of
Corporate Counsel, explained why the laws pertaining to juvenile
criminals are no longer adequate to deal with the grown-up crimes many
of these so-called kids are committing.

Gillice begins his article by telling how a 13 and 15 year old broke
into the home of a woman in her 50's and took turns raping her at
gunpoint. The 13 year old was the leader. They spent no more than three
years in a locked facility. But even worse, the law is such that police
and prosecutors could not tell the victim the ultimate disposition of
the case.

Gillice writes, "Laws prohibit revealing any information about the
juvenile, the results of the trial and the sentence imposed - even to
the victim or to witnesses who might later be targets of revenge.
. . . victims are almost entirely excluded from the process. The laws
severely restrict the right of victims or their family members to be
heard at sentencing, to be provided information about the juvenile or to
be present at the trial. Imagine not being allowed to tell a rape victim
that the rapist lives in her apartment building."

I assume this also includes the victim being unable to find out if the
rapist is HIV positive.

I suspect that few adults commit their first crime as an adult. Most if
not all probably begin committing crimes when they are teens or
pre-teens. Gillice writes, "By law, any sentence imposed must be "in
the best interests of the child" who committed the offense. And whatever
that offense, however severe his needs, a juvenile must be released from
the system, and cut off from whatever services he is receiving, once he
turns 21."

The good news is that it is within the power of our DC Council to
correct this and to make a significant impact on crime in DC.

He suggests three changes to DC law that the City Council can make to
help correct these problems:

1.) "Require judges to consider the victim, the community, and the
safety of others in sentencing juvenile offenders."

At present the judges can only consider what is "...in the best
interests of the child." The current system flies in the face of logic
and common sense and harkens back to a time when kids were committing
offenses far less serious than what they are doing today. The laws
regarding juvenile crimes haven't been significantly changed since 1963.

2.) "Lower the age for adult prosecution of serious crimes from 16 to
14."

This would remove the violent 14 and 15 year olds from juvenile
detention facilities, making those places safer for the kids who are not
committing the violent crimes and who can be helped by a less
restrictive environment.

3.) "Revise the laws regarding transferring a juvenile to adult court."

Defense counsel can now ask for delays that go on for months, followed
by appeals. In other jurisdictions, the transfer can take only days. In
DC it can go on for months or years.

4.) "Completely revise the confidentiality statutes."

Gillice writes, "Victims of juvenile crime need to be involved and
informed. Confidentiality regulations should be eased, and allowing
victims and their families into courtrooms during trials should be the
rule, not the exception."

For as long as I have worked with the DC Police, they have been scoffing
at the way juveniles are handled in the court system. Many officers view
the current system as proof to the young offenders that they can indeed
get away with crime. I hear about kids getting arrested over and over
and over again for stealing cars. Nothing much happens to the car
thieves but the poor person who scrimped and saved for a car, in order
to earn a living, is stuck without any way of getting to work and
possibly losing his or her job because of it. These are consequences
that the juvenile thieves are protected from. In the case of more
violent crimes, the victims must deal with the physical and
psychological consequences and the kids are not burdened with any need
for remorse.

Gillice points out that juvenile crimes affect the whole community, but
by keeping the community in the dark, the kids have no incentive to
understand the consequences of their actions, and hence, no need for
rehabilitation. In other words, crime pays and we pay the price.

The entire article can be read on Page 2 of Outlook or at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36915-2003Aug8.html
Tom Gillice's e-mail is gillice@earthlink.net

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

If you want to discuss the need for new legislation with DC Council,
they can be reached at:

        Councilmember Kathleen Patterson
<kpatterson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        "Councilmember Vincent B. Orange"
<vorange@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Jim Graham <jgraham@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Chairman Linda Cropp <lcropp@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Harold Brazil
<hbrazil@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Carol Schwartz
<schwartz@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember David Catania
<dcatania@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Jack Evans <jackevans@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Adrian Fenty <afenty@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Sharon Ambrose
<sambrose@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Kevin Chavous
<kpchavous@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,
        Councilmember Sandy Allen <cmallen@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>,

MORE ON # 77

****From: Anji Henderson <vual7@yahoo.com>
Some states have diffrent numbers .. While you are on interstates and
highways keep your eye open for blue backed signes that say what pound
(#) number is for the area.. And remember even if you have no company
service on your phone it will still dial 911.. Even old out dated analog
phones. One more thing, if you have any old cell phones that arn't
needed there are many great org's that can use them for the 911 feature.

**** From: anonymous
You may want to try to verify the #77 story. The point is a certainly a
good one, but I don't believe #77 is a universal code, and there is no
reason to believe that plain old 911 is not better/safer in that sort of
situation. (And a quick google search turns up the story of "Lauren" on
snopes.com and other urban legend sites.)

**** From: "Lawrence M. Miller" <lawrence.miller@starpower.net>
The story about Lauren the college student calling for help on her cell
phone has been
circulating on the Internet for years. It offers bad advice about what
to do in an
emergency. Some jurisdictions used #77 for emergency cell calls over
the years, and
the rest used other numbers or had no shortcut numbers. But almost all
jurisdictions,
including D.C., now use 911 for such calls. Someone in an emergency
situation in D.C.
would waste time trying to use #77. The state police In some states,
including Maryland
and Virginia, still answer #77 calls, but they advise emergency cellular
callers to use
911. Information on where to call by cell phone in emergencies was
updated in
mid-June by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and shows that almost
all states now
use 911 as the primary emergency number, with just two using #77 and
only a handful
even anwering that number.
See http://www.seniordrivers.org/emergencies/emergencynumbersw.cfm.

[From KS -- There were a number of responses in this vein. The bottom
line seems to be to use 911 unless you are on an interstate or other
highway that posts the #77 or other signs. But the advice about the
unmarked police car is still valid. I did't know an old no-service phone
could still get 911. Thanks for passing that on. Wish I'd kept my old
phone.]

YOGA FOR YOUR BONES
From: "Deborah Dougherty" <deborahd@cpcug.org>
I just want to let the list know that there will be a new Yoga for Your
Bones Class at nearby St. Columba's Episcopal Church (4201 Albemarle ST.
NW) starting on Tuesday September 9th. The class will meet every
Tuesday from 9:00 - 10:30 am. The session runs for 10 weeks (9/9
-11/11) and the fee is $100--or you can opt to pay by the class ($13).
There is no age cut-off.

We will work with resistance bands, free weights, pilates-style
core-building, yoga body balls as well as the more traditional yoga
weight bearing, balance and joint flexibility poses. Suitable for new
and experienced yoga students interested in building stronger bones /
muscles.

Please contact me directly for further details.
Deborah Dougherty
deborahd@cpcug.org

JAZZ CONCERT AT ST. LUKE'S ON AUGUST 28TH
From: <anc3b@aol.com>
2nd Annual Jazz in the Garden Concert Series at St. Luke's 2003 Summer
Season continues Thursday, August 28th at 6:30 pm, with The Jazzy Jade.
Bring a picnic dinner and blanket to sit on (no alcohol, please;
children and dogs welcome). Free and open to all. Cancelled in the
event of rain. St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3655 Calvert Street,
NW, Washington DC 20007, 202-333-4949, www.saintlukesmethodist.org

KITTY FINDS HOME; TWO MORE NEED HOME
From: <Darnot@aol.com>
The list worked miracles for Mr. Flannel the maine coon who was
abandoned when his elderly caretaker took ill. He is currently resting
comfortably in his new home figuring out how to meet his new 15 year old
maine coon sister! maybe the pair below can get as lucky...

From: Melissa S Weiss <melissaweiss@juno.com>
I am in the unfortunate situation of having to part with my two cats and
I am looking for some assistance. It is very important to me that they
are not euthanized, so I am looking to help place them in a good home.

Phoebe, age 9 1/2, is a quiet cat, and only seeks attention when she is
looking for some wet food, or occasionally looking for some rubs. She
would probably thrive in a one-person environment, or with a couple, but
she definitely prefers peace and quiet away from children or dogs. (She
likes her pal, Willie, my other cat.)

Willie, age 4 is a big bundle of affection, seeking out rubs and a warm
lap at all times. He is curious and playful, and would probably do well
in any environment as he likes kids, dogs, other cats, and especially
adults who will give him the attention he so desperately wants. He has
a great personality. He is overweight, but loves to lay spread-eagled
on his back in a plea for belly scratches.

Both cats are fixed, have had their shots and regular veterinary care,
have their claws, and have no health problems that I am aware of. I am
so hopeful that someone might have a place in their heart and their home
for either or both of these animals. I am more than willing to assist
with food and litter expenses for the next several months. I am willing
to transport them anywhere, too.

Please contact me if you are willing to help in any way. I am very
anxious
to find Phoebe and Willie good homes. THANKS. Melissa Weiss,
melissaweiss@juno.com

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: <Thechevychaser@aol.com>
GETTING RID OF AN OLD COMPUTER?? LOOKING FOR ONE for a student to surf
the web, email and wordprocessing. If you have one or know someone who
is unloading a Pentium 1+, please contact: thechevychaser@aol.com
Thanks!

**** From: Leslie Marinaccio <lmarinaccio@yahoo.com>
Does anyone know about the Ashtanga Yoga Center at 4435 Wisconsin
Avenue. I'm
considering membership and wanted to know if anyone has attended classes
there. Thanks!

**** From: <Bkravetz@aol.com>
Looking for a 2-drawer, legal size, latteral file. Is there one out
there looking for a new home? Beth Kravetz, 202-966-3934

**** From: "Lenkin, Dona (NIH)" <donal@nih.gov>
Looking for a good LOCKSMITH - need a locksmith to replace our locks,
does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks Dona

**** From: <CHAK321@aol.com>
Our Cuisinart food processor doesn't work any more and I can't get it
repaired so it's free to anyone who wants to tinker with it. Includes
knives and disks for slicing, mincing, pureeing, etc. Chuck at
(202)-244-6589 or chak321@aol.com.
Charles Kreidle

**** From: "Dinsmore, Barbara" <DinsmoreB@doaks.org>
Basement efficiency for rent September 1st. North Cleveland Park,
between Van Ness and Tenley Metros. A/C, W/D, full kitchen, access
through shared, lush garden, $675/month includes all utilities.
dinsmoreb@doaks.org

**** From: "Margaret Ward" <margaretlathan@hotmail.com>
PET SITTING: If you are in need of a pet sitter whether you're busy or
travelling call
202-363-2780 and ask for Margaret, or email margaretlathan@hotmail.com.
I'm very good with animals and have great experience pet and house
sitting. The benefits to you are peace of mind and keeping your house
safe and occupied, and the benefits to your animals include keeping them
in their normal routine and giving them the peace and comfort of
remaining in their home environment. Prices begin at $15 a visit or $20
to $25 for 2 visits a day.

**** From: Levine Events <events@levineschool.org>
AUGUST at LEVINE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
August 15: Finale Concert for Levine's "Strings Plus" chamber music
camp. 1pm at
Levine-Northwest DC, FREE

August 20: Grand Opening - Open House of the new Levine in Southeast DC.
6-8pm at
Levine-Southeast DC, FREE click here for more

August 29: Check out "Saturday's Child" in the Weekend Section of The
Washington Post, and read reporter Janice Kaplan's account of Levine's
family-friendly offerings.

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