Just a few days before Jayme Lelani Thomas was shot in Redondo and later passed away, she stopped to pet my little Shih Tzu dog, "Miss Katrina," at Des Moines Beach Park.

She and I were strangers to each other, yet we had 
that common bond only pet owners share-- love for our dog companions.

When I first saw Jayme and a couple of her girlfriends, they were crossing the little bridge over the stream at Beach Park just laughing and chattering away as teens do so well.

I was resting on a bench at the north side of the stream when this story began. 
The sparkle in Jayme's eyes and that beautiful smile when she first saw Katrina made it clear she liked dogs and was fascinated with my Katrina.

"Look at that cute dog," she called to her girlfriends and they stopped briefly to pet Katrina. Jayme seemed reluctant or shy at first to come nearer until I assured her it was okay to pet my dog. In no time Jayme won Katrina over by scratching her back and patting her belly.

Jayme told me her family once had a German Shepard and someday when she has a home of her own she wants another one.

I said my name is Earline and I have a twin brother named Earl. Jayme said her mother chose the middle name of Lelani for her because Mom loves Hawaii.

The Beach Park is a favorite walking place with level land and stunning scenery. Walking in a park, especially with a dog, opens all kinds of interesting opportunities to meet people.

Some are friendly and remarkably nice people, such as, Jayme Thomas. We talked about 15-20minutes and I found her a gentle person who loved dogs. And she was beautiful.

A few days later, Jayme was shot and died. When I heard Jayme was killed, I remembered the manslaughter of four Tacoma police officers by Maurice Clemmons. It was only days after he walked at Des Moines Beach Park.

Jayme was in the wrong place at the wrong time and she lost her life.

There is no way to understand how to deal with this cruel and unforgiving murder that stole Jayme's beautiful spirit, lovely smile, and forever the gracious young lady she was, and all she had to offer to this world.

Yet I ask WHY? How and when did our world fill with hate, greed and drugs that sick minds use to conquer, control and program the next generation to a future that is even sicker and evil.

Crime in Des Moines was contained primarily to the east side of Highway 99 with some troublemakers moving away. Now, slowly they appear drifting into the marina district and Redondo, boldly taking over use of public property.

Citizens must support police officers in keeping Des Moines safe from evil people invading communities and violating innocent young people with drugs, guns greed and murder.

City leaders must focus on police protection equipment, sufficient numbers of officers and the staff needed to eliminate crime 
and tragedy.

Those who shot Jayme had the ability to carry murder outright under the nose of Redondo residents.

That's a paralyzing reality! 
DM citizens voted a police levy a few years ago to provide equipment and staff. What happened to the new equipment and new police officers? Where are we now?

Criminals are getting bolder and bolder. The police are short of manpower. In 2010, the City Council cut 11 positions from the police department. Where will the next tragedy strike? Can we walk outside safely? What is the solution?

A good starting place is this--every newly elected and continuing council member should put police protection for citizen's safety the top priority in their 2012 and future city budgets.

Why?

If the people are not safe or don't feel safe in a city, they will take their families and their business elsewhere. Cities can have beautiful buildings, excellent schools, charming people, generous volunteers, and still become a place where people don't want to live or visit.

It's up to council members to provide a safety budget that can crush bold crime in downtown Des Moines and Redondo.

I only knew Jayme for minutes, yet saw her kindness and caring for people and pets. This very special Thomas family's daughter paid the ultimate crime victim price -- her life.

Lest we forget-- It's time for hardball crime prevention. Do it now for Jayme Lelani Thomas and everyone’s safer tomorrows.

Today’s Thought: “Trust everybody – but cut the cards.” (Finley Dunne)