About 12 hours ago, I heard again the sound of a 15-round clip being emptied. Called 911, but didn't go outside. It sounded like it came from behind our house, so I told the 911 responder, "the 7200 block of Idlewild," and that I didn't see anything, and that I did not want to leave my name. After hanging up, I thought that maybe I should give the 911 people my name in case they ever need to call back.

Given the incident in May, 7200 Idlewild may displace 7200 Race as the epicenter of violence in Homewood.

Actually, not just given the incident in April, but also given the fact that my block has been quite quiet for a long time now. Which is nice.

The block, my block, is changing. Way back, I wrote about the number of vacant units on my block, most at the other end. That included a 4-plex at 7204 Race. It changed hands last May, but for a year, it looked like the new owner wasn't doing anything. Then, in the spring, a pile of rubbish out front indicated that it was being cleaned out. Workmen appeared and installed new windows. Interior lights were on at night. I don't think there's anyone living there yet, but at least work is being done so that someone can.

Likewise, the Snowqueen's house, 7210 has gained a new occupant.

I've already mentioned the recent sale of 7211 Race, which is across the street from the Snowqueen's house. And now I've received an email from the new owner of 7209, who indicates that he wants to be a good neighbor in a block that really needs them.

We may be turning a corner.

Speaking of turning a corner, perhaps Homewood's leadership could learn something from Braddock, which is suddenly in the news a lot for its renewal efforts.

The inbox is bulging:

I was born and raised in Homewood and yes it was beautiful, safe, and fun. I went to Crescent Elementary School (Now Faison). I remember one of our field trips was to The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum for Roller Skating! We didn't have to ride a school bus, we walked!

No community is 100% safe, but it was safe enough for a large group of elementary students to walk the distance to have fun at the neighborhood roller rink. Now the Coliseum is still there, but you can't roller skate there anymore. The closest roller rink I believe is way out Ardmore. The Coliseum host parties and other actiities like the Westinghouse High School All Year Reunion, which I attended a few years ago and it was really fun!

This leads me into another lost "Jewel" of Homewood. The activities at Westinghouse High School are absolutely not what they use to be. I graduated in 1988, almost 20 years ago. Westinghouse High School USE to be known for there Championship Football Team, the High Steppin Marching Band, and the Concert Choir. What Happen? Everyone says that if the kids had something to do they wouldn't be hanging on corners, lets start with our community high school! Westinghouse has a new football coach and I believe they can get back on track with the help of the community. I am the community so I promise, I will attend as many football games as I can to cheer on our young men! They need positive motivation from parents, teachers, classmates...The Community. They have a music teacher, but there is no actual choir.

I was a member of the Concert Choir under the direction of Mrs. Linda Ross-Broadus, we performed at the City County Bldg during the Christmas Season, Cheyney University, local churches and schools. The band performed at almost all the parades that were held in Downtown Pittburgh, at several local schools, and of course the Pep rallies before our football games and during half time. With no band director, there is no band! When I tell people that Westinghouse does not have a band or a choir, they are shocked, and with good reason. One more tradition that is no longer recognized at WHS is the Miss Westinghouse Pagent. I have gone on and on about what Westinghouse no longer has I have to mention the girls basketball team which won the City Championship. They are definately phenomenal young ladies.

There are hundreds,(more I'm sure) of influential alumni that attended Westinghouse High School, i'm sure between them, the parents(I'm am one), community, staff of WHS and the local city leaders, we can make The House into what it once was which I think will help the community of Homewood. -- Patricia Thompson of Pittsburgh

I was just sitting here @ work & read about how Homewood was! IT can get back that way with love,respect,fear of GOD! I would like too say I had an incident about 13yrs.ago. I was driving down N.Homewood and saw a good friend of mine. I made the left in Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot and made another left on Frankstown Ave. I had the green light so I was about to make right on N.Homewood to pick my childhood friend up. When a guy about 17-20 yrs of age was crossing against the light. I had too screech on my breaks to keep from hitting this young man,when all of a sudden he dropped his bag and took cover like I was about too do smething to him! All of a sudden shots from a gun rang out! I was in my car froze! He riddled my car with about 9bullets! All while I'm sitting there paralyzed! My shirt and coat had holes in it! After the shooting stopped he turns around and ran down the alley!

That changed my life for ever! At that very point I know I had to change my life cause that was clearly the Lord himself who came down and wrapped his arms around me! I was no angel but if I was able to change my life! (So can the next man or woman) -- Otis Walker, Homewood

The problem with todays black youth is the lack of motivation and direction. We have grown up in a post civil rights generation. Back then our elders of today had something to feel a part of. todays youth does not have that. What we do have is gangs, father-less homes, broken educational systems, and a "just us" system that seems to target just us. Young black should relaize that people of hispanic descent have banned together to demand rights over night. They are not all illigal but they are speaking with one voice. We as blacks need to stand up and speak with one voice. And until we do we will continue to encouter peoblems that have been facing our community for some time. -- V.paull, Pittsburgh

Mr. Green, I would also like to have Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle receive this message. I was born and raise in Homewood, Westinghouse class of 1984. I relocated to Columbus, OH in 1994 sick and tired of the sadness and violence that I witnessed everyday and the lack of job opportunities that were available with or without a degree. On January 9, 2007, my world came to an end. My only son (DAMIEN LEE ROBINSON) was taken away from those who loved him in front of Earl the Pearls bar on Kelly St. It was a senseless and violent ending to MY BABY, who had just spent a week in Columbus with me celebrating my 40th birthday. I was told that my son was standing in front of the bar alone and 2 masked gunmen came from across the street and opened fire with assualt rifles. I have NEVER heard from ANYONE at the Pittsburgh Police Department to say whether or not there are ANY leads or suspects. I have NEVER received ANY belongings of his. I don't know wether or not the case has been closed. Is this being looked at as just another BLACK on BLACK crime, just another YOUNG BLACK MALE being shot down in the streets of HOMEWOOD? I've been told that a suspect has been identified in the June 17th shooting. It's been almost 7 months for my son.? What about Floyd Johnson(6/27)? All three knew each other and hung out at one time or another. -- Tawnya Robinson, Homewood

I first want to Thank You for publishing my comment. I know it was complex. I just want to said I know of so many of my friends who needed to leave Pittsburgh (Homewood) to be some body. As a black woman or for that matter a black man Homewood offer one thing, a fast ride to jail. I letf in 1990. Atlanta offer a life Pittsburgh could never aloud a black human being not yesterday or today. I came to Atlanta with the hope that life could be better for me. I was right!!!!!!

I get call from friends asking when are you coming home. My answer is when someone dies. I came from a rich heritage. My brother was Leon W. Howard Jr. My uncle was the first black man to work for the city as a garbage man when they collected the trash with horse and buggy. No it not much but, life in Pittsburgh has condition that do not exist any where other that Pittsburgh. I know people who move here from Pittsburgh and expect the welfare system to be the same here as in Pittsburgh.

You can live on Hill top all your dame life and Pittsburgh will be happy your #$$%^&* is still there. I was visiting and their was a ad running on TV. The ad was saying Mama please don't let you son grow up to leave Pittsburgh. Now ani't that some #$#%%. Pittsburgh ani't offer the Black man a wet paper bag. My family still lives there and they too are conditioned to the BS. Thank God for change.

So many of us found it some where else but, so many of us found the condition that will forever hold us and Homewood back. When you are standing in your kitchen and can not breath tell the man with his foot on your neck to get off and take his condition with him and change Homewood back to the Place it was ment to be.

Look close ladies it may be your son. This is for all the women who are in the hell that you help to create. Girl look in the mirrow and tell that sister you are looking at I am taken my Homewood back. And my son will have to learn better condition. -- Lillian E. Howard Campbell, Jonesboro Ga.