🌱 Gang Activity In Wake County + WCPSS Discusses Safety Upgrades

Happy National Day of Unplugging Raleigh!

Before you completely unplug, get plugged into everything that is happening in Raleigh, including:

• Raleigh is among the “happiest” cities to live in.
• March's First Friday
• Wake County has discounted pet care.

But first, today's weather:

Rain early in the morning. High: 71 Low: 57.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

1. According to leaders across the state, drug cartels and street gangs are growing across the state. The Governor's Crime Commission met on Thursday to deliver recommendations and included Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. According to commission members, gangs in the area are growing by preying on vulnerable populations and they are distributing illegal narcotics through North Carolina. According to a recent report from the crime commission, Wake County has the highest concentration of gang members with more than 99 gangs operating in the county with more than 2,600 members. (abc11)
2. The Wake County School Board met on Tuesday to discuss safety following a month of increased lockdowns and weapons scares on school campuses. A large portion of the discussion was private and took place during a closed session, but the concern has been growing for parents in the area. Some parents have called for metal detectors in schools, but leaders say that the school board is weighing five physical security upgrades, not including metal detectors. WCPSS Senior Director of Security Russ Smith says they cannot disclose all of the options they are weighing but did say that they intend to put a district-wide visitor screening system in place. (abc11, CBS17, Erie News Now)
3. Private security companies are reporting an increase in spending on security in Raleigh and across the state. According to Tim Neal, the co-owner of TNCG Security, many residential areas are seeing an increase in need for private security following the pandemic. Neal believes that the economy and short staffing across police departments are attributing to the increased demand. (CBS17) A recent study from an online bill pay website known as doxo, shows that overall monthly bills in Raleigh are approximately 11% higher than the national average. (CBS17)
4. According to a recent report by WalletHub, Raleigh is one of the happiest places to live in the United States. Raleigh was ranked 22 out of 182 cities, the highest in North Carolina. The study looked at residents' emotional and physical well-being, income and employment status and community and environment. (abc11) North Carolina economists are still optimistic about the state of the area in spite concerns of a looming recession. (abc11)
5. The Raleigh Police Department released the 911 calls that took place following the chaos and shooting on Saturday night. The calls were released on Wednesday and multiple calls involve mall patrons informing dispatchers of the gunshots. One caller who was located outside of Kanki Japanese Steak House stated that they could smell gun powder and another call captured Allan Osvaldo Hernandez saying "My leg is shot!" (CBS17)

Today in Raleigh:

• The Wake Forest Film Festival at Wake Forest Renaissance Center (12:00am-11:00pm)
• First Friday: DRINK (5:00pm-7:00pm), Casas Studios (5:00pm-9:00pm), Downtown (5:00pm-11:00pm), Artspace (6:00pm), Curate (6:00pm-9:00pm)
• Bonding Over Board Games Family Night at Little Doodles (5:30pm-7:30pm)
• Improv Comedy Show at Theatre Raleigh Studios (7:00pm)
• Greek Night at Taverna Agora (8:00pm)
• 80's Party at the Tap Yard (8:00pm)
• Bachateame at Terminal 8 (9:30pm-2:00am)

Saturday in Raleigh:

• Premium Spades Social at Green Road Community Center Raleigh (12:00pm-3:00pm)
• NC Underground Toy Swap Free Toy Show at Crowemag Toys (12:00pm-4:00pm)
• 2nd Annual Kids Fun Fest at Fortnight Brewing (12:00pm-5:00pm)
• Heyday Brewing 2nd Anniversary (12:00pm) & Raleigh Brewing's 10th Anniversary (1:00pm-9:00pm)
• Karaoke at Scooter's Bar & Grill (7:00pm-11:00pm)
• Raleighwood Fest at Transfer Co. (7:00pm-11:30pm)
• Improv Comedy Show at Theatre Raleigh Studios (7:30pm)

From my notebook:

• Today is National Day of Unplugging. If you're looking to really disconnect, Getaway Asheboro is only a short drive away and gives a cozy glamping experience to get completely unplugged.
• This Sunday Wake County is hosting a Community Pet Day that will provide low-cost pet care and supplies. The event will be held on March 5, from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina. (WRAL)
• Raleigh high schoolers could take home a free prom dress during the Say Yes to the Prom Dress event on April 1. (WRAL)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com