Sportscaster Jim Henderson says one thing people have always loved about New Orleans is that it appealed to all your senses. You enjoyed the sights–the grand homes, the historical buildings, the river; you loved the sounds–the music; you could taste the city–its cuisine; and you can even smell it–sometimes the smell of coffee roasting at a nearby plant and at other times, less appetizing aromas.

Life in this city these days is a matter of “Ds.” It’s always been daring. Since Katrina, it has been difficult. And now, it’s downright dangerous. The crime rate is soaring off the charts. And that’s not just in Orleans Parish proper. Last year, Jefferson Parish, always thought of as a safer alternative to the city, registered 78 murders. That is more than double the previous year.

Tuesday, Mayor Nagin and other local officials held a news conference to announce plans to combat the increase in violence. They’ll be asking the NOPD to speed up investigations, assigning sheriff’s deputies to routine police duties in order to free up police officers for serious crime work, and increase drug and alcohol traffic checks between 2 and 6 am. So far, they’ve not announced a curfew but it’s being discussed.

In the letters section of the paper, Fred Cargo of New Orleans thinks a curfew is a bad idea. All you have to do, he says, is chart the times of all the murders in 2007 so far. Two occurred after 11 pm; the others took place at 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 8:45 pm, 10:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 7 pm, 5:30 am, and 7:24 am. Good point, Fred.

One of the mayor’s suggested crime-fighting techniques is a “clergy family intervention” program, in which “priests would visit victims’ families.” Priests? Good idea. We may assume that was meant to cover all us non-priests–pastors, rabbis, and such.

Last Sunday’s Times-Picayune devoted several pages to showing how home values have changed since Katrina. Turns out it’s a great time to buy a big house in New Orleans. If you don’t mind its being a fixer-upper and living in a neighborhood of high weeds and big rats.

These numbers are the average cost per square foot. In the Gentilly area of New Orleans, the pre-Katrina value of homes averaged out to $92 psf. These days, undamaged homes are selling for $122 psf and damaged homes for $41 psf.

In the ritzy Uptown area, pre-Katrina prices averaged $173 psf; now the figure is $188. Now, contrast that with the Ninth Ward where pre-K prices were $75 psf. Undamaged houses there are selling for twice that, $155, and damaged homes for $31.

Out where I live, in the Jefferson Parish suburb of River Ridge, pre-Katrina prices were $127 psf; now the homes are going for $142 psf. In Old Metairie–the priciest portion of this parish–pre-Katrina: $168; presently $185 if undamaged and $103 if damaged.

When people think of relocating to this city for jobs, one major consideration is “where will you live?” Homes are scarce and expensive. Gradually, more will come on the market as homes are rebuilt, and we expect the prices will even out.

The new edition of Zagat’s dining guide is out and they have a lot of positive things to say about New Orleans. Basically, they emphasize that what tourists have always enjoyed about this city–the restaurants, the French Quarter, St. Charles Avenue–are all still here, and that the city could sure use your business. “The patriotic thing to do is to pack up your bag and visit New Orleans. You can help out by coming down and having a good time. That’s a good thing,” said Tim Zagat.

We will ‘amen’ that, but add a word. If you really want to help this city, log on to www.baptistcrossroads.com or call Project NOAH Rebuild (504/362-6404) and ask about bringing in a crew to work on rebuilding damaged homes or constructing new ones. We need the help!

Mostly, pray for us. Thank you.