RAINIER BEACH – This weekend, Seattle School Board member Betty Patu will host a march against the recent increase in violent crime in the area.

“The community will be gathered to march together, stand together & with one voice declare together that we will not stand by and do nothing about the violence in our community,” said Urban Family Center CEO Paul Patu in an email.

In February, as police were already investigating nine 2012 homicides – including five in the Rainier Valley – Seattle Police Department released a statement asking for the public’s help in fighting a “sharp rise in violent crime.”

Since then, there have been several neighborhood safety walks and community meetings focused on public safety in the Rainier Valley.

According to Seattle Public Schools, many local schools are planning to participate in the event which is scheduled for Sat., April 7, at 11 a.m.

The march will start in the parking lot of Rainier Health & Fitness (7722 Rainier Ave. S.) and end at the Rainier Beach High School parking lot (8815 Seward Park Ave S.). A youth peace rally will follow.

Photo/Rainier Valley Post