🌱 Cleveland Vote Of No Confidence Results + 'Brownouts' Increasing

Hello and happy Friday. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

A snow shower; windy, colder. High: 31 Low: 25.

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Here are the top three stories today in Cleveland:

1. The Cleveland Police Union announced the results of a vote of no confidence regarding Director of Public Safety Karrie Howard's comments that the union called racist. Officials said there were 868 votes of no confidence and only 38 votes that did have confidence. Mayor Justin Bibb said Howard’s comments "upset and angered many in our community." (Fox 8 News)
2. According to Cleveland Safety Committee Chair Mike Polensek, a reduced number of ambulances on the street, called "brownouts," is a growing problem. He recalled two ambulances that were usually available on the northeast side were out of commission and two ambulances from further away, near University Hospital, had to travel to a recent double shooting in his ward. Interim EMS Commissioner Orlando Wheeler said the "brownout" was due to staff shortages, "but during those staffing shortages, we dynamically deploy units to
   cover those areas, so [there’s] never an area that goes uncovered." (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
3. On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Cleveland History Center (CHC) will host “History on Tap: A Celebration of Black Culture,” to celebrate Black History Month. The year, professional photographer Allen E. Cole's life and works will be honored as well as the "ongoing perspective of Black culture through art in Cleveland." From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at CHC, 10825 East Boulevard. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)

Today in Cleveland:

• 78th Street Studios: Third Friday Art Walk At 1300 W 78th St (5:00 PM)
• Public Skate Friday At Zelma Watson George (6:00 PM)
  
• 2023 Multi-City Black History Month Celebration At Garfield Heights High School (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Mayor Justin Bibb is investing $90 million in the new police headquarters! The Cleveland Division of Police headquarters will undergo a complete renovation, expected to be complete in 2025. (Mayor Justin M. Bibb via Twitter)
• Cleveland Police asked the community to help find missing 17-year-old Kaitlyn Coones. She is 5′3″ tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair, and green eyes. View the link to see a picture and call Det. Zola at 216-623-2755 or the Cleveland Police Non-Emergency line at 216-621-1234 if you see her or know her whereabouts. (Cleveland 19 News)
• Want to add to your family and make a positive impact on the Cleveland community at the same time? Check out the adorable adoptable pets in the Cleveland area, including a beautiful Domestic Long Hair Domestic Short Hair Mix cat with jade-green eyes named Tinkerbell! (Cleveland Patch)

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Featured events:

• History on Tap | A Celebration of Black Culture (February 23)
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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.