Now that Kathy Graziano, Doug Conner, and Reva Trammell have retained their seats on city council, residents of the Southside look forward to having their civic needs represented and fulfilled by the experience each of these council-persons bring to the table.

Crime , public health, schools, infrastructure, and blight continue to be primary issues Richmond and the Southside endure. What will new mayor-elect Dwight Jones bring to the table? Will his experience as a delegate and preacher be enough to pull the fractured city back together?

Since the terms have been stretched to four years, it seems likely that each of our representatives will have plenty of time to accomplish projects without the distraction of campaigning.

Now is a time of great transition in the city of Richmond. Let us hope that our representatives will seize the momentum Barack Obama has developed nationally and utilize the spirit of change locally.

Councilman Doug Conner invites you to the..

FINAL 9th DISTRICT MEETING OF THE YEAR!

The 9th District Meeting will be held Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:00PM – 7:00PM

Location: Southside Baptist Christian School
5515 Bryce Lane, Richmond , VA 23224

Agenda:

2008 9th District Highlights and 2009 9th District goals.

A free dinner will be served!

For more information, please call Councilman Doug Conner at 804-233-8288.

Due to a lack of confirmatory information, the source of this report can’t be released, but the word is that a 19 year-old man was shot by an adult who was attempting to rob the young man at the corner of Roanoake and Midlothian at about 1:30 today. There was no report as to the status of the young man or the suspect.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers or the Richmond Police Department.

Look for further information here as it becomes available.

The Richmond Police Department knows the surprises we all want this season come with gift wrapping. No one wants a surprise that requires a police report.

Richmond Police offers these tips to help deter crime and keep yourself safe this holiday shopping season:

• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Shop with a friend; there is safety in numbers.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Be very careful at ATMs.
• Carry clutch purses tightly under your arm. Carry pocketbooks with the clasp side toward your body. Wear the strap across your body.
• Carry wallet in front pocket.
• Watch purchases closely while dining at food courts; bags can be easily switched or taken.
• Educate your children about where to go if lost while shopping and alert them to the potential dangers of strangers.
• Don’t overburden yourself with too many packages. If available, use the store’s package pick-up.
• Have your car keys ready and in hand before leaving the store.
• Always place any valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Park your vehicle in high-traffic and well-lit areas.
• Fewer customers are present at closing time. Leave stores earlier, with other shoppers.
• Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.
• Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking area.
• If you suspect someone is following you, alert security immediately.
• Keep the outside of your home well lit, with doors locked and window curtains closed.
• Don’t display gifts beneath the Christmas tree that can be seen from windows or doors.
• After the holidays, don’t advertise gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collection. Cut boxes and place in a sealed, opaque garbage bag.

“Please use these helpful tips,” says Chief Bryan T. Norwood. “Make this special season a safe season.”