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Crime notes: Civic stolen, scanner catch-up

November 19th, 2009 at 11:53 am | 4 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

Dan Dean writes:

Just wanted to let you know that our car was stolen last night from 14th Ave and South Hinds Street, and was hoping you could post it to the blog!

This is on the heels of a roof rack stolen off of our car last week. I don’t know what’s going on in our neighborhood, but it’s incredibly frustrating.

Please keep an eye out for a white 1998 Honda Civic 4-door with Washington plate 299 VCV.

* * *

Chris and Amie wrote to the mailing list about a car prowl that occurred on Sunday:

Last night, someone smashed our front passenger window of our newer model car with our empty garbage can, parked on the parking pad at 19th & McClellan, an open, well lit spot. They rifled through the contents of the car, and stole my jacket in the front seat. We figured they just leaned in to look for stuff, as the alarm would have gone off if they opened a door. I would imagine it took them several tries to break a car window with an empty 24-gallon plastic garbage can. Sadly, we heard nothing. This was reported to the police.

* * *

And catching up on recent activity logged at BHNW’s Scanner Blotter:

  • Robbery reported at 17th and Shelton, 8:55pm yesterday
  • Suspicious group of 5-7 men chased from back yard near 37th and Rose, 6:55pm yesterday
  • Report of several shots fired near 14th and Oregon, 2:45pm yesterday
  • Three men door-knocking and looking in windows ran off when they saw someone at home near 32nd and Juneau, 2pm yesterday
  • Burglary reported near Morgan and Beacon, 1pm yesterday
  • Forced entry burglary reported near 13th and Austin, 3pm Saturday
  • Burglary reported near 14th and Hinds, 6:45pm last Thursday (very near where Dan’s car was stolen from!)

* * *

Theresa described some suspicious activity on the mailing list last Friday:

My husband confronted two men who were scoping out houses on our block, the 2700 block of 13th Ave S, around noon today. The first man was about 6′-3″, white, blond hair, glasses, about 25-30 years old, wearing black hoodie and jeans. The second man was about 5′-6″ black, 30-35 years old, black coat, blue jeans, white shoes, carrying a duffle bag.

They walked down the street with a piece of paper in hand, stopping on the sidewalk in front of each house, sometimes going back to houses they had already looked at. They went up to some houses and looked in the front windows. My husband saw the tall man go up to one neighbor’s house look in the front window, then knock on the door, looking over his shoulder repeatedly while the other guy stayed out on the sidewalk looking up and down the street.

My husband went across the street to confront them, and the guy at the door immediately turned away from the house, mid-knock. The guys just looked at each other when he asked what they were doing, paused, then said they were “collecting information”. They departed on foot, heading north on 13th Ave S.


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Rainier Valley Food Bank burglarized, Thanksgiving food stolen

November 19th, 2009 at 4:31 am | 1 Comment | Posted in Crime by Wendi

Photo by Mack Male.

Photo by Mack Male.

$1500-$2000 in food was stolen from the Rainier Valley Food Bank between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning when burglars broke into the food bank’s storage locker and stole potatoes, onions, canned food, peanut butter, and other food collected by local volunteers in food drives last weekend. The food was scheduled to be given out this weekend as the Thanksgiving distribution. If you would like to help, you can bring your donations to the Rainier Valley Food Bank, 4205 Rainier Avenue South, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or donate online at rvfb.org.

Thanks to the Seattle Times for the report.


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Jungle cleanup, sidewalk flooding, and overserving among topics on the BAN list

November 19th, 2009 at 2:24 am | No Comments | Posted in Crime, Health and Safety by Jason

The Beacon Hill Alliance of Neighbors (BAN) mailing list has been quite active recently, and Travis Mayfield has been all over it for KOMO:

  • Update: Inside the Jungle — Craig Thompson details a recent excursion into the homeless encampment that runs along the west and north sides of the hill, alongside I-5 and I-90.
  • Sidewalk ‘Pools’ Raise Pedestrian Complaints — Complaints of flooded and obstructed sidewalks are addressed by neighborhood representative Steve Louie and City Councilmember Sally Clark.
  • Responding to Public Drunkeness — Tips on reporting “overserving” to the Washington State Liquor Control Board when observing evidence of public drunkeness.

Sign up for the BAN list at http://www.cityofseattle.net/ban/


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Crime notes: Indecent exposure, more burglaries, South watch plans solidifying

November 12th, 2009 at 2:03 pm | No Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

Napsiyah writes about an incident that occurred at Beacon and McClellan, next to the Link station:

This morning at 8:30am as I was walking to Light Rail to go to work, a man driving a truck got out and exposed/masturbated himself in front of me. I turned around and ran and called the police to report this incident. Please put on the blog to look out for this man!!! It was a busy street! We need to report and catch this sicko.

She described the flasher as a “white or hispanic male wearing a camoflauge baseball cap, around 5′7″, medium build” and was reportedly driving a newer-looking navy blue truck with tinted windows.

Call the police if you have any information about this or similar crimes.

* * *

On the mailing list, Hazel reports an attempted break-in of her locked garage door on Monday at 20th and Spokane, and also relayed a report from her neighbor of an attempted lock-picking on 21st Avenue South on Friday.

* * *

Mahalie also reports on the mailing list of a second burglary of her home just off Cheasty some time between 9am and 5pm on Tuesday where the burglars appear to have taken their time and left with multiple computers, power supplies, a camera, a heavy change jar, and more after having rifled through bags and dumped out boxes looking for loot.

* * *

BHNW logged additional burglaries at 19th and Massachusetts last Saturday and at Beacon and Austin Friday.

* * *

Nick writes of a captured criminal:

My wife and I live on Beacon Hill on Hanford St. Our car was stolen on the 29th of October. We got it back the same day but, I just wanted to let you know that. The guy who stole it was arrested and is still in jail today.

Some more good news like this would be very welcome lately.

* * *

Mike Cheney posted a promising update in the forum about Project Safe Neighborhoods, plans to establish a neighborhood watch in South Beacon Hill and Holly Court, plans to pursue grants, and notice of monthly meetings. Sounds like things are starting to come together!

Thanks everyone for keeping your neighbors informed!


Home invasion robbery by men posing as police

November 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm | No Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

SeattleCrime.com has details of a home invasion robbery at an apartment near 13th and Beacon in the early morning of November 1st. A couple was robbed of several thousand dollars by six men dressed as police officers.

From the story, the couple seems to think they were targeted after having gone to a taco stand earlier in the evening. I wonder what could have happened at a taco stand to make these criminals interested in tracking down and robbing these victims.

Update: KOMO has more details.


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Rash of burglaries along 13th and nearby

November 4th, 2009 at 12:04 am | 2 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason
Recent burglaries and thefts recorded by bhnw.org

Recent burglaries and thefts recorded by bhnw.org

Going off of the scanner activity logged at bhnw.org, there’s been a seemingly large and sudden jump in burglaries in mid-north Beacon Hill, particularly along 13th Avenue South. In just the last two days, and only counting the reports logged by the part-time volunteer staff of BHNW, there have been 6+ burglaries and several other related crimes, mainly along this stretch.

Update: From Captain Emerick via Mariana Quarnstrom via Steve Louie:

FYI, the morning shift just caught two burglars in the act around Swift Ave and Eddy. They kicked a door and ran when the homeowner confronted them. Great arrest. Suspects were 2 older white guys that appear to be homeless or living at the missions. They will be going to jail soon..

Also, Mike Cheney has an update on the block watch program he’s spearheading in the forums.

Some of the security tips from the June South Precinct Email Community Newsletter are not really applicable for this time of year, but some warrant reviewing:

Install good quality dead bolt locks with at least a 1” throw on all exterior doors.

Replace the existing screws in the strike plates with screws that are 3”-4” long. When a door is forced open, it is the jamb that splinters and gives, not the door. By securing the strike plates with 3”-4” long screws, you secure the jamb to the wall stud. When the deadbolt lock is engaged, the bolt goes into the jamb and the jamb is now secured to the framing of the home. This makes it much more difficult for a person to force open a properly locked door.

Secure Tools and Ladders

Secure all tools, including ladders, so they cannot be used to gain entry into your home or that of a neighbor.

If Away For An Extended Period Of Time

If you’re going to be away for an extended time, ask a friend or trusted neighbor to watch your home. If they see suspicious activity while you are gone, they will know to call 911 for you.

Have the Post Office hold your mail and hold your newspaper delivery.

Make it appear that your home is occupied. You can do this by having timers set within the home that will turn lights on and off. You may want to consider timers for your exterior lights or photocell attachments (which activate when it gets dark and go off when it becomes light).

Do Not Leave Personal Belongings Unattended

Whether they are in a shopping cart or on a picnic blanket, always maintain positive control over your belongings. Never leave personal belongings unattended in your vehicle. Seattle has an incredibly high rate of theft of personal property from vehicles, particularly at public parks.

Additionally, record the serial numbers of your more valuable electronic items and keep them in a safe place. Consider engraving identifying information on your valuables as well. Take photographs of your valuables showing the identifying information.

Keep an eye out for suspicious individuals in your neighborhood. Be wary of solicitors or people going from door to door asking to use your phone, your bathroom, or a glass of water. Solicitors must register and carry identification in the city of Seattle. Call 911 if you encounter suspicious activity. 911 calls are used to determine police staffing and patrolling.


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Crime notes: Headliners

October 30th, 2009 at 11:36 am | 2 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

Seattle man [Kino Gomez] skips bail, costs family $100,000Seattle Times Blotter

Beacon Hill teen tells of selling her body on Seattle streetsSeattle P-I

Police Beat: The MomentSlog with the police report from the hair salon robbery last week

Transient sentenced to prison for slaying at homeless campSeattle Times Blotter, Van Truong sentenced for the September 11, 2008 killing of Major Lee Gay in “The Jungle”.


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Armed robbery of hair salon across from Shell

October 25th, 2009 at 1:16 am | 5 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

From the SPD Blotter:

On October 24th at approximately 6:37 p.m. two male suspects wearing all black clothing and ski masks and armed with handguns walked into a hair salon located in the 2300 block of 15th Avenue South.

Victim #1, a female employee, was at the rear of the salon and walked to the front when she heard the door chime. As she walked into the front area of the salon, one of the suspects grabbed her by the shirt and ordered her to the floor. Both suspects demanded money from her. She gave them cash.

Victim #2, a male employee who was also inside the salon, heard the noise and went to victim #1’s location. There he was contacted by one of the suspects and ordered at gun point to walk to the back of the business.

Victim #1 was able to run out of the salon when one of the suspects had briefly left her location. She ran across the street to a gas station for assistance. Both suspects fled the business when they discovered victim #1 had escaped.

Both victims and several citizens in the area heard one or two gunshots as the suspects fled the area. No property damage to the business or adjacent buildings was found by officers. Neither victim was injured during the incident. The suspects remain at large.

Anyone with information about this incident or who may know the identities or whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call 911 or Seattle Police immediately and refer to this incident.


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Man shot in buttocks at John C. Little Park last night

October 16th, 2009 at 10:47 am | No Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

Via the SPD Blotter:

On October 15th, at approximately 7:15 p.m., South Precinct officers responded to a call of a shooting in John Little Park in the 7000 Block of Holly Park Drive South. The call stated that shots had been fired inside the park and that lots of people were seen running from the scene. Officers arrived and located a 22-year old man who had been struck by a single gunshot in the buttocks. No one else was injured. The wound is not considered life-threatening, and the victim was transported to the hospital for treatment. Neither the victim or the several people with the victim could provide officers with any information about what had occurred. The Gang Unit will conduct the follow up investigation.


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Crime Notes: Dog park danger, Cheasty snatching, and more Jungle blues

October 14th, 2009 at 10:03 pm | 1 Comment | Posted in Crime by Jason

Kristy emailed us recently pointing to an article from the Laurelhurst blog about attacks at the Magnuson dog park. This ties together somewhat with Travis’s article recently on the KOMO blog about our own sparsely-attended dog park near the Jose Rizal bridge.

* * *

On the mailing list, Mahalie wrote of a break-in along Cheasty where a laptop was stolen sometime Friday night or Saturday morning. Monica added a note about a garbage bag full of someone else’s mail dropped next to her recycling Friday or the night prior. (Sharon who lives in the 9XXX block of Renton Avenue South, you may be interested to know your garbage has moved.)

* * *

Another reported attack just off of Dearborn in “the Jungle” has been reported in the P-I by Casey McNerthney: Man found beaten with two-by-four. This is just the most recent report of violence and crime on the northern tippy-tip-tip of the hill next to I-90 in recent months.

* * *

The Seattle Weekly pursues the Kino Gomez story further: Did Kino Gomez flee to die?


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Beacon Bits: Fight library cuts, walk to school, do yoga

October 7th, 2009 at 4:54 am | 7 Comments | Posted in Beacon Bits, Crime by Jason

The other day we mentioned the potential reduction of hours at the Beacon Hill library. The reduction in hours would have the library closing entirely on Fridays and Sundays, and closing early on other days. The Friends of the Seattle Public Library blog has a post that clearly explains what you can do to help fight these changes, including attending public hearings (starting tonight), and contacting city councilmembers. Some Friends of the Library were at the Beacon Hill Library on Sunday handing out information about the closures and talking to patrons.

* * *

October is International Walk to School Month, and local non-profit organization Feet First is observing the event by forming “walking school buses” at Muir Elementary School on “Walking Wednesdays.” Families, students and teachers will meet at designated locations and walk together to school. Walking groups leave at 8:40 a.m. from Safeway’s parking lot (behind Silver Fork), 33rd Avenue and Bayview (north of McClellan), Hunter Boulevard and South Hanford, and the Mt. Baker light rail station.

* * *

We hear that Yoga On Beacon, at 3013 Beacon Ave South, is two years old as of October 1st. Happy birthday!

* * *

People came to last weeks County Council Town Hall Meeting to protest recent bus route changes. Photo by Wendi.

People came to last week's County Council Town Hall Meeting to protest recent bus route changes. Photo by Wendi.

The King County Council Town Hall YouTube channel has posted video from last week’s public transit town hall meeting at the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club — unfortunately, the video’s just a one-minute collage with music and not very much context, and doesn’t give more than a hint of what the event was really like, or of the anger expressed by many Southeast Seattle residents who spoke that evening about the way recent bus route changes have affected their lives. Update: Al Sanders and Frank Abe from the Council pointed us to the full video of the meeting now available on their website as of this morning. Thanks guys!

* * *

Seattle Public Schools have posted the proposed new Student Assignment Plan. In the plan, students attending Beacon Hill International School would continue to Mercer Middle School, which would probably become an international School itself. Cleveland High School would become a math and science option school, open to students from the entire district — Seattle Times

* * *

The city has released its updated snow plan, mapping which streets will be plowed in the event of snowfall. If you want to express your opinions on the plan, a neighborhood meeting to discuss it will be on October 20, 7:00 pm, at Jefferson Community Center. — Beacon Hill KOMO, West Seattle Blog


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Crime Notes: Prolific prowler, watch progress, more maps

September 30th, 2009 at 8:29 pm | 1 Comment | Posted in Crime by Jason
The rash of recent car break-ins seem quite clustered, spreading out north and east from a point near 17th and College (the yellow marker).

The rash of recent car break-ins seem quite clustered, spreading out north and east from a point near 17th and College (the yellow marker).

A large number of car break-ins and smashed windows have been reported on the mailing list lately, mostly running along Waite Street and also along 18th Avenue South.

* * *

Mike Cheney reports good progress in his efforts to establish a block watch through the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods program on South Beacon Hill. Contact Mike to learn more and help out.

* * *

Andrew Taylor, Miller Park Neighborhood Association Chair, forwarded several interesting crime-related maps: Rainier Beach/Dunlap/South Beacon Hill assaults, robberies, and shootings since 2/21/09; Light rail crashes; and 2009 Seattle homicides. Thanks for the pointer, Andrew, and thanks to “Kevin” for creating and maintaining the maps.


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NBHC meeting agenda for Thursday

September 26th, 2009 at 12:02 pm | No Comments | Posted in Crime, Health and Safety, Local Events, Meetings, Urban Planning by Jason

The NBHC meeting this Thursday brings a couple of guests with presentations in addition to regular business. Remember: if you live in the neighborhood and you’ve been to even one NBHC meeting before, you’ve got a vote.

North Beacon Hill Council Agenda
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7:00 PM
Beacon Hill Library Community Room

Please join us in making decisions that affect our community. All are welcome!

  • 7:00 Introductions and hellos
  • 7:10 Superintendent Jorge Carrasco, Seattle City Light; presentation on placement of sight-line obstructive poles on West Beacon Hill in 12th Ave. neighborhood with Q&A afterward
  • 7:25 Brian Dougherty, Seattle Department of Transportation; presentation on proposed parking changes for 15th Ave. S.; presentation with Q&A afterward
  • 7:55 Community reports and council business:
    • Seattle Police Department
    • Neighborhood Planning Ad Hoc Committee (vote needed, quorum required); if motion is passed, formation of committee to draft a grant for ongoing neighborhood planning work
    • Other: Matthew Stubbs as NBHC representative to GDDC – vote required; announcements from Steve Louie, Neighborhood Coordinator; other announcements and any concerns from the community
  • 8:30 Closure

Thanks Judith!


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Beacon Bits, briefly: volunteer armies, bagpipes back, and board membership

September 26th, 2009 at 11:46 am | No Comments | Posted in Beacon Bits, Clean and Green, Crime, Education, Lost and Found, Volunteering by Jason

Adding to the fleet of SPU students in the neighborhood volunteering today is an army of 400 Seattle U. freshmen working in the Cheasty Greenspace with EarthCorps.

* * *

This missing bagpipes have been found! Somebody tossed them in a trash bin, but they were found before it was emptied.

* * *

Denise Louie Education Center is looking for a board member.


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Store robbed near 15th and Columbian

September 18th, 2009 at 7:02 pm | No Comments | Posted in Crime by Wendi

There was an armed robbery near 15th and Columbian on Thursday night. Seattle Police say that a suspect entered the store, in the 4300 block of 15th Avenue South, armed with a hand gun. He rushed the clerk and forced him to give up some cash, then fled.

The suspect is described as a Black or Hispanic male, 25-30, 5′7″, 160 pounds, with fair or almond-colored skin, wearing a black hoody, a blue and white plaid jacket, and blue jeans.

A K-9 unit tracked him to a nearby parking lot, but the suspect was not found.


View Untitled in a larger map


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Crime Notes: Skipping bail; Hello, church burglaries; stripped Honda

September 17th, 2009 at 6:26 pm | 2 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

The Beacon Hill man charged in the motel shooting death of sound engineer Tom Pfaeffle in Twisp, Kino Gomez, has apparently disappeared and is now in violation of the conditions of his release on $100,000 bail. Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Roberts told the Wenatchee World “We have no idea where he is.” King County Sheriff Sergeant John Urquhart said his department will follow any credible tip from the public. — Seattle Weekly & Seattle Times

Update: Much more from the Weekly.

* * *

One of our newest neighborhood businesses at Hanford and Beacon has now been victim of a burglary:

Hello Bicycle was broken into and robbed last night. We have a rear door that was completely smashed in by tremendous impact that actually ripped the door frame apart. They ran in, grabbed cash, and escaped in such a hurry that they dropped some of the money on their way out. Fortunately no other property was damaged and no bicycles were stolen.

The financial loss is not tremendous but the security concern for the neighborhood is extremely upsetting. We will be installing additional security immediately. This is our second robbery, the first one being a bicycle that was retaken from the thieves down the street.

* * *

Another break-in occurred last night not too far away from Hello Bicycle. SNB reports on the mailing list of a break-in at a church at 16th and Forest:

Last night at 12:55 a.m. we awoke to breaking glass to see a man trying to break into the Beacon Hill First Baptist Church. We called the police then watched the man continue to try and break in. We think there was already another person inside. The man was African-American in his late 30’s/early 40’s wearing black pants, black coat and a black backpack. It seemed to take forever for the police to get there but the police saw him when they arrived but he got away.

* * *

Also on the mailing list, Renata mentions seeing a black Honda Civic HX (plate number 673 TEX) that had been apparently stolen, stripped, and dumped this morning around 10am near top of the hill at 13th Avenue South and South Court Street:

Obviously they had some serious time to strip this particular vehicle because even the tires were all gone, yet they left the car with all spares! (At least they didn’t leave it on cinder blocks!) The taillights are completely missing, the hood was up, and the dashboard/gauge was completely removed…

An hour later, a tow truck was loading it up and taking it away.


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Crime Notes: Car found, car windows broken, Craigslist

September 16th, 2009 at 9:04 pm | No Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

Rob's 2001 Jeep Cherokee, driven through his garage door following a burglary on August 25th.

Rob's 2001 Jeep Cherokee, driven through his garage door following a burglary on August 25th.

Rob, following up on the burglary with a dramatic getaway previously reported, writes that the 2001 Jeep Cherokee stolen from his garage (exiting forcefully through his garage door) was located not too far away near Corson and Ferdinand, near the Maple Wood Playfield. If you happened to see whoever drove and dumped it there a week or two ago, please contact Rob.

* * *

BenRifkah reports recent car prowls with multiple broken windows along Waite between 19th & 20th. Other posters identified an individual who has long been suspected of similar prowls near 17th & College. Definitely do not keep valuables in your car if at all possible.

* * *

If you’ve been a robbery or burglary victim recently, Allison mentions monitoring Craigslist for your stolen merchandise. A mighty good suggestion. Craiglist is just as good a place to try to fence stolen property as it is to get rid of your old sofa.


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Volunteer opportunities a-go-go

September 9th, 2009 at 11:31 pm | 1 Comment | Posted in Clean and Green, Crime, Education, Health and Safety, Life on the Hill, Recreation by Jason

A volunteer at work on the Hanford Steps last year. Photo by Jason.

A volunteer at work on the Hanford Steps last year. Photo by Jason.

The Hanford Stairs Weed Busters need you! Susan Fairo is seeking teams of two people (volunteering together or matched up individuals) who can put in 2-3 hours four times a year to help keep weeds from taking over the new native plants at the public staircase near 25th and Cheasty. Rookie Weed Buster team volunteers will receive instruction on what to remove and what to ignore, and use of tools, watering, plant disposal, etc. If you’re interested or have questions, contact Susan at susan.fairo@gmail.com or call 206-349-7285.

* * *

Noticed an increase in airplane noise? Patty Fong is organizing neighbors in Beacon Hill and the Central District to address the issue with the FAA. See this comment on a previous Beacon Bits for more details, including contact information.

* * *

Teens can earn service learning credit at the library. In addition to free SAT prep and online tutoring, the Seattle Public Library is also running a teen advisory board this school year. If you know teens wishing to earn service learning credit by writing book reviews, helping at teen programs, or writing for the SPL blog, contact Jennifer Bisson at Jennifer.Bisson@spl.org or call 206-615-1410.

* * *

Catholic Community Services is looking for tutors. Their Youth Tutoring Program is an after-school educational enrichment program for at-risk students in first through twelfth grade. Volunteers offer academic support and also serve as positive role models to students, helping strengthen their sense of self-esteem and self-respect. Tutors help students with reading, homework (all subjects), math and language arts skills. Resources are available for those subjects you might not remember quite so well, and no specific background is necessary aside from a high school diploma. Tutoring Centers located nearby in NewHolly and Rainier Vista are open Monday-Thursday from 4:20-7:40pm, and tutoring would be for 1-3 hours per week on the same night every week. You can apply online at http://www.ccsww.org/ytp.

* * *

Flash Volunteer offers many more volunteer opportunities. A non-profit startup run by Brad Wilke, a former Development Director at Denise Louie, aims to link people and neighborhood-focused volunteer opportunities. Check it out at www.flashvolunteer.org.

* * *

A South Beacon Hill neighborhood watch is coming together. Mike Cheney, working with SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon’s encouragement, is trying to bring together South Beacon Hill neighbors to form a neighborhood watch group. Perhaps you read the recent Wall Street Journal article “Civilian Patrols Grow As Recession Puts Citizens on Guard” and it piqued your interest, or maybe you’d just like to make your block a safer place to live. If you’re interested, email Mike at redboneshadow@yahoo.com.


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Crime notes: bikes, racks, plants gone missing

September 8th, 2009 at 8:17 pm | 1 Comment | Posted in Crime by Jason

More plant pilfering in the neighborhood reported on the mailing list. From Erin on 15th between Plum and Holgate:

Sometime between Saturday, Sept 5 noon and Sunday, Sept 6 6.00 PM someone stole a small Japanese maple tree from our driveway. We have a common/shared driveway not visible from the street.

And last night, Destiny near 14th and Spokane had a bicycle stolen, and it wasn’t even hers:

My husband just got back from Burning Man, and washed off the bike we borrowed from a friend: a Maroon Trek mountain bike. He set it on the side of our town house to dry, and someone STOLE it our of our little yard while it was drying last night. Now we own my best friend $700.

Please be on the lookout for a maroon Trek Mountain bike with straight handlebars. It’s a few years old but in great condition.

Justin on 20th between Hanford and Stevens followed up:

Maybe they needed a rack to go with it. Somebody ripped my Yakima rack off my car last night…

If you’ve got any tips or information for Erin, Destiny, or Justin, drop us a line and we’ll get you in touch.


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Crime Notes: Burglary escape sounds like an action film

August 26th, 2009 at 10:01 am | 3 Comments | Posted in Crime by Jason

The damage left behind when the Cherokee rammed its way out. Photo by Rob.

The damage left behind when the Cherokee rammed its way out. Photo by Rob.

Rob near 15th and Spokane writes about what had to be a dramatic and brazen daylight burglary (emphasis mine):

Our house was burglarized Tuesday some time around mid-day. They appear to have entered through a window we thought was too high from the ground, or even a ladder, to make possible. They took two laptops, and our 32″ LCD TV in the living room (probably peeked through front door / window blinds and saw that, motivating the break-in). To top the whole thing off, they then stole my silver ‘01 Jeep Cherokee out of the locked garage, ramming it through the closed garage door. Fortunately nobody was home or hurt, but we are very shaken up.

That sort of exit had to attract some attention. If you have any information about this break-in that could be helpful, if you were in the area of 15th and Spokane and saw anything yesterday, please contact the Seattle Police Department. Also, keep an eye out for a silver Jeep Cherokee with 60th anniversary edition badges and 5-spoke alloy wheels, plate number A58145Z; when found, it may be useful for collecting fingerprint evidence. I’d imagine there’d also have to be a bit of scratching-up on it, having driven through a garage door.

Updated with photo from Rob.


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