Viewpoint: Progressives show mainstream clout in the sheriff’s race

With the Dec. 11 runoff election just nine days away, the candidates and the political action committees behind them are wasting no time getting out their last-minute messages — mostly in the form of attacks. Though not officially on the ballot, the construction of an 89-bed special needs jail is at the heart of this year’s competition between Sheriff Marlin Gusman and former Independent Police Monitor Susan Hutson. Gusman won 48% of the vote in the primary while Hutson ran second with 32%.  

With the Sheriff’s Office still under the federal consent decree, U.S. District Judge Lance Africk’s posturing has made it clear: build a special needs jail from scratch and commit the resources to operate it or face the consequences. It’s hard to disagree in public with a federal judge.

Police blotter: Three carjackings, four purse snatchings, an armed robbery

Uptown neighborhoods saw a rash of carjackings and purse snatchings in the past week. Four of the eight robberies and carjackings reported took place in the Irish Channel, and five of the eight victims were 60 or older. Carjackings in Lower Garden District, Irish Channel

A carjacker got into a pickup truck that was left running in the Irish Channel early Wednesday (Dec. 1). The owner, a 63-year-old man, stepped away from his pickup in the 400 block of Philip Street at about 4:15 a.m. When he returned, he found the man inside.

Janet Hays: Why I’m with Marlin Gusman (sponsored)

“Unconstitutional medical and mental health issues have permeated this litigation, and your efforts have greatly helped the Court address those concerns. Our work is not yet completed, but the path is clear. Once Phase III has been completed, a major obstacle will have been cleared toward substantial compliance.” –  Judge Lance Africk addressing Sheriff Gusman’s progress on federal consent decree, Nov. 3, 2021

“I expect a federal court order, such as any issued by this Court, to be complied with, whether it be by the City of New Orleans or anyone else who is a party to that court order. Throughout history, not complying with federal court orders has not been a successful strategy, and we will just leave it at that.” – Judge Lance Africk addressing the City of New Orleans on their refusal to move forward with Phase III, Nov. 3, 2021 
Really read those quotes above and then think about this: a flashpoint in the sheriff’s race right now is whether or not we are going to build a federally mandated infirmary and mental health facility. I have endorsed Sheriff Marlin Gusman because, as an expert in removing policy barriers for acute mental health disorders and treatments, the Phase III special-needs facility is far more humane than a Phase II retrofit, and because his opponent Susan Hutson’s agenda is harmful to the health and safety of these communities.

Teenager shot to death in Hoffman Triangle

A 19-year-old man was shot to death Tuesday night (Nov. 30) in the Hoffman Triangle neighborhood, the New Orleans Police Department reported. NOPD Sixth District officers responded to shots fired in the 3800 block of Washington Avenue just before 9:10 p.m. Officers discovered Darrell Catchings, 19, with a gunshot wound. Medical responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Homicide Detective James Fyfe is leading the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-5300 with any additional information regarding this incident, or call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Police arrest suspect in July triple shooting that killed a woman

The NOPD’s Homicide Unit and Violent Offenders Warrant Squad arrested Dalton C. Bennett Jr., 22, on Wednesday (Nov. 24) in the investigation of a July homicide and triple shooting in Central City. During a search of the location where Bennett was apprehended, detectives secured four assault rifles, five handguns, several bags of narcotics and a large amount of cash and ammunition. Bennett is accused of opening fire at a group of people gathered on Rev. John Raphael Jr. Way and Josephine Street just after 10 p.m. on July 20. Danyell Fox, 38, was struck by the gunfire that also injured a 34-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man.

Holiday markets and events make the yuletide bright across Uptown neighborhoods

A wide variety of markets in Uptown neighborhoods give you the chance to find the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends while supporting local artists and businesses. Plus, browsing a market is more fun than shopping online or in the big-box stores. If you want to forget about the shopping and just sit back and enjoy the festive spirit, you can take in a concert inside one of Uptown’s resplendent churches. A list of markets and other holiday events is below. Christmas markets

Nov.

Shop local on Small Business Satuday

Making shopping local your holiday tradition, beginning with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. Shopping small can be a big deal, and not only because you avoid the crowds and frenzy. When consumers make the choice to shop small and support local businesses, purchases have thee times the impact, according to StayLocal.org.  That’s because funds recirculate in the local economy longer. Here’s some deals you can find local businesses.