Live History Talk and Walk at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park

August 12, 2009 by Leave a Comment

The Log House Museum and Sowthwest Historical Society are sponsoring a fun event on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Park, 4503 Beach Drive SW, West Seattle.

Alan Schmitz and the Olmsted Society will give the history of the Schmitz family land that became a gem of a park on Beach Drive.  

No reservations required and of course donations are appreciated. 

I had the pleasure of hearing Alan at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park last year–he's a delight.

For more information, please call the Log House Musem at 206-938-4293.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Heron on a Rooftop

August 7, 2009 by 3 Comments

I've never seen a heron on a residential roof before, have you?

DSC_0252 

DSC_0253 

DSC_0255 

…nor have I ever had a heron fly so closely over my head!

DSC_0256

Filed Under: Wildlife

SNO Next Year, Beach Drive!

August 5, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Check out the coverage from West Seattle Blog on last night's Seattle Night Out event.   Neighborhoods in West Seattle did everything from live music to outdoor formal sit-down dinners and a show of support for the family who lost their home to the fire last week.

If there were any SNO events last night along the neighborhood of Beach Drive, please let us know.  It would be great to have some photos!

Our community forum is the perfect place to plan for this event which typically takes place the first Tuesday in August.   We now have 12 months to plan for Seattle Night Out 2010.

Filed Under: Safety

Tonight is Seattle Night Out

August 4, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Hopefully your block has organized a neighborhood social event…but if there is not get-together planned near you, you can still support National Night Out.   The Seattle Police Department asks that you turn your porch lights on by 8 p.m. tonight in a show of support.   And this day is also a good reason to stop by a neighbors to say hello and get reaquainted.  This is also a great time to start a Block Watch or to schedule a Block Watch meeting if it's been a while.

Next year I'm hopeful that we use BDB's new community forums to be more organized for this event.    It would be nice to know of all the events planned in our neighborhood to be more "connected".

If no party has been planned in time for tonight's national event… there's no reason not to plan a "post" neighorhood night out on a more convenient date.

Filed Under: Safety

Keep an Eye Out for “Clam Diggers” on the Beach

July 31, 2009 by Leave a Comment

West Seattle Blog reports that digging up 100+ clams on the beaches along Beach Drive.   Not only is this unhealthy, it's illegal and needs to be reported to the proper authorites.  Be on the lookout for a copper/gold Suburban-type SUV with plate starting with 861, blue and white cooler.

Update 8:30 pm: catch the rest of the story at West Seattle Blog.

This is from a concerned BDB Reader who contacted officials while dealing with a moon-shell harverster (who has been seen as recent as this week back on the beach poaching shells).

Emma Schmitz Park is a City of Seattle designated Marine Reserve, AND a Washington State Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) designated Marine Preserve. City rules ask that people not remove anything from the beach.  WDFW Marine Preserve designation make removing anything from the beach a misdemeanor.  This encompasses the area from high tide to minus 4.5 (extreme low water).
 
I have the new 2009 Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Fishing in Washington guide, which contains all the sport fishing and harvesting rules.  We are in Marine Area 10, found on p.114. This states there is no harvesting at Marine Preserves. You can get these at no cost from most sporting goods stores.
 
You can also find this information on line, but it's confusing navigating through all the WDFW options.  I've attached the page in the Fishing Regulations from the website.  Scroll through the attachment to find Marine Area 10.
 
You can call State Patrol for violations in progress, and you may also call the WDFW Bellevue office.  Please let me know if you would like me to get the phone numbers for you.
 
Thank you for your concern for our beautiful parks and the animals that live in Puget Sound.
 
Please let me know if you need more information.
 
Please come out and visit with Beach Naturalists in the area on low tide summer weekends, if you can.  I'm attaching a flyer.  Beach Naturalists do a lot of educating about why we don't take any materials except trash from our beaches.
 
Janice Mathisen
Seattle Aquarium
206 386-4365

Harvest violations?

State Patrol  (for violation in progress) for Richmond Beach and Seahurst Park call (206)464-6610.  Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife: Individuals that witness and would like to report a violation, can call toll-free 1-877-933-9847, or 1-800-477-6224 for wild animal encounters.

Filed Under: Puget Sound, Safety

Precinct Public Safety Newsletter

July 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Precinct Public Safety Newsletter

July 28, 2009

Dear Community Friends,

Hot Weather Safety Tips:

The following are some tips from the Washington State Department of Health:

q       Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you are sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.

q       Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.

q       Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.

q       Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.

q       Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.

q       Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help.  If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.

q       Make sure pets have plenty of water.

q       Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor.  If you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.

q       If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.

q       Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

If you go outside:

q       Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler; then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.

q       Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.

q       Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.

q       At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.  Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.

q       Avoid sunburn: it slows the skin's ability to cool itself.  Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

q       Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly or very young people.

For more information, click on the following links:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2009! Seattle’s “Night Out” must be completed before July 31, 2009.  Take a few minutes, go to:  https://www.seattle.gov/police/nightout/swregister.htm. 

Registered blocks will be granted free street closure for Tuesday, August 4, 2009.  Information on registered blocks is shared with the Fire Department so they are aware of streets that will be closed.

Picnic at the Southwest Precinct is Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 1-4 pm!

All Southwest Precinct community members are invited to the 2300 SW Webster St. to enjoy a day of dancing, music, food, magic, balloons, raffles! Meet your local officers, SWAT and other specialty units and get a chance to take a precinct tour!

Resources To Keep You Informed

Police Blotter, http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/

Subscribe to SPD: Crime Blotter http://feeds.feedburner.com/SeattlePoliceSouthwestPrecinct

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

West Seattle Blog, Tracy Record, Editor http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?page_id=4988

Seattle Police Department main web pagehttp://www.seattle.gov/police/

Southwest Precinct Web-page http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htmSeattle

Police Crime Statistics http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats.htm

For More Information Call: Benjamin Kinlow,

Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 or email benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov.  Check out www.seattle.gov/police/precincts/southwest/prevention.htm

Filed Under: Safety

The Seafair Fleet

July 29, 2009 by Leave a Comment

I don't recall ever seeing this much military so close to home in Puget Sound….'tis the season for Seafair!  It was amazing to watch the ships position for their grand entrance to Elliott Bay for Fleet Week.

Below is USCG Bertholf with USS Shoup following in the background.

DSC_0089 

DSC_0101 

Above are USS Shoup (on the left) and USS Momsen (right).

DSC_0113 

DSC_0146 

Above is the USS Momsen.  Below is Canada's HMCS Brandon.

DSC_0153

The USS Momsen corners Alki Point to Elliott Bay…imagine the view for those homes!

DSC_0157 

Last but not least, from the Canadian Navy, HMCS Nanaimo.

DSC_0159

Filed Under: Puget Sound

Last Night’s Moonset over Southworth

July 29, 2009 by Leave a Comment

DSC_0066 

DSC_0075

Filed Under: Sunrise & Sunset

HOT Dog Report: Excessive Heat Warning until Thursday Night

July 27, 2009 by 1 Comment

Normally with extreme weather, we'll post a "barking dog" report… this weather is DSC_0109 nothing to bark about.   My poor old pug is lying low and panting in front of a fan.

According to the Seattle City forecast, we're in for some very hot weather–possibly hitting the 100's thru Thursday.

…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT THURSDAY…

TONIGHT…CLEAR. LOWS IN THE 60S. NORTH WIND TO 10 MPH.

TUESDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE 90S TO 100. NORTH WIND TO 10 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT…CLEAR. LOWS IN THE 60S. NORTH WIND TO 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 90S TO 103. LIGHT WIND BECOMING NORTHWEST 10 MPH OR LESS IN THE AFTERNOON.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE 60S. EAST WIND TO 10 MPH.

THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE 90S TO 100. 

Air conditioning in the Seattle area is not common.   This is a good time to reach out to neighbors, those who might need some extra help, to make sure they're staying cool.   You don't need to wait for Seattle Night Out next week to visit with your neighbors–which by the way, we only have until July 31, 2009 to register if we're closing down a side street or want the Seattle Police Department to stop by.

 

Filed Under: Safety, Weather

Osprey’s Lowtide Lunch

July 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment

DSC_0082

DSC_0088

DSC_0089

Filed Under: Wildlife
« Previous Page
Next Page »