Viewpoint: Political newcomers Desiree Ontiveros and Gary Chambers Jr. prepare to qualify for congressional seat

“Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s happening,” said Desiree Ontiveros about yesterday’s congressional vote to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time. A Latina who moved to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Ontiveros, 39, has formed an exploratory committee to seek Louisiana’s the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond. 

Also recently announced for the race is Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers Jr. Qualifying will begin Wednesday, Jan. 20, and continue through Friday, Jan. 22. A sixth-generation native of El Paso, Texas, Ontiveros attended New Mexico State University and received a degree in marketing from California State University in Los Angeles.  She considers New Orleans a “special city” that welcomed her with open arms. 

In 2016 Ontiveros started the Badass Balloon Co.

Second suspect sought in Christmas Day homicide

The NOPD has obtained an arrest warrant for Samuel Hunter Jr., 28, in the investigation of the Christmas Day homicide in the Leonidas area. At around 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, NOPD Second District officers responded to a call of shots fired at Monroe and Green streets. They found the body of Anthony Bridges on the sidewalk in front of a home in the 1700 block of Monroe Street. Bridges was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ghost bike honoring unnamed cyclist is part of ‘a community effort’

 

Just days after the a cyclist was killed in traffic on St. Charles Avenue, a “ghost bike” was placed at the site to honor his memory. There are a number of groups that make and place these ghost bikes (not to be confused with the Germany-based bicycle company of the same name) around New Orleans. This one was made by Angie Bailleux, who has been fabricating the bikes for going on five years. Bailleux said she does not know the victim.

Iconic pavilion at The Fly is without its sail-like canopy

 Who even calls the stretch of greenspace overlooking the Mississippi River “Audubon Riverview Park”? But that is its official name. The current pavilion in the park everyone refers to as “The Fly” has a history dating back more than 25 years. 

That structure, officially named “A Stage for Viewing,” was damaged in October’s Hurricane Zeta in October, and the process of replacing its shredded roof is still in play. 

It’s this structure’s predecessor that gave the stretch of land by the river its name. Few today can remember the original building that people thought resembled a butterfly. So the park gained the nickname “The Butterfly,” which was then shortened to “The Fly.”  The building, which housed concessions and restrooms, was actually supposed to resemble gull wings.

NOPD releases photos from parking-lot vehicle thefts

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating two vehicle thefts incidents at a gas station in the 3400 block of South Carrollton Avenue. On Jan. 4 at about 12:55 a.m., the victim left his 2012 silver Infiniti QX56 running while he entered the Magnolia Discount convenience store. A 2019 blue Kia Soul bearing Louisiana license plate N543133 pulled up beside the Infinity, at which time the driver exited the Kia, entered the Infinity and drove away with the Kia following. The Kia was reported stolen during a simple robbery in the 4500 block of Walmsley Avenue earlier this month.

Police blotter: Shooting, armed robbery reported in Central City

A shooting and an armed robbery were reported Friday (Jan. 8) in Central City. A man was injured in a shooting at about 9:20 p.m., according to a New Orleans Police Department press release. Police responding to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Liberty Street found the victim on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical responders transported him to the hospital.

Traffic advisory: Lane closures for sidewalk repairs begin Monday on St. Charles, South Claiborne

From the Mayor’s Office
Beginning on Monday (Jan. 11), weather permitting, the New Orleans Department of Public Works’ contractor, Hard Rock Construction Co., will close a travel lane in the 2400 block of South Claiborne Avenue and a portion of the bike lane in the 7900 block of St. Charles Avenue to accommodate sidewalk repairs as part of a city bond-funded sidewalk improvement program. The closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. Monday through the end of the month. Residents and commuters are reminded to use caution when driving, bicycling and walking near the construction site.