Attempted break-ins and trespassing last week

Last Friday, a couple Beach Drive neighbors near Mee Kwa Mooks Park encountered a woman who was mentally not well. She broke into a small boat that was covered on a property and really made a mess of it… I’ll spare you the details. Half-naked, she locked herself in a porta-potty for hours and the police were unable to do anything about it. She left behind a backpack with stolen property which has since been returned to the owners.

Not to long before this event, we had a neighbor ask what can be done about people who are staying along Beach Drive in their campers, cars or camping in Mee Kwa Mooks Park. Lisa Herbold’s office recommends:

There are three ways to file a complaint regarding the concerns like garbage removal, needles, or to report an unauthorized encampment (either tent encampment or RVs)

  1. online: Service Request Form
  2. mobile: Find It, Fix It mobile app
  3. phone: 206-684-2489 (CITY)

I want to make sure that you understand the types of responses that may (or may not) result when you file a complaint.

Here are some possible resources for people who are experiencing homelessness or crisis in Seattle.

Of course, if you are in danger or if a crime is being committed, call 9-1-1.

Several Parks along Beach Drive closed due to sewer overflow

Seattle Public Utilities has closed a couple of beaches along Beach Drive due to a sewer issue near Cormorant Cove.This is from Seattle Public Utilities post on NextDoor:

Dear Neighbors,

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) responded to a sewer overflow due to a broken side sewer located along Beach Dr near Cormorant Cove. As a result, beaches in the area are currently closed to water activities, including Cormorant Cove Parklet, Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint at Alki beach, and the Andover Place street end beach access. Staff will sample the water and work with Public Health-Seattle & King County to determine when the area can be safely reopened. SPU will provide an update when we have more information. Seattle Public Utilities is working with the property owner to ensure a timely repair of the side sewer. If you find flooding or sewer backups, please report them to the SPU 24/7 Operations Response Center at (206) 386-1800. To learn more about our Spill Response Program, please visit: https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/protecting-our-environment/community-programs/pollution-control/spill-response – Seattle Public Utilities

High Tides at Weather Watch and more

Our intrepid reporter Scupper Sr (aka my husband) has been taking photos of local parks during the high tides. 

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Weather Watch Park

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the tides and strong winds as our property can flood. If we are preparing for flooding, we do our best to issue a “Barking Dog Report”.  This is a term my husband has “fondly” used to describe yours truly when I’m running around the house, worried about pending trouble – such as flooding. Just like your neighbors barking dog, it’s hopefully much ado about nothing… but you never know!

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Constellation Park 

With the recent redesign of Beach Drive Blog, please be sure to check out the “Swell Links” to the left, which features information about pending weather and tides.  And be sure to follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/beachdriveblog. If we wind up losing power and not able to post info on the blog, you may find more info on Twitter.

Be prepared, stay warm!  Let’s hope we’re not issuing any “barking dog reports” over this holiday weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Me Kwa Mooks Illuminated at Night

Lights at West Seattle's Me Kwa Mooks

Photo compliments of Patrick Robinson of West Seattle Herald

Lights installed at Me Kwa Mooks/Emma Schmitz Park

Lights have been installed to help improve safety at Emma Schmitz/Me Kwa Mooks Park. This will help illuminate the lower park along the water which has very little visibility from the street.  The lights have been added to existing light poles.

 

BeforeAfter

photo on left is before the additional light was added

 

This is the area where Greggette Guy may have been murdered earlier this year.  

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Many Beach Drive neighbors and others who typically walk this area are familiar with seeing grafiti and other crimes take place in this section of the park.  

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Let's hope shedding some light in this secluded area helps to make this park a safer place for all.

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The addition of lights to this area of Beach Drive is one of the recommendations from the community safety walk that took place at the beginning of this month. Hat tip to Tazi's human for sharing this tip with us.