Sept. Board Meeting, Monday, Sept. 24, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Crown Hill Center, room 4

All are welcome to attend. If you have a topic you would like added to the agenda, email it to agenda@crownhillneighbors.org.

Thanks for your interest in Crown Hill Neighbors!

Break-ins in the Neighborhood

Monday and today we’ve had a few break-ins and thefts of houses in Crown Hill. The first burglaries were Monday, near 12th and 90th:

We had a break in yesterday. They climbed in the second story window and stole our tv as well as my jewelry. They also broke into our neighbors house and stole her jewelry.

This morning another residential burglary near 13th and 95th:

It looks like they were watching the house because they broke in right after we left this morning.  They shimmied open a window on the side of the house and got in that way, but then set off the alarm when they opened the patio door to get things out.  They stole our 42″ plasma TV and had some other things stuffed into bags, but left the bags behind (probably because they were not expecting the alarm to go off).  We’re going through the house now to see if anything else is missing.

 We did call the police and filed a report with them, and we’re adding more sensors to our windows so that the alarm will go off if a window is tampered with.  There shouldn’t have been any cars other than ours [...] in our driveway this morning ….
Here are some tips to get everybody into security mode:
  1. Terrie Johnston is the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator for the North Precinct. I don’t know for sure how much longer she will be there. She sends out updates probably once a month. She can come to a block watch organization meeting, and she has done security checkups for both homes and businesses. terrie.johnston@seattle.gov or 206-684-7711.
  2. Probably good to have a quick meeting in someone’s back yard. Start exchanging phone nos, getting to know everyone.
  3. Report all suspicious activity when it is happening. Report it to 911. The 911 operators will triage the calls and dispatch an officer if one is available. Far better than voice mail at the non-emergency number. Per Terrie Johnston and Scott McGlashan presentations, if you are not sure if something is suspicious, it is suspicious.
  4. Secure windows and doors
  5. Lights on for porches.
  6. Motion sensing lights
  7. Keep ladders locked up
  8. If door knock is heard, always respond verbally (but don’t open door if you don’t know / expect). If person runs away, or otherwise odd, call 911
  9. Last I heard security cams were a mixed blessing in that they might be a target of theft, but see this thread on MyBallard forum for a different perspective. SPD caught the burglar based on the evidence provided by the video: http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=14239

In terms of recovering from the theft:

  1. If house or car keys or garage door remotes are missing, the burglar(s) may be back. Beware and take appropriate action if any of these are missing.

United Indians Youth Home Block Party, August 29th 4-8 PM

United Indians Youth Home is holding its second annual “Block Party”:

Join us for our Party and Barbecue with DJ Dough Boy!

Wednesday August 29th, 2012 4 pm – 8pm

Fun activities! Good Food! Volunteer Appreciation!

9010 13th Ave NW Seattle, WA 98117

RSVP to: (206) 781-8303

August Board Meeting, Monday, August 27, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Crown Hill Center, room 4

All are welcome to attend. If you have a topic you would like added to the agenda, email it to agenda@crownhillneighbors.org.

Thanks for your interest in Crown Hill Neighbors!

Crown Hill Garage Sale, Saturday, July 28, 2012!!!

Good Weather

The 6th Annual Crown Hill Neighbors Garage Sale is shaping up to be a fantastic event. Good weather (not too hot, not too cold, no rain). Lots of great stuff out there. Whether you’re looking to outfit a “man-cave” with a free 5 piece sectional couch (pink), or looking for treasures on a budget (“nothing over a dollar”), or browse the (in)famous West Crown Hill 16th Ave sales, there is something for you!  Harbor Church and Literacy Council of Seattle are participating with proceeds to their charitable works.  Lots of lemonade and refreshment stands are there (see the yellow dots on the map).  And if you’re interested in showing off that Crown Hill Pride ™, we’ve got our fabulous Crown Hill t-shirts available (kids: $5; old design: $10; new design: $15) for purchase at the sale at 9020 12th Ave.

You can still sign up until 5 PM today (July 27th).  Signups are now closed. Map and listing is available here and a limited number will be available (after 8:30 AM on Saturday) by the West entrance of Crown Hill Center (9250 14th Ave NW).

Happy Sale-ing to all, buyers and sellers!

Crown Hill Neighbors Garage Sale Map

Click on map to view listings.

 

 

Waste Management strike,July 25th, no waste pickup this week.

Waste Management drivers went on strike today. Most of Crown Hill’s pickup day is Wednesday. Some folk have reported they got garbage pickup only. Most say no pickups happened today. Haul the cans in, and put them out again next Wednesday.

Seattle Public Utilities press release states:

Disruptions in Solid Waste Collections

Customers missed today asked to put out all garbage, yard waste and recycling next Wednesday

As a strike by Teamster Union Local 117 continues, Waste Management is reporting that nearly all of its business and residential garbage, recycling and yard waste collections have stopped in Seattle today — and that many routes, in all wastes streams, will likely remain uncollected by the end of today.

The company also warns of continuing disruptions in solid waste collections tomorrow, Thursday, July 26.

Seattle Public Utilities SPU) asks recycling customers who were missed for collection today to put out their recycling next Wednesday, Aug. 1. There will be no charge for additional items placed at the curb.

Thursday customers should put their garbage, yard waste and recycling out before 7 a.m. tomorrow.

The strike could affect about 60 percent of the city, in Northwest and South Seattle. Teamster Local 117’s contract with Waste Management expired May 31. In Seattle, Local 117 represents only recycling drivers, and other drivers are covered by separate labor agreements. However, Waste Management is reporting that yard and garbage drivers also stopped collecting today.

Collections by CleanScapes, which covers about 40 percent of the city are not impacted by the strike.

SPU Director Ray Hoffman said that although the City of Seattle is not part of the negotiations between Waste Management and the Teamsters, he expects the two parties continue to engage in good faith negotiations toward a speedy and successful outcome.

Under its contract with the city, Waste Management is required to continue services in the event of any disruption. Specifically, any missed collections due to any labor complications must be collected later in the week, or the following week. Waste Management will not be paid for any non-service.

The contract allows the city to deduct approximately $4,500 per day in payments to Waste Management for any services that are not completed the next day. For any interruptions that continue more than a week, contractors can also be fined substantially for service failure, up to $250,000 per day.

“Protecting public health and safety will continue to be the city’s guiding principle throughout this collection disruption,” Hoffman said.

SPU will provide updates as needed. Customers with solid waste service issues or concerns may call the Call Center at 206-684-3000.

Customers with labor/union questions or concerns should contact Waste Management or Teamsters Local 117.

Latest Neighborhood Crime Prevention Information

This just received from Terrie Johnston, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator, SPD North Precinct:

Dear Block Captains and Contacts:  SPD and SFD want to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle.  The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.  Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.  Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them.  Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries.  The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable.

Our 9-1-1 center becomes overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls on the 4th of July.  For this day only, DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.  If you know me or my work, you know that it is my constant endeavor to encourage the public to use 9-1-1 to report suspicious circumstances, in addition to reporting crime.  HOWEVER,  my message applies to all days of the year except July 4th.  This is the busiest day of the year for our Call Center. Reports of fireworks; barking dogs; drunken parties; gunshots fired; boating mishaps;  burns, noise complaints, etc. are commonplace during this holiday.  Delays in dispatch are a reality. If possible use the 625-5011 line to report any fireworks violations.

Our car prowl reports continue, and may even increase in numbers during the summer.  I’ve attached a tip sheet for preventing car prowls, which I hope you will find helpful.  I’ve seen reports of car prowls around Carkeek Park and Greenlake, and pretty much throughout the other North Precinct neighborhoods.  Here are some of the items reported stolen in a car prowl this month:  Cameras; clothing; wallets; ID; social security cards; cash; car keys; cell. phones; MP3 player, coins, laptops, suitcases, gym bags, power tools, loaded guns, GPS, catalytic converter, golf clubs  and a  passport.  Try to leave your car empty if possible, and park it in a garage or up in your driveway if you can.

National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug. 7th this year.  Registration is up and running on our website, www.seattle.gov/police.  Hope you can participate this year.  I am here to help answer any questions you may have about Night Out, Block Watch, crime, etc. 

In an effort to keep you informed and in our constant endeavor to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know that two Level 3 Registered sex offenders have moved onto a block near your North Seattle neighborhood.

Douglas Carter, 46-year-old, black male, 6’3” 220 lbs.  has moved onto the 12000 block of Aurora Ave. N.

Kelly Swanson, 37-year-old, white male, 5’8” 190 lbs. has moved onto the 11000 block of Meridian Ave. N.

Det. Gordon is the detective responsible for verifying their addresses.  Neither of these offenders is under Department of Corrections supervision.  To learn more about these offenders, and for additional safety tips, please visit www.waspc.org and search by their names.  If you have any questions about these offenders, please contact Michelle McRae or Det. Gordon at 684-5581 of our Sex Offender Detail Unit. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Daniel Sims, 206-684-7790daniel.sims@seattle.gov
Michael May, 206-684-8056mailto:michael.may@seattle.gov,

Paint Out Graffiti in Your Neighborhood
Summer Paint Out Runs July – August

SEATTLE - Summer is here and Seattleites are gearing up to take part in the anti-graffiti program – Summer Paint Out.

Summer Paint Out, in its second year, runs from July through August.

Whether you are a group or an individual, you can tackle graffiti in your neighborhood. The City of Seattle supports volunteers with FREE paint (white-brown-gray), rollers, brushes, scrapers, and gloves.

Get signed up today. Go to www.seattle.gov/util/SummerPaintOut. You can also e-mail mailto:daniel.sims@seattle.gov or call 206-684-7790.

Supplies can be picked up on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required first.

July 7
July 21
August 4
August 18

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at: www.seattle.gov/util.

Follow SPU on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SeattleSPU.

In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region’s environmental resources.

-SPU-

July Board Meeting, Monday, July 23, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Crown Hill Center, room 4

All are welcome to attend. If you have a topic you would like added to the agenda, email it to agenda@crownhillneighbors.org.

Thanks for your interest in Crown Hill Neighbors!

6th Annual Crown Hill Garage Sale Signups are Open!

Garage Sale 2012The 6th Annual Crown Hill Garage Sale signups have opened. This year’s sale will be on Saturday, July 28th, from 9AM to 3 PM.

It’s not too early to be thinking about what you’ll be selling. You’ve probably been tripping over it for months now. Remember what’s junk to you is likely going to be someone else’s treasure!

Last year we had more than 65 participating households, and folks moved a lot of stuff out of their houses and garages on to new owners. It was a great opportunity to talk to neighbors, to cruise other sales, and maybe score a couple of prize finds.

As always, we encourage young entrepreneurs (of all ages) to set up lemonade and cookie stands.

Sign up here, and happy garage sale-ing!

UPDATE:  Our web sign-up form was not working over the weekend. If you submitted a sale and it has not shown up within 24 hours on the map, please resubmit or send an e-mail to garagesale@crownhillneighbors.org with your address, whether there will be lemonade or other refreshments available, and a description of the items. You can also leave a voicemail message for Dennis at (206) 706-7663. Thanks for your patience.

Summer Work Parties at Crown Hill Glen

Join your neighbors and help keep up Crown Hill Glen this summer. Parties are scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the following Saturdays. Just show up ready to work!

  • Saturday, June 30
  • Saturday, July 28 (stop by during the Crown Hill Neighborhood Garage Sale to help out or check out the park and enjoy some lemonade!)
  • Saturday, August 25

Park volunteers need assistance with trimming overgrown greenery, spreading mulch and pulling weeds and blackberries.

The park is located at NW 89th Street and 19th Avenue NW.

Crown Hill Neighbors New Board Members and Officers

Here are the new members of the Crown Hill Neighbors Board of Directors and Officers as of June 25th, 2012.

Crown Hill Neighborhood Association Officers:

Directors:

  • Andrew Morrison
  • Cher Ketah

Updated as of the May 19th Election of Board of Directors at the Crown Hill Neighborhood Assn. Annual Meeting, and the June 25th Election of Officers.

Thanks to those retiring from the Board  as of June 25th:

  • Deb Jaquith
  • Dennis Galvin
  • Pete Maslenikov

Crown Hill Neighbors Garage Sale July 28th, 2012

The Annual Crown Hill Neighbors Garage Sale will be July 28th, 9 AM – 3 PM this year. Signups are now open here.

Garage Sale 2012

Crown Hill Neighbors Annual Meeting and Crown Hill Park Grand Opening, May 19th, 2012

Our Annual Meeting is May 19th at 10 AM, and we’re going to keep it short so we can all mosey on out the doors at Crown Hill Center to check out the long awaited, newly minted Crown Hill Park! Plans are afoot for a barbecue, special entertainment, tricycle parade and more. We’ll have on sale our fabulous Crown Hill t-shirts so you can show some pride around town. Much, much more. Stay tuned!

Crown Hill Neighbors Annual Meeting 10 AM (Room 5 Crown Hill Center, 9250 14th Ave NW):

  • updates on a few projects around the neighborhood
    • Sidewalk on 90th between 13th and 14th (done!)
    • Sidewalk / pathway on 13th between 90th and Holman
    • Proposed improvement to the pathway between 89th and 90th at 17th/18th
    • Proposed improvements to the 8th and 100th intersection.
  • Volunteers needed
  • Board elections — we have to do this, all members are eligible to vote. Not a member yet or need to renew? No problem. We can take care of that too!

Crown Hill Park Dedication/Grand Opening 11 AM-1 PM

  • The fences have come down! (some of them anyway)
  • Bouncy house!
  • The play equipment will be available for inspection and “testing”
  • Barbecue
  • Skateboard demo
  • Tricycle/Bicycle parade (bring your own wheels for this)

Latest Neighborhood Crime Prevention Information

This just received from Terrie Johnston, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator, SPD North Precinct:

Dear Block Watch Captains/Contacts:  Sending you a few items of interest.

  1. The North Precinct Burglary/Theft Unit continues to follow up on recent burglary arrests done by North Precinct patrol officers, and  due in some part to your watchfulness and good 9-1-1 calls.  The 19 year old serial occupied burglar and auto thief who was hitting the north end neighborhoods hard approx. 8 weeks ago has been charged with nearly 10 years.  He is in jail and won’t be released for a long time. 
  2. A 39-year old, white female was arrested last week for multiple burglaries in the north end, some in which the residents were home at the time of the crime.  She confessed to detectives that she is an addict, and she preferred burglaries to prostitution. She spent the day with detectives showing them houses she had hit.  She told the detectives that she was surprised how many people leave their house keys out in  mailboxes; or on the front porch (she found keys in a pair of shoes on front porch).  Please re-think the hide-away key.  You may think it is unusual to put in under a paving stone, or huge flower pot, etc. but burglars who do this for a living, know our hiding spots.  She also told the detectives that she often looked in the windows and could see the desirable loot in plain sight (purses, cash, electronics).
  3. I talked with a gentleman today who lives in the Maple Leaf neighborhood.  Evidently, yesterday during the glorious weather we had, he was gardening in the front yard.  A thief, unseen by neither the homeowner nor nearby neighbors, entered this home through the unlocked back door and took cash and prescription meds. from a back bedroom.   I know it may be inconvenient to keep your doors locked when you are home and gardening, but these crimes are quick and contribute to our burglary rate increases during summer months.  
  4. The Phinney Ridge blog was filled with reports of suspicious magazine solicitors so I attach information on Residential Sales from the City’s Dept. of Finance and Admin. for your perusal.
  5. National Night Out is coming on August 7th but some block watchers are inquiring about registration already.  J  I will send out an email when the registration information is on the website.

Thanks for sharing this information with your neighbors and distribution lists. My office phone is 684-7711 here at the North Precinct.   Tj

Seattle Police Crime Prevention

206-684-7711

Continue Reading: Latest Neighborhood Crime Prevention Information

Drive-by shooting in Crown Hill, May 4th

This occurred near the intersection 92nd and Dibble last night (May 4th). The police report is not yet available. You can read some information at MyBallard: http://www.myballard.com/2012/05/04/drive-by-shooting-tonight-in-ballard/

Update 10 AM, May 6th. The SPD Blotter’s take on the incident:

On May 4th at approximately 11:02 p.m. officers responded to multiple 911 calls of shots being fired from a vehicle in the 800 block of NW 92nd Street.  The vehicle was described as a light colored sedan, unknown make or model.

Responding officers recovered shell casings from the street.  Officers inspected the nearby residences and found no damage.  Nobody was injured and no victims have come forward.  At this time it is unknown what or whom the target of the shooting was.

Gang Unit detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.