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Update on what Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is doing in Broadview.

Posted: September 13, 2011

Public Meeting:

SPU will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, October 19, in the Fellowship Hall of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, at 13047 Greenwood Avenue N. There will be an Open House from 6:00-6:30, followed by a meeting from 6:30-8:00. SPU will be sending out meeting invitations to the community at large as they did for the April 6th meeting. This meeting will provide additional information on the two pilot projects and the sewer and stormwater improvements discussed below.

Infiltration Reduction Pilot:

95% of candidates in SPU’s Infiltration Reduction pilot area chose to participate in the program. Over the summer, the mainline sewer pipes and side sewers in this area have been inspected and cleaned, and clean-outs have been installed in side sewers that didn’t have them previously. Grouting of mainlines and side sewers will be completed by the end of September. Early indications are that the grouting has been very successful in reducing infiltration.

Backflow Prevention Pilot:

To date, 83% of potential candidates for backflow valves have allowed SPU to conduct basement elevation surveys of their homes, and the survey data is now being used to update our Broadview sewer system modeling. This modeling is critical to determining not just which homes would benefit from the installation of a backflow valve, but will guide us in our decisions regarding how to proceed with long-term sewer improvements. The next step in finalizing the list of eligible homes is to video side sewers to determine exact locations of side sewer pipes, to examine connections and groundwater issues, to decide the best type of device to install, and to locate the best spot for the devices. We hope to finalize our list of eligible homes by the end of September and begin installing valves in October.

Broadview Sewer and Stormwater Improvements Project:

Earlier this summer, SPU put out a full Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant for the Broadview Sewer and Stormwater Improvements Project. The engineering and support services will include public involvement, alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, permitting, and design through construction support. Given the issues in Broadview, it is anticipated there will be multiple improvements to the sewer and stormwater system over multiple years. At this time, proposals from the top three teams have been reviewed and we expect to make a selection by the week of September 20th. After the selection, the Program Manager will work with the selected consultant team on a detailed scope of work, which is expected to take approximately 4-5 weeks.

Broadview Modeling and Flow Monitoring:

Key to the Broadview Sewer and Stormwater Improvements Project, SPU is in the process of selecting sites for additional flow monitoring of the Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage system. The flow monitoring data is used to determine the real-time hydraulic conditions of conveyance systems under various conditions. Flow monitoring can also be used to determine inflow/infiltration levels, calibrate dynamic hydraulic computer models, and measure capacity within the system. The calibrated computer models allow engineers to predict flow patterns within the existing system, as well as predict how changes to the system will affect flows throughout the basin.

SPU and its consultants will be in the field over the next month inspecting potential flow monitoring sites as well as installing meters. They will also be out in the basin during the fall and winter to inspect the monitoring equipment, collect data from the equipment, and perform field observations of surface flow patterns.

The drainage system flow monitors will have above-ground enclosures adjacent to the monitoring equipment. To ensure the success of the Broadview flow monitoring effort, SPU needs the assistance of the Broadview Neighborhood. If you see any of the following, please contact us at spu_broadviewprojects@seattle.gov:

• Any vandalized enclosures

• Anyone tampering with the enclosures

• Debris built up in front of or behind the flow monitors and/or the weir structures

• Loose equipment and/or wire bands floating in the drainage system.

Venema Creek Natural Drainage System (Green Stormwater Infrastructure) Project:

SPU is currently evaluating the performance and costs of the project design alternatives, based on recently furnished infiltration field test results and geotechnical investigation.

Pipers Creek Flow Control Study:

Over the next two years, SPU will be conducting a flow control study in Piper’s Creek to examine the amount of stormwater coming from different drainage areas in the creek watershed. The project objective is to identify high priority stormwater management areas and actions in the Piper’s Creek watershed to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff on Piper’s Creek.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Celeste Duncan

Community Relations, SPU

(206) 684-8527, celeste.duncan@seattle.gov

Violent Bank Robbery 145th Greenwood

by Will Murray

Posted: September 13, 2011

originally posted http://www.shorelineareanews.com/

By Sgt. John Urguhart, King County Sheriff’s office

Two bank robbers, one armed with a pistol and one armed with a shotgun, robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Shoreline yesterday afternoon (Sept. 12th) about 5: 25 PM. Both robbers wore Halloween masks.

The robbers came into the bank, located at 14500 Greenwood, and ordered customers and a teller to the ground. One suspect jumped the counter and demanded larger denomination bills from three teller stations. The robbers then left the bank, heading northbound on foot.

Responding Shoreline officers, assisted by Seattle Police, were unable to locate the suspects.

If you recognize anyone in these photos from the Wells Fargo Bank robbery call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

October is International Walk to School Month

by Susan George

Posted: September 12, 2011

This year, Feet Firs t is giving your IWALK event a boost with a collaborative meeting and FREE resource giveaway. If you would like to see more kids walking and bicycling to your school, make sure that someone from your community attends this meeting!
WHAT:     IWALK Regional Planning Meeting with Feet First
WHEN:     Tuesday, September 13th, 10:30am-12:00pm
WHERE:     John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence
                     Room 2700
                     2445 3rd Avenue South / Seattle, WA 98134

RSVP: Click here to RSVP. If you have already RSVP’d, please forward this invitation to others who might be interested in attending.

A FEW FUN EXTRAS:

Come directly to the meeting location, or if you prefer join a Walking School Bus at 10:15am from the SODO Light Rail Station.
Children are welcome to attend the meeing, but must remain with their parent.
Light refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions, contact Jen Cole, Feet First Safe Routes to School Director
by calling 206-652-2310 or emailing jen@feetfirst.org

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

Seattle Police, Seattle Fire to participate in 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb

by Will Murray

Posted: September 9, 2011

From the SPD Blotter

Posted by Detective Mark Jamieson

On Sunday, September 11, police officers and firefighters from around the region will participate in a memorial stair climb at Two Union Square in downtown Seattle. The participants will climb to the 55th floor of the tower twice, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers. Every participant will carry a photo of one of the 343 New York City firefighter or one of the 61 police officers who perished on September 11th, 2001. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 am with several speakers, and the the first participants will begin the ascent at approximately 9:30 am. This event is open to the public. The location of Two Union Square is 621 Union Street.

For more information on this event, contact Seattle Fire Department Public Information Officer Kyle Moore at (206) 386-1679 or Kyle.Moore@Seattle.gov

2008 September 11th Remembrance Ceremony North Seattle community College

Bitter Lake — Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation

by Susan George

Posted: September 9, 2011

SDOT Traffic Advisory

For immediate release: September 9, 2011

Contact: Marybeth Turner (206) 684-8548

North 125^th Street Resurfacing Next Week

SEATTLE — Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation will resurface North 125^th Street from North Park Avenue North to Phinney Avenue North in the Bitter Lake neighborhood on September 13 and 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One lane will remain open, shared by both directions of traffic with the assistance of a traffic flagger. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.

Broadview Co-op Preschool’s Open House – 9/10/11 – 10AM to Noon

by Dale Johnson

Updated: September 7, 2011

Looking for a quality, cooperative preschool experience for children 1 to 5 years old?
Broadview Cooperative Preschool offers engaging early learning opportunities, accredited parent education and family support.

Please Join Us at Broadview Cooperative Preschool Open House for Prospective Families. Saturday, September 10th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at

Grace Lutheran Church
11051 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98133
(Located at the southeast corner of Greenwood Ave. N. and N. 112th St.)

Teacher Charlotte and several co-op parents and children will be on hand to answer questions and tour families around our classroom.

Classes start mid-September – Please come join us to learn more.

Children are welcome and refreshments will be served!

What is a Cooperative Preschool?

Cooperative Preschools, or Co-ops, provides parent and early education for families with children from infancy to Pre-K. Co-op preschools are very popular and provide a community of support for children and their families.

Co-ops are located throughout Seattle and differ from traditional preschools in that they are run by parents, in conjunction with a certified classroom preschool teacher and in association with Seattle’s Community College program.

For more information about our cooperative preschools, visit http://coops.northseattle.edu/index.html

For more information about the Broadview Cooperative Preschool, please contact Kim at kim@kimalessi.net.

Visit our website at: http://coops.northseattle.edu/coops/broadview/broadview.html

Meet the Candidates Sept. 8 at Haller Lake Community Club

by Dale Johnson

Posted: September 1, 2011

Haller Lake Community Club is sponsoring a meet the candidates forum on September 8 at 7 PM. The club is at 12579 Densmore Ave N. Come at 7 pm for refreshments and a chance to meet informally with the candidates. At this point, seven City Council Candidates have replied that they are coming and one school board candidate too. Shawn MacPherson will serve as Moderator for the evening’s program which will begin at 7:30.

All the candidates will make a three minute opening statement and then answer questions from the crowd. They will also be given time for a short closing statement at the end. At the 2009 candidates forum many Broadview residents were in attendance. This is a good opportunity to hear the candidates in person.

5th Annual Pipers Orchard Festival of Fruit

by Will Murray

Posted: August 30, 2011

The 5th annual Festival of Fruit will be taking place on Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM at the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center. We hope you’re marking your calendars to join in our celebration of Piper orchard’s 120th anniversary. The agenda is posted on our website. Our keynote speaker will be Susan Dolan, a National Park Service expert on historic orchards. We’ll have several other interesting speakers, and of course, our apple pie contest, cider pressing, orchard apple tasting, music, kids crafts, Tillie’s Café so you can enjoy cider and apple pie, and a trek to the orchard with a number of knowledgeable folks there to answer questions.

We encourage you to consider entering an apple pie in the contest; they’re due by 10:30 on the 24th. If you’d like to make a pie using orchard apples, please contact donricks@hotmail.com.

A final note: we could really use some volunteers to help with the cider press, help direct traffic, and help set up tables of chairs the morning of the festival.

Contact: pipersorchard@gmail.com

Phone Seattle Parks at Carkeek: 206-684-0877 or email: carkeek.park@seattle.gov

Back to School letter to the community

by Susan George

Posted: August 26, 2011

By Dr. Susan Enfield

Interim Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools

Our students come to us at the start of each new school year excited and hopeful that anything is possible. As educators, we in Seattle Public Schools must do all we can to live up to their expectations. This requires that we raise our expectations as a school district and a community.

I have spent the past six months as your Interim Superintendent working with staff to ensure that we embark on the 2011-12 school year with a renewed focus on our mission of graduating all students prepared for college, career and life. I promised to listen and engage with the community around what we collectively want our schools to become. I heard four common themes, which will guide our work this year: great principals, great teachers, connected families and a responsive central office. Great principals highly skilled as instructional leaders. Principals must be in the classroom observing and working with teachers to better help students. Our six regional Executive Directors of Schools will continue to support our principals by providing professional development through regional meetings, one-on-one coaching and by sharing what works.

Great teachers highly skilled in meeting the needs of ALL students. Our students, regardless of what school they attend, deserve to be held to the same high standard. We must provide our teachers and instructional support staff with the tools they need to support all students. Our Professional Growth and Evaluation System does this, by focusing on how our teachers can become even better at what they do, while also honoring them as professionals.

Families and community partners connected to our schools. We cannot do this work alone. We must find ways to engage our families meaningfully. We need to consult them on how to overcome barriers to student success. At the same time, we must ensure our community-based organizations are matched with schools to best maximize student learning.

Central office staff serving and supporting schools and families. We have worked diligently to restructure our central office to have stronger internal controls and departmental leadership. We are creating a new culture — one in which central office staff see themselves directly supporting our core mission. In turn, our schools will have better support and we will be more responsive to families.

While these priorities serve as our framework for the year, we have also adopted a motto to remind ourselves of what we must achieve: AGREE: Attacking Gaps/Raising Expectations Everywhere. It is time for us to work together and attack our gaps. While doing this, we must also raise the quality of instruction for all students, including those who need additional academic challenges. Finally, we must raise expectations for ourselves as the adults in this community and do all we can to model for our young people what it means to be thoughtful, productive citizens who take pride in their community and its commitment to public education.

I am proud to be a part of Seattle Public Schools and work alongside our more than 47,000 students and 8,000 employees. I am equally proud to live in a community that deeply values public education. I thank you for this.

We have miles to go before we can say we are a school system that works for all students. I am committed to making this happen. My challenge to all of us in Seattle is simple: Can we AGREE to make Seattle Public Schools the point of pride in our city? I believe if any community can do this, we can.

Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 30 as we officially kick off the school year with our first-ever Celebration of Learning. This community event is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion. Come hear music from the All-City Band, enter drawings for some great prizes and ask questions of Seattle Public Schools staff about enrollment, transportation and nutrition.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, and back at school on Sept. 7.

Here’s to a great school year!

Garden work party this Saturday at Viewlands School

by Sue Jensen

Posted: August 26, 2011

Please join Community Volunteers, the Broadview Garden Club and new school families tidy up the grounds prior near the entry and interior courtyard prior to the school’s re-opening this fall. We will be doing some weeding and spreading mulch. Many hands make light work!

Day/time: Saturday August 27, 9am to 12:00
Meet us near the main entrance, off 3rd NW or just down those steps into the courtyard.

Bring: gardening gloves, basic hand tools like shovels, trowels, clippers, weeder and rakes. Wheel barrows would help too. We welcome all, including older school age kids who can help a little! (No formal child care is available.) We plan to have some snacks/beverages for volunteers.

Background: Viewlands School is on 3rd NW between 105th and 107th, and re-opening on Sept. 7th after being closed for several years. It needs our TLC!. The District grounds crew have done some pruning and mowing, however they need help from the greater community to provide some detail weeding and make it welcoming.

ALSO: Please we are asking the community to lend or contribute some medium size pots with colorful annuals on the day before school, near the main entry, as a way we as a community can recognize the school’s re-awakening and make the first day of school bright and cheery for kids and teachers. We’d like to line the street by the entry with 10 or 20 pots for the first couple days of school. Please confirm if you can contribute a pot!

If you have questions or can contribute, please contact Viewsland Design team members helping with site design: Sue Jensen at sue.jensengreen@gmail.com (782-0232) or Jason Maderios at spectabolis@yahoo.com.

Viewlands School needs your help Saturday August 27th