🌱 Asheville Voilent Crime & Homelessness + Ranked Choice Voting

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Asheville these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 71 Low: 48.
• Tuesday: Clearing and breezy. High: 66 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. On Fox News’ “Fox & Friends," the City of Asheville was criticized for its large homeless population and the increase in violent crime. According to the channel, over the last five years, there has been a 31 percent increase in violent crime and more than 600 homeless people are now in the city. Asheville Police Chief David Zack told City Council members that there are currently 140 police officers where there should be 200, and each year the department loses 15 to 20 officers. To help stop the dwindling numbers, Zack wants to offer a more competitive salary of around $70,000 instead of the current $45,000. (ABC 13)
2. On Mar. 4, the nonprofit organization Better Ballot held a meeting to discuss Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in East Asheville. RCV allows voters to rank their candidates so that their second choice counts if their first choice loses. Daniel Kemp, president of Better Ballot North Carolina said, "Currently, in North Carolina, you can win without 50 percent of the vote. With RCV, there’s no way you can win unless there’s 50 percent plus one. It allows a broader coalition of people to elect their representative." The nonprofit hopes to help get RCV passed in North Carolina. (ABC 13)
3. The Asheville Police Department continues to investigate a fatal five-car collision that occurred on Thursday night near the 1398 block of Hendersonville Road. According to the initial investigation, Tiana Hooper was driving a 2020 Toyota Tacoma south on Hendersonville Road when she had a medical emergency and crossed into oncoming northbound traffic. Four other vehicles were involved in the crash, including a 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by Sheila Mills Hazel, who died at the scene. Contact APD at 828-252-1110 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411 with any information about the incident. (Asheville Police Department via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, March 6

• Exhibition - Luzene Hill: Revelate At Asheville Art Museum (11:00 AM)
• Freshen Up Comedy Showcase At Noble Cider & Mead Downtown (6:30 PM)
• The Beths: Live At The Orange Peel (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 7

• March Mixer At New Belgium Brewing Company (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Body camera video was recently released to the public showing Asheville police arresting two local online journalists in December 2021 in Aston Park during the homeless camp encampment sweep and protest. According to he ACLU, the reporters should not have been arrested and they were not trying to obstruct the police in any way. (ABC 13)
• Did you know there are two free parking lots downtown just for Asheville City Market customers? Check out the full City Market vendor list here. (Asheville City Market via Facebook)
• Scott Matthew Ellison of Asheville was found guilty of misdemeanor assault on a female, felonious restraint, and habitual felon and was ordered to serve at least 89 months in prison. Ellison was found guilty of a December 2020 domestic assault at a West Asheville business. (WLOS)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!