Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon responded to a special report on unsolved murders published Tuesday in The Examiner by saying improved relations between the police and community will help solve cases.

“Strengthening the relationship between police and community to the point that more people will come forward with information about homicides and other crimes is a key part of our crime strategy,” she said.

There were 2,479 homicides in Baltimore between 1998 and 2006, and 1,065 of them — 43 percent — have not been solved, according to The Examiner’s investigation into every homicide during that nine-year period.

Dixon, who unveiled a new crime strategy Monday and will announce a plan to combat gun violence today, said she intends to provide more opportunities for juveniles to steer them from crime.

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“There is no doubt that more can be done to give young people opportunities and positive direction,” she said. “Through my budget, I am expanding recreation center programs and hours, and we are focused on improving education and economic opportunities in the long term.”

Meanwhile, families of city homicide victims, including several featured in The Examiner’s report, gathered at Baltimore City Circuit Court Tuesday to remember loved ones — and trade recipes.

The quirky memorial sponsored by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Family Bereavement Center marked the 17th time relatives of people slain on city streets gathered to share both memories of their loved ones, and favorite recipes memorialized in a special cookbook.

“Some of our fondest memories are gathering around the table with our loved ones,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy.

At the event, family members said they remain frustrated over the lack of progress in the cases of their relatives.

Maria Washington, an Italian immigrant who recently recovered from a heart attack, continues to mourn the death of her son, Giorgio, 26. “I still haven’t heard from police,” she said of the investigation into her son’s death. “But it helps to cope with other families.”

sjanis@baltimoreexaminer.com

lbroadwater@baltimoreexaminer.com