Parks/Open Space at Beveridge Place and Myrtle Reservoir: A brief update from Kevin Bergsrud, the project manager for both of these Morgan Junction projects informs us that "We are still waiting on final cost proposals from each of the firms. Realistically due to Parks notification guidelines, we're looking at the week of Oct 22 at the earliest for a meeting."
Friends of Orchard Street Ravine August update:
There's lots of good news to report!
First the ravine is looking great thanks to all those who have been watering! We need to especially thank Leslie Sundquist for all her efforts - she's way a head of the rest of us in watering efforts but and Barbara Banks is running a close second.
However, we still have the last few weeks which are traditionally the hottest and driest part of the summer to go. I know there are others who promised to water ---- So let's keep watering -- it's looking great! We know have trees we planted last fall that are taller than any of us :>)
Second I (Carol Schultz) completed the bid process for the $11,000 Small and Simple Grant. Restoration Logistics will be the contractor on this phase which follows the vegetative management plan created by Karen Galt and an outside consultant. Parks will administer the project and funding.
Remember this funding is for steep slopes where we are not allowed to work.
1. The first priority is further removal of invasive trees such as holly, laurel, knotweed, cherry, clematis and ivy.
2. The work will be done on the upper Eastern Slopes and the Northern slopes. The work will be limited to steep areas where Parks does not allow volunteers to work.
3. During the process of tree removal areas with the potential for further clearing to create "islands" should become available. These will receive further clearing and replanting to natives. Creating new natural habitat areas for wildlife on the upper slopes.
4. Remember the plan is staged so we can protect wildlife habitat while new natives are growing in. That's why there is not an emphasis on blackberry removal in this phase except where they are trying to reclaim cleared areas. Restoration Logistics plans to start their work in September if not sooner.
Third We've had a number of reports of both coyote sightings and singing from both above and lower in the ravine. (Good idea to keep pets in at night).
Fourth The trail plans are nearly complete. Jon Jainga, Parks Project Manager for this phase said they have completed the SEPA review and there are a few final steps to completing the SDOT review. He has hired Mid Mountain to do the trail installation which he expects to take 2 weeks. We ask that he get the trail location flagged as soon as possible to prevent overlap in the 2 projects or destruction of new native plantings. He'll try and get that done soon.
Fifth We have qualified as one of a number of potential projects to be considered to receive $3000 worth of tools and a tool box to be kept on site. This would be terrific so of course we applied cross your fingers!
If any of you have offices that do community service days or other connections that we could put together an additional fall work party or two it would be great!! We could also use donated crushed path gravel to refurbish the paths if anyone has a connection of that sort. (submitted by Carol Schultz)
Citizen Involvement: While we have people who are active and involved at the local community level there many of you out there with broader interests. The City of Seattle has established several boards and commissions designed to give citizens a voice in their government. Serving on a board or commission is a great opportunity to provide input to Seattle’s leaders on a vast array of issues. Over 400 of the positions on nearly 50 boards are appointed by Mayor Greg Nickels.Board members and commissioners receive no financial compensation, but membership can provide you with a great opportunity to meet other people with similar interests and to help shape the future or your community!
If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Michael Gilmore, Boards &
Commissions Administrator for Mayor Nickels. Michael can be reached by phone at 206-615-0048, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In most cases, applicants must either reside or work in Seattle.
For a complete list of boards and commissions, please visit the following website: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/boards.htm
The following boards and commissions have openings as of Sept. 10,
2007:
● Capitol Hill Housing Improvement Program Board of Directors
● Citizens’ Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board
● Fire Code Advisory Board
● Landmarks Preservation Board
● Mayor’s Council on African American Elders
● Museum Development Authority
● Pike Place Market Historical Commission
● Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board
● Seattle Center Advisory Commission
Excerpts from the Southwest Police Precinct Aug 9 Newsletter
Double Duty for Auto Alarm System
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will go set off and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. It is a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist will not stick around, because after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminals do not want that to happen.
And, remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way anywhere. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or prevent a sexual crime.
Burglaries
Most Burglaries occur during daytime and a second burglary often takes place in the next few days or weeks within one block of the previous burglary. Immediately report anything suspicious person to 911, such as would be prowlers in a neighbor’s yard, loitering, going door-to-door, the sound of breaking glass, or any appearance of a suspected break-in.
Ideas To Prevent Burglary
- Make sure your trusted neighbors watch your home in your absence.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
- Do not open your door to strangers, no matter what they say.
- Each and every time that you go out lock, all windows and doors. Don't just pull them shut - lock them.
- Do this even if you are leaving your home only for a few minutes to talk with a close neighbor. It does not take a burglar long to go in and out of your home.
- Do this also if you are working in your garden. While you are engrossed in pulling up weeds at the rear of your house, you do not want a thief entering by a carelessly left open door at the front.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Neighbors please check the welfare of the seniors on your block and review these safety precautions with them.
- Tips to make your home look and sound occupied: use timers on inside lamps, use motion sensors or keep front and back porch lights on all night and place a radio near door/window tuned to a talk show.
Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald
This web page is update every week on Wednesday.
Seattle Police Department main web page
http://www.seattle.gov/police/Southwest Precinct Web-page
http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htmSeattle Police Crime Statistics
http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats/pur170/200612y.htmFor More Information Call: Benjamin Kinlow,
Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
