JNS BLOG EXCLUSIVE: Naming The Six (Possible) North Minneapolis Crime Families Hours After Polls Close On Election Night...

Stock photo, blog post by John Hoff

About a year ago, a respected community leader (RCL) told me something like, "John, I know you're the only one willing to dig into this story I am about to tell you." The RCL proceeded to tell me half a dozen "crime families" were responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in North Minneapolis. The crime families had generations of dysfunction and it appeared they taught crime skills to their offspring like a profession.

I obtained the surnames of the families, one of which was (of course) Gomez.

In fact, it was my stories about the Gomez family, documenting three generations of crime, which made that RCL believe I'd be able to get to the bottom of the story of half a dozen crime families. (Click here, and here) 

HOWEVER, hearing of the pattern and assembling the facts isn't as easy as assembling facts and then perceiving the pattern...

Harvest Fest On Lowry Avenue, North Minneapolis...

Photos by Megan Goodmundson, blog post by John Hoff


These photos by Megan Goodmundson were forwarded to me in Afghanistan so I could be at the Lowry Avenue Harvest Fest in spirit. I thought I'd throw the images into a blog post so I could vicariously participate even more.

Above, Lowry Avenue is blocked to vehicle traffic, transforming it into a pedestrian mall for the event.

Above, "Hawthorne Hawkman" Jeff Skrenes models a pendant that is perfect for him because it features a chili pepper, one of his favorite things. I say, "Why buy things when you can just take a picture of yourself with it, and then put it on a blog?"

Yummy steaks being prepared by a North Minneapolis grill master.

Some of the many art and crafts available from local vendors.

These folks do "brain massages" with those instruments and were also featured at Northside Art FLOW. Does anybody know who these folks are? Are they from North Minneapolis or do they just come here seeking our brains, like zombies?

Sandy's "Home of the Knock Out Dog," who can frequently be found in front of Cub Foods on West Broadway, is breaking in her new food truck. She is the wife of Mayor's Aide Sherman Patterson, who lives in McKinley.

The stage featured local bands, a gospel group, and a martial arts demonstration from kids at Doc's Gym on the corner of Penn and Lowry.

State Representative Bobby Joe Champion with NoMi homie Brian Connoy. Brian lives in Folwell and has bought and rehabbed two houses on the block where he lives in his own house. The rehabs were beautifully done and he rents out to decent folks at a decent rate. This is an example of NoMi being revitalized from within. Who needs slumlords like Mahmoud Khan and Bashir Mogul when we can do it ourselves, and do it better?

The "Goddess of Glass" poses with her latest creation, for sale in her gift shoppe at Penn and Lowry.

Just a sample of the funky and unique handmade fashions and accessories available at Goddess of Glass and Friends gift shoppe, featuring over 60 different local artists.

Volunteers from the McKinley CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program helped judge the produce contests and pose with some of the winners.

Darryl Weivoda and wife Janet get a hot dog and burger from the Camden Lions Tent. Darryl might be considered the "mayor" of Penn and Lowry, and therefore mayor of Lowry Avenue Harvest Fest.

(Do Not Click "Read More")

Hero Vikings And Community Members Give Out 600 Turkeys To Northside Families...

Contributed Photos

Information and pictures have come my way from Sherman Patterson, a resident of the McKinley Neighborhood and aide to Mayor Rybak, about a massive turkey giveaway at Cub Foods on West Broadway which happened a few days before Thanksgiving.

This event came about mostly through the financial resources of EJ and Erin Henderson, who are players for the Minnesota Vikings. According to Patterson--who is sometimes called "Uncle Sherm" by those who know and love him--the food giveaway happened like this...
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EJ and Erin have quietly supported our youth on the North side and throughout the city. Last year I ask them to donate 300 turkeys to families at Cub, and EJ said "let's do it" without asking questions. EJ and Erin are classy, low-key guys who are involved with the North Minneapolis community.

I gave EJ a call a few weeks ago and ask him to do the turkey give away again and that we would need to bump it up to 500 families because of these trying times, and again he said "no problem." The great thing about it is that we gave out 600 turkeys.

You can see from the pictures that we had a great turnout. EJ was so touched that he told the crowd that next year he's going to double the turkeys that will be donated to needy families in the community.
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According to Patterson, there was an effort to identify the families most in need through the work of churches and organizations, to assure--how shall I put it?--optimum turkey distribution. Next year, because more turkeys are expected to be distributed, more organizations are expected to be involved with this identification of families in need.

In addition to the Hendersons and Sherman Patterson, City Council Member Don Samuels rolled up his sleeves and assisted with the distribution.