Plant-a-Tree-for-Free
As part of the Mayor's Fall Tree Planting challenge, City of Seattle residents can request a free tree (supplies limited, one tree per household) beginning September 7 to plant in their yard.
Trees will be available for pick-up at two locations on October 28. After submitting the form below, you will be sent or emailed a coupon to bring when you pick up your tree.
http://www.seattle.gov/environment/trees/tree_request.htm
Monday, October 09, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
PICNIC at the PRECINCT and community update
PICNIC at the PRECINCT
For Southeast Seattle Neighborhoods
Saturday, September 16, 2006
1:00 - 4:00 pm @ the South Precinct - 3001 S Myrtle ST
Get a precinct tour and meet your local police officers, SWAT, K-9, Bomb Squad and Mounted Officers!
Fun for the whole family! Great food, magician,
balloonist, bouncy machine, music & dance groups!
Win SPD memorabilia, and great prizes and
gift certificates from neighborhood businesses!
Please Join Us!
--------------------------------------------
Dear Community Friends;
Back to School Safety Tips
(The following is from a Seattle Police news release from September 1st, 2006.) The Seattle Police Department would like to remind drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful as the new school year starts. We are asking students to be extra cautious when walking to and from school. Here are a few tips:
• Pay special attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards
• Never cross the street against a red light, even if you don't see any traffic coming
• Wear reflective clothing and bright colors so drivers can see you easier
• Plan a safe walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and if possible, with intersections that have traffic controls
• Advise children to arrive early for buses, stay out of the street, and to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street
Drivers also need to be very aware that school is back in session and children will be walking to and from schools and bus stops. As autumn approaches, there will be less daylight and children will be out early in the morning and more difficult to see.
• Be watchful around schools and bus stops for children running into the street
• Watch for children entering the street from behind buses or running to catch the bus
• When driving your children to school, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don't leave until they are safely on school grounds
• Drive slowly when approaching children riding bicycles and walking near the street.
• Watch your speed when entering school zones.
The Seattle Police Department wishes everyone a safe school year.
Things To Be Aware Of
We’ve had reports of small groups of teen males who would go door-to-door in a particular neighborhood and ask residents if there were any odd jobs they could do. While polite and well groomed, these young men used the cover of offering to do odd jobs as a way to case the residence or steal a purse or keys that were left by the front door.
We’ve also seen the ploy of youth going door-to-door asking residents if they had seen the youth’s lost puppy. While perfectly plausible, this ploy has been used to gain access to people’s homes and when the resident’s back was turned, the individual(s) went through a purse, and took keys and/or other items.
When a stranger comes to your door, for whatever reason, you do not have to let them in. Talk to them through the door. If the reason they are at the door seems unusual or suspicious to you, let neighbors know so they can be aware and watchful of their activity as well. Call 911 and let the operator know that though the situation is not an emergency, it seems suspicious to you and you wanted to make a report.
Second, don’t leave your purse, briefcase, keys or wallet within easy reach of the front door or on a table next to an open window.
Now That School Is Back In Session . . . .
If you see groups of youth just hanging out during the day, going door-to-door, looking into peoples homes or yards… you may want to say something to your neighbors and police at that time, rather than have your neighbor come over and tell you that they were burglarized some time that day, and then you have to tell them that you saw some kids but didn’t think anything about it. Remember, the youth are supposed to be in school, not going into Mrs. Austin’s back yard.
Until Next Time, Take Care And Stay Safe!
Friday, August 25, 2006
August 23, 2006
Dear Community Friends
Summertime Burglaries
As we entered the warm weather months, I wrote these words in a June newsletter:
“We often see an increase in residential burglary and theft in the warm weather months. At times, we leave our windows open for ventilation when we are not home. In a vast number of summertime burglaries, the burglar gains entry through an opened or unlocked door or window.”
Looking at the increase in residential burglaries we’ve experienced over the summer, one thing stands out: in the vast majority of burglaries, the burglars gained entry through opened windows. Some removed items from opened garages. This is one instance where I really wish I didn’t have the data backing me up when I say, “I told you so.”
I have received calls from many south end residents who want to start block watches because of increased burglaries. I’ve received angry missives because someone was a victim of a crime. I’ve been peppered with calls and emails from people wanting to know what the police department is doing about the increase in burglaries. I have two basic questions:
1) Did you report it? You’d be surprised how often the response is “no.”
2) How did the burglar again entry? See above.
I am more than happy to help people get a block watch started. After all, it really is about connecting with neighbors, agreeing to watch out for each other and communicating with each other and police about suspicious activity. I am also more than willing to address people’s concerns about area crime and police response. Working with neighbors to explore strategies to address criminal behaviors and other public safety concerns is what I do.
However, when armed with the information that a large number of burglars gain entry through an open window, and people still leave their windows open when away from home, and then are angry at the police because they were burglarized, I have to shake my head and wonder what else we need to do to get the point across before the burglary occurs.
I may be the preacher and you the choir, but I will continue to stress this point and ask you do the same: most crimes are crime of opportunity; you reduce the opportunity, you reduce your probability of becoming a crime victim.
Lock your doors and windows when you leave home. Don’t present an easy opportunity for someone to gain entry to your home or remove items from your garage.
Please, don’t hand me another “I told you so” moment.
Othello Park Update
Over the past several months, members of the Othello Park community have been working with the Parks Department to put together positive, family friendly programming for the park. The intent behind this is that if we want to drive out the negative criminal behaviors at the park, we need to replace them with positive community focused activities. The Parks Department hired a special activities coordinator who is focused on bringing positive community activities to Othello Park and John C Little Sr. Park (in the New Holly area).
To that end, there are a series of community concerts that are planned for Othello Park over the coming months. Attached with this newsletter is a list of dates, a call for community participation (including performers and volunteers) and contact information for those who wish to become involved.
Until Next Time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon South Precinct Crime Prevention
Summertime Burglaries
As we entered the warm weather months, I wrote these words in a June newsletter:
“We often see an increase in residential burglary and theft in the warm weather months. At times, we leave our windows open for ventilation when we are not home. In a vast number of summertime burglaries, the burglar gains entry through an opened or unlocked door or window.”
Looking at the increase in residential burglaries we’ve experienced over the summer, one thing stands out: in the vast majority of burglaries, the burglars gained entry through opened windows. Some removed items from opened garages. This is one instance where I really wish I didn’t have the data backing me up when I say, “I told you so.”
I have received calls from many south end residents who want to start block watches because of increased burglaries. I’ve received angry missives because someone was a victim of a crime. I’ve been peppered with calls and emails from people wanting to know what the police department is doing about the increase in burglaries. I have two basic questions:
1) Did you report it? You’d be surprised how often the response is “no.”
2) How did the burglar again entry? See above.
I am more than happy to help people get a block watch started. After all, it really is about connecting with neighbors, agreeing to watch out for each other and communicating with each other and police about suspicious activity. I am also more than willing to address people’s concerns about area crime and police response. Working with neighbors to explore strategies to address criminal behaviors and other public safety concerns is what I do.
However, when armed with the information that a large number of burglars gain entry through an open window, and people still leave their windows open when away from home, and then are angry at the police because they were burglarized, I have to shake my head and wonder what else we need to do to get the point across before the burglary occurs.
I may be the preacher and you the choir, but I will continue to stress this point and ask you do the same: most crimes are crime of opportunity; you reduce the opportunity, you reduce your probability of becoming a crime victim.
Lock your doors and windows when you leave home. Don’t present an easy opportunity for someone to gain entry to your home or remove items from your garage.
Please, don’t hand me another “I told you so” moment.
Othello Park Update
Over the past several months, members of the Othello Park community have been working with the Parks Department to put together positive, family friendly programming for the park. The intent behind this is that if we want to drive out the negative criminal behaviors at the park, we need to replace them with positive community focused activities. The Parks Department hired a special activities coordinator who is focused on bringing positive community activities to Othello Park and John C Little Sr. Park (in the New Holly area).
To that end, there are a series of community concerts that are planned for Othello Park over the coming months. Attached with this newsletter is a list of dates, a call for community participation (including performers and volunteers) and contact information for those who wish to become involved.
Until Next Time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon South Precinct Crime Prevention
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
August 2, 2006 - community newsletter
Dear Community Friends
Pedestrian Collisions
During the past seven months there have been four serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents resulting in two fatalities and two serious injuries. Three of these accidents took place when the pedestrian was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk and was struck by a moving vehicle.
These tragedies might of been prevented if the pedestrians and motorists had been more aware of each other prior to the accidents. The following are some safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Dress to be seen. Wear bright/light colored clothing so drivers see you.
• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• If crossing a multiple lane road, visually clear each lane as you proceed.
• If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for drivers who may pull out and not see you as they looking for traffic.
• Remember: telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
• Look LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT prior to entering the street.
• Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
• Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorist see you.
• Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
• Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.
Vehicular Safety Tips:
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Do not drive with distractions (cell phones, eating, etc.)
• Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
• Look ahead for potential dangers or people in the roadway or crosswalks.
• Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks: on a two-lane road, the pedestrian must be completely across the roadway before you begin moving again. On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within one lane of your direction of travel.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at ALL intersections, whether in a marked crosswalk or not.
• Always yield to pedestrians upon making turns at intersection
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
• Know your surroundings while you drive, be a good defensive driver. Think outside your car.
• On bright days wear sunglasses or use your sun visor to minimize bright glare.
• Always have ample driving time, try not to be in a rush - a patient driver is a safe driver.
Night Out 2006
I want to thank all of you who hosted a Night Out Against Crime event and welcomed members of the Police Department to join you. It was a great night (and great food!). In the South Precinct, there were at least 73 registered Night Out events – an increase from previous years, so we apologize if none of the South Precinct officers visited your block. Hopefully, we’ll be able to visit you (and eat your food) next year.
Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Pedestrian Collisions
During the past seven months there have been four serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents resulting in two fatalities and two serious injuries. Three of these accidents took place when the pedestrian was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk and was struck by a moving vehicle.
These tragedies might of been prevented if the pedestrians and motorists had been more aware of each other prior to the accidents. The following are some safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Dress to be seen. Wear bright/light colored clothing so drivers see you.
• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• If crossing a multiple lane road, visually clear each lane as you proceed.
• If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for drivers who may pull out and not see you as they looking for traffic.
• Remember: telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
• Look LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT prior to entering the street.
• Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
• Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorist see you.
• Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
• Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.
Vehicular Safety Tips:
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Do not drive with distractions (cell phones, eating, etc.)
• Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
• Look ahead for potential dangers or people in the roadway or crosswalks.
• Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks: on a two-lane road, the pedestrian must be completely across the roadway before you begin moving again. On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within one lane of your direction of travel.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at ALL intersections, whether in a marked crosswalk or not.
• Always yield to pedestrians upon making turns at intersection
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
• Know your surroundings while you drive, be a good defensive driver. Think outside your car.
• On bright days wear sunglasses or use your sun visor to minimize bright glare.
• Always have ample driving time, try not to be in a rush - a patient driver is a safe driver.
Night Out 2006
I want to thank all of you who hosted a Night Out Against Crime event and welcomed members of the Police Department to join you. It was a great night (and great food!). In the South Precinct, there were at least 73 registered Night Out events – an increase from previous years, so we apologize if none of the South Precinct officers visited your block. Hopefully, we’ll be able to visit you (and eat your food) next year.
Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Thursday, July 27, 2006
NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME - August 1st
Join us at 6:00 in front of 2360 20th ave. south for food and conversation!
It's potluck so please bring something to share, and if you have any lawn chairs to share, bring those on over as well!
Announcements:
If you have an old telephone (cel or otherwise) you wish to donate, please bring it for collection, it's for a good cause - Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program which is for domestic violence survivors.
If you want some free trees for your parking strip, i'll have a sign up sheet for that this year.
Bring along any new neighbors who are not on our list so we can sign them up for our block watch.
See you Tuesday! Lee
It's potluck so please bring something to share, and if you have any lawn chairs to share, bring those on over as well!
Announcements:
If you have an old telephone (cel or otherwise) you wish to donate, please bring it for collection, it's for a good cause - Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program which is for domestic violence survivors.
If you want some free trees for your parking strip, i'll have a sign up sheet for that this year.
Bring along any new neighbors who are not on our list so we can sign them up for our block watch.
See you Tuesday! Lee
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
July 12, 2006 SPD community newsletter
Dear Community Friends:
Fourth Of July Recap
We hope you enjoyed the July 4th Holiday. As mentioned in previous newsletters, personal fireworks are illegal within Seattle city limits, as they are in other incorporated cities in our region. This year, the Seattle Police Department implemented Fireworks Emphasis Teams to enforce that ban. From June 30th through July 4th, two officer teams in each precinct were dedicated to enforcing the fireworks ban.
The South team was a huge success, and very busy. They were dispatched to 83 fireworks related 911 calls, conducted 84 proactive location checks, made 22 arrests and logged 21 incident reports. On two occasions, the Arson/Bomb Squad was called out to respond. Estimated value of the illegal fireworks this one team confiscated was $7000.
Why is this important? Why place such an emphasis on bottle rockets and firecrackers?
1) Injury to persons because of carelessness or maliciousness;
2) Damage to property because of the same, and;
3) Fire danger.
Think about what would happen if a bottle rocket were to land on a dry, cedar-shake roof. And I know some of you have personal stories of youths firing bottle rockets directly at moving cars, or throwing firecrackers at each other and/or having them blow up in their hand or next to someone’s ear. Think of the costs (personal and financial), and the resources (fire, medical, police) to respond to property damage, fire, or personal injury. Once you think about it, you’ll realize why it’s important.
Even though many people knew that fireworks are illegal in the City, they still had and used them. While most fireworks are illegal in the City, they are legal in unincorporated King County, thus the fireworks stands Renton Ave S. in Skyway (outside Seattle city limits).
We will have Fireworks Emphasis Teams operating next year. And while there will be more education about the fireworks ban, there will also be more enforcement, confiscation and arrests.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
SEAFAIR
Seafair is upon us, with numerous community events happening all across our region. (For more information, check www.seafair.com). I bring Seafair up in this forum because there are a number of new occurrences this year during the weekend of August 5th & 6th that are going have impacts on our neighborhoods.
In addition to the Blue Angels flyovers Friday and the Hydro time trials and races, there will be a concert in Genesee Park on Saturday, August 5th. Following the concert, at 9pm, there will be a night-time pyrotechnic air show and a fireworks show over Lake Washington.
For those who live in the area, it means an increase in foot and vehicular traffic on the arterials and side streets (even those signed Local Access Only). There will be ample police presence and patrol throughout the area during the Seafair events. However, the concert, air show and fireworks show are new events; we have no way to gauge the impact of those events and the influx of people into the neighborhoods. We wanted you to be aware of what was happening and be mindful of the potential impacts.
Night Out
National Night Out Against Crime 2006, is Tuesday, August 1st. To register your block or group to hold an event, you can do so on line at www.cityofseattle.net/police/Nightout.
If you want to close your street off, you can indicate that on the registration form. The deadline to register your group for Night Out is Friday, July 27th.
Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Fourth Of July Recap
We hope you enjoyed the July 4th Holiday. As mentioned in previous newsletters, personal fireworks are illegal within Seattle city limits, as they are in other incorporated cities in our region. This year, the Seattle Police Department implemented Fireworks Emphasis Teams to enforce that ban. From June 30th through July 4th, two officer teams in each precinct were dedicated to enforcing the fireworks ban.
The South team was a huge success, and very busy. They were dispatched to 83 fireworks related 911 calls, conducted 84 proactive location checks, made 22 arrests and logged 21 incident reports. On two occasions, the Arson/Bomb Squad was called out to respond. Estimated value of the illegal fireworks this one team confiscated was $7000.
Why is this important? Why place such an emphasis on bottle rockets and firecrackers?
1) Injury to persons because of carelessness or maliciousness;
2) Damage to property because of the same, and;
3) Fire danger.
Think about what would happen if a bottle rocket were to land on a dry, cedar-shake roof. And I know some of you have personal stories of youths firing bottle rockets directly at moving cars, or throwing firecrackers at each other and/or having them blow up in their hand or next to someone’s ear. Think of the costs (personal and financial), and the resources (fire, medical, police) to respond to property damage, fire, or personal injury. Once you think about it, you’ll realize why it’s important.
Even though many people knew that fireworks are illegal in the City, they still had and used them. While most fireworks are illegal in the City, they are legal in unincorporated King County, thus the fireworks stands Renton Ave S. in Skyway (outside Seattle city limits).
We will have Fireworks Emphasis Teams operating next year. And while there will be more education about the fireworks ban, there will also be more enforcement, confiscation and arrests.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
SEAFAIR
Seafair is upon us, with numerous community events happening all across our region. (For more information, check www.seafair.com). I bring Seafair up in this forum because there are a number of new occurrences this year during the weekend of August 5th & 6th that are going have impacts on our neighborhoods.
In addition to the Blue Angels flyovers Friday and the Hydro time trials and races, there will be a concert in Genesee Park on Saturday, August 5th. Following the concert, at 9pm, there will be a night-time pyrotechnic air show and a fireworks show over Lake Washington.
For those who live in the area, it means an increase in foot and vehicular traffic on the arterials and side streets (even those signed Local Access Only). There will be ample police presence and patrol throughout the area during the Seafair events. However, the concert, air show and fireworks show are new events; we have no way to gauge the impact of those events and the influx of people into the neighborhoods. We wanted you to be aware of what was happening and be mindful of the potential impacts.
Night Out
National Night Out Against Crime 2006, is Tuesday, August 1st. To register your block or group to hold an event, you can do so on line at www.cityofseattle.net/police/Nightout.
If you want to close your street off, you can indicate that on the registration form. The deadline to register your group for Night Out is Friday, July 27th.
Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Monday, June 12, 2006
Drug deal up tick on corner of Bayview and 20th & SPD newsletter
Keep an eye out for this one: Seen 12:05am. Silver Honda with rack on top license# 844 RQN parked in front of Monika and Andre's house. Young Black male hanging out on the street corner between Jennifer's and your house, waiting for someone (drugs?). Owner of car in front??? Called 911 and reported suspicious activity in KNOWN DRUG AREA. Said they were sending an officer.
NEWSLETTER
Dear Community Friends –
Summertime Security Tips
We often see an increase in residential burglary and theft in the warm weather months. At times, we leave our windows open for ventilation when we are not home. In a vast number of summertime burglaries, the burglar gains entry through an opened or unlocked door or window. We also see an increase in theft of personal property, because there is a tendency to leave items unattended at parks. Here are some summer safety tips
Close And Lock Windows; Limit How Far They Can Be Opened
When you are away from home, close and lock your doors and windows. If you want to leave windows open enough for ventilation, but not wide enough for someone to gain entry, use a dowel for sliding glass windows cut to allow the window to open no more than 4”. For double hung windows, consider sash pins. Some windows have stops installed on the inside track, which will also prevent the window from being opened to far. Call me for a free home security survey where I can go over these options with you in further detail (206.386.9766).
Lock Your Doors
I have seen reports of someone stepping out to the store for a short bit and leaving their doors visibly opened. They returned to find someone had burglarized the home. Anytime you leave your home, close and lock your doors. Let’s not make it easy for the burglar.
Working In The Yard
When working in the yard in the back of the home, do not leave the front door open and/or unlocked. Just recently a neighbor left her front door open while she worked in her back yard. She saw a man walk by the front of the house a couple of times. The man saw her, he also saw the open door. He helped himself to what he could while the neighbor was still in the yard.
If you have a garage or storage unit that is out of your line of sight while you are working in the yard, be mindful of what are you showing in plain view to anyone who may be walking or driving by.
Secure Your Tools
Gardening tools, lawnmowers, other yard tools, ladders… all tend to be stolen more in warm weather months. Make sure you lock them up in the garage, shed, etc.
Secure Bicycles
I’ve noticed a large number of bicycles being stolen in past summers. Locking these up with a bike chain - or storing them inside - can help prevent theft.
Do Not Leave Pets Or Children Unattended In Vehicles
There are far too many reports of pets or children dying because they were left unattended in a hot vehicle with the windows rolled up. Don’t leave children unattended in cars, even for a short time. If you leave a pet in a car, roll the windows down enough for ventilation and provide a dish of water. Better to leave the pet at home rather than in a sweltering car.
Fireworks
There are no legal fireworks in the City of Seattle. The Seattle Police Department strives to enforce the City of Seattle’s 1993 fireworks ban. Anyone caught using fireworks of any kind can be fined up to $500 and sentenced to 180 days in jail. Celebrate July 4th by watching the public fireworks displays instead, rather than risk a fine from the City or injury from the fireworks.
Have a great summer and enjoy the warm weather and all the community festivals our city has to offer.
Until Next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention
Night Out 2006 is Tuesday, August 1stCheck out the website: www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout
This year the Seattle Police Department is honored to partner with Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program for this year's Night Out. HopeLine began in 1995 with a commitment to provide voicemail boxes and emergency wireless phones to victims of domestic violence living in shelters. In 2001 it branched out into recycling and re-using donated phones. By the end of 2005 HopeLine had collected more than 2.5 million phones and donated more than $1 million to organizations engaged in raising awareness and prevention of domestic violence.
For those that would like to participate in the HopeLine Program for Night Out 2006 by donating old phones and accessories, the Seattle Police Department is asking blocks to designate one person who will be responsible for getting all the donations they collect to their local precinct. For those blocks that would like to make this a centerpiece of their Night Out celebration, donation boxes will be available at the precincts two weeks prior to Night Out.
If you would like additional information or would like to volunteer for this program contact Dana Lockhart at (206) 615-0890.