MarcMartinez's Blog

I just left a news conference at Phoenix PD. They released the crime rate stats (from the FBI) for the first 6 months of the year, and the numbers show crime rates are lower than they've been in 10 years.  Here's a quick rundown on the numbers (compared to the same time in 2007): Homicide down 25.7%, Aggravated Assault down 14.2%, Motor Vehicle Theft down 29%. So, the big question of course is what's behind the big drop? PD says it's a combination of good police work and citizens becoming more involved in their community. But here's a question.. do you think Sheriff Joe Arpaio's crime supression crackdowns have anything to do with the drop in crime? Thoughts?

Did you see the story of the four boys (ages 12-16) who posted video on Youtube smashing cars and a vending machine in a Scottsdale parking garage? They radomly bashed in car windows, causing thousands in damage. They boys are now facing charges in Juvenile Court. I talked to two of the boys today, they seem very sorry, but it could be just because they got caught. Who is to blame here? And what should be appropriate punishment? I hope the boys learn from this and get on the straight and narrow, but for kids that young to do things like that.. something somewhere failed. It's not just kids being kids.

It looks like congress is going ahead with tax rebate checks to help stimulate the economy. The rebates would be frmo $300 to $1200 per household, and would also include business tax cuts.  The hope is that people will spend their checks and help boost up the economy and prevent a recession (although some say we're already in the early stages of one).  I think the extra money is great, but do you think it's really enough to help the economy bounce back? What will you do with your check??

What a great story this is. Fourteen year old Michael Six used a baseball bat to fight back against a burglar in his Mesa home. He is such a good kid you can hear him apologize to the suspect after whacking him over the back with a Louisville Slugger. The burglar was arrested and Michael's story is being told on national tv. I talked to his mom today who is of course proud of Michael for protecting himself and his family's home. I wonder how many of us would have the presence of mind to remain so calm and do what needed to be done in such a scary situation. Way to go Michael!

Sky Harbor is the first aiport in the nation to use a new scanning device that basically shows what's underneath people's clothes. It's voluntary, and only people pulled aside for secondary screening will have the choice of the new scanner or the old "pat-down" by TSA officials. It doesn't show private parts, but your undergarments do show up.  I saw it in action and it's definitely fast (a couple of seconds) and accurate. But, critics say it's an invasion of privacy. When it comes to flying safety, how much privacy can we really expect anymore?

There is some talk about getting rid of the middle travel lanes (during rush hour) on 7th Ave & 7th St. in downtown Phoenix. I think that would be a great idea! Here's why: it doesn't seem like they're used very much, and when they are, you always have people trying to make left turns, causing a logjam. Also, it's a pretty confusing situation for people who arent' familiar with the area (if they miss the signs). Right now it's just a suggestion the city council is dealing with, so we'll see which way it goes.

Sheriff Joe has ordered the arrest of the Chandler Sergeant who left his K9 partner Bandit  in a car for 12 hours.   This story generated a lot of outrage, but is this a fair punishment? Sheriff Arpaio says he is only treating the Sergeant as he would anyone else. What do you think?

It happened again today. A woman left her car running for a moment while she went to knock on a friend's door, and someone stole her car with her little kids in back!  Luckily the kids were found safe a short while later.  Parents out there, do you ever leave your kids in the car with the engine running? If so, do stories like this one make you think twice?

A Glendale man has admitted feeding a 3-week old live puppy to his Boa Constrictoin front of two 15 year olds.  This case has people outraged. He says he did it because he couldn't afford food for his snake. He could face up to a year in jail and a $150,000 fine when he's sentenced next month. What do you think is an appropriate punishment for something like this?