Beacon Hill Blog

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

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/

Tags: alcohol, ban, flood, jungle

Be alert when out in the dark mid-afternoon

Colette shares a suspicious situation her husband witnessed last night:

Around 7pm my husband was walking our dog on 22nd and McClellan and passed a gentleman walking with a backpack. Continuing his walk, my husband noticed two males walking at a fast pace. One of the individuals crossed the street and walked in the same direction as the gentleman and my husband noticed some sort of hand signal between the two of them. They then noticed my husband and stopped their pursuit. It may have been nothing, but it seemed as though it could have been a robbery situation… Now that it is getting darker earlier it’s a good idea to be aware of what’s around you, especially if you’re walking alone.

Stay alert! Report suspicious activity and keep your neighbors safe. Thanks Colette!

Tags: dark, safety

Pedestrian injured in collision with bicyclist

From the SPD Blotter:

On 11/03/09, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling [northbound] on Beacon Ave S. approaching S. College St. As the Bicyclist approached S. College St, a pedestrian going [westbound] across Beacon Ave S. stepped into the roadway.

The Bicyclist was unable to avoid the pedestrian and collided with him.

The pedestrian sustained a serious head injury and Seattle Fire Department Medic transported him to Harborview Medical Center (HMC).

During the investigation, HMC stated that the pedestrian’s medical condition improved to become non-life threatening.

An officer responded to the scene to screen the bicyclist for any signs of impairment due to drugs/alcohol. The officer determined that the bicyclist was not impaired.

More also from KOMO:
Bike Pedestrian Accident on Beacon Ave
Update: Pedestrian injured in head-on crash with bicycle

Tags: accident, bicycle, pedestrian

Walking with Tica: cold & flu edition

I have never been so grateful to have a mellow(ish) older dog.  Tica was patient this week as we were laid out with a nasty bug.  Was it a flu? A cold? Does it matter?  We were sick, but at least we were prepared–and now we’re better.  Whew!

King County has excellent guidelines (in several languages) for how to prepare for flu. If you’re at risk, get vaccinated. Wash your hands frequently, and make sure those around you (especially kids) wash their hands. Wipe down doorknobs, telephones, keyboards, and other surfaces. If you’re sick, STAY HOME. Ask someone else to run to the grocery store, pick up the kids, or take care of other errands.

I’ll add some practical tips (also useful for anyone expecting a baby or otherwise planning to be housebound for a while).  Even with limited space and/or a limited budget, it’s possible to plan ahead.  Be creative.

• Stock up on household supplies.  Buy extra toilet paper, tissue, cleaning supplies, etc while on sale.  Have at least a week’s reserve stored, if possible.
• Remember pets–have litter, food, and other essentials available in case you can’t make it to the store for a few days.
• Keep a supply of medications on hand: pain/fever reducers, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications. Even if you don’t usually take OTC medications, buy a bottle of cold/flu reliever and some fever reducer.  You can always give it away at the end of the season.
• Print out a contact list of doctors/health care providers, including phone numbers, addresses, and emergency/after hours contact info.  Make copies of insurance info & include in this folder.
• Print out a list of friends/family/neighbors who can help.  Be a helpful friend/neighbor–offer your contact information to those on your block in case of emergency.
• Keep a collection of light reading, movies, games, etc. hidden in a cupboard. You’ll appreciate this when you’re well enough to be bored, but too sick to go out.
• Fill a box with soup, crackers, gatorade, and other easy-to-eat non-perishable items.

I didn’t need to call anyone to walk Tica or run to Red Apple for juice.  Shane and I were sick at different times, so we were able to take care of each other.  It was a relief to know who I could call if I needed help.   I’m grateful to have connections with neighbors who care.

Tags: emergency preparedness, flu

Missing child alert: Have you seen Denez? — found safe!

Update via KIRO7Seattle on Twitter: “Missing South Seattle boy has been found safe & sound with mom.” Whew! (We’ve removed the child’s photo since he has now been found.)

Missing child alert from the SPD Blotter:

South Precinct patrol officers are currently looking for the 6 year old boy pictured above. His name is Denez Bernier. He usually wears a dark blue jacket and has a dark green GI Joe backpack. He did not show up at Dearborn Park Elementary School earlier today. School officials received a call from his mother just before noon inquiring as to his whereabouts but she has not called police to report him missing. It is unknown if he is in danger. A search is underway and a number of relatives have been contacted. We would like to speak to his mother since she originated the complaint. Her name is Judith Bernier, 25 years of age. We are also looking for his father, who apparently works in a tire shop in South Seattle. His name is Tulaga Ativalu. This is all of the information that we have at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police non-emergency number at 206 625-5011.

Tags: dearborn park elementary, denez bernier, missing child

Motorcyclist killed in accident at Myrtle and Beacon

From the SPD Blotter:

On 10-25-09 at 10:00 p.m., a black Honda, CBR1100 Motorcycle, driven by a 32-year-old male was traveling westbound on S. Myrtle St. approaching Beacon Ave S. at a very high rate of speed.

At the same time a black Chrysler Crossfire was stopped at the red traffic signal on S. Myrtle St at Beacon Ave S facing westbound. The Crossfire started to continue westbound after the green light changed for westbound traffic, when it was struck from the rear by the motorcycle. The Motorcycle driver was thrown from the bike and struck by another vehicle which was traveling East bound on S. Myrtle.

The Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced the 32-year-old male dead at the scene.

The King County Medical Examiner responded and gathered evidence and recover the body.

Traffic collision Detectives responded and investigated the collision and processed the scene.

Tags: accident, fatality, killed, motorcycle

NBHC meeting agenda for Thursday

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!

Tags: city light, sdot

Volunteer opportunities a-go-go

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.

Tags: airplane noise, block watch, cheasty, hanford stairs, hanford steps, library, neighborhood watch, plants, public stairs, service learning credit, traffic, tutoring, tutors, volunteers

Walking with Tica: Working out on Beacon Hill stairs

I’m a foul-weather gym member. The Meredith Matthews YMCA  (just off 23rd in the Central District) has a great facility and low rates—and they allow me to join and cancel at will with no fees. This allows me to workout outside when I want, and inside when the weather shifts.  I prefer to spend as much time outside as possible in the summer, and to integrate my workouts into the rest of my life as much as possible.

If you’re looking for a great workout in our neighborhood, check out the stairs running east-west on the streets between 15th and 17th. I created a Google map to give an idea of stair locations and the route we take.  Be creative and explore the area—I usually incorporate a few hills in addition to the stairs.

Depending on how much time I have (and how Tica’s feeling) we’ll walk or jog the stairs while heading north, then slow down and head south towards home along a less steep route.

It’s a great workout with some breathtaking views. I put some of my shots from this area in the Beacon Hill Blog Flickr photo pool—share yours!

Much thanks for all the hard work neighbors and volunteers have been putting in to make these stairs usable!

Tags: bayview stairs, stairs, steep, walking, workout

South Precinct: Adiós Capt. Liggins, hello Capt. Emerick

A big shake up in the command-level of the Seattle Police Department was announced this morning. Of relevance to Beacon Hill and other areas in the South Precinct:

Captain Dave Emerick, a 25-year veteran of the police force, is leaving the Violent Crimes Section to become the new South Precinct commander. Captain Emerick will lead approximately 83 officers assigned to Patrol Operations, including a Community Police Team and a plain-clothes Anti-Crime Team. Captain Emerick has previously served in the Gang Unit, Narcotics Section, Homicide Unit and Harbor Patrol. This will be Captain Emerick’s first precinct command.

Captain Les Liggins, a 24-year veteran, is departing the South Precinct to assume command of the Narcotics Section, where he will oversee three squads of detectives and the Drug Court Liaison. Captain Liggins brings to the assignment experience leading the Metropolitan Section (SWAT, Mounted Patrol, and K9 Patrol), Fraud, Forgery and Financial Exploitation, Auto Theft, and Audit Accreditation and Policy.

For more details on other changes in the SPD command structure, see the this article on the SPDBlotter.

Tags: captain, emerick, liggins, police, spd

Beacon Bits: Jungle shooting, health inspections, Night Out block parties

• Another late-night shooting in the jungle leaves a man dead with no arrests and not even a description of the suspect — SPDBlotter
• Health inspections turn up violations at Asian Express, C&C Food Store/Valero, and Fiesta-Mex — Seattle/King County Public Health
• The annual neighborhood Block Party and Night Out Against Crime is coming up on Tuesday, August 4th. Registration deadline for hosting one on your block is July 31st. Please let us know if your block is hosting a party — we’ll do a run-down and reminder before the Night Out.

Tags: block party, fatal, food handling, food safety, health inspections, jungle, night out, shooting

Blood drive seeking Asian donors

Nikanne Nietzsche with the Puget Sound Blood Center writes:

Greetings! We need your help to build up the Asian volunteer blood donor population in Western Washington. For every 22 Caucasian donors we only obtain 1 Asian donor. In Western Washington, for every 22 Caucasians, there are 4 Asians. We are really 75% lacking in our potential Asian blood donors in this area. Lets get organized and build up the Asian commitment for blood donors!

Successful blood drives START with getting the word out.

IT’S THE SIMPLEST WAY TO HELP! Please Donate Blood:

SATURDAY, JULY 25
BLAINE MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3001 – 24th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144

For information and appointments, please call Heidi Wong at KIN ON 206-721-3630 Ext 126 or hwong@kinon.org

Donation information sheet (PDF)

Tags: blood, donation, psbc, puget sound blood center

Mailing list minutes: Fruit trees, vacant space, and disappearing mail

Some recent activity on the neighborhood mailing list:

• Jon Gould is looking for a tenant for the 2200 square-foot (1100 upstairs, 1100 downstairs) space at 3315 Beacon Avenue South formerly occupied by Buggy (opening today in Madrona, by-the-way, with an opening party on the 11th). He’s asking for $1300/month in rent. Email Jon for further details.
• Jon also notes that The Stranger’s Christopher Frizzelle is looking to speak with people who have experienced Sound Transit-related sinkholes.
• Several neighbors have discussed outdoing mail thefts, including the pilfering of bill payment checks, in the northerly areas near 16th Ave S recently. Shea Bajaj (of Viridian Design, an architect with an interest in building Detached Accessory Dwelling Units) passes on some information he received from his postal carrier: If you’ve suspect or have experienced mail theft, contact your local postal inspector. Additionally, through the same contact, you can lodge a request that recently removed blue postal drop boxes be replaced and/or petition for the establishment of a neighborhood postal collection unit like newer townhouse complexes have.
• Hazel points us to a new website cataloging fruit trees around town: City Fruit. For more information, see the project’s home site. Relatedly, Theresa points us toward the Community Fruit Tree Harvest project from Solid Ground, a program looking for donations of tree fruit. They’re also considering fruit tree care classes and volunteer arborist services for donators. For more information, visit the website or contact Gail Savina.

If you’re not already on the mailing list, join here. It’s a great way to get recommendations from your neighbors for drywallers, plumbers, electricians, etc. or announce your garage sale or whatnot.

Thanks Jon, Theresa, Hazel, Shea, and everybody else on the lists!

Tags: fruit trees, mail theft, retail space, sinkholes

Rollover accident at Beacon & Spokane

Earlier this evening, around 8pm, there was a radio report of a blocking injury accident in the 3600 block of Beacon Ave S. We couldn’t make it out there to check it out ourselves, but Joel Lee did and sends in this report and photo:

As far as I can tell everyone is fine, but there was just a roll-over accident on the corner of Beacon and Spokane. They are still cleaning it up and traffic is moving through the area except for part of Spokane which is still shut down.

Thanks for the report, Joel!

Tags: accident

Door-to-door alarm system solicitors cause alarm

Several neighbors on the mailing list have mentioned a small group of nervous young men going from door-to-door pitching GE alarm systems. They may just be inexperienced at their job, but their demeanor, lack of brochures and business cards, and hard-sell tactics are causing concern.

Sara from the mailing list mentioned she’d seen them a few years ago when she lived in Queen Anne, and that she’d learned they are BYU students recruited by an alarm company every summer for door-to-door selling.

Reports from Monday and Tuesday have placed them canvassing homes east of Beacon Avenue from 18th to 25th Avenue South.

Contacted via telephone, Tim Burdick of Burdick’s Security on Rainier Avenue relates that he’s received a number calls about these hucksters lately; they were also around Columbia City yesterday. He too mentions that they appear to be some sort of summer program hired by an out-of-area alarm company that hits the region every year.

One of these men actually jammed his foot in the door when the homeowner attempted to close it, according to a caller Tim had spoken to, and they had also mentioned they represented “Platinum Security”. Interestingly, the Beacon Hill Neighborhood Watch crimelog had a report Monday afternoon from 24th & Spokane: “Attempted burglary. White male posing as alarm installer tried to push his way into the house. White hat, blue jeans now headed east on So. Hanford.”

Some digging online turns up Platinum Protection, LLC based out of Orem, UT. A telephone representative confirmed that they do summer door-to-door sales nationwide. While they have a Seattle summer office, contact information for that office was not provided.

In any case, if you feel threatened or in danger, do call 911. Call in your complaints to Platinum Protection as well: 801-223-6500.

Update: They’re active all over nearby; this sounds like them in Hillman City, too.

Thanks to Alex, Joyce, David, Hazel, Ezra, Sara and Sandra from the mailing list, and also to Tim from Burdick’s Security!

Tags: alarm system, platinum, salesmen

Sound Transit can’t avoid the voids

The Seattle Post Globe fills us in on the filling of an eighth “void” along the tunnel excavation route at 18th and Lander. Another potential void is also being examined at 17th as well. Crews are expected to complete investigation and repairs by May 22nd.

After the initial report of the sinkhole that rose all the way to the surface, subsequent voids were identified by reviewing records of excavation spoils for abnormally high readings originally attributed to mismeasurement, accuracy, or instrument calibration issues.

BHB reader Heidi wrote this morning about having seen crews working at these repair sites (and being a bit hesitant about answering questions) and pointed out the crumbling retaining wall nearby. Interestingly, in the Post Globe report Sound Transit spokesman Bruce Gray states no structural damage has been reported from these voids and that only a quarter-inch of settling has been measured, and none of that near the void sites.

Thanks Heidi!

Tags: construction, property damage, sinkhole, sound transit, tunnel, void

Parties, crime, and alcohol touched on at NBHC meeting

The North Beacon Hill Council met tonight at 7 at the Beacon Hill library. Very briefly, here’s what went down:

• Reps from DPD present talked about outreach and prep for the next planning meeting May 30th.
• An ad hoc committee and an outreach subcommittee of the Neighborhood Planning Advisory Committee is seeking a six month delay in the DPD neighborhood planning process to get outreach to more of the community and focus more closely on neighborhood issues specifically instead of Southeast Seattle issues generally.
• Beacon Mountain Playground is moving forward with phase 1 of the project.
• An SDOT representative will be at the June meeting to provide an update.
• Some background on the Sound Transit tunnel voids was given by Roger Pence. There are believed to be only two unfilled voids remaining and they are being actively worked on.
• Some discussion of the pedestrian safety, zoning, and environmental issues around the new car wash occurred, leading into a proposal to form a committee to work on attracting additional businesses to the hill and a motion to write a letter to the DPD concerning the zoning conflict with the transit overlay area.
• Police updates included notice that staffing hours will likely change soon, focusing more bodies during the times of day when they’re needed. Also brief discussion of car prowls, burglaries, graffiti, car accidents, prostitution, etc.
• Asian Express’s liquor license renewal is mentioned to be coming up soon, and it may be an opportune time to work out a “good neighbor” agreement to reduce the sales of high-alcohol beverages.
• Volunteers were sought to staff the NBHC booth at the Jefferson Park festival on June 6th.
• Michael Richmond mentioned the possible upcoming city council and mayoral candidate forums this fall. Previous candidate forums are said to have been especially well attended here on the hill.
• The Piñata Party will be on July 18th this year — the same day as the Sound Transit Link Light Rail grand opening. This may be both good and bad.
• Newly elected board members:
  • Matthew Stubbs
  • Sara Hasan

Did I miss something or get something wrong? Let us know in the comments.

Tags: alcohol, car wash, dpd, election, festival, park, party, planning, playground, police, sand, sdot, tunnel

Underground voids found, filled by Sound Transit

In addition to the one that came all the way to the surface, the Seattle Post Globe reports Sound Transit has found an additional six underground voids above the bored tunnel on the East side of the hill. Six of the seven total found voids have now been filled with concrete at a cost so far of about $1 million. Keep an eye out for more shifting soil!

Update: KOMO reporter (and Beacon Hill resident) Travis Mayfield has a video report on this story.

Tags: hole, sinkhole, sound transit, tunnel

Aki Kurose Middle School to close tomorrow due to swine flu outbreak

Aki Kurose Middle School and Stevens Elementary will be closed tomorrow (Friday) through Thursday, May 7. Two of the newest H1N1 flu cases are students that attend those schools. Madrona K-8 was already closed until next Wednesday because of an earlier flu case. Seattle Schools recommends these tips for students of closed schools:

“To avoid spreading infection, students should not gather outside of school during the week that school is closed. If students or staff do become ill, avoid contact with others and remain at home from work and school either for 7 days after illness starts or for a full day after the illness is over, whichever is longer. If your symptoms are more severe, call your health care provider to discuss if you need to be seen and evaluated, and tell them about the school closure for swine flu.”

Public Health – Seattle and King County has a page set up to provide up-to-date information about the flu outbreak.

Tags: aki kurose, flu, school closures

Neighbor warns about disturbing activity

Neighbor Melissa writes to warn us about a disturbing occurrence in which a local 13-year-old was frightened by a man who was acting strangely:

She told me there was a guy circling the block gesturing and smiling at her. I was walking my dog with another neighbor, and while we were waiting a car came around the corner. The driver was cruising slowly in the middle of the road, looking right at the young woman. When I waved at him, he looked at me and waved back, then accelerated and drove away.

Both my neighbor and I thought his behavior was strange, and the young woman was fairly distraught. She said she’d seen him around the library and the gas station/convenience store on Beacon (used to be the C&C…what is it now?) and he always made her and her friends nervous.

I called the police non-emergency number & reported the incident and the license number. So did the other neighbor. The police said the plate number matched an SUV–but that’s not what this guy is driving.

Melissa adds, “Please let people know to watch out for a creepy middle aged guy cruising the ‘hood in a maroon-ish sedan-type car. Scratch that–look out for creeps in general. Tell your kids and the neighbor kids to tell an adult and/or contact the police if they’re scared. Go over the standard stranger-danger stuff.”