Danae Columbus: Mike Fawer memoir relives six decades of legal hits and misses

Surrounded by dozens of family, friends, and public officials, legendary criminal defense lawyer Michael Fawer unveiled his new memoir, “From The Bronx To The Bayou,” on Tuesday evening at Martine Chaisson Gallery. In concise, easy-to-read chapters that cover nearly every major case he ever handled, Fawer relives the hits and misses of almost 60 years representing some of Louisiana and Mississippi’s most colorful figures including Edwin Edwards, Aaron Mintz, Charles Evers, and Chief Judge Walter Nixon. Now in his early 80’s and on the verge of retirement, Fawer’s life has been his work. He tried more than 125 criminal cases to verdict and argued more than 25 appeals.

Want an insider’s look at the NOPD? Citizens Police Academy is taking applications.

Superintendent Michael Harrison is inviting residents to take an inside look at the New Orleans Police Department by joining the NOPD Citizens Police Academy.
Individuals interested in joining the CPA will have an opportunity to learn more about the NOPD and the criminal justice in a fun and interactive setting.
The CPA is a seven week program that will take place on Wednesdays from Jan. 9 through Feb. 20, 2019, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at various NOPD facilities.

Larry Barabino, Jr. named NORD Commission CEO

from NORD Commission

The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission approved Larry Barabino, Jr. as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a Commission meeting at City Hall on Tuesday (Dec. 4).

The NORDC Executive Search Committee voted unanimously to recommend Barabino after a three-month search that included nearly 100 applicants and three finalists.

Two suspects arrested in car burglaries

The New Orleans Police Department has arrested Marvin King, 18, and Deron Torres, 18, in connection with three vehicle burglaries reported between Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

While on active patrol at about 1:30 a.m., Second District officers observed the two teens near Hillary and Pine streets. They matched the descriptions of two men reported breaking the window to a vehicle earlier that morning.

Octavia Books to host ‘Pascal’s Manale Cookbook’ signing and others

Octavia Books, at 513 Octavia Street, will host three book reading and signing events featuring four authors this week, including Poppy Tooker’s Pascal’s Manale Cookbook. The week begins today (Dec. 4) with “Fish Town” by J.T. Blatty.

Tues, Dec. 4
“Fish Town”
Octavia Books and the Gulf Restoration Network will host a presentation and signing with photographer, writer and artist J. T. Blatty featuring her new book, “Fish Town: Louisiana’s Vanishing Fishing Communities.” The event starts for 6 p.m.

Restored fountain unveiled in Coliseum Square Park (Photos)

Photos by Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Lower Garden District Association announced the completion of the Lafon Fountain in Coliseum Square Park.

The fountain is dedicated to preservationist Howard Schmalz, who was instrumental in getting the Lower Garden District placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in defeating a Mississippi River bridge that would have cut into the heart of the neighborhood.