The Columbia Council of Neighborhoods met February 27. Police Chief Tandy Carter said the number of homicides, aggravated assaults, and rapes were down a combined 22% in 2008 when compared to 2007. Aggravated Assault declined to 756 in 2008 from 1,114 in 2007, the biggest decline for aggravated assault in 14 years.

Less violent crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft were up 14% in 2008. The biggest increase was in the number of thefts, which Chief Carter says may be influenced by the economy.

Despite the increase in non- violent crimes, Chief Carter was happy with the numbers. He credited the decrease in violent crimes to the community. The total number of crimes in 2008 exceeded 9,000.

From March 13 to March 16, the Carolina Coliseum will be hosting the NACA Save the Dream Tour. The event is for residents who are having tough times with their mortgage payments. The servicers and lenders who will be at the event will try to help residents lower their mortgage payments by restructuring their loan to keep the residents in their home.

Tamika Devine is putting together "Together We Can…Read!" On March 19, 9 to 9:45 am volunteers will go into a third grade classroom in Richland School District One and read the

book Charley's Columbia

Backyard to the students. If interested in volunteering, call (803) 545-3046 or email sjdilbert@columbiasc.net by March 13, 2009.

Heidi Johnson presented a project called the "Midlands Makeover Challenge." The event will be from March 1 to May 15 to promote recycling and cleanup in the neighborhoods. Keep the Midlands Beautiful foundation will provide the trashbags, gloves, water bottles, safety vests, and grabber tools. They will also make arrangements for proper disposal of the trash. If interested call Keep the Midlands Beautiful at (803) 733-1139 to make arrangements.

The next CCN meeting will be on March 26 at 5:30.