Home, Dangerous Home

Justin Fenton of The Sun offers a look back at crime during 2009 in Baltimore, where the number of homicides increased slightly from the year before although there were fewer shootings.

The Mayor’s Office (where Sheila Dixon will serve until her resignation takes effect Feb. 4) has declared Jan. 10-16 a Call to Action Week. Activities will include neighborhood Citizens on Patrol walks on Wednesday evening.

Violence isn’t the only danger within the city. Yesterday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a report that called trespassing or use of all-terrain vehicles at the 68th Street Dump Site to be dangerous.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found the 150 acres at 68th Street and Pulaski Highway in Rosedale to be contaminated. Also, settling of material at the landfill, sharp drop-offs and the presence of sharp edges could cause injuries.

The agency recommends against eating fish caught there.

For information: Tonia Burk, environmental health scientist, 770-488-0764 or 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).