Spring Clean

Spring Clean, April 5 – May 31, is Seattle's premier clean up event and part of Mayor Greg Nickels' Clean and Green Seattle Initiative. Now in its 22nd year, Spring Clean provides opportunities for citizens to clean up Seattle's public open spaces of their choice with city support.

More details from the City website, or just download the registration form, and away you go. Project ideas on the website: you're welcome to use this blog to recruit others, publicize your ideas, etc.

Still No Arrests In Shannon Harps’ Murder

From the Stranger's blog (The Slog):

However, they did confirm that they don’t have anyone in custody for the murder.

SPD has increased patrols on Capitol Hill, and is advising residents to “remain vigilant.”

Seattle P-I: DNA test of suspect shows no link to Capitol Hill stabbing

Seattle Times: DNA test fails to link man with Capitol Hill woman's slaying

Help revive the Capitol Hill Community Council

When both the P-I and KING-TV contacted me last week for comment on the New Year's Eve murder on 15th, I realized that the Capitol Hill Community Council was truly dead.

I'd like your help in reviving it, to provide a voice for Capitol Hill and as a way for residents on the Hill to interact with the City in as unified a way as we (herd of cats that we are) care to.

The Capitol Hill Community Council was (according to their, no longer updated, website) founded in 1968, and has worked on assorted public interest issues that would have been beyond the scope of individual neighbors or more local neighborhood groups (like Miller Park). Their website lists some ( eg the # 8 bus !) but was never updated to note a couple of their last successes:

• They successfully intervened in the dispute between the Walgreens Pharmacy on 15th and its neighbors to lessen the impact of the original "cookie cutter" design on the neighborhood. Don't see the free-standing readerboard in the parking lot, do you?
• They helped rally opposition to another free-standing cookie cutter Walgreens at Broadway & Pine, and convinced the developers to work with Capitol Hill Housing to instead build a low income apartment building on the site, with a Walgreens at street level (quite a departure for them). Dare I say "win, win"?
  

As I understand it (correct me, please) the driving forces in the Community Council put their all into opposing the Mayor's proposal to upzone Broadway, and then moved onto other things when they failed in that effort.

Given the changes happening in the commercial core of Captitol Hill (impending light rail, streetcar, massive redevelopment, revival of neighborhood plans, building code updates) it would be great to have a neighborhood group to help us interact with City government. Let's face it: I'm not Paul Allen - the Mayor or Councilmembers aren't going to come out to my living room to hear what my views are, but they will (and do) regularly come out to neighborhood groups to meet with people (even when they're not actively seeking votes!). I'm only aware of the history of the Council since the birth of MPNA, but I'm not aware of them ever advocating any of the NIMBYish things that so alarm the CHS blog.

So, how do we do revive the Community Council? José Cervantes write to offer City assistance (my comments are interspersed):

After talking to Crime Prevention Coordinator, Michael Yasutake and Thomas Withemore, Neighborhood Matching Fund, we would like to follow up on your suggestion to assist in the creation and or reactivation of the community council for the Hills.

For this we need your valuable assistance and input of the following:

-We would like to use the Blog (that would be CHS: Seattle) you identified at the recent public safety forum to advertise funding available through the Department of Neighborhoods/Neighborhood Matching Fund Outreach Grant (up to $750) for folks that would like to create or reactivate the mentioned needed community council for the Hills. The funding available can be used for this purpose.

-We need to know from Ann or other Elders of the previous Capitol Hill Community Council if they would like to participate on this or help us endorse the idea, everyone is welcome and the new group needs to develop the leadership responsibilities to accomplish the task. Can you help us with this? (Ann is Ann Donovan, who still runs the Community Council listserv and is, along with several of the previous officers, still living in the area)

-As you know, neighborhood organizations such as community councils are independently organized from the City, but once the core group initiates the organizing process DON and SPD can assist with funding applications, technical assistance, etc, as requested.

Jose Cervantes, Neighborhood District Coordinator
(206) 684-4574
jose.cervantes@seattle.gov

Some final thoughts:

• The listservs and blogs that we all use now make it easy to communicate speedily, but there's still value in occasional traditional neighborhood meetings.
• No need for kneejerk once-a-month meetings, but good to get together as needed: sitting down in a room sometimes just WORKS!
  
• Service projects, like the MADCAP cleanups, are one good way to get together and swap news.
• NO, I don't want to Chair the group! I'll come along to some meetings, but Miller Park is on the edge of Capitol Hill and somebody more central should be "in charge".
  

SO How do we proceed? You can contact me (tayles@jps.net) or José (jose.cervantes@seattle.gov) and, if there's enough interest, we'll take it from there.

Thanks for your time. I'll try and write soon about my (flawed) understanding of the various neighborhood groups that serve our assorted needs in working with local government.

Self Defense Classes

One of the groups offering its services at the safety forum last night was "Home Alive":

a Seattle based anti-violence non-profit organization that offers affordable self-defense classes and provides public education and awareness. We believe violence prevention is a community responsibility as well as an individual issue. "

They offer a variety of self defense classes (costs on a sliding scale).

The group was formed by a group of Seattle women after the 1993 murder of Mia Zapata (a crime which was only recently solved).

Donations to Home Alive would be a simple, practical, way to remember Shannon Harps.

Here's a Press Release from Home Alive, about the events and about how they can help.

Neighborhood Safety Forum

Dear East Precinct Crime Prevention Coalition and Capitol Hill Neighbors,

In response to the tragic homicide of Capitol Hill resident Shannon Harps on New Year's Eve, we are conducting a neighborhood safety forum to offer community members the opportunity to respond to the incident and discuss neighborhood safety. The police will be present at this forum to provide updates regarding this particular case as well as safety advice. The forum will be facilitated by Stephanie Tschida, EPCPC Chair and SPD East Precinct Lieutenant John Hayes.

When: Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Where: Group Health Capitol Hill Campus, South Building , Level A, Atrium
201 16th Ave East , Seattle WA 98112

Parking is available in the Group Health Parking Garage on Denny Way , just off of 15th Ave. S. If you are parking in the garage take the elevator to level A. If you are walking, enter the Group Health South Building off of 15th or 16th Ave , near Denny Way , and take the stairs or the elevator down to level A.

Driving/walking directions to the campus: http://www.ghc.org/locations/medcenters/3/capitolhill_directions.jhtml

This forum is open to the public, so please attend to share your questions, concerns and ideas. Personal safety information and resources will be provided.

For questions regarding this forum, please contact Mike Yasutake, SPD East Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, 206.684.7717 or michael.yasutake@seattle.gov.


Kindest Regards,

Sita DeGiulio Das
East & Southeast Program Coordinator
Seattle Neighborhood Group
1810 East Yesler Way
Seattle , WA 98122-5748
206.323.9666
206.322.9330 (Direct Line)
sita@sngi.org
www.sngi.org

Share a thought for our neighbors to the south

When Club Chocolate City closed many of the problems associated with it surfaced around 23rd & Union, especially outside the long-suffering Thompson's Point of View.

Things seemed to have quietened down for the winter, but there was another shooting there on Sunday evening, as noted by KIRO TV (which apparently thinks that 23rd & Union is part of Capitol Hill), by the P-I and by the Stranger's SLOG (don't miss the readers' comments on the SLOG post).

The neighbors are wonderfully sanguine, however. One even responded with a haiku:

Rain falls on warm shells
Cops search near teller machine
for clues while man points

The neighbors meet regularly for dinner at Thompson's, followed by strolls around the neighborhood. If you'd like to join them, join the Central Neighborhood Association Google Group to be alerted to the next opportunity.

Neighborhood Traffic Improvements

View Larger Map

Please join me in thanking the various Miller area neighbors whose efforts are shown here: their long and dedicated efforts have resulted in significant traffic improvements in our area. Click on the blue markers on the map above, or admire the pictures below.

So remember, you CAN make a difference. Contact them (or me) for hints as to how to get your favorite traffic issue addressed. And be sure to thank them if you meet them in the street.

Lonnie Lusardo's efforts resulted in the installation of the left filter arrow on the John & Madison traffic light, which makes it much safer turning from (eastbound) John to Madison: it was impossible to see westbound traffic coming up John. (click on any photo for bigger version)



Robert Njegovan rallied his neighbors on 22nd Ave E. to apply for grants and supply volunteer labor to get these 2 traffic circles installed on 22nd . They help to greatly slow down the "cut through" traffic that's bypassing the traffic lights on 23rd.




Andy Haas lobbied long and hard for this curb bulb on 21st Ave E. at E. John Street, which will help stop a constant stream of wrong-way traffic on this one-way street pass the playfield and school. Both he and Lonnie (above) got to explain their concerns to the Mayor when he toured our neighborhood.


Not all our efforts have yet been successful. Richard Samuel and Andrew Taylor are lobbying the City to fix this constantly flooding corner at Denny & 21st. Here's the City's letter about the problem: they have not yet actually done the work.

You may recall that (back in 2002) Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) carried out an extensive traffic study in our area, and made a number of suggestions, some of which have been carried out by SDOT alone, and others (shown here) were accomplished after much prodding by the people acknowledged here.

If there are other things on the SDOT report (or ideas of your own), that you'd like to pursue, please contact me (Andrew Taylor) and I'll put you in touch with SDOT people (and perhaps with the neighbors noted here, who can provide much useful guidance).

Leaves in street: City can help you help yourself!

I was alarmed by the huge piles of leaves in nearby gutters: way too many to dispose of in my household "clean green" pickups. Wrote to the City and learnt of a new Adopt-A-Drain program to help groups of neighbors use City supplied tools to bag leaves, which are then removed by City trucks.

I will apply for a set of equipment, and encourage you to do so for your street (or you could come and borrow "mine").

Andrew Taylor

The City's full-time drainage crew is still out there working to remove leaves from the gutters but unfortunately they can't keep up with the number of drains, etc. In the end of October the City launched a new Adopt-A-Drain program which aims to help support volunteers/ neighborhoods that are doing exactly what you are doing. This program was established to help provide folks with the supplies needed (rakes, gloves, bags and free pickup for people who get the yard waste service) to keep the drains clean/clear of leaves.

If you have any questions about the program or would like additional information please get back in touch.

Gretchen Muller
Environmental Outreach Program Mgr.
206.684.0570 Office

Odd Fellows Hall

You might be interested in this Capitol Hill neighborhood generated website, which is gathering support for an effort to save the Oddfellows Hall. They have a long list of newspaper articles about the project.

Ann Donovan writes:
Help us compile a list of the top reasons for saving the Odd Fellows Hall (OFH). Here are some to start with:

• 1. OFH draws thousands of patrons to the Capitol Hill Community each month for classes and performances.
• 2. It is home to several of Seattle's performing arts incubators including Freehold Theatre and Velocity Dance Center.
• 3. Is a cultural institution/center for Seattle and for the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Others in the neighborhood have suggested working with the developer:

With regard to Odd Fellows, one thought might be to work with the developer to see that the Century Ballroom is preserved and that rents are kept low enough for this space to ensure the current uses can continue.

I believe in preserving historic buildings and maintaining important/historic uses but I think the best way to get there is to fight irresppnsible development but to support and work with responsible development.

As far as a buyer for Odd Fellows is concerrned, we could not have done much better than Ted Schroth as he is commited to Capitol Hill and committed to preserving historic buildings. If we fight the responsible developers, we will scare them off.

Again, I would encourage concerned citizens to meet with him and voice your concerns. I bet there is a good chance that there is a win win solution here.

And Ann's reply:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It seems though that you aren't very familiar with the history or current uses of the building beyond the ballroom.

Also, I'm sure you are aware that with a offer made on the space, based upon plans to convert it to market rate offices, in itself negates its ability to retain its non-profit tenants -- including the Century Ballroom. While Schroth may be well intentioned in preserving the facade of the building, its value to the community is in its present use as a performing arts center, he might as well tear it down if that's all he cares about. The loss of the space if this deal goes through is one that cannot be recovered from -- plus driving out the non-profit tenants may well do them in entirely.

I think you need to learn a little more about this building.

Adopt a drain -- or just help keep them clear

(stolen from Capitolhillnews)
It's that time of year when the leaves combine with the rain and create clogged drains around town. Even on top of our hill there can be problems with puddling. What can you do? The City of Seattle has organized a program called Adopt a Drain where you can sign-up and then be the recipient of tools to help keep your designated drain/s clear.

Learn more and sign up via the City's website at:
http://tinyurl.com/35porl

Even if you don't want to commit to be a fully designated storm drain steward, feel free to help keep area drains clear and flowing.

"Volunteers are only asked to remove the matted leaves from the tops of the drains. If the drain is still clogged even after you’ve removed the matting, then call our drainage problem hotline at (206) 386-1800 to report it. Do not try to unclog the drain. Removing matting is safe, but clearing out a deep clog requires special expertise."

For More Information
The Adopt A Street/Drain team is ready to help you with your questions, please call the 24-hour hotline at (206) 684-7647 and leave a message or e-mail adoptastreet@seattle.gov .

Sex Offender in neighborhood

I note a level 2 sex offender in our neighborhood. (See SPD FAQ )

You can look them up by Census Tract. Census tract 76 (most of our neighborhood) has none. Tract 79 has nine: one is noted above, the other 8 all live in the 900 block of 16th Avenue, presumably at "Interaction Transition", a wonderful halfway house whose residents have never (to my knowledge) caused any problems in their neighborhood.

Here's SPD's general sex offender information page, with links to this page of safety information, among other resources.

County Council Public Safety Town Hall report

The Stranger's blog (the SLOG) has this report on last night's King County Council Town Hall meeting on "Criminal Justice Reform: what is to be done?".

I've added my letter to the Council as the first comment on the Slog entry (I couldn't stay till the end of the meeting). I cc:'d the letter to the City Councilmembers who worked on the issue, and got this reply from Tom Rasmussen:

Thank you Andrew I appreciate receiving your comments. I was not able to attend last night due to scheduling issues.

Councilmember Licata and I added funding into the city's budget to support these programs. The GOTS program appears to be very promising and will have my continued support. The Clean Dreams project may need more adjustment and work to ensure that it is making a difference in the community.

I would like to work with Councilmember Gossett to continue our efforts to reduce crime and to help the people who are involved or likely to be involved in crime to change their lives for the better.

Tom Rasmussen

Seattle City Council

(Here's a Real Change article about the Clean Dreams project, and a couple of Seattle Times articles (first, second one)

Neighborhood & Personal Safety Against Shootings

EAST PRECINCT CRIME PREVENTION COALITION

Thursday – August 23, 2007
Seattle Vocational Institute,
2120 S. Jackson St. Parking is on the north side of the building
6:30 - 8:00pm

Welcome/Introductions – Stephanie Tschida, Chair - EPCPC 6:30 - 6:35

Neighborhood & Personal Safety Against Shootings 6:35 - 7:05
Seattle Police Department

Community Concerns/Announcements 7:05 - 7:40
State of the Neighborhood
• Community Crime Mapping

Precinct Update - 7:40 – 8:00

• Enforcement Updates – Capt. Paul McDonagh & Lt. John Hayes
• Additional Govt. Agencies Represented - City Attorney, DOC, WSCLB etc.

• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) - Denise Harnly, SNG

• "Get Off the Streets" Program - Mary Williams, SNG

Changing of the Guard at CHHIP

Capitol Hill Housing (CHHIP, till recently) has long been our neighborhood's major landowner and low income housing provider. They have, for ever, been wonderful neighbors and advocates for neighborhood safety and everything else that we long for, and have helped to turn round several problem properties in our area. That is surely due, in large part, to the efforts of their longtime director, Chuck Weinstock. Below is an announcement from CHHIP about the appointment of a new Executive Director at CHHIP, and of a goodbye party for Chuck. Please join me in welcoming Christopher, and in thanking Chuck for his decades of service to the neighborhood.

For a quick review of Capitol Hill Housing's mission, you might read the articles in the July 92 and Spring 96 editions of the Miller Times, or you can hear if from Chuck himself in this Council Committee hearing. From CHHIP:

On behalf of Capitol Hill Housing Board of Directors and Staff we are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Persons as new Executive Director. Persons replaces Chuck Weinstock who is leaving the organization after 19 years on August 30, 2007. Persons, who was selected by the CHH Board of Directors following a national search, will be relocating from Chicago to begin with the organization on September 4, 2007.

“Christopher will be a great new voice for affordable housing in Seattle and a thoughtful and enthusiastic addition to the community leadership on Capitol Hill,” said Richard Yarmuth, CHH Board President.

Persons, whose work for Inspiration Corporation was lauded for its entrepreneurial nature and client focus, has been a strong advocate for affordable housing in Chicago highlighting that concern in a recent run for local political office. Persons’ community involvement runs deep, serving on several boards including the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness.

“I look forward to continuing Capitol Hill Housing’s strong presence in the community on Capitol Hill and other Seattle neighborhoods. Capitol Hill remains central in the city’s plan for growth, transportation and economic and social diversity. I look forward to being a voice representing families, lower wage workers, and seniors who want to live in Seattle for the great city that it is. I can’t wait to get started,” said Persons. “I am also excited about continuing the organization’s strong partnerships with others in the affordable housing industry as well as the Capitol Hill community.”

Persons will take the helm at CHH on September 4, 2007. A celebration for Chuck Weinstock, the outgoing Executive Director, is scheduled for mid-September.

Capitol Hill Housing is a non-profit provider of affordable housing with over 1,000 units in various Seattle neighborhoods. CHH seeks to build and manage the best in affordable living and preserve the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods.

If you have any questions please contact Teresa Macaluso, Deputy Director at tmacaluso@chhip.org or Chris Cooper, Director of Fund Development ccooper@chhip.org, or (206) 329-7303.

Upcoming Bikery Programs - this Saturday

Join the Bikery this Saturday, August 18th, for some great programs!

The first, starting at noon is "Components 101 - 'The Drive Train'" Hey, what's going on down there? This class will focus on the drive train - you know, your chain, your cranks, and all those things that make your bike go!

Following the components class at 3pm, we will be hosting a forum titled, "Biking and the Law". Come and join us in this discussion with bike lawyer, Bob Anderton, who'll help you understand Washington State bike law and how it affects you - an essential class for everyone!

Tell your friends! This should be a great afternoon!

Click here for a dowloadable flyer

GOTS outreach program and 23rd & Union

PI article about Lt. Hayes's GOTS program, which started out at 20th/Madison and moved to 23rd & Union when the dealers moved there after Club Chocolate City closed.

Program aims to clean up busy drug area

Outreach workers try to help people get off the streets

By KERY MURAKAMI
P-I REPORTER

Sometimes crossing the street can save a life.

Crystal, a woman who spent most of her life on drugs, was talking about that one day recently, on the south side of East Union Street at 23rd Avenue in the Central Area. etc.......

Night Out is August 7, 2007!

“Night Out” is a national Crime Prevention event. It is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities. It is a great chance to learn about crime prevention, while also celebrating your community and spending time with your neighbors.

See this Seattle Police website for all the details.

Registration deadline is July 27th, 2007.

Here's a "National Night Out" website.

Sonja Richter, our tireless Crime Prevention Coordinator has retired (but is around and kicking: I ran into her the other day) and her position is still vacant, so we'll have to organize it all ourselves this year!

Upcoming Bikery Programs

The Bikery folks are at Garfield Community Center every SATURDAY afternoon from 2 - 5 PM and are eager to help fixing your bike. I've been a customer and recommend that you give them a try. They wrote to tell us of two special programs (both at Garfield Community Center, 23rd & Cherry, on Saturday):

We have some great programs coming up next weekend at the Bikery! On Saturday, July 21st, we have two programs for you.

The first, starting at noon is "Components 101 - 'The Wheel'" In that workshop, Nikki from Mobius Cycles will show you all about rims, spokes, hubs, and the art of "truing".

Following the components class at 3pm, we will be hosting a forum titled, "Who Speaks For You?". In this open forum, you will learn more about local and regional groups that are advocating for bicycle rights.

Tell your friends! This should be a great afternoon!

Stolen Car Alert

Howdy, folks! This is Don at 331 22nd Ave E.

Just wanted to let everybody know that my roommate Bill had his car
stolen outta our driveway yesterday (7/3/07), sometime between 11am and 7pm.
It was a Ford Taurus, probably being parted out even now (the police
didn't seem optimistic about finding it). Feh. On the off chance
anyone saw anything unusual during that time, feel free to drop me a
line at this email address.

Thanks much, be cautious, and have a mighty fine Fourth of July.

(PS: from the stable door department: a deal on getting "The Club". My sympathies. Andrew)

Central Area Plan Revitalization Workshop

(map of Central Area Urban Village planning areas)

Central Area Quality of Life Is Under Attack

Want to do something about it?

What concerns you the most about what is happening in our neighborhoods or the Central Area?

Come find out how the Central Area Neighborhood Plan can help us take control of our community’s destiny and the Overall Quality of Life in the Central Area

Saturday June 9, 2007
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Garfield Community Center
2323 East Cherry St

☺ Programming that Creates and Promotes Positive Activities and Environments for our Young People
☹ Negative Impact on our infrastructure, traffic and parking problems due to zoning changes and over development
☹ Flooding and/or other property damage due to the over development or lack of adequate reparations or modifications
☹ Madison St., Jackson Place, other corridors and neighborhoods are under siege by developers who disregard our concerns?
☹ Shrinking green spaces and urban trails to keep our neighborhoods healthy?
☹ Are Developers developing you out of your home?


Co-sponsored by:
Central Area Neighborhood Plan Stewardship and
Seattle Parks and Recreation

(The Madison-Miller area took part in neighborhood planning as part of the Central Area plan: the resulting general plan is posted on the City website together with the scary and incomprehensible "Approval and Adoption Matrix" .

The Madison-Miller area, with the guidance of some very talented consultants, also produced its own Master Plan as part of the planning process, although it was never posted online by the City.

I have now scanned and posted the Madison-Miller Master Plan: see the "Madison-Miller Neighborhood Plan" list of links, on the right of this page, just below the "Miller Links" list.)