Information is the lifeblood of our democracy. Yet, too few citizens know that they have the right to see much of the information that our government produces.

The American Society of Newspaper Editors and dozens of other press organization hope to change that with Sunshine Week, which began March 16.

It can't come soon enough, as more and more public information is being declared off-limits by government agencies, especially at the federal level.

Though it's sponsored by press organizations, this is an event for all New Yorkers and Americans to participate in.

Why? Because secrecy in government is antithetical to American democracy and is harmful to its citizens.

Despite the fact overall crime in New York City dropped to record lows in 2007, crime numbers in the northwest Bronx's 52nd Precinct stayed remarkably unchanged from the year before.

Plus, see a breakdown of crime stats by neighborhood.

Citing conflict of interest concerns, the leadership at Community Board 7 shuffled around its committee chairs. Board Chair Greg Faulkner, in continuing what he calls his reformist agenda, said the Board wanted to avoid any appearance of impropriety and, at the same time, inject fresh blood into the committees.

Last issue, we reviewed the top stories of 2007. Here, we review the stories of 2008, written from the imaginary vantage point of January 2009. Yes, it is mostly wishful thinking, but it is all in the realm of the possible if citizens, residents and elected officials act in concert in the best interests of our neighborhoods and the Bronx as a whole.

Take a glimpse into the future according to the Norwood News.

Congressman Jose Serrano of the Bronx and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez urged President Bush to send aid for those hit hardest by Tropical Storm Noel. The joint letter points to the devastating loss of life and property in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Meanwhile, local Bronx leaders are doing their best to help out.

Local Bronxite Christopher Perkins, a staff sergeant with the National Guard, returned home a couple of weeks ago after finishing his second tour of duty in Iraq. On Sunday, Nov. 18, Perkins will lead Bronx Vets as the grand marshal at the upcoming Veterans Day Parade in Throggs Neck.

In our last issue, we reported on th-e drastic changes under way on Grand Avenue and surrounding blocks. Large, beautiful homes, some with wraparound porches, are being bulldozed for ugly, cookie-cutter, multi-family dwellings that scar our neighborhoods. You know the ones - the uniform, non-brick structures, with Fedders air conditioners, all concrete-and-driveway front yards, and no room for grass or trees. Maybe it's too late to protect the historic homes, and maybe extremely spacious one-family homes are just not suitable for most families who want to live here.

A listing of community events and programs that are available to our northwest Bronx readers.

In late July, on a hot Wednesday morning, organizers and youth from the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, lamenting chronic overcrowding and its effect on education, stormed City Hall to demand more school seats in the Bronx and citywide.