Green Orleans

Neighborhood Voices

Page

The People in your Neighborhood

N

6

Page

17

Page

E

W

O

R

L

E

14

A

N

Page

S

20

March 15, 2007 pet ! r the Trum article fo pening n a te ri W Let us know what’s hap . ood orh ghb nei r you in

This is your paper!

Submit your artic les and photos by the 5th of each month to: The NPN th et ru m pet@npnnola.

Trumpet 2401 E com splanad e Ave. N OLA 701 19 !

Green Orleans

— How can we change the way we interact with our environment to create a more considerate, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationship ?

NPN provides an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in New Orleans. Find out more at www.npnnola.com

Page 8

2

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

# $ Travis Leger Editor-in-Chief AmeriCorps Volunteer

% & '( " ( "

Contact us with submissions or comments Email: thetrumpet@npnnola.com or call 504-940-2207 Write to us at The NPN Trumpet, 2401 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA 70119

Max Goldstein

Here in our third edition of THE TRUMPET, a new and different monthly neighbor-

Editor

hood newspaper for New Orleans, we’ve included a new section called Green Orleans (starting on page 8). This section was born from the massive amount of environment-

AmeriCorps Volunteer

related submissions we’ve received. And we’re proud to present it.

THE TRUMPET too, is organic. Yes, it’s made of paper, but it’s organic in another

! " "

Gill Benedek

Development AmeriCorps Volunteer

big way.

Neighborhoods Partnership Network, the creator of THE TRUMPET, was born out

Mario Perkins

of a need to bring neighborhoods together. And since its beginning it has grown organi-

Advertising, Writer AmeriCorps Volunteer

cally. Like a gardener and her harvest, New Orleans’ neighborhoods shape it by their needs.

First, it was Wednesday Night Forums (see page 5 for a calendar). Then, it was a Festi-

Emily Zeanah

val of Neighborhoods (check out page 12 for information on the next Festival). Next, it was a website (npnnola.com) and e-newsletters.

And now it’s a neighborhood newspaper made entirely of submissions from the community, THE TRUMPET. This paper was born from the need for neighborhoods to

Editor, Writer AmeriCorps Volunteer

Adrienne Crumpton

communicate with each other in order to learn from each other and help each other out.

Editor UNO intern

We’re just naturally organic. Shape us with your stories and photos, your poems and opinions, and make this paper grow!

! " # $ %

& # ' # () * + , $ - ./

Correction Section

Travis Leger Editor-in-Chief, THE TRUMPET

Recipe from February 15 edition should read: Mardi Gras Punch (Yield: 8-10 cups) 4 shakes or 1 tsp rosewater or orange flower water

Eighteen months after Hurricane Katrina, housing indicators are mixed, and economic indicators may be showing the first signs of increasing employment, but infrastructure indicators remain stalled.

1/2 (64-ounce) bottle red fruit punch or 1 (6 ounce can concentrate, thawed)

With waterways and drainage arteries still clogged with hurricane debris from St. Bernard to St. Tammany, and police and firemen still working out of FEMA trailers, the lack of progress on such critical projects leaves the New Orleans area vulnerable as hurricane season approaches. Officials must take quick action to eliminate excessive red tape to ensure the flow of stalled federal recovery dollars to the Gulf Coast.

1 2/3 cups New Orleans light rum

1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade or lemonade concentrate, thawed 1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 1 2/3 cups New Orleans dark rum 1/3 cup Myers Rum Garnish with dried pineapple and mango topped with cherries, lime and lemon wedges.

100%

100% 90%

93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93%

Stir together all ingredients. Serve in chilled Tom Collins glasses over crushed ice.

80% 70%

79%

Third Party Submission Issues

60%

52%52%

52% 52%

48%

50%

43% 39% 39% 39% 39% 39% 39% 39%

40%

30% 30% 26%

30% 20%

Orleans Jefferson

9%

10% 0%

St. Bernard 0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0% 0%

0%

By submitting any notes, information or material, or otherwise providing any material for publication in the newspaper, you are representing that you are the owner of the material, or are making your submission with the consent of the owner of the material, all information you provide is true, accurate, current and complete.

0%

Pr e

-K at rin O a ct -0 N 5 ov -0 D 5 ec -0 Ja 5 n0 Fe 6 b0 M 6 ar -0 Ap 6 r0 M 6 ay -0 Ju 6 n06 Ju l-0 Au 6 g0 Se 6 p0 O 6 ct -0 N 6 ov -0 D 6 ec -0 Ja 6 n0 Fe 7 b07

0%

All submissions become the property of Neighborhood Partnership Network and will not be returned. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise reused in any medium.

Proportion of State-licensed Hospitals in Operation, by Parish Source: Louisiana Hospital Association, individual hospitals in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes.

Notes: The state-licensed hospitals number includes not only hospitals providing acute care, but also psychiatric, long-term disability, and rehabilitation facilities. Numbers were revised to monthly counts in January 2007.

Non-Liability Disclaimers THE TRUMPET may contain facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations. THE TRUMPET does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information in the publication and use of or reliance on such advice, opinion, statement or other information is at your own risk.

Copyright Copyright 2007 Neighborhood Partnership Network. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Neighborhoods Partnership Network is expressly prohibited.

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

3

! ) " *( " ( " A marriage of old and new. How New Orleans Can Save the Planet

By Will Bradshaw GreenCoast Enterprises The 2005 hurricane season was a clarion call for innovation in the building industry, an industry that traditionally lags others in innovative capacity. Buildings are the only major industrial product that we expect to fail on first-use. We don’t accept it when an airplane doesn’t fly because its wing was not properly installed. We do not receive a punch list of everything wrong with our new car. A 70% building failure rate and the complete devastation of a major American metropolis in the face of a Category-3 hurricane is not acceptable. But in this failure and tragedy, there is also a tremendous opportunity.

As sea levels rise, much of the world will face the challenges that New Orleans faces now, and this city and region can pioneer better strategies for dealing with the threats from rising water and stronger and more frequent storms.

The high-performance building movement, sometimes referred to as the green building movement, presents a number of options that can improve storm survivability while also improving health, particularly for children and elderly people with respiratory problems, decreasing energy bills, and in-

creasing comfort inside buildings. Simple,

building stock is important to preserve cul-

pass through a building and for warm air to

cost-effective methods can be used to reach

tural heritage. As a result, high-performance

rise to the areas where people are not. When

these goals, and a large body of research has

building in New Orleans must seek to reha-

one combines these culturally and climacti-

been developed to show how better buildings

bilitate structures as well as constructing new

cally appropriate design ideas with simple

can also be made affordable.

buildings with better technologies. Third,

innovations in technology: radiant barriers

much of the research and technology devel-

that reflect heat from the sun and lower attic

report entitled “The Costs and Benefits of

opment on high-performance building has

and roof temperatures, impervious roofing

Green Affordable Housing.� This seminal

come out of totally different climate zones,

felt that will keep water out of your house,

study highlights 16 projects built around the

and many strategies are not appropriate here.

even when the shingles blow off, we arrive

In 2005, a team of experts completed a

country, and ana-

at a much higher-

lyzes the financial

performance building.

impacts of making

As sea levels rise, much of the world will face

a better building on developers, build-

By putting together the best of the old and the

the challenges that New Orleans faces now.

best of the new, New Or-

ing owners, and

leans can develop a set of

residents. The

building options that not

overwhelming conclusion of the report,

As one example, putting insulation in an

only help people rebuild in their own

available on-line at www.newecology.org,

old New Orleans house can be disastrous

communities, but transform the city into

was that residents always do better when we

unless proper flashing and ventilation is in-

a world-leader for building solutions that

construct better buildings.

corporated. Without such protections, the

solve the challenges we all face from global

insulation will absorb moisture that used to

climate change.

But what does a better building look like in New Orleans?

This is a critical question on a number of levels. First, until high-performance building

evaporate out of the wall and cause the wall to rot.

Will Bradshaw is a new resident of New Orleans and his business, GreenCoast Enter-

Finally, and most importantly, a better

prises, is part of a network of local experts

advocates produce an easy to use step-by-

building in New Orleans is not terribly dis-

that can support homeowners and develop-

step guide of what materials and systems

similar from the buildings built here for gen-

ers in making decisions about how to re-

people should choose, how much those ma-

erations. Old houses are raised, sometimes a

build. He is also a PhD student at the

terials will cost, where people can get them,

full story, to allow water to pass underneath.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology,

and who will install them, we are not doing

They also include ceiling fans, high ceilings,

studying urban economics and sustainable

our job as advocates

front porches, transoms, whole-house fans,

community development.

Second, preservation of the historic

and other features which allow air flow to

Having Trouble in School ?

Want Some Extra Help ?

Come to the Homecoming Center! Free after school tutoring.

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 4-6pm The Homecoming Center is located at: 1222 Dorgenois, St. Luke’s Community Center Gaudet Hall Open: 12pm - 6pm, Monday - Saturday • • •

Free internet and computer access, limited copying and faxing Community meeting space Recovery and Rebuilding information

For More Information Contact Shakoor at (504) 258-6741

4

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

S I D E

MARCH 15, 2007

N O T E S " ! -

+, + ( - " " $ "

Poetry Orleans Yacht Harbor Edit‌..

Edit‌..

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana has many

Where those new waves‌

events planned and activities going on throughout the state heading into April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. PCA Louisiana asks you to think about what you can do

The Contemplatives in Action house

to support families that month. Do you have a blue wristband or ribbon to wear during

Contemplatives In Action, located at

April? If not, you can call your regional of-

3014 Saint Thomas Street, offers its space to a diverse group of staff, individuals, and

fice and get one today.

Find out more at www.pcal.org or call

groups for the purpose of retreats, trainings, meetings, solitude, reflections, prayer ser-

225-925-9520. The State Office is located at 733 East Airport Ave, Suite 101, Baton

vices, etc.

Their home is a converted shot-gun

Rouge. You can also call the KIDLINE at 1-800-CHILDREN. For free parenting help

house with large and versatile space. They

by phone call 1-800-244-5373.

seek to create an environment that is flexible enough to meet the many needs of our city and its people. They welcome retreatants, colleagues, neighbors, writers, community

. ( " % " & ) Photo: Diana Diroy Lower Ninth Ward resident Linda Jackson (right), speaks to Louisiana Winter students.

groups, prayer circles, students, organizational staffs, families, and many others!

the national effort to develop federal legislation to create 100,000 jobs to rebuild the

day-to-day work of rebuilding our city and our lives requires that we take care of ourselves and one another in the process..

Their next Open House Social is Friday, March 16th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Find out more at www.contemplativesinaction.org, email Meg

) " The Citizens’ Road Home Action Team

region using Gulf Coast residents.

Louisiana Winter brought together 130

(CHAT) was formed in the last week of Sep-

students from 25 colleges to the Gulf Coast for a week-long campaign to make this vi-

Program for Homeowner Assistance (RHP)

sion a reality.

The students believe that the government must include the following principles when drafting federal legislation based on the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project: First, a living wage should be no lower than $12, but $15 is more appropriate.

Second, rebuilding the 260,000 homes

tember when problems with the Road Home were already evident.

Their mission is to make the RHP much faster, fairer, more transparent, and more sensitive to the needs of the homeowner applicants. In addition, they want to make sure Corporation is used to the best benefit of RHP applicants. For advocacy of improvements of the RHP, join Friends of CHAT

tals, parks, community centers, and roads.

Third, training is imperative. Paid ap-

duties to join FoCHAT.

work, and brick building.

Fourth, the government response has been inadequate and ineffective.

Where those new waves There dazzling Flight of pinfish Flickering caught colors Seagull reflection and inflection Haw! Haw! Soaping up in newness the plentitude of circus fish Schooling beneath glass surfaces Like Escherism, like dancing, like drawing Then your pitterpatterpitterpatterpitpatpitpat Your Friendly lilt Drolling exercised sentiments Like streets let out of shopping stores Yacht Harbor Ode With the dirty candy wrapper and thick rouge Of dried wasted rain Drolling of such exercised sentiments Found The motherly and grandmotherly And errand child curbs Catching busses Demonstrating Weekends Like dating and memories Like harvesting fruits Only more brutal, more citified‌. your pitterpatterpitterpatterpitpatpitpat your pitterpatterpitterpatterpitpatpitpat your pitterpatterpitterpatterpitpatpitpat

that the property acquired by the Road Home

destroyed is one of the top priorities. Other top priorities include building schools, hospi-

prenticeships should be provided to learn the skills of construction, plumbing, electrical

The sky too, dark and ominous‌ moments splintering Comfort of day over evenings rise‌.

Contemplatives in Action believe the

Griffiths at meg@contemplativesinaction.org or call 504-891-8483.

The Gulf Coast Civic Works Project is

Rolling. Ever unfurling‌..

Tapping the tepid edge beyond the breakwaters Slurring, slowly stirring like drinking straws

(FoCHAT). There is no fee and there are no

Rolling. Ever unfurling‌..

Tapping taptaptapping the tepid edge beyond the breakwater Tapping taptaptapping the tepid edge beyond the breakwater

Find out more at chat.thinknola.com.

Submit A Side Note!

Email: thetrumpet@npnnola.com

-Anonymous

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

5

))(" - " NPN WEDNESDAY FORUMS NPN Forums are held from 6-8pm on Wednesdays twice a month at: Musicians Union Hall 2401 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA 70119

Neighborhood Meetings BYWATER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS Tuesdays, 7 pm Holy Angels Concert Hall, 3500 St. Claude Ave.

MID-CITY RECOVERY PLANNING COMMITTEES First Monday of every month, 6:30 pm, in the chapel of Grace Episcopal Church 3700 Canal St. Call (504) 905-9713.

May 26th--Bayou Boogaloo (neighborhood festival)

HOLY CROSS COMMUNITY MEETINGS Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., Holy Cross High School, 4950 Dauphine St. Use Chartres Street entrance to the large white trailer on the left.

Wed., April 4

Uniting Neighborhoods and Volunteers

Neighborhood Updates: Measuring success and passing barriers.

Wed., March 28 Brick by Brick: A workshop on housing issues with non-profit organizations, special discussion building CDC's, and neighborhood associations.

ERACISM DISCUSSION GROUP Saturdays, 10-11:30 am 3606 Magazine St., Topic: race relations in New Orleans.

Call 866-1163.

SISTAS MAKING A CHANGE Monday & Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 pm Ashe Cultural Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

An Inner-city Wellness & Health Project Using Culture to Promote Wellness & Healthier Lifestyle.

All age groups are welcome!

For more information contact: Lashundal Moore at (504) 569-9070

Tree School March 22. Speakers will address caring for stressed trees and concerns for managing healthy trees during reconstruction. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., lunch provided. To register for either or both programs call: 833-TREE (8733).

Leave your name and phone number. Tree School and The Planters Lunch are sponsored by Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful.

Wed., April 25 Got Culture?: Combining New Orleans cultural and historical assets with neighborhood projects.

www.neworleanshomeshow.com For more info: 504-835-6383

Irish Channel St. Patrick's Parade Saturday, March 17, 2 pm The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club holds its annual parade. The parade begins at Felicity and Magazine streets, turns right down Jackson Avenue, turns left on St. Charles Avenue, turns left on Louisiana Avenue, turns left on Magazine Street and ends at Jackson Avenue.

Rally on State Capitol Sat. March 24. Rally at 11am All Congregations Together has Buses leaving New Orleans at 8am (pickup locations TBA call 504-304-2281) Buses return 1pm

Requesting the reformulation of The Road Home process, the expediting of funds for home owners, renters, elders, condo owners to rebuild and the right to return home!

Old Algiers RiverFest

Sunday, April 1, Noon-6pm The third annual Old Algiers District 6 Community Council RiverFest™, a free celebration of (D6CC) the river and its relationship to the Meets every other Tuesday origins of jazz, will be held the Next meeting 3/27/07 6:30 pm Upper Ninth Ward Farmers Market Algiers levee across from the UNO old Business Admin Bldg Every Saturday, 1-4pm, Holy Anhistoric courthouse. Entertainment Room 211 gels Convent (St. Claude at Gallier) includes Irvin Mayfield and the Topic - Education Committee New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Dr. reports accomplishments Lower Ninth Ward Farmers Market Michael White's Liberty Jazz Band, Every Sunday, 1-4pm, St. David Shades of Praise Interracial GosHOLLYGROVE NEIGHBORS Church (St. Claude at Lamanche) pel Choir, Panorama Jazz Band, MEETING Algiers Brass Band and Mohawk Saturday April 14 at noon.

Hunters Mardi Gras Indians. New New Orleans Location tba.

Orleans-style food and hand-made Home & Garden Show For more information: arts and crafts will also be offered.

Thurs. & Fri., March 29-30, 2-9pm hollygroveNeighbors.com or All proceeds benefit Old Algiers Sat. March 31, 10am - 9pm hollygroveneighbors@yahoo.com Main Street Corporation, which is Sun. April 1, 11am - 7pm dedicated to the preservation and At The Louisiana Superdome Highlights include a steel building revitalization of the historically UPLAY - KABOOM'S section, Three innovative modular commercial corridors of Old Algiers. For more information, call OPERATION PLAYGROUND homes inside the dome, a green 362-8813 or visit building section, The Festival of Three day training that provides www.oldalgiersmainstreet.com all the resources and knowledge Neighborhoods, Deal of The Deal Forum, Ask a Builder, and a secyou need to build great play spaces in your community. tion of international products and New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival Find out more www.kaboom.org or services for your home.

April 12—22 202-659-0215 Tickets 9$ or 8$ online

Events

NPN FESTIVALS

Wed., March 21

Festival of Neighborhoods March 29-April 1 See page 12 for full information

NPN’s Musician’s Hall Block Party May 2, 5pm-9pm, 2401 Esplanade Ave. Come enjoy live music and food with us at our home base. 7$ donation

Fourth annual citywide film festival, featuring visionary, powerful and beautiful new films from New Orleans and around the world. www.nolahumanrights.org 504.525.2767

French Quarter Festival April 13 - 15 150 free musical performances throughout The French Quarter.

A huge variety of food for sale. www.fqfi.org 504-522-5730

2nd Annual Wheelchair Softball Exhibition and Fundraiser Saturday, April 14, 9am to 3pm Zephyr Baseball Stadium Parking Lot

6000 Airline Drive, Metairie Donations of 25$ a person requested for participation in the softball event and festivities: three games of softball, Zephyrs tailgate party, tickets to Zephyrs game after event, health fair, food and entertainment, t-shirt and hat give-aways. For more info contact Dale Vancourt:504-669-0790 or Julius Lee:504-450-4014.

The Porch Programs Contact Carrie Burks for more information on these programs cburks1@cox.net

Kids Theater workshops at St. Anna’s Church 1313 Esplanade Ave. Tuesdays 4-6pm Fridays 12-2pm Saturdays in conjunction with NYU and Neighborhood Housing Services.

April 14th Youth Theater Company 7th Ward Heroes Project focusing on African-American cultural contributions to New Orleans and the world. The production will be held at The Porch on 1943 Pauger on a mobile performing stage built and donated by the University of Kansas School of Architecture.

The 1st Annual 7th Ward Cultural Festival May 11 - May 13 1943 Pauger honoring neighborhood mothers and celebrating 7th Ward cultural traditions in conjunction with The Original Big Seven Pleasure and Social Club.

Fri. May 11 Music and flyers passed out.

Sat. May 12 11-7pm Four neighborhood bands, spoken word performances, Youth Theater Co., Kid’s Art Camp plus food and drinks.

Sun. May 13 The Original Big Seven Mother’s Day Parade in conjunction with other 7th Ward Social and Pleasure Clubs.

As Edward Bunker, President of the Original Big Seven Pleasure and Social Club and Porch Board member puts it: “The 7th Ward Culture is on Fire.�

Maritime High School Collaborative Mon. March 19, 1-3pm Port Of New Orleans.

The agenda will include the establishment of the steering committee, the establishment of specific committees, an explanation of the Type 2 Charter School , and the development of a time line for submitting a charter application.

Contact Susan Burge at 504-827-6829 or sueb@unitedwaynola.org

Submit Your Event !

For the Community Events Calendar Email: thetrumpet@npnnola.com Call: 504-940-2207 Write: The NPN Trumpet 2401 Esplanade Ave. N.O. 70119 Submissions due April 5.

6

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

Neighborhood Voices % " + )

By Orissa Arend New Orleans

racism, knowing it would elicit barbs of

color. Racism is OUR problem even though

denial in a mostly white audience. I was

we minimize it out of wishful thinking or

aissance Alliance, had spoken in the break-

wishing I, or any other white person, had

because the “benefits� that accrue from it

out session in support of the recent Silence

brought it up first.

have come to seem natural. We constructed it and we will reconstruct it in the blink of an

is Violence march against crime. In one brief

The facilitator didn’t call on me. She

week the planning for the march erupted out

called on a man who denied that the march

eye, sometimes without even realizing we

waiting to talk to Saundra Reed at the

of murders that touched almost everyone.

was inspired by the killing of a white

are doing it. It is primarily our responsibility

Conference for Volunteerism and Social

The event could have become a white knee-

Entrepreneurship scowled at me and de-

jerk reaction to crime – get tough, find the

clared, “None of this is going to work unless

bad guys, lock ‘em up and throw away the

we undo racism like they taught us at the

key. Instead it became a multi-racial effort

People’s Institute workshop.� I didn’t know

of some 5,000 people reflecting and respect-

her, but I burst in with my agreement. We

ing many different takes on the “solution�

were part of a breakout group called Solving

or networks of solutions. The protesters re-

Problems Through Social Entrepreneurship.

mained yoked together by a common anger,

The larger conference was a giant pep

grief, and love for their city that fueled not

rally in the Convention Center organized by

just the march but also subsequent action.

The woman standing next to me in line

“We constructed it and we will reconstruct it in the blink of an eye, sometimes without even realizing we are doing it.�

the Office of Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu.

The whites parading from the French

The keynote speakers were cheerleaders for

Quarter cheered the arrival of the mostly

woman. He stressed his progressive creden-

to dismantle racism both because we built it

hope, insisting that some bad things like

black strand from Central City. But still the

tials. The typically white response made me

in the first place and because we are mostly

racism had been washed away by those

black protesters, even these weeks later, had

wish I could press a little melanin button

in charge.�

treacherous waters, maybe so.

some explaining to do to other black folk

under my navel that would make me change

I thought back to the adrenalin-laden

about why they had joined in at all. That may

shades like those clear lenses that turn to

You never know who you are next to in a

days when we dined on MRE’s in makeshift

have been why Ms. Reed brought up racism.

sunglasses in the light.

post-Katrina line or what diatribe you might

communal compounds and built myriad ver-

She said racism was very much in evidence

sions of NOLA’s ark. But some of the bad

in present-day New Orleans and needed to

that if they had called on me, I would have

things like drugs and crime and racism can

be dealt with before we could make any

said, “What does anti-racist social entrepre-

be reconstructed in a heartbeat and they’re

headway against crime.

neurship look like? We and by ‘we’ I mean

Orissa Arend is a mediator, psychotherapist,

white people need to figure that out through

and community organizer in New Orleans

not deterred by Road Home red tape.

Saundra Reed, of the Central City Ren-

In the breakout session I had my hand raised to thank Ms. Reed for bringing up

I told the lady standing next to me in line

The stranger looked at me wide-eyed.

unleash by an innocent comment. “I’ve never heard anyone say that,� she said.

listening and heeding the advice of people of

" " - ! % /! " " $( 0, - ) / " + ( ( )) senters were Chris Stelly of Louisiana Film

and All the Kings Men. However, the music

tual property infrastructure and housing in-

and Television and Michael Cain from the Lt. Governor’s office. Mr. Cain was taking

industry here feels that it has not had the same level of promotion and is not a major

centives for the cultural community.

In the end, Mr. Cain summarized the one

input from the discussion directly to Baton Rouge in an effort to tailor an incentive pro-

export compared to cities like Nashville and Austin. There is obviously a great musical

and a half hour discussion by highlighting education and publication of existing grant

Friday, February 2, 2007, in New Orleans was a chance for the city to toot its horn

gram to take advantage of the rich cultural heritage in New Orleans. There were ap-

heritage here and there was some strong insight from the panel on how to market such a

and loan programs, luring more venture capitalists, expediting the incentive plan process

and share the many exports available here.

It was also a time to reflect on the past 17

proximately 20 cultural arts professionals in

valuable commodity to the rest of the world,

at the state level, workforce training incen-

the session representing a wide spectrum of interests: digital imaging, performing arts,

such as state support for participating in international music tradeshows.

tives, and a more direct focus on local art and artists. If the state’s initiatives stay in-

isiana, as so eloquently spoken by Lt. Gov-

literary arts, music executives, jazz foundations, government interests, promoters, non-

Other topics of discussion included training creating qualified labor, eliminating bro-

line with the art community’s needs, then New Orleans will be well on its way to be-

ernor Mitch Landrieu.

Following the Summit, a smaller group

profits, and independent film-makers.

The city has recently had success in

kers from accessing tax credits, tailoring incentive plans for small businesses rather

coming a economic cultural powerhouse.

discussed “Tax Incentives to make Louisiana Competitive for the Arts.� The pre-

attracting the film industry with incentives

than a one-size fits all plan that suits primar-

from Baton Rouge in such films as DĂŠjĂ Vu

ily giant corporations, a professional intellec-

By Mario Perkins Neighborhoods Partnership Network

The Cultural Economic Summit on

months and examine the past, present and future of post Katrina/Rita Southern Lou-

NEIGHBORHOOD VOICES

More than a year and a half after Hurricane Katrina pummeled through the Gulf coast, New Orleanians are still struggling to manage their finances. Property was damaged, jobs were lost and debt accumulated.

7

your bills on time, the better your score will

learn to manage future spending.

be. A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than a third of your income on all debt,

As you take steps to improve your credit, contact a reputable non-profit community-

including mortgages, credit cards and consumer loans. Try to use credit cards only for

based credit counseling organization. Be sure to watch out for organizations that charge

purchases that have long-term value such as furniture and medical care. Lastly, make sure

big upfront fees, make unrealistic promises, and lack accreditation credentials. ACCION

utmost importance. Most people do not real-

you are not maxing out all of your credit

USA is one alternative lender, a non-profit

ize that landlords, insurance companies, and employers—not just banks—check credit

cards; it is important to use only 30-50% of the credit you have available on credit cards.

organization that provides small loans to business owners through a partnership with

records. You can determine whether you have credit problems by reviewing your

If you are trying to reduce your debt, consider these four pointers. First, try to

Hope Community Credit Union, located in Central City. Only you will be able to repair

credit report. You are entitled to a free credit report once per year at

avoid incurring new credit card debt, and store your cards in a place where you will

your credit, but be sure to contact local nonprofit organizations like ACCION USA for

1 " 2 ( " # " "

By Maelle Fonteneau ACCION USA

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

www.annualcreditreport.com.

not be tempted to use them. Next, make a list

assistance.

Government programs for homeowners, renters and small business owners are being

Depending on how serious your past and present credit problems are, it may take as

of your outstanding debts and organize your list by the size of the debts and the annual

This information is part of a financial literacy training offered by ACCION USA.

implemented. However, it is crucial to know

little as six months or as long as three years to repair. Begin today by paying your bills

rate of interest. Thirdly, decide which debts to pay first. Pay the debts that are most im-

Visit www.yourmoney.accion.org to access the complete financial literacy program, free

on time and within a few months, it will be obvious that you are managing your credit

portant to keeping your family safe like rent and your electric bill. Lastly, you can also

of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Allstate Foundation. If you or your

responsibilities better. If you have recently

consider debt consolidation; however, con-

neighborhood association is interested in

missed payments, get current and stay current. The longer history you have of paying

solidating your debt is not a cure-all. You will still have to pay off what you owe and

scheduling a free financial seminar, contact Maelle Fonteneau at (504) 371-2280.

that financial alternatives do exist and that you can take steps to re-establish your personal finances.

As you try to rebuild your community, finance a car or restart your business, the reality is that the status of your credit is of

" ! 3 " "" ! ) * ! +)

By Twain Hearn New Orleans

American culture flows through New Orleans, and rolls out to the Caribbean Sea touching the Caribbean Islands, South and

The early coastal developments of the

Central America. Therefore, to begin com-

Americas carry a presence of history from

piling this new document we need to exam-

which, even today, we draw our culture and

ine what springs from the most basic human

social structure. These American starting

facts about this portion of America.

points are ripe with old folkloric tradition

Certainly we in New Orleans can recog-

and piratic je ne sais quoi. Sacred natural

nize how an artificial canal system in

passageways marking the convergence

Panama should not be allowed to segregate

and emergence of ecology, commerce,

people from History. Empower us!! Citizens

and culture.

we are those that might find new ways in

With this in mind a project is being

which our primary energy can become

hatched for the documentation and

a future resource that could lend a new

exploration of the current situation in

degree of clarity in creating a healthful

these Bolivarian and Jeffersonian nations.

urban existence.

Submit Your Ideas and Opinions.

To The Neighborhood Voices Section We want to hear from everybody!

Email: thetrumpet@npnnola.com Call: 504-940-2207 Write: The NPN Trumpet 2401 Esplanade Ave. N.O. 70119 Submissions due April 5.

8

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

Green Orleans - - " # to mind is the city’s great green features.

By Andrew AJ Dennis Tulane Student

The City of New Orleans is a wondrous

not only a comfort of home; it is a key to protecting us from future danger.

So just as has been said of many New Orleanians having a deep rootedness to the

The trees, the gardens and the grasses keep

The trees shield us from the wind,

city, so too should the plants and trees that

New Orleans a jazz paradise instead of an

grasses suck up the water, and they both

help make N’awlins such a mystical place.

urban jungle.

keep the soil under our feet by trapping it in

The storm may have taken much of the green

their roots. Like many of us after the storm ,

out of New Orleans, but with a little help

The grand oak trees draped in Mardi Gras

place. Everyone knows of our culture, our

beads are a personal favorite sign of New

they could use a little help. Trimming the

from these fine community organizations

music, architecture and food. We know the

Orleans’ springtime. Many of the city’s great

dead branches, planting a little grass seed, or

and you perhaps we can put it back!

Big Easy is coming back, we are making it

trees have survived our recent troubles and are

even just picking up a little trash in the

come back, maybe a little slow, but we are.

sure to stand well into our children’s time but

neutral grounds helps our green friends do

As we rebuild our beloved city we must be

many others have fallen. That is why Replant

their jobs. If your not sure how to get started

mindful of the things which made us great

New Orleans and Parkway Partners are work-

that’s ok, you can get in contact with some

to begin with. Now there are far too many of

ing to restore the trees and greenery of New

folks who do at Parkway Partners or Replant

those to mention here but one which jumps

Orleans. The lush vegetation of the city is

New Orleans.

Replant New Orleans www.replantneworleans.org Parkway Partners www.parkwaypartners.com or (504) 620-2224

/ " ( , ! " Parkway Partners has secured funding

cutting grass at least once a month, and may

in New Orleans’ public spaces due to

for planting of Elysian Fields Avenue, the

also include planting, weeding, and watering

Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent

first major corridor to be addressed. Resi-

plant materials. The program is flexible to

drought. Projections of a 70% tree canopy

dents and businesses throughout the city

allow the adopter to choose a comfortable

loss throughout the city include private

are coordinating street tree plantings with

level of volunteer support. Each adoption is

lands. This represents the loss of a signifi-

Parkway Partners support. As plantings

recognized by the placement of a sign on the

cant urban forest.

occur citizens are renewing their excite-

site indicating the name of the Partner. The

ment and motivation to plant their own

Partner is asked to adopt the area for at least

green spaces.

one year, so that the commitment and recog-

Over fifty thousand trees were lost

Parkway Partners is placing great emphasis on the replacement of trees in public spaces as a partner with the city,

ReLeaf New Orleans will benefit our

nition will be meaningful. The Department

emphasizing major corridors and street

city and its residents by setting the wheels

of Parks and Parkways has specific planting

trees in neighborhoods. We are building

in motion to create a greener more beauti-

requirements. For more information on

a coalition with neighborhoods for tree

ful New Orleans that will renew a sense

adopting a neutral ground, please call Deb

planting and protection.

of pride in our surroundings and fulfill

Graham at (504) 620-2224

ReLeaf New Orleans is an initiative created by Parkway Partners and shared across the region to replace the urban

a call to activism that was mandated by the hurricane.

Contact Jean Fahr, Executive Director

$ , + " ! "

canopy following the wrath of hurricane

to speak to your Neighborhood Association

Katrina. By working closely with the

about ReLeaf New Orleans, Buck Moth

New Orleans Department of Parks and

Caterpillar spraying program or any of

Street between Cherokee Street and Carroll-

Parkways, Parkway Partners is addressing

Parkway Partners initiatives:

ton Avenue. Parkway Partners enabled Ma-

five major strategies:

jfahr@parkwaypartners.com, 620-2224.

ple Area Residents (MARI) and businesses

•

Build and train a coalition of Neighborhood and Civic Association

•

Replace trees along identified major corridors

•

Communicate and educate to assure trees are planted and well maintained

•

Provide for low cost street tree replacement

•

Seek funding to enable strategies

+ , ( (" Community organizations, businesses and private citizens may “adopt” a park, playground, or a portion of neutral ground.

Parkway Partners, Continued “Adoption” requires picking up litter and

By planting over 40 trees on Maple

to plant trees. For more information on organizing a tree-planting project in your own neighborhood contact Jo Ann at 504620-2224 or email: jalbrecht@parkwaypartners.com

Spray for Caterpillars!

Call 620-2224 in Partnership with New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways

Green Orleans

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

" " " + $ " ) "

9

that the reconciliation of FEMA and the EPA was confusing, and that it took six months to develop an asbestos protocol to present to

By Kristen Ardani Tulane Student

the EPA. He concluded by saying that a great lack of guidance arises in post-disaster

The first field hearing of the U.S. Senate

circumstances and that had the proper

Committee on Environment and Public

protocols been in place prior to Hurricanes

Works, held on Monday February 26, 2007

Rita and Katrina, much of the confusion

at the Louisiana Supreme Court, focused on

could have been avoided. Hurricanes of this

the most pressing environmental challenges

magnitude presented “new ground, and it

facing New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

took time to work through issues.�

Seven U.S. Senators were present, in-

Hurricane Katrina exacerbated existing

cluding Louisiana's own Senators Landrieu

environmental challenges in New Orleans.

and Vitter. Senator Boxer of California initi-

As the city moves forward with its recovery

ated the hearing with opening statements

effort, preparing for future crises is impera-

from each of the committee members. Later,

tive in order to avoid again resorting to

testimony was given which addressed storm

regulatory flexibility. It is such flexibility

protection infrastructure, debris manage-

that permitted the dumping of hazardous

ment, and coastal restoration.

debris in the Chef Menteur and Old Gentilly New Orleans East Dump Photo by Darryl Malek-Wiley

The field hearing enabled the visiting senators to witness first hand the devastation

Landfills.

While the Senate Committee on Environ-

caused by Hurricane Katrina and question

Chef Menteur Landfill and the annulment

Reverend Vien The Nguyen highlighted in

ment and Public Works remains focused on

the field experts, government officials, and

of the Old Gentilly Landfill permit. Both

his testimony that the Chef Menteur landfill,

post-Katrina damage, according to Senator

community development leaders selected to

landfill operations, under emergency condi-

located 1.2 miles from the edge of the

Boxer ,“There is a great need to work to-

give testimony.

tions, accepted an expanded definition of

Vietnamese community, places the commu-

gether in a bi-partisan way.� Collaboration

construction and demolition (C & D) debris.

nity at risk.

amongst parties will greatly enhance the rate

In light of the many governmental blunders during the initial phases of recov-

This broader definition of C & D debris,

ery, the hearing sought to rectify past mis-

established by the collaborative efforts of the

Canal, the main water source for residential

in disaster affected areas, like New Orleans.

takes and establish a comprehensive plan of

LDEQ and the EPA, includes debris such as

vegetable gardens, the Chef Menteur Land-

While the Senate Committee plans on

action for the improvement of New Orleans

treated wood, carpet, and asbestos contami-

fill contains large amounts of unsegregated

presenting the issues discussed at the hearing

environmental quality.

nated sheet rock.

waste that leaches into surrounding wetlands.

on the floor of the Senate by the end of

In addition to polluting the Maxent

and success of environmental remediation

Senator Cardin of Maryland articulated

Additionally, the Old Gentilly Landfill

the need for an expedited recovery effort in

lacks a collection system for contaminated

Vitter publicly stated for the record that

protecting the citizens of New Orleans East

his opening statement: “ The government

leachate and landfill gases. Though Chef

Chef Menteur needs to move towards clean

and the environmental quality of the area.

was unprepared, and it must improve...I

Menteur was closed on August 15, 2006,

closure, a substantial victory for nearby

saw the lower ninth ward...neighborhoods

none of the hazardous debris has been re-

communities and environmentalists alike.

Chef Menteur site and the revocation of Old

need our help!�

moved from the site and the Old Gentilly

Nonetheless, the question of where to deposit

Gentilly's permit, the committee requested

Landfill continues to accept materials

the removed waste and debris still stands.

that the EPA region 6 report its plan for miti-

One of the primary controversies discussed at the hearing was the federal

banned under pre-Katrina LDEQ regulations.

Though Chef Menteur was closed on August 15, 2006, none of the hazardous debris has been removed from the site and the Old Gentilly Landfill continues to accept materials banned under pre- Katrina LDEQ regulations.

government's role in mitigating environ-

Reverend Vien The Nguyen of Citizens

Struck by the panel's testimonies, Senator

Upon closure of the Chef Menteur site,

March, it has already made great strides in

Apart from promoting the closure of the

gating illegal dumping. The committee also

Jefferson Parish would need to dispose of

encouraged the establishment of a multi-

Chef Menteur's former contents. A formal-

stakeholder group for debris issues and in-

ized agreement of how this would occur has

tends to deploy the EPA's and the Corps of

yet to be established.

Engineers' Inspector Generals to investigate

Later in the panel, when asked by Senator Vitter why Old Gentilly still accepts

the federal response to debris management and illegal dumping.

debris unfit for Type III C & D landfills,

At last, it seems that the necessary

Mike McDaniel responded, “The need to

actions are being taken to enact environ-

accommodate hurricane debris.� Vitter then

mental justice after Hurricane Katrina

emphasized that the proper requirements for

though residents and community leaders will

the permitting of Old Gentilly were ignored

need to wait a while longer to witness the

mental degradation from mismanaged

for a Strong New Orleans East, testified on

and, as a result, he recommends that the

committee's promises as the legislative

hurricane debris in New Orleans East.

the second panel alongside Wilma Subra

LDEQ revoke the landfill's permit, rather

process unfolds.

of the Louisiana Environmental Action

than simply “fix the paper work.�

Specifically, the Senate committee emphasized the need for clean closure of the

Network and Mike McDaniel of the LDEQ.

In the LDEQ's defense, McDaniel argued

10

MARCH 15, 2007

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

" " # " 4

10 Ideas to Save Our Environment & Your Wallet

By Mario Perkins Vacaville, CA is building it's first solar community using a SunTile Solar Electric System by a company called PowerLight.

Change Light Bulbs to Compact Fluorescents Replace 3 light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and save 60$ per year. Compact Fluorescents last 12 times longer than standard bulbs.

Enabling homeowner's a 50% saving in electricity bills and providing a $2000 tax-credit incentive. Each home will feature a PowerLight SunTile (2.3 kW) roof integrated solar system, which interlocks with roof tiles and shingles and offers natural ventilation, ena-

Install a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats will automatically lower the heat or air conditioning at night and raise them again in the morning. They can save you $100 a year on your energy bill.

bling the solar array to maintain optimal performance in high temperature climates.

In addition to the solar shingles produced

by PowerLight there exists a wide range of options to make your home produce electricity. There is a variety of styles of solar shingles to help you match these mini solar

Buy Efficient Appliances Recycle or donate your old appliances and look for the Energy Star logo on new ones. The average household could save 400 dollars a year using more energy efficient appliances.

panels to your existing shingles. With the emphasis on alternatives to fossil fuels expressed by Ed Blakeley's staff Monday the 26th at UNO, solar power may be a viable alternative for New Orleans to rebuild into the future.

Just recently some of the traditional roof mounted solar paneling (not solar shingles) was installed in the Holy Cross neighborhood. The donated Sharp solar panels will PowerLight SunTiles

produce about one third of an average household’s energy needs. Sharp also donated a

Association building. This could provide

solar panel setup to The Lower 9th Ward

power to help shelter residents even when

Neighborhood Empowerment Network

the power grid is down .

" ( " " "

By Global Green USA

sprayed insulation do not seal a wall chase.

When having insulation installed, it

Proper installation of insulation is key to

is crucial that it is done properly in order for

having an energy efficient house. R-value is

it to be effective. Insulation must be installed

defined as the amount of resistance that your

fully into all gaps and seams for it to do

building has to heat flow. Insulation products

its job.

are rated on their R-values to show how effec-

The amount of insulation that you will

tive they are at blocking your home from heat

need will vary according to the type of

gain. This heat is responsible for using your

home that you have. Your home’s design,

home to become much hotter than it should

its location, and climate zone will determine

be, and causing your heating and cooling

the amount of insulation that you will need

system to work more over time which raises

for it. Local building codes will inform you

your bills.

of how much insulation you need to have.

In order for your insulation to be effective, there must be no air flow in your wall chases.

It is, however suggested that you exceed the expected amount of insulation.

It is very important to seal air leaks before you

For more information on the best

install any form of insulation. There must be a

insulation for your home, please visit

continuous layer of insulation around the en-

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/

tire building envelope. Standard forms of

insulation/ins_16.html

insulation such as fiberglass batts and loosely

2° Make a Difference A small adjustment of your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer will keep you comfortable and provide significant energy savings keeping 2,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide out of the air per year and shrinking your energy bill.

Hang up a Clothesline You can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the air when you line dry your clothes for six months out of the year.

Shade Your House Plant trees that lose their leaves in winter on the south side of your house to let the light in when its cold and shade your house from the hot sun in the summer. Overhangs and awnings over windows will also reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Weatherize and Insulate Keep your home temperature stable by sealing up gaps around your doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping. Insulate your attic with R-40 fiberglass or cellulose insulation and R-20 under your house if its raised.

Radiant Barriers and Light Colored Roofing A radiant barrier is a thin sheet of highly reflective material installed on the rafters in your attic or on the attic floor above the insulation.

The barrier can reflect as much as 90 percent of the sun’s heat. ChoosWrap Your Water Heater ing a light colored roofing material will also cool down your home and An insulation blanket for your hot water heater will reduce your energy shrink your energy bill. bill by helping your heater sustain the water temperature. An onFor more ideas: demand water heater will reduce http://www.all4energy.org/ your bill even more dramatically by heating the water immediately http://www.energyhog.com/ only when you run hot water.

Reduce “Phantom Loads” http://www.climatecrisis.net/ Not only do we waste a lot of power takeaction/ leaving electronics on when they are not in use but leaving devices plugged in can also waste a lot of energy. Hairdryers, cell phone chargers, televisions and other electronics use plenty of energy even when off. To stop this waste, plug these devices into a power strip with an on/off switch and turn it off when you’re not using them or simply unplug them.

Green Orleans , " # "

11

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

ganic compounds in their finishes, which make for better indoor air quality. When

By Global Green USA

choosing any types of wood floors, it is important to choose material that is certified

Choosing sustainable flooring products

by the Florida Stewardship Council, or FSC

can help to prevent waste, reduce pollution,

certified wood. This ensures that the wood

and preserve forests and ecosystems. Floors

you are using has been sustainably-harvested

built from wood products that do not replen-

and has had little impact on the environment.

ish quickly in nature cause over consumption

Bamboo flooring is a very sustainable

Bamboo Flooring

ing subtle features that give it the look of

and wood floor to form sheets. Linoleum

of natural resources and can lead to erosion

answer for floors. Not a tree, bamboo is

light wood. It generally comes in two colors,

is a very versatile flooring material and is

of top soil. Flooring options made from

actually a self-propagating grass, that

a lighter natural color and an amber color.

available in a variety of colors, and lends

grasses and trees that mature in roughly half

spreads horizontally underground. As

the time that it takes hardwoods to reach

opposed to trees, which can take many dec-

able product made from the bark of the cork

market size are now becoming much more

ades to mature, bamboo can reach maturity

oak tree. The bark of the cork oak tree is

popular in the field.

in three to seven years. Since bamboo is

harvested every 9 to 11 years which allows

Bamboo, cork, linoleum, and recycled

multi-stemmed, it can be harvested without

the tree to live to its full life expectancy.

wood are four types of sustainable floors that

killing the entire plant. This rapidly renew-

can reduce hardwood consumption. These

able material is gaining popularity because it

oxidizing linseed oil to form a thick mixture

types of floors also utilize low volatile or-

has a very modern look, while still maintain-

that is cooled and mixed with pine rosin

" *( " 1. ORIENT BUILDING For NATURAL DAYLIGHTING Description: : Natural daylighting is usually available to the east, south, and west facades.

Benefits: Maximizing natural daylighting reduces the need for artificial light, thus reducing energy consumption and utility bills. Dwellings that have good natural daylighting are also more pleasant for the residents.

2. PLACE WINDOWS TO PROVIDE VENTILATION Description: Natural ventilation systems take advantage of prevailing winds and thermal convection to ventilate living spaces.

Benefits: Placing windows to take advantage of natural ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning, saves money on energy bills, and can make homes without air conditioning more comfortable.

3. INSTALL WHOLE-HOUSE FANS OR CEILING FANS Description: Whole-house and ceiling fans improve interior comfort by circulating cold and warm air. They can be adjusted to either draw warm air upward during summer months or push it downward during the winter.

Benefits: Fans can reduce the need for air conditioning and heating by circulating air effectively, and on average use one-tenth the electricity of an air conditioning unit.

5. PROVIDE COMBINED-HYDRONIC HEATING Description: Combined hydronic heating uses hot water stored in the water heater to operate radiators typically installed in baseboards.

Benefits: Combined-hydronic heating saves energy by using hot water already produced and stored in the water heater, and eliminating the need for a separate furnace.

8. LIGHTS WITH ELECTRONIC BALLASTS Description: Interior fluorescent bulbs and fixtures produce light quantity and quality that is comparable to incandescents, while expending less energy. Electronic ballasts also improve efficiency and reduce flickering.

Benefits: Energy efficient lighting reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. One compact florescent bulb will pay itself back over ten times over the course of its life through reduced energy use.

9. INSTALL HIGH R-VALUE INSULATION Description: Insulation provides a continuous thermal barrier to minimize heat flow through the walls, ceiling and floor. The higher the R-value, the greater the material’s ability to insulate.

Benefits: Installing higher R-value insulation improves comfort, decreases demand for air conditioning and heating, saves money, and makes the home quieter.

10. SELECT ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES Description: Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest users of electricity in most homes. They canaccount for up to 25% of household energy use.

Energy Star appliances use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models.

Benefits: Energy Star refrigerators can save over 10% of the total annual electrical bill in a home. Check with the local utility company for rebate programs.

11. DESIGN WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES Description: Low-water landscape designs (such as xeriscape) reduce water use by emphasizing native and/or drought tolerant plants, eliminating turf areas, and minimizing maintenance. Efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and micro irrigation, place the correct amount of water directly at the base of each plant, thus reducing water use and waste from over watering.

Benefits:Water efficient landscape and irrigation systems help plant growth and overall health by eliminating overwatering or excessive drying.They also lower water bills and reduce impacts on water supply infrastructure.

12. WATER-EFFICIENT TOILETS AND FIXTURES Description: New toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush compared with old toilets that require 5-7 gallons per flush. Flow reducers fit into the aerator at the tip of the faucet and reduce the rate of water flow through the faucet. Low-flow showerheads replace standard showerheads.

Benefits: Low-flow toilets can save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. Flow reducers can cut water usage of faucets and showers by as much as 40% with little noticeable effect.

13. USE PERMEABLE PAVING MATERIALS Description: Permeable paving allows storm water to percolate into the soil.

Benefits: Permeable paving allows on-site percolation, thus reducing the volume of polluted water that flows into rivers or bays, while replenishing soil moisture and local aquifers. Additional benefits include reduction in irrigation requirements and a lower risk of flooding.

14. USE 30% - 50% FLYASH IN CONCRETE

Cork flooring is another rapidly renew-

Linoleum is a natural flooring made by

Description: Flyash is a byproduct of coal burning power plants and can be an inexpensive substitute for 15%-40% of the Portland cement used in concrete.

Benefits: Flyash increases the strength and durability of the concrete. Using flyash also reduces the amount of cement needed, thereby decreasing the overall environmental impacts of cement production (mining and energy consumption).

15. USE ENGINEERED WOOD Description: Solid sawn lumber in sizes of 2X10 or greater typically comes from old growth forests. Engineered lumber products, however, come from small diameter and fast growing plantation trees. 2X10 and larger dimensional lumber is typically used for floor and ceiling joists and some seismic applications. Large size lumber can be replaced with engineered lumber (microlam, paralam, gluelam) in most applications.

Solid sawn 4X6s are often used for headers when smaller dimension lumber would suffice, such as double 2X6s. Wood I-Joists are an alternative to 2X6s or 2X8s used for floor and roof joists.

Benefits: Reducing demand for large dimensional lumber decreases pressure to cut down old growth forests. Engineered lumber uses wood fiber more efficiently that conventional lumber, resulting in stronger and higher quality homes.

16. USE RECYCLED-CONTENT INSULATION, DRYWALL, AND CARPET Description: Recycled-content insulation, drywall, and carpet are made from recycles paper, recycled plastic and glass bottles, recycled wool or recycled cotton. They don’t differ in appearance or performance and the prices are comparable to conventional products.

Benefits: Recycled-content materials save resources and divert waste from landfills. Approximately 40 twoliter soda bottles are recycled into each square yard of recycled-content carpeting. Recycled-content insulation may contain up to 30% recycled glass.

17. USE LOW- OR NO-VOC PAINT Description: No-VOC paint does not emit odors related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products like paint, adhesives, cleaning supplies, etc.

No-VOC paint is used exactly like conventional paint.

No-VOC paints are most suitable for indoor use.

Benefits: Use of low- or no-VOC paint can eliminate the eye, nose, and throat irritation, loss of coordination, and potentially damage to the liver and central nervous system caused by VOCs. Outside, VOCs can bond with

itself well to intricate patterns.

Recycled wood restored from old buildings and bridges and milled into floors is also a great alternative for sustainability.

For more information; visit these sites http://www.fscus.org/ http://www.greenerbuilding.org/

other pollutants and create ground-level ozone.

18. FORMALDEHYDE-FREE OR FULLY SEALED MATERIALS FOR CABINETS AND COUNTERS. Description: Particleboard typically contains formaldehyde, which can offgas for 10-15 years. EPA ranks formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.

Exposure can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, skin rashes, headaches, nosebleeds and nausea.

Benefits: Elimination of formaldehyde-based materials reduces exposure to residents, particularly children, who are most susceptible. Sealing with a flat, latexbased primer or other suitable material can prevent the off gassing of formaldehyde.

20. INSTALL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR Description: Carbon monoxide detectors monitor the level of this gas in individual dwelling units.

Benefits: Detectors can reduce harmful human health effects of carbon monoxide, a common indoor air pollutant created by the combustion of natural gas from stoves and heaters.

For more information: GLOBAL GREEN USA NEW ORLEANS 841 Carondelet Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-525-2121ph, 504-525-2122fax www.globalgreen.org Email:jmoore@globalgreen.org

Wednesday, March 28 6pm-8pm Musicians Union Hall 2401 Esplanade Come to the forum to learn more about housing in New Orleans, including information on green building provided

by Global Green staff.

12

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

Join us for the third Festival of Neighborhoods at the

Home & Garden Show March 29 - April 1

Thursday, March 29:

2pm-9pm

Saturday, March 31: 10am-9pm

Friday, March 30:

2pm-9pm

Sunday, April 1: 11am-7pm at The Louisiana Superdome

The various plans are submitted, and neighborhoods are going after redevelopment projects they want for their area. Come explore what's happening in New Orleans neighborhoods and hear from the experts on how to redevelop your neighborhood.

Neighborhood Showcase: Neighborhood Organizations will represent their districts at booths and all 13 Planning Districts will display their final plans. Talk about potential projects with developers, builders and all interested in redeveloping New Orleans. Service agencies will also man booths with information vital to neighborhoods as they rebuild.

Hear it from industry experts: how your neighborhood can attract investment and development.

Friday 5pm Main Streets: A Tool For Redevelopment: City-Works hosts a forum with updates on Main Street projects from around New Orleans, the Metro area, and State. Hear how Main Street projects bring back old downtown and commercial streets and can help you rebuild your neighborhood.

Saturday 11am The Deal of the Deal Forum: Major developers, retailers, builders and experts in community planning and development will tell how they evaluate projects, and will help you understand the opportunities in your neighborhoods.

They will discuss the criteria and tools of analysis they use to decide where and when to develop projects, and what communities can do to attract interest in their areas and become important players in the development process.

Come mingle and talk one-on-one with New Orleans developers about questions or specific projects at the Deal of the Deal Café, open and available for the duration of the Festival of Neighborhoods. Developers and experts will be available at the café for appointments with neighborhood or district leaders.

The Festival of Neighborhoods is an important venue for neighborhood organizations and non-profit groups to learn from one another, keep up the momentum generated by the planning processes, and to persevere in the restoration and redevelopment of our city and communities.

Come take advantage of these great informational resources for you and your neighborhood as you rebuild. www.neworleanshomeshow.com Sponsored by

Organized by

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

FREE CLINIC LISTING

5 " , "

Odyssey House Louisiana, Inc. 1125 North Tonti St. New Orleans, LA 70119 Ph: (504)270-6604 Fax: (504)324-8614

By Sakura Kone’ Common Ground Relief

Chartres Pontchartrain Behavioral Health Clinic 719 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70117 504-942-8101

Common Ground Health Clinic 1400 Teche St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 504-361-9800

Edna Pilsbury Health Clinic

In response to the lack of medical services available to returning families, Lower 9th Ward residents are finally opening the doors to their new medical clinic located in the home of Patricia Berryhill, a registered nurse and former resident of the Lower 9th.

2222 Simon Bolivar Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 504-565-7283/2

The clinic will be the only health care provider for the Lower 9th Ward, and will

Ida Hymel Health Clinic (OPEN)

also accept patients from surrounding

1111 Newton St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 504-364-4026

neighborhoods providing easier access than a fourteen-hour wait in an emergency room

Pillsbury Health Clinic, Adults and Children

across town.

Resident organizers supported by grass-

2222 Simon Bolivar 2nd Floor New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 504-565-7283

Tulane University Community Health Center at Covenant House 611 N. Rampart New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 504-584-1167

roots organizations and individuals from around the country have created strong and impacting solutions in the Lower 9th Ward and are working on others projects all designed to ensure the neighborhood enjoys

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

13

health support to treat a range of ailments

a long and prosperous future.

including, but not limited to hypertension, stress, diabetes, cardiac conditions, minor

Resident health care providers, Common Ground Lower 9th Ward Project and Leaders

trauma, plus treating respiratory illness and infections related to exposure to toxins from

Creating Change Through Contribution have come together to provide these medical ser-

the flood. Soon, immunizations, help in registering for government programs (i.e.,

vices. The clinic is collaborating and partner-

Medicaid, Medicare, SCHIP, etc.), and phar-

ing with St. Margaret's Daughters, California Nurse's Association, AARP, Tulane's New

maceutical assistance for persons suffering from chronic illnesses will be provided

Orleans Children's Health Project and others, and has received invaluable legal

through the clinic.

Alice Craft-Kerney, a nurse with 21

and accounting assistance from McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC and Postlethwaite & Netter-

years' experience, led the effort to build a health clinic in her neighborhood, and will

ville, respectively.

work there full-time as the executive direc-

The collective efforts of these groups support the growing number of residents

tor. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Craft-Kerney worked for 20 years as a registered nurse at

returning to their damaged or destroyed homes everyday. Residents struggle to sur-

Charity Hospital, which for generations served the city's poor until the floodwaters

vive and rebuild, surrounded by flood debris, collapsed houses and toppled cars, and parts

tore it apart. Although University Hospital has reopened, it has not expanded to full

of the neighborhood still without electricity.

capacity to treat ambulatory patients.

The Lower 9th Ward Clinic aims to offer

Re: UNOP City Wide Recovery Plan From: Planning Districts Leadership Coalition To the City Planning Commission of New Orleans, The Planning Districts Leadership Coalition recognizes and supports the efforts and energies by all parties in the creation of the City Wide Recovery Plan. We submit the following formal proposals to the City Planning Commission (CPC) hoping that these assessments and recommendations will become part of the plan forwarded to the City Council.

Wide recovery plan and steps to facilitate better integration of recommendations from the planning districts into the final City Wide plan and Planning District plans:

1. The CPC acknowledges that a broad and diverse base of citizens and residents of New Orleans have been deeply involved in the planning process, and should continue to be engaged through a formal, planning and citizen participation structure that has the force of law -- a structure devised by the Planning Districts and neighborhoods in partnership with the City Planning Commission, City Council and Administration. This structure will serve to implement a transparent and accountable City Wide recovery.

1. Processes and Citizen Engagement The “FINAL FEEDBACK� of Community Congress states that 92% of participants indicated they had a “high� or “very high� level of commitment to remaining engaged with the effort to rebuild New Orleans. We, the Planning Districts Leadership Council of New Orleans, want to stress the importance of citizen engagement and participation as this process moves forward.

The City Wide Recovery plan highlights a synopsis of citizen participation, which both planners and residents have embraced.

A citizen participation process that is designed by citizens, and legally acknowledged and accepted by City Council, administration and neighborhood organizations, is crucial to the successful recovery of New Orleans. Furthermore, the citizen participation process should be utilized to solicit citizen input by the Office of Recovery Management, City Council Recovery Committee, and the Orleans Parish Recovery Council as suggested in section 4 of City Wide Recovery Plan.

2. A clarification of how the priorities and recommendations coming from the planning districts and neighborhood organizations are reflected in the final plan and prioritization of projects and funding.

3. The CPC prepare short summary documents of the City Wide and Planning District level recovery plans, composed by expert analysts that are transparent and reader-friendly to the common citizen.

4. The CPC endorses the creation of two specific schedules, produced for public knowledge immediately:

The Planning Districts Leadership Council wholeheartedly supports these above statements.

We ask that the City Planning Commission solicit communities in the planning districts to make formal recommendations to be integrated into the City Wide plan submitted to the City Council.

2. Points Needing Clarification 2.1 Planning Districts Leadership Council found that the method of determining recovery values for City Wide and District projects appears ambiguous and unclear in written documents. e.g.: It is unclear why the recovery value of relocating cold storage facility is ranked higher than the project to “Repair and Renovate Exiting School Facilities or Construct New Facilities.� (Appendix A, project #25/project #60).

There is general confusion in the method by which District and resident input was incorporated into the City Wide Recovery Plan, and how the ranking was established and explicated.

2.2 The Planning District Leadership Council would like to clarify citizens’ roles during the analysis and revision of the City Wide plan, and as the processes move forward. Specifically, we request timelines covering two aspects be presented to the public immediately: 1) a schedule that illustrates the entire UNOP plan approval process so citizens can be more thoroughly prepared 2) a timeline with a concrete synopsis of implementation procedures, funding sources, and the management of the process.

3. Immediate Recommendations and Action Steps We, the Districts Leadership Council of New Orleans recommend these additions to the City

•

A timeline with milestones that spells out and articulates the entire citywide recovery plan adoption process.

•

An implementation timeline with milestones explaining who will receive what money, at what projected time, and how Planning Districts and neighborhoods can interface with decision-making government structures.

5. The CPC approves a commitment to ongoing public meetings and hearings about the adoption of District Plans to be included in the development of a revised master plan.

We appreciate all of the hard work by the City Planning Commission and the citywide planners. On the whole, we support the Citywide Recovery Plan. We ask that the City Planning Commission integrate these recommendations into the City Wide and District Plans.

These recommendations represent the consensus recommendations of community leaders from all 13 districts who have been meeting as the Planning Districts Leadership Coalition.

It is, further, the Coalition’s intention to communicate with all neighborhood leaders to secure their input to the review and finalization of the City Wide plan, and to solicit their input into recommendations to be made regarding an interim and permanent community participation process. We hope the CPC will create a schedule of working meetings

14

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

The People in your Neighborhood " *( " % # ) "

By Shana Dukes Broadmoor Poet/Writer Naomi White is a kindergartener at

the kindergartener exclaimed when I asked

Mrs. White, who is normally allowed to

the building during the President’s visit, con-

her what the leader was like in person. “He didn’t talk to me. He came up to the

walk inside the school to collect Naomi at the end of the day, tried to be patient and

fessing that she had a few questions that she would like to ask him herself. She said that

room where we were watching Babe, and said, ‘Good morning, children.’

take in the scene around her.

she would have liked to see the parents welcomed into the school for an open

Green Charter School. Her father, Mitchell White, relocated from Brownwood, TX, to

And we said, ‘Good morning.’�

As Naomi talked to me in her

New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina to aid in the rebuilding effort. After a few

living room, she kept an eye out

months of renovating and maintaining New Orleans rental properties, Mitchell asked his

for her younger sister, Madison, who toddled around carrying her

“That’s what I would do if I ever was the president.

I’d help people up!�

forum discussion on public school and city planning.

Well, maybe next time. For now, the White family faces their own circumstances in the post-Katrina

wife, Shauna, and their three children to con-

shoes. When Madison slipped down, Naomi went over to offer

sider joining him in the city. They did, and have since fallen in love with their new

a hand. “That’s what I would do if I ever was the

home town.

In the fall of 2006, Shauna and Mitchell

president. I’d help people up! And I would

street. They were yelling and chanting about

kind of resources that other families who

do it just like that. I’d just help them off the ground.� Naomi told me.

the war. My baby doesn’t even realize that there is a war going on at all. I just want her

were here before the storm qualify for. We didn’t lose everything to a flood, but the

has become an inspirational model for

I am sure that many New Orleans residents would share in her sentiments.

to be a kid for now. She doesn’t need to be worried about that,� Shauna told me.

storm turned our lives upside down just the same,� Mrs. White admits as she looks up at

revamping New Orleans’ public school system. That model was the motivating force

As Naomi continued helping her little sister dress, I turned to her mother and found her

“I watched the TV broadcast of Bush’s appearance. He did really seem the most

the New Orleans sky-line.

As the White family endures and contin-

behind President Bush’s visit to New Orleans on March 1, 2007. Naomi was among

nodding her head, as if to say, “Yes, my kids

sincere when he spoke about the schools,

ues to build a home here, they face many of

are profound.�

Shauna White shared her reactions to the

and he seemed like he really cared about improving our school system,� Naomi’s

the same challenges that long time NOLA residents have had to face. They are among

I spoke to Naomi on the day following

visit with me as well. She recounted her experience, waiting for her daughter outside of

mother offered as her take on the positive aspects of the visit.

the new New Orleanians. Each of them, including the young Naomi, are beginning to

President Bush’s visit to get her reactions. “He had gray hair and he wore a suit!�

Green Charter School in the rain. There was no admittance into the school on that day.

What were some parents not happy with?

Mrs. White addressed the lack of access to

feel and sound like true Louisiana locals.

organizers with Black Men United for

were holding their service providers (of

his niche. Critical Resistance is a national

Change, a group which brought the annual murder rate in St. Thomas down from 31 to 0

which I was one) accountable. They gave us report cards, and my organization, Trinity

grassroots organization whose mission is to end society’s use of imprisonment and polic-

in three years. He co-founded the St. Thomas Steppers, youth who performed fraternity

Church, quaked in fear of receiving a failing grade. From time to time we did indeed fail.

ing as a response to social, political and economic problems. It seeks to create genuinely

stomps mixed with precision drills and militant chants. In the summers he helped run the

But together we envisioned the new St. Thomas, a place where residents would have

safe and healthy communities by advocating for the satisfaction of people’s basic needs.

People’s Youth Freedom schools which

ownership of both property and governance.

spread the Undoing Racism workshop into a month-long summer camp for kids as young

Imagine this: we still had hope in Hope 6, the federal housing initiative that by the new

Orissa Arend is a mediator, psychotherapist, and community organizer in New Or-

the New Orleans chapter of Critical Resistance, understands structural racism from the

as nine. On the day I visited, the children were putting on a skit about “Why are Peo-

millennium had obliterated St. Thomas as we knew it forever. The same threat to public

leans. You can reach her at arendsaxer@aol.com. To get involved

inside out. Raised in the St. Thomas Housing Development, as a teenager he took his enor-

ple Poor?�

Kool also organized mediation between

housing exists today, as the recovery in New Orleans speeds up the process of gentrifica-

with Critical Resistance locally, call their office at 504-304-3784.

mous charisma and intellect in the wrong direction, and spent two and a half years in

the St. Thomas community and the police

tion.

prison on drug charges.

after the latter swept through the project on an unnecessary chase, terrorizing children

For a couple of years before Katrina, Horton, for all of his talents, couldn’t find a

By the late 1990’s, however, he was a resource trainer for the People’s Institute for

and adults. He was all over the place.

The late 1990’s were heady days in St.

job, outside of training and consulting, because of his prison record. In his work with

Survival and Beyond. He was one of the lead

Thomas. The residents were organized. They

Critical Resistance he feels that he has found

decided to enroll their daughter, Naomi, in Green Charter School. Since that time, Green

the students who had the chance to greet the President in person.

By Orissa Arend Critical Resistance

Robert “Kool Black� Horton, director of

“There were protestors sitting across the

New Orleans. “We are here trying to help the

city, and we love it here. But it is hard, because we don’t qualify for the same

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

15

" & + * 3 What about New Orleans’ newest citizens?

to the blessed and spirit renewing. I know that every reader will find something to

have come to an area desperate for hard

which they can relate. That is why we are

workers in order to make a few honest dol-

encouraging you to contribute and share your

lars and earn their own stakes in the city, real

own “Transient Blues” stories. Tell us about

estate moguls and investors, business oppor-

the positive and negative impacts that these

pening in New Orleans, we attempt to turn

tunists, artists using every media imaginable,

groups have had on you, your family, and

from loss and destruction and towards hope

and educators hoping to improve public

your neighborhood. If you are a transient

and restoration. While we are busy renewing

schools.

yourself, share your thoughts and feedback

By Shana Dukes Broadmoor Poet/Writer As we watch the rebuilding process hap-

our homes, our infrastructure, our sense of

We could go on and on, and we will as

Pressure Washing Cleaning Earth Friendly Products

with us, too.

community, we attempt to stay connected to

this column explores the transient effect on

our friends and neighbors. Many factors

New Orleans residents, community planning,

understanding of what is going on in our

have influenced our collective drive to re-

and development. We are still being im-

hometown and of the direction in which the

build and work steadily towards positive

pacted by the 2005 hurricane season as we

changes are taking native New Orleanians.

change. One of those factors is the transient

watch these transients, many of whom have

We anticipate a fair and balanced report on

effect on our community.

become our friends, come and go. What are

each group that we discuss. We are grateful

Residential & Commercial

we left with? What legacy do these adventur-

to those who have offered their time, sense

Wet & Dry Cleaning Services

diverse origins, each having his or her own

ous nomads have to offer New Orleans and

of hope, and creative energy in hard times,

Graffiti Removal

reason for relocating here. Many wish to

the entire gulf coast region?

and I offer this column to them and to you,

Mold and Mildew Exterior Cleaning

our native readers, as we share our stories.

Concrete

The transients that I wish to define are of

Your responses will give us all a clearer

help. There are relief workers who volunteer

In the coming months, I will be sharing

their precious time and energy for the better-

some of my own “Transient Blues” experi-

ment of the place we call home. There are

ences with our readers. These personal tales

Call Joe at 504-616-1111

those, (including “illegal” immigrants), who

range from the heartbreaking and frustrating

Member of The PWNA LR+INS Local Committed to New Orleans

We look forward to hearing from you!

% % " 4 In 2005 experts at the University of

By Angela Mears Law Student at University of Santa Clara New Orleans is currently working on

Trying to Buy a Home?

Refinance your mortgage?

Concerned about discrimination, or scam artists?

Learn the procedures and processes necessary to filing a fair housing complaint.

Learn how to avoid predatory lending scams. th

When: Thursday March 15 , 2007. 7pm Where: The Worker Resource Center, 3500 Canal Street, Mid City Questions: 504-483-2145 Brought to you by The Fair Housing Legal Support Center of the John Marshall Law School, The Worker Resource Center, and Common Ground.

Leicester conducted a study for the British Home Office, examining fourteen systems across the country. It found the systems gen-

installing surveillance cameras around the

erally failed to cut crime or make people feel

city. Cities throughout the U.S. have already

safer. Beyond the question of how effective

installed cameras in their cities, in an attempt

video surveillance is in preventing crime,

to make their citizens safer. Yet it is debat-

there is also the issue of how a program

able if these cameras in fact prevent crime.

tracking the movements of a city’s citizens

Many believe the money it takes to install,

can be misused. In 1997, a top Washington

maintain, and monitor these cameras could

D.C. police official was caught using their

be used in a more effective manner to keep

surveillance system to blackmail married

citizens safe. Giving up considerable privacy

men patronizing a gay club. An investigation

for questionable results is something that

by the Detroit Free Press showed that

should be seriously considered before imple-

Michigan police officers were using a data-

menting a city wide surveillance program.

base available to them to enable themselves

Surveillance cameras were first installed in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1966. That program lasted three years and not one arrest

and friends to stalk women and track estranged spouses.

The ACLU has called on the city of

resulted. A system in Miami Beach, Florida

New Orleans not to install the cameras,

was abandoned because of shortages in man-

citing that there no objective data that

power to monitor the cameras and because

video surveillance prevents or solves crime.

criminals were simply moving out of the

They are also concerned with the violation

range of the cameras to commit crimes. De-

of civil liberties seen in existing surveillance

troit, Michigan installed cameras in 1980.

programs. “They focused almost exclusively

By 1994, they disbanded the program due

on people of color, gays and young people,

to high maintenance, personnel costs and

monitored public meetings, marches

mixed results.

and demonstrations.”

16

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

( ! "

By Patrick Thompson Downtown Development District Neighbors across the city are banding together to find practical and progressive solutions to crime. Since 2000, the Downtown Development District (DDD) has sponsored a non-commissioned safety patrol that

implemented by neighborhoods to improve safety. Here are some ways that neighborhood groups can create effective citizen patrols for their neighborhood: Big Picture Communication with the NOPD The basis of all community policing is a solid relationship with those who enforce the

operates in the Downtown neighborhoods and that may serve as a model for other

law — the District Police. Citizens should meet with their NOPD representative to un-

neighborhood organizations.

derstand the “big picture” — the goals, abilities and resources of the District. Citizens

Initially targeted to visitors and branded “Hospitality Rangers,” the service was revamped in 2004 to better address crime and Quality of Life concerns. The makeover in-

can express their concerns, as well as their patrol plans, with the District. These meetings should recur on a schedule that works

cluded a new name, new uniforms, improved training and revised deployment. The name

for both the NOPD and the citizens’ patrol so that each can discuss the progress of the pro-

was changed to “Public Safety Rangers,” and

gram and make adjustments, if needed.

military pants and police shirts replaced khaki cargo pants and yellow polo shirts. In

Daily Communication with the NOPD Patrollers should maintain regular contact with the district station per agreement with

session on how to provide accurate descriptions of suspects and how to safely observe

the Commander. For example, patrollers may, at the beginning of each shift, call in to

and report crime. American Red Cross First

the District station to notify them that a shift is beginning, the duration of the shift, and

Aid and CPR training has been added as well. Instead of the prime goal being to find and assist as many tourists as possible, Rangers are now required to patrol the entire zone twice per shift, often covering less trafficked areas.

In addition to providing the Ranger program, the DDD also contracts with a NOPD lieutenant to manage a private police detail for the area. These details focus on community policing, pro-active patrolling, and Quality of Life and Code Enforcement issues.

Rangers work with both regular duty and detail officers to share information, such as hot-spots, and police priorities on a regular

the location of the shift. This makes the desk sergeant aware that a call for service may come in from a patroller, which may improve response time.

Identifiable Patrols The goal of citizen patrols is to prevent crime, not to work undercover operations.

Uniforms don’t need to be fancy – a pair of residents in bright colored t-shirts with the neighborhood name and “citizen patrol” screen printed is effective. Neighborhood businesses often will sponsor the shirts to offset the cost of production.

basis. Rangers are then able to effectively multiply the area covered by active patrols.

Consistent Patrols Public Safety Rangers work in four-hour

These active patrols seek to deter crime, particularly crimes of opportunity. By interact-

shifts. Four hours is often too long for a volunteer to commit. By integrating patrols into

ing with constituents during the patrols, Rangers also help create a sense of order, which is a key element of the “broken windows” theory of crime prevention.

The resources and challenges of Downtown are different than that of most New Orleans’ neighborhoods; however, many of the same strategies and practices can be

Photo: Joe Bergoron

addition to customer service and history, Rangers’ training now includes an NOPD

In addition to customer service and history, Public Safety Rangers’ training now includes an NOPD session on how to provide accurate descriptions of suspects and how to safely observe and report crime.

daily routines, activities, such as walking the dog or a trip to the coffee shop, can become a safety patrol.

Focused and Alert Citizens should limit distractions while on patrol. Talking on the cell phone and lis-

Work in Pairs The safety of your patrollers is of utmost importance. Having patrollers in pairs makes them much less vulnerable. Should an incident arise, two are better able to respond than one. Also note that patrols of more than two can be difficult to manage as the group

tening to headphones both distract the patrol-

tends to focus more on conversation with

ler’s focus and minimize his or her visual impact.

each other than on active patrolling.

These are a few of the techniques that the Downtown Development Dis-

The resources and challenges of Downtown are different than that of most New Orleans’ neighborhoods; however, many of the same strategies and practices can be implemented by neighborhoods to improve safety.

trict has found to be effective in six years of operating a noncommissioned safety patrol.

The Public Safety Rangers are available to help other neighborhood groups develop their own citizen patrols and can be reached at psr@neworleansdowntown.com or (504) 561-8927.

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

17

- " % * / " ! "

Photo: Norman R. Smith

These Harmony House Senior Center participants, mostly retired senior citizens, have lived their entire lives in the 7th ward of New Orleans.

By Mario Perkins Neighborhoods Partnership Network During segregation 7th Ward residents couldn’t try on clothes at many stores because white shoppers would refuse to buy the clothes afterwards. Many women in the 7th Ward began making their own clothes out of necessity and a great legacy of skilled seamstresses was begun.

Miss Durelli Watts, a master seamstress th

from the 7 Ward, who, as the story goes, stitched garb for Archbishop Rummell, is

Ward Neighborhood Association has seen

urday bus rides to Fountainbleu in Mande-

them unsafe even though owners have made

the evolution of the neighborhood through the years. She calls the 7th Ward the

ville in the summertime, Pontchartrain Beach on Easter Sunday, weddings that lasted all

repairs. “Many people are skeptical about the

foundation and backbone of New Orleans.

She believes that there is a significant

weekend from Friday to Sunday, getting dressed up to go to Canal street and going to

Unified New Orleans Plan and rebuilding the city,� says Miss Chalk. “The recovery proc-

undocumented history of the 7th Ward that must be formalized or else it will be

Woolworth’s for Sunday lunch.

Much has changed since her childhood in

ess has been a difficult one and many displaced neighborhood residents just want to

lost forever.

the 7th Ward and Katrina helped expedite a

come home.�

Her neighborhood association is focused on maintaining the property of the

drastic change. Pre-Katrina, the construction of the 1-10 Highway stunted neighborhood

There is still much work to be done in the neighborhood. However, there is evidence of

neighborhood and has a development plan for a community museum that would put the

activity along Claiborne and disconnected the “front end� of the 7th Ward, St. Claude to

revitalization going on all the time. Bullet’s Sports Bar on A.P. Tureaud St., an establish-

rich history of the community on display.

The history of the 7th Ward is mainly an

Claiborne, from the “back end�, Claiborne up to the St. Bernard Projects.

ment that managed to serve cold beer and hot gumbo during Katrina, is bustling with activ-

one of those women. The 7th Ward has always been a neighborhood of skilled

oral one passed down from generation to

workers and cultural icons. The foundation of New Orleans was built by the masons,

generation and has gone virtually undocumented to this day.

population that evacuated after the storm.

Much of the skilled labor has evacuated or

says “I tell him all the time, I don’t know how you did it but you pulled it off.�

electricians, tailors, cobblers, musicians and

She remembers the adults marching kids to catechism during the week, hot donuts at

moved out to the 9th Ward. Many homes in the area that have been passed down from

You can say the same about the rebuilding process that is going on in the 7th Ward.

Gendusa Bakery, the movie theaters like The Famous, The Circle and The Claiborne, Sat-

generation to generation are in danger of being lost because City Ordinances deem

social clubs from this neighborhood.

Miss Angela Chalk, a 4th generation 7th Ward resident and member of the Historic 7th

The 7th Ward had a significant elderly

ity. Miss Chalk, who is Bullet’s neighbor,

18

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

MARCH 15, 2007

$ + ()

6 %

City workers cleaning up Claiborne

Students Eyshana Webster and Elijah McDonald in front of John McDonogh on Esplanade

Mike and Ike’s Grocery is a beacon on Pauger Street .

Vera Warren-Williams in front of Community Book Center on Bayou Road

The Circle Food Store is a landmark at the corner of Claiborne and St. Bernard.

St. Bernard housing projects still uninhabited

Calvin putting up a new fence at the soon to be opened Caribbean Club on Bayou Road.

Across from the St. Bernard projects, a man cleans up in front of his house.

St. Martin Manor and the bashed-in gate in front

Get to know the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Each month, we will feature a different neighborhood in the city in photographs. The pictures can come from anyone, and we strongly encourage you to submit pictures from your neighborhood. We want the good the bad and the ugly.

We want to not only say who we are but show it too!

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Photo: Mario Perkins, NPN

By Mario Perkins Neighborhoods Partnership Network

on a business plan to create a sustainable community venture well into the future.

The herb farm is a microcosm of the cultural seeds that The Porch 7th Ward.

and Annette Street, an inconspicuous herb

The 7th Ward Cultural Association,

farm is taking shape. There are no flowers or

otherwise known as The Porch, was

herbs yet, and the city hasn’t turned on the going on here beyond the raised organic

19

is planting and harvesting in the

On North Robertson between St. Bernard

water in over a year. However, there is a lot

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

Dan Etheridge and Edward Bunker of The Porch in front of the tool shed donated by the University of Kansas.

created in early 2006 and seeks to promote and sustain the cultures of the

The Porch Head Quarters at 1943 Pauger Street.

The Porch is a dynamic cultural force in

neighborhood, city and region to foster ex-

the 7th Ward. Their goal is to cultivate the

Architecture. With the help of Common

changes between cultural groups. Larry

rich cultural resources in a neighborhood that

The Porch Cultural Organization oversee the

Ground they cleaned out the once vacant lot

Poirer, Edward Bunker, Dan Etheridge,

is quickly revitalizing after the storm.

project and want the garden to represent a

and the got the soil tested.

Hubert Dixon, Willie Birch and Carrie Burks

flower beds in this once abandoned lot.

Edward Bunker and Dan Etheridge of

are some of the members.

Among some of the upcoming events they are sponsoring are a Kids Theater work-

physical manifestation of The Porch’s work

Parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary,

in the neighborhood. They received a grant

basil will be the primary crops. They plan to

from the Universal Unitarian Service Com-

sell the harvest to local restaurants and farm-

membership fee. Meetings are held on the

val and The Original Big Seven Mother’s

mittee to get the project going at the front

ers markets and generate enough income to

second and fourth Thursday of each month

Day Parade.

end. There is a tool shed, bulletin board and

hire local teenagers to engage in the plan-

from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at rotating locations.

shade structure with benches built and do-

ning, planting, harvesting, selling and ac-

You can contact Carrie Burks at

nated by the University of Kansas School of

counting of the herb farm. They are working

cburks1@cox.net for more info.

Membership is open to all with a nominal

shop, the 1st Annual 7th Ward Cultural Festi-

See the Community Events calendar on page 5 for dates and locations.

7 & ) " (Continued from back page) than for regular Ed students. I don’t see

want you to know that we’re proud of you

anything going on with that money.

and all our big brothers and sisters at the

“The state has not given or provided us

GREATER NEW ORLEANS DELEGATION USSF PLANNING SESSIONS JOIN US ON THE ROAD TO ATLANTA! AN OPEN CALL TO all SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL and ECONOMIC JUSTICE Organizations, Organizers, Activists, Funders, Supporters, Movement Builders, Movement Mobilizers, and Spectators! Working group meetings will be held at a time and place convenient to that group. The following full delegation meetings will be held at the Children's Defense Fund located at

1452 N. Broad St., New Orleans , LA. Sunday March 25, 2007 Sunday April 15, 2007

4 - 6pm 4 - 6pm

Sunday May 20, 2007

4 - 6pm

Fyre Youth Squad. You did a great job at the

with an equal opportunity to develop to our

news conference and we were glad to sup-

full potential. Gifted students might have

port you. Standing there with our banners,

some learning disabilities, but hands-on

we realized that all of us kids have the same

training will help us inside and outside the

goal: a great public school education for eve-

classroom.

ryone in New Orleans.

“These are our demands: We demand a

Atlanta, GA June 27-July 1, 2007 www.ussocialforum.org

Hey, 2 Tall, if you’re reading this, we

After the BESE Board meeting and news

resource room! We demand special teachers

conference in January, BESE voted to ask

who are equipped to handle children with

the Recovery School District to respond to

special needs! Where are the people who are

the demands made by the Fyre Youth Squad

supposed to be reading my tests to me?

and the Downtown Neighborhood Improve-

“I have one more suspension before I get

ment Association. Specifically, BESE asked

expelled. One was for walking out of my

the RSD to present an implementation plan

class because no one was helping me. One

for the four demands, or else reasons why

was for cursing, even though I wasn’t curs-

plans could not be made. The RSD re-

ing. My third suspension was for whistling. I

sponded with a document making a number

have no plan to help me with my behavior.

of recommendations—one that 4th and 8th

In Lafayette [where 2 Tall was evacuated] at

graders who fail LEAP over the next two

least I had a shrink to talk to.

years advance to the next grade. A second

“For those gifted students who have

recommendation specified that special stu-

problems with their behavior, we demand to

dents have resource rooms and individual

have somebody to talk to. We demand

assistance.

Saturday May 26, 2007 4 - 6pm

hands-on training because it would benefit us

Wednesday April 25, 2007 7 - 9pm

Sunday June 3, 2007

and help us so we don’t get frustrated and

recommendations until April. Please contact

Saturday May 12, 2007

Saturday June 9, 2007 4 - 6pm

want to fight.

Broderick at DNIA (504-615-5497) and

4 - 6pm

4 - 6pm

For More information please contact: ussf.nola@gmail.com

“We need a better environment and we need it need it ASAP!!!

“Thank you very much for your time.”

BESE postponed the vote on the RSD

Briana at FYS (504-281-5419) to learn how you can support their demands to “stop the bleeding” in our public schools.

20

NPN’S THE TRUMPET

N

E

W

O

R

L

E

A

N

S

A series of monthly interviews by Kids Rethinking New Orleans’ Schools, or Rethink.

( # " 7

By Josie Bingler and Lucy Tucker Rethink

student body at Schwartz were students identified as needing special

Editors Note: The printed copy of this

education services. Many more were

article appeared with a significant error.

suspected of needing those services.

The italicized portion signaling adult writ-

Clearly the lack of services for those

ing was converted to normal text thus

students led to expulsions at a higher

erasing the line between the teen and

rate than their non-disabled peers.�

adult writing. We at the Trumpet apolo-

After the BESE Board met that wintry day in January, the Fyre

in its intended form with italics signaling

Youth Squad held an outdoor news

adult writing.

conference. Several busloads of kids

Photo: Lucy Tucker, Rethink

gize for this error and present the article

from New Orleans crowded around On January 16, 2007, the Downtown

them, holding banners with messages

Neighborhood Improvement Association and

like, “No more LEAP!�, “I’m not

an activist youth group called the Fyre Youth

a prisoner, stop treating me like I’m

Squad traveled to Baton Rouge with a mes-

in a prison,� and “I need more

sage for the BESE Board (State Board of

help.� Among the young speakers was

Elementary and Secondary Education). New

a John McDonogh special education

Orleans’ public school education, the Youth

student named Floyd Allen, known to his

Squad said, is in critical condition. To rectify

friends as “2 Tall.�

the situation, they made four demands to “stop the bleeding�: A two–year moratorium

India Young, Fyre Youth Squad member, left, Floyd Allen (2-Tall), center, and Broderick Webb, an adult Fire Youth Squad supporter, right, at the news conference held outside the BESE offices last January.

We met 2 Tall on a bus going to Baton Rouge. The Rethinkers were traveling to

Here is what 2 Tall told the crowd at the

them in the classrooms. “In the first quarter I went to the coun-

news conference: “Hello, my name is Floyd Allen. I’m in th

selor’s office to ask about the gifted teachers,

the 11 grade and I attend John McDonogh

to see if they would help us because there is

on keeping kids back

Baton Rouge to learn

High School in New Orleans. I’m part of the

more than one gifted student in my

who fail the LEAP test;

about the BESE Board,

Fyre Youth Squad. I’ve come here today to

classroom.

the group that controls

talk about the gifted and talented students.

our public schools. We

When I say gifted and talented, I mean

went to learn, but more

students with special

than anything else, we

needs!

make the student / teacher ratio 15 to 1; lower the number of security guards and replace them with counselors and social workers; provide all services to special needs students specified under

“I heard that we had some teachers that are supposed to help us with our special needs, but I haven’t seen them in the classrooms.�

the law.

Supporting the last

went to support the kids

“But first let me tell

from the Fyre Youth

you about my story. I

Squad, who were holding

was in regular classes as th

a news conference after

a child. From 6 grade

the BESE Board meeting.

until now I have been in

2 Tall is a member of FYS.

special education.

We were shocked when

“I don’t know where

“The counselor told me to go to the gifted teacher, and I went. They said they didn’t even know I was

“We demand hands-on training because it would benefit us and help us so we don’t get frustrated and want to fight.�

in special Ed! They said they were going to find someone to come and help me in my class. I never saw the gifted teacher in my classroom. “According to Article 8 of the Louisiana Consti-

demand, the two organizations presented a

we first met 2 Tall. He was 6’9�—the tallest

my individual education

position paper that said in part, “Teachers

person we had ever seen.

plan is. They were plan-

education was designed

complain that discipline is out of control.

He told us “2 Tall� was one of his 500

ning to have an IEP

to promote excellence so

This chaos has resulted in many students

nicknames. People also call him 2K,

meeting at Clark High School, but they did-

that everyone may be afforded an equal op-

with disabilities being suspended and ex-

Yamine, Giraffe, Shaq Jr., and a whole

n’t. The last time I had an IEP meeting was

portunity to develop his or her potential.

pelled from school. The Recovery School

bunch of other names we can’t remember.

in the 2004-2005 school year.

District responded to teachers’ cries by

He was cool and a lot of fun. We sat with

“I take 7 classes. I heard that we had

being treated as inferior! It came to me that

opening the Schwartz Alternative School.

him all the way to Baton Rouge and all the

some teachers that are supposed to help us

you all get more money for gifted students

Within one month of its opening, half of the

way back to New Orleans.

with our special needs, but I haven’t seen

(continued on page 19)

tution, public school

“In some classrooms, gifted students are