Response to Sunday violence

Those of you who subscribe to the NOPNA yahoo group email list have already seen this, but for those who have not, this is the latest from Leela Gill, NOPNA Prez.:

Hi Everyone,

In an effort to get information out quickly to you, here is the latest update:

First, let me give you some facts about the murder (from Park Station police):

1. The shooting took place on Hayes and Baker (not Grove as originally reported) around 3am.

2. Terry McDougal was a long-time drug dealer. He had cocaine in his car when they found him.

3. The police think the shooting was either drug or gang related.

4. Terry McDougal had a long history of arrests. (And by the way, the police are really frustrated because they had arrested him many times but he kept getting released from prison…more on this topic in another email.)

5. Although we are not certain, I am told he lived on or around the 100 block of Belvedere (the other side of the Panhandle).

6. It is not clear if it was a drive by or if someone got out of a car and then shot him.

7. The police did find casings in the car (which may indicate the person that shot Terry was in closer range than a drive by.)

8. Multiple shots were fired. I was told only one hit Terry.

Points to consider (some of which you probably already know):

1. The police (and other people that are `in the know') think these guys are driving into our neighborhood and doing their transactions (selling drugs, buying drugs, or meeting friends that are involved with gangs) and then driving out. This is not new information to us.

However, what this means is that we need to be more aware of `suspicious cars' in the area. If you think there is a suspicious car on your block, stop and take the time to LOOK at it. Write down the license plate, describe what it looks like (year, make, model), and note what time it is. Take a moment to watch what is going on (but of course, don't make it obvious you are watching and be cautious). Then call the police and report it, 553-0123.

2. If drug dealing is going on in your area, there may be a pattern of behavior. Try to see if you notice a pattern. Again, don't be obvious and remain cautious. Report any `data' you can collect to the police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call 575-4444 or write a letter with any notes about patterns of behavior and send it in. If you want to send a copy of the letter to NOPNA, use our PO Box as a mailing address (PO Box 591504, SF, CA 94159). We are happy to be a voice for you and your neighbors on the block.

3. Some of you have sent me emails asking that you want to help but want to remain anonymous. We never mention names in our emails and or letters sent from NOPNA to city officials, business people, local leaders etc. In addition, we will not post any information about volunteers anywhere on the internet.

4. I want to emphasize this is not just a NOPNA problem. Crime in this city is at epidemic proportions. There is a larger group of neighborhood associations getting involved to start a grassroots letter writing campaign. Western Addition, Hayes Valley, Haight Ashbury, and even the Mission are experiencing these problems. We are not alone. YOU are not alone.

I also want to reassure you that the police are saturating our area with more cops. This will continue.

Finally, I am quickly learning that this problem is not solved by just adding more police (although clearly that helps us feel safer!). It goes deeper than that. Tomorrow I will send out another message regarding the letter writing campaign NOPNA and our neighboring organizations recommend we all take. I would appreciate you help spreading the word to other neighbors once the email comes out.

Again, feel free to send me an email if you want to dialog further. And remember….

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. -- Anonymous

Happy Valentines Day,

Leela