Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Guardian Angels Will Began Patrols on Metro Greenline

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

 

3 Charged After 70-Person

Metro Brawl

4 hurt and 3 in Police custody

Updated: Saturday, 07 Aug 2010, 7:31 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 07 Aug 2010, 1:15 PM EDT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Metro Transit Police estimate as many as 70 people were involved in a Friday night brawl which involved two downtown D.C. stations on the Green and Yellow Lines.

Four people were taken to hospitals in ambulances, and three teenagers were arrested.

Transit police got a disorderly conduct call at the Gallery Place / Chinatown station around 11:00 p.m. on Friday. That station is located in an entertainment district that draws numerous people to the streets on Friday and Saturday nights.

Metro spokeswoman Cathy Asato says investigators believe the beef started on the lower platform serving south-bound Green and Yellow Line trains. Many of the young people involved apparently boarded a train, and got off two stops later at the LEnfant Plaza station, where fighting again broke out on the platform.

Officers at D.C. Fire / EMS thought they might have a mass casualty incident, so they sent extra personnel and ambulances to the station entrance at LEnfant Plaza. Department spokesman Pete Piringer said personnel on the scene evaluated the injured, and transported a total of five people to hospitals. Two of the five were treated and released; three were hospitalized. Piringer said one of those treated was a woman who suffered an asthma attack while witnessing the brawl.

About a half hour after the fight, D.C. Fire / EMS got a call for an injured young man at the Anacostia Metro station, which is further down the Green Line. Piringer said that teen appeared to have been suffering from a stab wound.

Transit police did not find weapons at the stations nor with any of those arrested, according to Asato.

18-year old Angelo Nicholas, of Washington, D.C. was arrested for disorderly conduct, according to the Metro spokeswoman, as was a 16 year old juvenile. Another 16 year old was charged by Metro Transit Police with simple assault. All of those arrested were male.

Security cameras record video at Metro stations. Asato confirmed that Transit Police are retrieving that video as they continue their investigation of the fight.

27th Annual National Night Out

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Special Invitation
Community, You are invited to join police officials of the Metropolitan Police Department, along with District leaders, Federal officials, City Council members, Guardian Angels, District youth and community leaders to kick off this year’s 27th Annual National Night Out.   Bring your children, neighbors and friends for the food, fun and festivities.  
Featuring the children’s dance troop of Trinidad Recreation Center, our very own “Cops Come Knocking Band” and food by Chef “Cooking”
Tell your Neighborhoods; Bring your Friends, See YOU there
Date:
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Location:
Trinidad Recreation Center1310 Childress St., NE, Washington, DC 20002

Report On GA Patrol Around Potomac Metro

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Saturday, July 24,2010
 
1900 -Acting Guardian Angel patrol leader Soraya Cortez, and four recruits meet at Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro Station for patrol.
 
1930 – Guardian Angels patrolled Chinatown for approximately 45 minutes before heading out to Potomac Metro Station.
 
2020 – Guardian Angels arrive at Potomac Metro Station. Acting Guardian Angel patrol leader Cortez and recruits met up with Jack Colhoun, a devoted resident of the Potomac area to discuss and get more information on the need for the Guardian Angel’s support.  Mr. Colhoun continued to introduce the Guardian Angels to the two MPD officers of the 1st District PSA 107 of the Potomac Metro Station area. They are Officer Jerome Badge # 2055 and Officer Chamberlain.  According to Mr. Colhoun, the Potomac area is in terrible need of serious involvement of its community members. Although crime is not uncommon to the area residents and business owners, there has been a crime increase when it comes to robbery and burglaries in the past couple of months. Further issues that were addressed were juvenile horseplay, and lack of light, especially next to the allies. During our conversation, Officer Jerome and Officer Chamberlain address an African American female about her disorderly conduct, screaming profanities. A report was written by the officers. During our patrol down 14th Street and Potomac Avenue there were no disturbances.
 
2130 – The Angels arrived back at the Potomac Metro Station. At our arrival, Officer Chamberlain explained to Officer Jerome that there were some juvenile females at the bus stop that not only were putting their own life’s in danger, but that of the ongoing traffic. Guardian Angel Cortez immediately took action and offered the officers the Guardian Angels assistants. The Angels posted up where the young ladies were at while the officers were in their patrol car with the sirens on; letting their presence be known.  The females continued their horseplay, ignoring the danger or the presence of the officers. Finally, one of the female jumps too far back, almost tripping over the edge of the sidewalk as traffic drove by. It was then, that Guardian Angel Cortez gave the females a firm warning of their danger and inappropriate horseplay. Ignoring the warning the females continued. Once again, Guardian Angel Cortez addressed them, this time explaining that further warning was out of scope for the danger that they were exposing themselves to. One of the females then noticed that it was the Guardian Angels that they were being confronted by, and then explained to the other girls the seriousness of our warnings. Settling down the females decided to proceed to the street across where there was another bus stop. Being that the horseplay didn’t stop, Guardian Angel Cortez ordered the Angeles to follow them across the street. By this point, Officer Jerome with Officer Chamberlain had enough reason to address the females for disorderly conduct. A report was taken by the officers. The Angeles stood around to assist the officers if further needed.
 
2150- As the Guardian Angeles were getting ready to head back to Chinatown, roughly 15 more juveniles arrived to hang out at the Metro Station. Once again, Guardian Angel Cortez ordered the continued patrol of the Angels.
 
 2225 – After assisting Officer Jerome with the crowd of Juveniles and after dismissing the inappropriate crowd the Angels continue to Chinatown.
 
2250 – Guardian Angels arrive at Chinatown and serviced about 20 more minutes of patrol to the area.
 
2310 – Wrap up.
 
Soraya “Survivor” Cortez
Guardian Angels “Acting Patrol Leader”

From Curtis Sliwa July 19, 2010

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Guardian Angels,
 
I wanted to update you on our swing through Texas this weekend.
 
1.  Dallas – The Guardian Angels have been consistent in their patrols for many years.  This weekend a group of Dallas Guardian Angels traveled with me to Abilene.  On our way back while right outside of Dallas along the Trinity River on I-20 I had a chance to see them spring into action.  Their leader Raphael Arredondo, who is wearing a cast because of rotator cuff surgery, saw a horrific crash taking place ahead of us.  He stopped on a dime and ran along with the other Guardian Angels from Dallas to the scene of the accident.  Both parties were injured and serious damage had been done.  Immediately the Dallas Guardian Angels began directing traffic.  Raphael, John Boy and Rev were able to coordinate and slow down six lanes of oncoming traffic.  The fire department and the EMT showed up and were grateful for our presence.  On the other hand, the Dallas County Sheriff’s office when they responded could not have been more disrespectful of Raphael.  He ignored it and carried on directing traffic.  This is the second time in two years that I have visited Raphael where he has been in a sling.  Last time, we were organizing in San Antonio and he had his right arm in a cast.  This time it was his left arm.  Even though he was in extreme pain, he was a total brick and he didn’t miss a beat.  He deserves all of our recognition for the great job he is doing while under physical duress.  Please take the time to email Dallas and let him know what a good job they are doing. 
 
2.  Abilene -  A young man named Chad had traveled from Abilene to visit a training and to go out on patrol with the Dallas Guardian Angels.  He was from Abilene Texas which is 3 hours away with a population of 115,000.  It is in the heartland of Texas and is considered in the middle of the bible belt.  They have 250 churches alone.  Chad along with other residents organized a stop the violence conference at Abilene’s conference center.  We attended and it was an absolute hit.  Chad is prepared to do the heavy lifting and Raphael out of Dallas is ready to help him in organizing a GA chapter in Abilene. 
 
3.  El Paso – 3rd Rail has sent out a great advisory on what happened.
 
4.  Salt Lake City – Chapter leader Patrick Kent, Angel of the Year last year, was visiting Salt Lake City with his family.  He took the time to visit and patrol with Freddie Samora and the Salt Lake City GA.  Everyone had a great time and suggested that whenever possible we do more of this when Angels are visiting other chapters.  I agree, particularly if leaders are visiting a city with a GA chapter and can provide some insight into a new developing chapter.  It allows us to touch all the bases.
 
5.  Oakland -  A tremendous campaign was launched this weekend by Christina Fernandez, our northern California coordinator and the San Fransisco and Bay Area chapters of the Guardian Angels.  With Oakland laying 80 police officers and telling their citizens from now on to email in what might have been a 911 call.  The Guardian Angels have begun to flood the streets of Oakland with extra patrols.  This campaign was done while they were tying up the loose ends to our upcoming international convention.
 
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Guardian-Angels-To-Hit-Streets-of-Oakland-98707789.html

DC Guardian Angels All Hands On Deck Saturday July 17, 2010

Monday, July 19th, 2010

At approximately 1900 hours on Saturday, July 17th, 2010, DC Chapter Leader John Ayala and Patrol Leader Jordan Estrada assembled with a group of 20 other Angels and new recruits for patrol at the China Town/Gallery Place Metro station on 7th and H streets NE.
 
At 1930 hours, Guardian Angels conducted scheduled training, lead by Chapter Leader Ayala.
 
At 2030 hours, Guardian Angels performed a foot patrol of the China Town/Gallery Place area.
 
At 2045 hours, Guardian Angels split into 2 teams, one lead by Chapter Leader Ayala and the second lead by Patrol Leader Estrada. Both teams performed bus patrols on consecutive X2 buses. Both bus patrols were without incident.
 
At 2100 hours Chapter leader Ayala with 9 Guardian Angels got off X2 bus and patrolled in and around the The Pentacle Apt.
 
At 2115 hours, both teams of Angels reassembled at 15th and Benning Road and proceeded to conduct a foot patrol in Trinidad and Carver Terrace community. Numerous residents and police officers greeted the Angels and thanked them for their presence.
 
At 2200 hours, Angels redivided into two teams and conducted bus patrols on consecutive X2 buses back toward China Town/Gallery Place. While en route, Guardian Angel Dennis Harvey overheard a male bus passenger threatening his female companion, telling her that he was going to “F*** her up” if she didn’t come home with him. Guardian Angel Harvey asked the women if everything was okay. At this point, the male individual became extremely angry and began to make threats toward the Guardian Angels. Upon arrival at China Town/Gallery place at 2230 hours, Guardian Angels informed MPD Officers Rooney and Hodges of this passenger’s behavior and threats toward his female companion.
 
At 2241 hours, Officers Rooney and Hodges detained the male individual. Guardian Angels posted up around the scene and rerouted civilian traffic during the investigation. After questioning the male individual, his female companion, and Guardian Angels, the male individual was arrested by Officers Rooney and Hodges for Simple Assault.
 
At 2330 hours Guardian Angels resumed patrol of the China Town/Gallery Place area.
 
At 0000 hours Patrol Leader Estrada closed the patrol without further incident and dismissed all Angels.
 
~ Patrol Leader Jordan Estrada

DC Metro Train and Street Patrol Saturday July 10, 2010

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

1900- Guardian Angels Survivor, Shadow, Swift, and Apache meet at the
Chinatown/ Gallery Place Metro Station.

1927- New recruit “B” was introduced and welcomed to the members and
the organization.

1935- Guardian Angels do a few minutes of foot patrol around
Chinatown. While on foot patrol new recruit, “B,” is given information
on particular streets, police officer locations and what we should
stay focused on as we patrol.

1955- Guardian Angels head to catch the Green Line Train at Gallery
Place Metro Station towards Anacostia. On our way down to catch the
train, an elderly woman praises and commends the Guardian Angels for
our service and time to the community.

2016- We arrive at Anacostia to meet up with Unique,Director of
Operations (D.C.). While waiting for the Guardian Angels, Unique was
informing the station manger as to what and who the Guardian Angels
are all about.

2025- Guardian Angels leave Anacostia to patrol the train down to
Branch Ave. While on the train  Apache talks to a young, interested,
African American man. At the end of our ride, Apache was given the
young man’s contact information for possible recruit.While on the
train ride, everything went smooth. There were a few loud young
riders, but they were aware that the Guardian Angles were on the train
as well. You could hear a couple of young riders commenting to “chill
out,” while pointing to the G.A.”s with their eyes.

2144- After arriving at Branch Ave., and during an intermission train
wait,  Unique goes over a few more imperative pointers while
patrolling the trains.

1003- Guardian Angels continue to patrol the trains, everything still
controlled. At this point the G.A.’s patrol the Red Line to Fort
Totten, then from Fort Totten to Anacostia again. While on patrol a
young African American lady approaches the group with curiosity and
asks what we are about. After discussing with her for a few minutes,
her contact information was taken for a follow-up recruit contact.
Also, at Anacostia Unique dismisses himself from the group and the
Guardian Angels head back to Chinatown still patrolling the trains.

2330- Guardian Angels arrive at Chinatown. Guardian Angels agree to
patrol Chinatown before calling it a night. While patrolling, we
noticed that the McDonalds had a huge crowd of teenagers with only the
McDonald Security to keep a watch. So as a result, the Guardian Angles
post up in front of the McDonalds. As usual, the security tells us he
is happy to see us out again on the streets. The teenagers calm down
and eventually the more rambunctious ones fade away.

2403- Wrap up. The Guardian Angels wrap up in discussion the night.
Everyone was pleased with the smoothness of the night, the continued
training from Unique on train patrol and the assistance to the
security with the large crowd in front of the McDonalds. “B,” the new
recruit, was very pleased with his experience and training he received
from the Guardian Angels. He expressed his eagerness to patrol with
the group again.

Soraya “Survor”  Cortez

Gallery Place/ChinaTown Saturday July 3, 2010- Street Patrol

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Street Patrol – July 3, 2010

1900- Guardian Angels Bulldog, Cheetah and Shadow meet at the Chinatown/ Gallery Place Metro Station.

1915- While waiting on the arrival of the other Guardian Angels, a fight breaks out between two individuals. Guardian Angels Bulldog and Shadow take charge of the situation and subdues the individuals. The two Angel’s restrained the individuals and separates them. A small group of around 15 surround the Angel’s as the situation becomes chaotic. The police then arrive and the crowd quickly disperses. Officer Davis, along with other officers on the scene tries to gain information on the situation by asking the Guardian Angels and other civilians.

1930- Guardian Angels Ed, Apache, Survivor meets up with the first three Angels on scene.

1940- The Six Angel’s proceed to the training area. Along the way, we are met by Unique. Once at the training area, we begin working on our strength conditioning followed by self defense techniques.

2130- Training has ended and all seven Guardian Angels begin patrolling the Chinatown/Gallery Place area. While on patrol, the Angels are quizzed on the history of the Organization.

2300- The Guardian Angels wrap up patrol and we debrief each other on the day’s events. With only one minor incident to report, the Angel’s consider this patrol a success. Patrol Ceases.

Anthony “Bulldog” Feliciano

DC GUARDIAN ANGELS RECRUITING AT THE BBQ BATTLE & CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL – JUNE 27, 2010

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Sunday June 27, 2010

1300- Guardian Angels: Bulldog, Cheetah and Shadow meet outside of the Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro Station. We then proceed to the National Capital BBQ Battle on Pennsylvania Ave and 9th St. NW.

1330- At the BBQ Battle, we begin handing out recruitment cards and begin making people aware of what the organization is about.

1530- We exit the BBQ Battle and then head downstairs to the Metro to go to the Caribbean Festival.

1538- Upon exiting the Metro Station and Shaw/Howard, Bulldog gets approached by an individual interested in the organization. After a short conversation, numbers exchange.

1544- Bulldog approaches a group of three individuals about joining up with the Guardian Angels. After a short conversation, they seem very interested and enthusiastically provided us with their information.  The Guardian Angel’s presence is making an impact and the people are desiring a change.

1550- We arrive at the Caribbean festival and many compliment us on our efforts. Bulldog approaches another individual and, through conversation, finds out that he is prior military and is interested in the organization as well.

1730- The Guardian Angels head back to the Shaw/Howard Metro Station to head back to Chinatown/ Gallery Place to wrap up patrol.  While in the Metro, Cheetah gets approached by an individual interested in joining the organization. After a short conversation, she gets his number and best time to call.

1800- Patrol ends at Chinatown/Gallery Place. After a short discussion on the day’s events, recruitment was conducted successfully. Patrol/ Recruitment Ceases.

Guardian Angel Patrol Sgt.

Anthony “Bull Dog ” Feliciano

US Marines

Carribbean Festival ( Recruitment ) Saturday June 26, 2010, BBQ Battle Sunday June 27, 2010

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Guardian Angels this is a big event.  We need all Guardian Angels to Attend.   This is an event we can get alot of new members if every Angels attend.  The annual Caribbean Festival on Saturday, June 26, 2010 and Sunday, June 27, 2010.
 
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 and Sunday, June 27, 2010
Event: Washington, DC Caribbean Festival
 
Saturday is the Parade we must be on Georgia Ave on Saturday no later than 1 PM  the event will end at 7 PM.  There will be alot of action (fights) So we need all Angels.  I will try to have Angels from Baltimore, Philly, York PA, AC-NJ and NYC to come help out on Saturday
 
All Angels will meet at Shaw Metro Station at 1 PM
 
Shifts:
Saturday:             1) 1:00pm – 7:00pm
 
All Angels must call me by Friday 6 PM So I can know who is and who is not attending.
                            
The annual Extravaganza Parade will be staged along the Georgia Avenue corridor on Saturday, June 26, 2010 , and will commence at Missouri Avenue at 11:00 a.m. and terminate at the international marketplace at “DE SAVANNAH” – Banneker Recreation Park. DC Caribbean Carnival will host the international marketplace at “DE SAVANNAH ” from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m featuring food, craft and entertainment.
 Sunday June 27, 2010 -DC Caribbean Carnival will continue hosting the international marketplace at Banneker Park , “DE SAVANNAH ” with live performances from local and international artists , food, craft and entertainment from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m.
DC CARNIVALis an annual event produced by DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc., a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization based in the District of Columbia .  The purpose of this event is to bring to fruition an annual Caribbean style parade in the District of Columbia called “DC CARNIVAL”,develop and encourage cross-cultural programs within the Washington Metropolitan Area community serviced by DCCC in the expansion of Caribbean culture, and educate youths and adults in the Caribbean arts, crafts and culture.
 
The Capital BBQ Battle Festival will be held on June 26 and 27, 2010 in Washington, DC!
We also need Guardian Angels to attend the BBQ battle Sunday June 27 for recruiment from 1 PM to 7 PM

The National Capital Barbecue Battle is an annual competition between top BBQ restaurants from the Washington, DC area and around the country. If you love barbecue you’ll love the food samples, cooking demonstrations, interactive displays and children’s activities at this sizzling summer festival. The nation’s best barbecue teams cook-off for over $40,000 in cash and prizes in two major contests.

The Barbecue Battle features live entertainment including 30 rock, R&B, jazz, and blues bands performing on three state-of-the-art stages. Patrons will also enjoy the interactive exhibits like the NBA Nation Basketball Tour and children’s activities including magicians, games and surprises.
 
The National Capital Barbecue Battle is an annual competition between top BBQ restaurants from the Washington, DC area and around the country. If you love barbecue you’ll love the food samples, cooking demonstrations, interactive displays and children’s activities at this sizzling summer festival. The nation’s best barbecue teams cook-off for over $40,000 in cash and prizes in two major contests.

The Barbecue Battle features live entertainment including 30 rock, R&B, jazz, and blues bands performing on three state-of-the-art stages. Patrons will also enjoy the interactive exhibits like the NBA Nation Basketball Tour and children’s activities including magicians, games and surprises.

Broke and Battle-Scarred, D.C.’s Guardian Angels Scrounge for Cash

Friday, June 4th, 2010
Posted by Rend Smith on Jun. 3, 2010 at 03:03 pm

GAThe D.C. Guardian Angels have put out a call via email for more members and donations.

The citizen crime fighters are revving up to, among other things, continue patrolling Metro this summer.

As founding member John Ayala points out in an email, riders could certainly use the safeguarding:

“In the month of May, there was a 17 yr old shot on a metro bus, a grandmother ass[a]ulted on a metro bus, a 15 yr old girl sexually ass[a]ulted outside a metro station, a 21 yr old man was fatally stabbed at a metro station and there have been several fights on Metro buses and trains and the summer has not begun.”

Ayala says this summer the Angels will be keeping an eye on on both trains and buses, and also conducting “foot patrols in Chinatown, Anacostia and other places thoughout the city.”

If you’re not familiar with the do-gooder group, it consists of trained volunteers, armed with nothing but radios, who help out cops when they need it, break up fights, and generally protect those who need protecting. All while wearing a red beret.

Unfortunately for Ayala and crew, they’ll likely be doing so completely broke. That’s no exaggeration. Ayala tells City Desk: “Our account in DC is actually zero.”

Ayala founded the local Guardian Angel chapter 21 years ago, when drugs and violence plagued D.C. streets with an intensity that makes many who experienced that time shudder.

One reason the organization is broke, he says, is that in the two decades they’ve been fighting for DC, the city hasn’t given the group a single dime.

Ayala says he’s tried to get money from the District in the past but was discouraged by all the “red tape” he has to go through.

That the city has never chipped in to help the Guardian Angels would seem amazing, as the bereted criminal stoppers have rarely shied away from putting themselves on the line for their city. Ayala has a wound to prove it.

Back in the 90s, when the Angels were running an operation they called “Crack Down on Crack,” Ayala took an ice pick to the back.
“We got into a big throwdown,” he recalls of the incident in Southwest D.C. Around the same time, he says, another Angel was clobbered with a baseball bat, and had to have a steel rod put in his arm.

Still, none of the blood spilled by Angels has earned them any cash.
Ayala says it’s been hard to get by. The Angels can’t afford an office right now, and have a hard time paying for uniforms. New recruits need to be outfitted with pants, t-shirts, and boots, plus a jacket with the angel logo on it.

The cost can run more than a $100 per recruit. Ayala once hoped to cover the expense through citizen donations, but that hope has fallen flat.

The last public donation the group got was for $200, he says, and that was a year ago. That means the expense of getting a uniform and paying bus and train fares comes out of the pocket of the individual crime fighter. “Sometimes it discourages the guys who go on partol,” says Ayala.

Despite the shallow pockets, Ayala sometimes thinks the lack of public funding is a blessing, considering how other nonprofits have gotten millions from the city, and squandered it. “The guys are messing it up for other nonprofits,” says Ayala.

It’s obvious that Ayala is talking about the Peaceaholics organization, an anti-violence group made up of reformed criminals. The organization–which works with at-risk youth–has enjoyed municipal support in the form of multiple grants.

Ayala says the Angels have run similar programs for youth without getting much support for it. He says the Angels have done school presentations that teach youth about issues like bullying and date rape.
Ayala scoffs at the idea that the ex-offenders have supposedly been given so much help because, regarding violence, “they’ve been there.”

“Well, we’re Angels,” he says, “We’ve been there, too.”