[ballwin]
St. Louis County has equipped about 450 of its officers with body cameras. Ellisville officers have about 20. But at this writing, it doesn’t look as though neighboring Ballwin will be getting the devices for its officers anytime soon. Police recently nixed the idea, for one thing, because of rapidly advancing technology— that is, why make the investment today when the devices will only become obsolete within a few years? Well, that’s one argument. But what happens in the case of an incident similar to our globally notorious, continuing story from Ferguson? There was no dashboard camera in the car there, much less a body camera on the officer, which could have clarified conflicting witness accounts—and kept St. Louis from being headlines from here to London for the past three months. At a recent city council meeting, Ballwin aldermen briefly discussed the issue, putting the kibosh on cameras for fear officers might have difficulty operating them in an emergency. Also, what if someone ‘accidentally’ erased a video? Both valid concerns. But it’s a new era in policing. The public demands accountability, and any bozo with a cell phone can record police actions—not always fairly and accurately. So why not take advantage of technology that could confirm an officer acted within his authority? If neighboring Ellisville has pockets deep enough, surely Ballwin can dig a little deeper.
[chesterfield]
Remember anything amusing, momentous or otherwise from a visit to Balaban’s since the legendary bistro opened in 1972? We’re sure many of you do, from spying a celebrity to getting down on one knee and presenting a ring. During the 40th anniversary celebration of the historic restaurant (the last five of them in Chesterfield), Balaban’s is running a wine-themed contest to see who can uncork the most memorable memory. It could be having enjoyed a particular bottle that would make even Wine Spectator editors green with envy. Or taking the kids there for a high school graduation celebration. Balaban’s fans should enter by mail, email or fax to record their unique memories for posterity and get a chance to win two seats to a special Balaban’s wine dinner, plus a two-night stay in a local inn. The anniversary celebration, which centers on Chateau Montelena wines, begins Sunday (Nov. 16) and winds up Nov. 22 at the restaurant, 1772 Clarkson Road. Throughout the anniversary week, diners will receive a complimentary Balaban’s corkscrew, and the person paying the tab is automatically entered in another contest: for free membership in Balaban’s wine club. On the anniversary celebration’s closing weekend, Nov. 21 and 22, a retrospective $45 dinner of classics will be served: cucumber bisque, smoked trout pancake, beef Wellington, chocolate fritters … mmmm brings back the memories.
[creve coeur]
Warren J. Gladders flouted the law and basic human decency when he robbed a Creve Coeur bank and two others last year, shooting a Missouri state trooper in the process. A former lawyer and police officer himself, Gladders probably should have known better than the average citizen. He’ll have plenty of time to think about what he’s done, more than likely the rest of his life, while in prison. Gladders, 65, was sentenced to nearly 70 years for the crime spree, which netted him less than $60,000. He’s lucky, sort of, that his convictions didn’t include murder—the trooper was wearing a bulletproof vest. Firing at a police officer, even aiming a gun at someone who’s armed and well-trained, is what law enforcement personnel call ‘suicide by cop.’ The trooper returned fire, hitting Gladders in the leg. These crimes are completely baffling, considering Gladders’ background: John Burroughs School, Washington University Law School, Colgate University. Gladders reportedly has not commented on his motivation, although financial stress must have contirbuted. We are reduced to scratching our heads.
[eureka]
If there weren’t a sucker born every minute, there wouldn’t be a scam dreamed up every 30 seconds or so. We heard that a con artist claiming to be with a local police department has managed to get away with at least $500, and the figure isn’t higher only because someone he hoodwinked called the cops to complain. Threat of arrest apparently got that poor bloke or blokette to cough up the cash. Apparently the caller identifies himself as a police captain, says the victim missed a date to serve on a federal jury at city hall, and must pay the fine to avoid arrest—five Benjamins (yikes) via a MoneyPak Green Dot pre-paid card, a vehicle similar to PayPal. Cops remind citizens that no one from their department will try to collect money for any reason, which could make it harder for legitimate concerns like Fraternal Order of Police to get anything from the lowest common denominator (that is, folks who eat Cheetos and watch Judge Judy). We’re sorry if we insulted anyone.
[olivette]
If you heard banging last time you drove past the Olivette Fire Department, it wasn’t the sounds of construction on the new Community Center. That happens later. It was drumming: group drumming, to be precise. Firefighters weren’t putting together the latest and greatest garage band. They were team-building. Chief Scott Avery recommends the activity for any group that needs to perfect working together and develop new and better ways to communicate: to be in sync through finding rhythm. Olivette resident and multi-talented artist Robert Fishbone also has facilitated group drumming sessions for the MUNY, local businesses and nonprofits. Missouri Coalition for the Environment and Paraquad have benefited from the free-form activity. Fifty percent of Paraquad staff themselves have disabilities ranging from deafness to cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spinal-cord injuries. They report leaving the sessions feeling a sense of joy and uplift, plus a strongerbond among their fellows. It was a time for laughter and letting the guard down. Fishbone is happy with the results so far, but not surprised. As he beats the drum for group drumming throughout the area, he hopes to establish similar relationships with other organizations, including more area fire departments.
[st. louis]
Here in The Lou, and everywhere else masks and candy are sold, October is all about Halloween. Beginning in August, you needn’t go farther than your local big-box store for confirmation, from Walgreen’s to Home Depot. Today, of course, holiday decorations have crowded out all the half-price candy. Meanwhile, in all the Halloween frenzy you might have missed a magical celebration in our Latin-American community: Día de los Muertos. (Unfortunately, I did, but won’t next year.) This traditional ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration honors those who have departed with decorated skulls (replicas, mostly), music, dance, food, costumes, artwork and candles … lots of candles. This year it was held over a week and a half (Oct. 22 to Nov. 1) in the Cherokee Street neighborhood of south St. Louis. Participants built altars to honor those who have passed. The celebration culminated with a procession of altars (they were judged for their insight, creativity and beauty) and special performances. Of course, there was face-painting. But the most intriguing attraction seems to have been the ‘Loving Kindness Meditation,’ a time to reflect on the preciousness of both the living and the dead, guided by a poet. It was an opportunity to ‘temporarily inhabit the meeting ground between the dead and the living,’ then return to the present moment reflective, refreshed and energized. Mark your calendar for Día de los Muertos 2015: Monday, Nov. 2. Meantime, you can look for the Pixar film slated for release next year. It may whet your appetite for the real thing here in the real world.
[university city]
The neon sign has graced the Loop with its illuminated plumage for months; OK, it’s teased visitors to the hip dining and entertainment district for eons, it seems. But hey, boys and girls, the Peacock Loop Diner itself is finally open. Twenty-four hours a day! Where else can you get a milkshake spiked with who knows what intoxicating spirits … until 1 a.m., that is … other than Joe Edwards’ latest brainchild at 6261 Delmar Blvd.? You can get a unique, or almost traditional, breakfast all day and all of the night. You could celebrate a special occasion in the Peacock Carousel of Love, with its rotating booth, maybe even get married there. Hey; does it seem to anyone else that the Loop is looking more and more like a little Las Vegas? Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. Edwards, who’s had a hand in the neon stretching from Blueberry Hill to The Pageant, is a fan of vintage ephemera, from lifestyle to architectural trappings. We saw him at Carl’s in Rock Hill awhile back, with his circa-1960 ride. I’m no automotive expert, but it had pretty neat fins replete with taillights.
Pictured: Cherokee Street Dia de los Muertos festivities