South Side violence in early morning -- a block away

The talk of the neighborhood today was generated by TV crews in the wake of a couple of thugs that seemingly hit a couple late at night. It was a "Brutal Attack." The assult lifted the tv news crews into the streets to get interviews.

I talked, while walking on East Carson Street with my kids, to KDKA's M.R.J.

Q: "Oh how the South Side has changed. Are you fearful?"

A: Sure, there have been some changes. But people have a short memory. There have been troubles here in the past. There are troubles throughout the city every week. We need to do a better job of looking out for each other. Some of that happens here and it happens elsewhere in other neighborhoods too.

Q: "But there used to be families?"

A: Families are making a bit of a comeback to the South Side. We have lived here for 15 years and there are more parents and younger kids in recent months than in the past decade.

My exact quote that aired: "These things are going to happen, sadly. We have to work as best we can in the community to prevent them and to look out for each other."

The next KDKA NEWS story, H. Ward, 29-years of age, may sit out the entire Steeler season. Then came the coverage of the Little League players who testified against their coach. The coach, it seems, offered money to one player to hurt another to keep him on the bench and out of the game. A few minutes later came a story of how State Senator, Jane Orie, is trying to raise the bar with new laws and stiffer penalties against "predators."

Victims, our prayers are with you to get well soon.

I've not heard much about the NAN (Neighborhood Awarness Network). I'll need to check into those efforts in the days to come. I hope that the organizers didn't burn out on those efforts.