|
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and yours well and safe.
As I travel around our South Minneapolis neighborhoods, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all our neighbors who have been organizing among themselves, lending a hand to one another over the week and beyond. I’m amazed at the number of people spontaneously cleaning up broken glass and debris. Thank you for all you are doing to reclaim our community and restore our justice.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s report from last night’s events show evidence of outside threats infiltrating our city. You can read the full BCA news release here.
Curfew Extended & Helpful Tips
Thank you for abiding by the curfew and staying home last night. As a community we did great. Today, Governor Walz extended the temporary nighttime curfew in Minneapolis and St. Paul beginning tonight at 8 p.m. through Monday, June 1 at 6 a.m. to protect the public peace, health, and safety and preserve the lives and property of the people of Minnesota. You can read the details below:
1. Nighttime Curfew. The curfew has been extended in all public places within the City of Minneapolis and the City of Saint Paul from 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 31, 2020 until 6:00 am on Monday, June 1, 2020.
If you see any suspicious activity from your home, you are encouraged to call 1-800-CALLFBI to report it.
2. Travel Prohibited. During the curfew, all persons must not travel on any public street or in any public place.
3. All law enforcement, fire, medical personnel, and members of the news media, as well as other personnel authorized by the City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, or Minnesota National Guard, are exempt from the curfew. Individuals traveling directly to and from work, seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness are also exempt.
4. a. For the purposes of this Executive Order, “travel” includes, without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, public transit, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another. b. For the purposes of this Executive Order, a “public place” is any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots, and unsupervised property.
Same general guidance as last night:
-Keep exterior lights on tonight.
-Bring garbage bins, grills and anything else that could fuel a fire, or anything in your yard that could be used as a projectile into your garage or home.
-Connect your hose, make sure your water is turned on. Have buckets ready for water.
-Make noise if you see someone causing trouble (bang pots and pans, for example).
-Spend the day getting ready for the worst, but also to meet neighbors you don't know yet, so you know who is who as this is goes on.
If you see suspicious people or vehicles, especially vehicles without license plates please call 1-800-CALLFBI. Those vehicles are a high priority for law enforcement and reporting them will be a great help.
Highway Closures
Highway closures are in effect in the Twin Cities metro area again tonight.
?? Please note some changes from last night's closures:
- I-35W northbound and southbound between Hwy 280 and Hwy 62 • I-94 eastbound and westbound between I-694 and Hwy 280 • I-394 eastbound between Hwy 100 and I-94 • Hwy 55 northbound and southbound between Hwy 62 and I-94
I have spoken to representatives from Walgreens Chicago headquarters on their timeline for reestablishing medication access in the neighborhood. They have disaster protocols in place for natural disasters that will help guide them and are working with state authorities to determine how to do so quickly and safely.
Regular garbage pickup will begin in our neighborhoods again tomorrow.
After considerable efforts the propane tanks at the Speedway at 43rd and East Lake and at the Winner Gas station at 33rd and Cedar have been removed after residents expressed concerns.
Transit service in the Twin Cities has been suspended for another day. There will be no bus or train services tomorrow, Monday, June 1.
How to Help
Many people have asked me how they can immediately help our community to begin healing. The Star Tribune had a great article today about how to donate food, supplies and money. You can directly donate to help Lake Street rebuild at https://www.welovelakestreet.com/.
Additionally, Du Nord has launched a Riot Recovery Fund to help our minority-owned small mom and pop shops get back on their feet. You can learn more and help here.
Policy initiatives: While we deal with the immediate public safety concerns, we cannot lose site of the murder of George Floyd and what it has shown us of the Minneapolis Police and policing in Minnesota and the U.S. today. The House DFL Caucus is preparing a package of legislation for introduction during our expected June 12 special session. Additionally, rebuilding Lake Street will require public investment and legislation is being developed to respond to that as well. More about both of those legislative initiatives soon.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn.
Stay safe and stay vigilant.
In solidarity,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
|