Beware of solicitors just say NO                                                 September 2007

The Seattle Times reported that a young woman was attacked by a door-to-door salesman while buying
magazine subscriptions from him at her Eastlake apartment on Friday.

If a solicitor approaches your residence feel free to say no thanks and send them on their way. A residential
sellers license is required for door to door sales and if they don't have one call 911 and report them. If you
have a NO Soliciting sign and they still approach your door call 911 and report them.

Residents Share Concerns about Linden Avenue

King County District 1 Council Member Bob Ferguson met with Community
members this Summer for a tour of the Bitter Lake Urban Hub Village and the
Interurban Greenway Trail.

How would you spend 4.5 million?

Neighborhood Street Fund Community Open Houses
Attend these events to see the project proposed for 143rd street and others

Tuesday September 11th Ravenna Eckstein Community Center
6535 Ravenna Ave N 5PM - 8PM

Thursday September 20th BF Day Elementary School
3921 Linden Avenue North 5PM - 8PM

Felony Assaults on Linden

On August 11th two residents of the 14300 block of Linden Avenue North had an altercation involving a
machete. After the altercation one suspect returned and shot at a truck parked on Linden. The Seattle Police
Aurora Emphasis Team rounded up the assailants and they were charged with Felony Assaults

On August 1st Liquor enforcement agents cited the Highland Market again for selling alcohol to minors and
the store received a 5 day suspension.


September is National Preparedness Month

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. What would you do if basic services-water, gas, electricity or
telephones-were cut off? Do you have an emergency communications plan?

An important facet of your emergency communications plan is:

1. Closest Police Station North Precinct 10049 College Way N 206 684-0850

2. Closest Fire Station #24 - 401 N 130th Street

3. Emergency Shelter Bitter Lake Community Center 13035 Linden Ave N 206-684-7524

Welcome Tina's Catering and Taqueria El Carreton

Tina's mission is to provide the tenants of the Four Freedoms House and neighboring residences with quality,
home-cooked style food at an affordable price. 747 N 135 Seattle WA 98133 206-365-3825

Taqueria El Carreton recently opened a second taco truck at 143rd and Greenwood at the Highland 76 station.
A Seattle Times review of the Shoreline location; Tostadas! Horchata ! Burritos! Mulitas! Sharing the strip-mall
parking lot is Taqueria El Carreton, a converted yellow school bus with a takeout window, 10 indoor swivel
seats and daily specials (six tacos, soda and "bus"-made horchata for $5.99? Get out!).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2003738286_leson080.html

Weekly Wednesday Walks

Neighbors are once again participating in weekly walks meeting September 12th on 137th and Linden at 4:30
PM for a walk and visit to Tina's restaurant. On Wednesday September 19th we will meet at 4:30 PM on Linden
and 137th and visit Taqueria El Carreton. Please join us or send an email to see how we can make our
community a safer and more vibrant place to live!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  ~Albert Camus




Summer 2007                                  Car less in Northwest Seattle

Matt Ruehlen sold his vehicle in February and has gone car less in Northwest Seattle relying on Metro Transit
for his 20 mile commute to downtown and an occasional rental car for errands and home repair projects.
When asked why he went car less Matt cited environmental and social concerns namely global warming and
an acquaintance serving in the armed forces in Iraq. Matt has no regrets over his car less lifestyle although
walking in Northwest Seattle sans sidewalks can be a chore. " A pedestrian and bike friendly neighborhood in
Northwest Seattle could reduce car trips by 26% and fight climate change " suggests Michael McGinn Director
of the Seattle Great City Initiative at a recent Economic Development meeting at Bitter Lake.

To learn more about Going Car less in Seattle
http://transit.metrokc.gov/up/promos/dumpthepump.html


Mayor Nickels to tour Bitter Lake Urban Village

Last March Mayor Nickels visited the neighborhood to celebrate the opening of the Interurban Greenway Trail
at 110th to 128th and will return July 14th to tour the remaining Greenway Trail 130th - 145th and Urban Hub
Village at Bitter Lake from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Please join us at the North entrance to the Bitter Lake
Community Center 13035 Linden Avenue North near the parking lot. Mayor Nickels has also joined GAIN for
walks last year and recently announced a year long revitalization project from 72nd to 95th on Aurora Avenue
North.
http://www.gainthehighland.org/


Picnic at the North Precinct this Saturday June 30th  1 - 4PM

The Second Annual Seattle Police Foundation Picnic at North Precinct 10049 College Way N will feature a
variety of activities and information for people of all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with
and learn more about their local police officers as well as the SPD as a whole. Food, Fun, Sun and Sponge Bob
ice cream were enjoyed last year by all.

Register for Night Out Block Parties

It's time to plan a block party for Seattle Night Out on Tuesday, August 7.  It's easy to organize and a great way
to meet your neighbors!  For more information and to register go to Seattle Night Out.  http://www.cityofseattle.
net/police/Nightout/Default.htm

New Restaurants on Greenwood and 145th

Playa Azul a family Mexican Restaurant is opening this summer at 144th and Greenwood in the Village at the
Highlands and renovation is ongoing for the Broadview Grill on 145th just east of Greenwood.

143rd and Linden in the News
http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/06/intersection_youll_be_living_in_a_van_do



Spring Newsletter – April 1, 2007



MAYOR ANNOUNCES 154 MORE OFFICERS

GO CLEAN AND GREEN APRIL 7th and 21st

EARTH DAY WITH CATHY SORBO

LINDEN PLACE AT BITTER LAKE OPENS

URBAN VILLAGERS VOICE BLOG

PREVENTING HOME BURGLARY



MAYOR ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR 154 POLICE OFFICERS

On March 7, Mayor Nickels released a detailed study of 911 calls and a comprehensive plan to improve police
response times, including adding 154 officers over the next few years.  Mayor Nickels invites you to attend an
open house to learn more about the Neighborhood Policing Plan.  The North Precinct Open House will take
place Wed, April 15, 6:00-7:30pm at the Woodland Park Zoo, ARCBuilding, 5500 Phinney Ave N.  To read the
plan go to Neighborhood Policing Plan.

GO CLEAN AND GREEN APRIL 7th and 21st

GAIN the Highland is sponsoring a Clean and Green Community Cleanup
on April 7th  12:00 - 2:00PM at the Bitter Lake Reservoir 143rd Linden Ave.

We will have plants and mulch to spread and refreshments will be provided.

Bitter Lake Community Center is sponsoring an Earth day event at 10:00 AM –12:00PM at Bitter Lake
Community Center. Local PI Columnist Cathy Sorbo will join us in helping plant the south shore, stencil storm
drains and clean our adopted streets.
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Native American Proverb
Native American Proverb


LINDEN PLACE AT BITTER LAKE VILLAGE OPENS

Speaking of growth, it continues with the opening of The New Haven Apartments at Linden Place, located in
north Seattle's Bitter Lake neighborhood.  This is the largest single community in the SHAG family, with 251
one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Linden Place will also feature 140 affordable multifamily residences opening this summer with three other
planned Linden avenue developments will soon add 1521 new households to unimproved Linden Avenue North.



URBAN VILLAGERS VOICE BLOG

A community blog from outer lesser northwest seattle and the rapidly expanding urban hub village at Bitter
Lake. A voice for community concerns regarding crime, lack of infrastructure (completed streets) and
community building events.

Bitter Lake Urban Villagers Voice



NOTES FROM PREVENTING HOME BURGLARY WORKSHOP

GAIN has posted the notes from the March 12 Preventing Home Burglary Workshop hosted by GAIN and
presented by the Seattle Police Department.  Thanks to the 40 participants and 4 speakers.  Click here for
notes.






VIOLENCE ON AURORA - JAN 17
  
GAIN CLEAN- UPS - FEB 3 & MAR 3

B.I.G. WALK WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION NOW

VOTE FEB 6

VIOLENCE ON AURORA - JAN 17
Most of you probably know that violence erupted outside the Georgian Motel at 88th and Aurora last week (see
Seattle P.I. article Motel Owner Says Officer Saved Lives of His Sons).  The injured officer, Officer Troy
Swanson, had presented at GAIN's Narcotics workshop in September, and is a member of the Anti-Crime
Team that has been working on Aurora.   GAIN has sent cards to both officers involved in the incident to thank
them for their bravery and their work.  GAIN has long been concerned about this area of Aurora, including the
motels.   The silver lining in this story is that the new manager at the Georgian Motel is showing an increased
interest in being a responsible neighbor.  The police department and city attorney's office is hosting a
workshop this week with Aurora motel owners and mangers to reinforce the importance of being a good
neighbor.

In other North Seattle Crime news Seattle Police shot and apprehended an auto thief on 137th and Midvale. In
a separate incident Neighbors reported that  a man in a mask with a gun threatened to rob the Dollar Store on
130th and Aurora on a Wednesday night about 8pm.  A customer called the police on his cell phone and yelled
it out.  The robber ran out, but wasn't caught.

GAIN CLEAN- UPS - FEB 3 & MAR 3
Please join us for the next Neighborhood Clean-up.  We will meet Saturday, February 3, 10-12:30 at Bitter Lake
Community Center 130th and Linden Avenue North.  The following Clean-up will be March 3, 10-12:30.  It only
takes a couple hours once a month to make a big difference in your community. Please consider lending a
hand. Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8PxYLGNCio


B.I.G. TO WALK WITH COUNCILMEMBER GODDEN
The Broadview Community Council Bitter Lake Advisory Improve Linden GAIN the Highland also known as the
B.I.G. coalition to improve Northwest Seattle recently met with Council member Richard Conlin to discuss the
Vision 2020 neighborhood plan. Members discussed concerns of Pedestrian Safety in our rapidly expanding
Urban 'Hub' Village where the main street is Linden Avenue North. The Bitter Lake Urban 'Hub' Village is one of
five designated Urban Villages in Seattle where density is encouraged and 950 additional units are being
constructed and are in the design phase. The Bitter Lake Urban 'Hub' Village is however the only Village
without completed streets. Council member Jean Godden will join B.I.G. members for a walking tour on
February 21st at 4PM beginning at the Bitter Lake Community Center everyone is welcome to attend.

PHINNEY GREENWOOD CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION NOW
Phinney Greenwood neighbors have created pledge forms to help reduce our carbon emissions. The average
American generates 24,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually and over 300 pounds per year can be saved by
turning off your computer at night. To obtain pledge forms contact Shannon Markley at  
phinneygreenwoodccan@yahoo.com .  A project of the Phinney EcoVillage.

VOTE FEB 6th
Seattle Schools Proposition 1 and 2 are on the ballot February 6th. For more information visit www.schools-
first.com

ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Community Pancake Breakfast Sun, February 25th 9 a.m. – Noon(sponsored by the Bitter Lake Community
Center)
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/BitterLake/activity.htm

NEIGHBOR APPRECIATION DAY

February 10th, 2007 marks Seattle's 13th annual celebration of Neighbor Appreciation Day. The City
encourages Seattle residents to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day by saying "thank you!" to those who
have made their neighborhood a nicer, safer, place to live and play.  http://www.seattle.
gov/neighborhoods/appday/




Highland Holiday News                         November 30th 2006

Ø        Public Safety Package Passed

Ø        Open Space Cleanup / Planting this Saturday

Ø        Highlands Higher then Queen Anne Hill

Ø        Danger on the edge of town

Ø        Welcome One Earth One Design

GAIN the Highland is pleased and encouraged with the City Council's adopted budget and prioritization of
Public Safety. Council member Jan Drago had this to say about the adopted Budget:

"On Monday, November 20th the City Council adopted the 2007 budget and endorsed the 2008 budget.  I am
very pleased with the work that we did.  The Council's number one priority was public safety on which we
focused to make Seattle a safer City.  Public safety is an on-going issue and I will be watching closely to
ensure that the package we put together has a positive impact.
Here are a few of the highlights of Council additions to the 2007-2008 budget. You may already know that
some worthwhile requests were not funded.  The Council simply did not have the funds to do as much as we
would have liked to do.  But our overriding concern - and that of thousands of Seattle residents - was public
safety, from intervention to prevention to maintenance.

Public Safety
Ø       $2,916,000 for 31 new police officers
Ø       $982,000 for programs aimed at diverting at-risk youth from offending
Ø       $840,000 for treatment, housing and other services to help reduce recidivism
Ø       $648,000 for civilian assistants for patrol and for community-oriented solutions to crime
Ø       $405,000 for legal assistance for victims of domestic violence"

Cleanup / Planting this Saturday  10:00 AM- 12:30PM  Weather permitting

Community members recently met with Seattle Parks staff at the Bitter Lake Reservoir Open Space to
discuss the Adopt A Park program and community involvement in the Open Space at 143 rd and Linden
Avenue North. This effort has been spearheaded by neighbors from the Tri Court Seattle Housing who have
expressed a desire to maintain and enhance the Open Space which was planted in 2003 as part of the Pro
Parks Levy. Daffodil bulbs will be planted to accompany the blue fescue.

Highest Elevations in Seattle

This week's preponderant collection of snow and ice lead neighbors to ask how high are the Highlands?
According to http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/steepest.htm

High Point above sea level, 6 parcels south of water tower at 35th Ave SW and SW Myrtle Street - 520 feet -
NAVD88

Near Bitter Lake, on N 145th St just east of Greenwood Ave - 493 feet - NAVD88

NE 92nd ST and Roosevelt Way NE - 466 feet - NAVD88

Queen Anne Hill, at First Ave N and Lee Street - 456 feet - NAVD88

Northwest Seattle became largely impassable Monday evening and neighbor's hospitality's were
unsurpassed in opening hotel's for free lodging, restaurants serving free hot chocolate and everyone looking
out for one another.   November could go down in the record books for the most precipitation since 1933 and
coldest / snowiest game day at Qwest field.

Purse Snatching at 145th and Linden

A local business reported a customer who had her purse stolen last Wednesday as she was exiting her
vehicle and Seattle Police are investigating. The vicinity of the City Limits and Linden Avenue North have long
been plagued by a ' rolling slum' of drugs and prostitution which could soon be improved by a combined effort
of City Departments who are actively dealing with this area.

One Earth One Design Opens on Greenwood

November 4th was the grand opening of One Earth One Design at 14300 Greenwood Avenue North in the
Nelson Building. One Earth One Design specializes in sustainable Residential and Commercial Design, and
creating a healthy environment for those with chemical sensitivities or concerns about their well-being and
that of the planet.We provide Interior Design services, products and information on personal, community, and
global environmental issues..    http://www.1earth1design.com/
Join Paul and Sandy this Saturday.

Saturday, December 2nd - Join us for an Eco-Christmas
1:00pm Eco-holiday decorating, and eco-tree choices.
3:00pm Eco-gift wrap and gift buying.


GAIN the Highland Holiday Wish list

1. One finished arterial street in Northwest Seattle
2. Bike lanes and a completed sidewalk on the Linden Interurban Greenway Trail
3. A Senior Center and Community Service Officer for the Urban 'Hub' Village
4. A Street Outreach program for at risk teens on Aurora Avenue
5. A Food bank in the Neighborhood
6. Safe and Peaceful Streets for all


















                                                                                                                                                                                 







Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske recently joined Neighbors from Bitterlake, Haller Lake and Improve Linden
North for a weekly GAIN sponsored Neighborhood Walk.
Neighbors  voiced similar concerns with street crimes such as drug dealing and prostitution as they toured
the Urban' Hub' Village under construction at 130th and Linden Avenue North. Many Neighbors signed a City
wide Public Safety initiative requesting additional Patrol Officers be added for the next 5 years. The Chief was
receptive to concerns and agreed additional Patrol Officers would be helpful.


250 more Officers

Council member Steinbreuck recently called for 50 additional Patrol Officers per year for 5 years to bring
Seattle  262nd in crime nationwide) up to par with similar cities of its size. Monday at the City Council Budget
Committee of the Whole a proposal for a Public Safety package from Council President Licata discussed
adding a total of forty Patrol Officers over the biennium, transferring 14 positions to a new Gang unit and
adding four civilian assistant positions.  Direct your comments on the proposed budget to richard.
mciver@seattle.gov

Events

Saturday,  November 4th 10:00AM-12:00PM  Green Seattle Day
at Bitter Lake Reservoir Open Space Cleanup/Fall Planting

Tuesday,  November 7th Get out and VOTE

Wednesday,  November 8th  6:30PM BIG Broadview Improve North GAIN meeting
at Northgate Library 10510 5th Ave. NE. Join the BIG coalition to improve Northwest Seattle

Friday, November 17  6 – 8PM Community Spaghetti Dinner
Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of good food and good fun at Bitter Lake CC! This event is
planned and organized by our very own teens. They will be serving up spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and
salad. All proceeds from this event benefit Bitter Lake teen programs. http://www.seattle.
gov/parks/centers/bitterlk.htm
Fees: $6.00 (12 and younger & 55 and older eat for $4)

Tuesday,  November 21 Broadview Community Council 7:00 PM, Luther Memorial Church. 13047 Greenwood
Ave. N.  Information 206-362-2980. King County Council member Bob Ferguson will speak. http://www.
broadviewcc.info/

Developing News

November 1st marked the closure of the Crest Mobile Home park in Northwest Seattle which provided low
income housing for over 40 years. In the 1962 film 'Take me to the Fair' Elvis Presley reportedly smoked
cigarettes and played cards at a mobile home park on Highway 99 at the edge of town similar to the Crest.
This vanishing slice of Americana will soon become 400 lofts, condos and town homes with space for 516
cars on the unimproved Linden Interurban Greenway Trail.  

Weekly Neighborhood walks continue please contact us for times and dates.

"It's now clear that the effort to stop global warming in the United States will be led by the cities and states --
not the federal government. No other city is currently doing more than Seattle, and I'm delighted that Mayor
Nickels plans to keep Seattle in the vanguard on this awesome issue."
-- Denis Hayes, Bullitt Foundation               


GAIN SPECIAL BUDGET ISSUE

VOICE YOUR OPINION - MORE PATROL OFFICERS - NOW !

It is budget season again and it is time for YOU to participate in the discussion with City Council regarding
increasing the number of police officers in the city's budget.  Did you know that we have the same number of
officers today as we had in the 1970s?  

Last year many of you wrote letters to City Council and the Mayor and several also went downtown to testify
at the public hearings.  This year there are voices from all over the city that are sending the message to city
council that they want to see more police officers on the beat.  This is great news.  But it won't happen without
a great deal of support from the public to show council members that this is a priority for us.

With the support of many city staff we have really seen a difference in our neighborhood.  However, crime is
still an issue.  We know that increasing the number of police officers by itself is not the only answer, but we
believe it IS part of the solution.  We cannot wait for another year to study the problem.  It takes more than a
year to recruit, train and deploy new officers.  We continue to hear stories of neighbors who wait hours for
officers to arrive after a home invasion has taken place, and they aren't sure if the burglar has even left their
home!  We have also heard many stories of drug dealers in our residential neighborhoods in the middle of the
day conducting their deals knowing that patrol officers cannot arrive in time to catch them in the act.


WRITE E-MAILS FOR MORE PATROL OFFICERS THIS WEEK

Write a brief email to city council at budget@seattle.gov about your experience with crime and why you
support the police department's need for increased staff.     

October Newsletter

BIG News
Interurban Skatedot
GAINs on Crime
Fall Cleanup Planting
Improve Linden Update

Linden Avenue Residents Organize BIG

The meeting to establish BIG, the newly organized Community Group of Broadview Community Council,
Improve Linden, and Gain The Highlands, with associates from the Bitter Lake Community Center Advisory
Group and GAIN was held at the North Gate Branch Library.  BIG welcomes members from any existing
community group and individuals from any walk of life who wish to improve the Northwest area of Seattle, with
a special focus on Linden Ave. N.
The Focus on Wednesday, September 13 was on re-opening discussions for generating ways and means for
developing and finishing Linden Avenue N from 130th to 145th Streets. BIG members were recently joined by
Julien Loh (Community Outreach Coordinator Office of the Mayor) on September 27th for a tour of the Linden
Interurban Greenway Trail Corridor.

Interurban Skatedot

The Citywide Skatepark plan was recently unveiled by the Skatepark task force with a skatedot proposed for
the Interurban Trail Corridor! Sites were judged based on geography, construction and development
possibilities. The City of Shoreline is discussing the inclusion of skate able terrain adjacent to their portion of
the Interurban trail because Paramount skatepark constantly reaches full capacity. Skateboarders may
someday use a network of skatedots throughout miles of Interurban Trail accessible by bike foot and board.
Your ideas and suggestions are welcome at a public meeting.

Saturday,October 7th 1:00-3:00PM Northgate Community Center 10510 5th Ave. NE

Other events:

Saturday, October 7th 10:00 - 12:00 GAIN cleanup / fall planting Bitterlake Open Space Reservoir 143rd and
Linden Avenue

Wednesday, Oct. 11 BIG Neighborhood walk 6:00-7:00PM meet at Bitterlake Community Center 13035 Linden
Avenue North 684-0858

Oct. 15 Fall Foliage Festival at Dunn Gardens 2:00 4:00 PM, Plant sale, membership drive, silent auction, docent-
led tours of the gardens and refreshments.  Information 206-362-0933

October 17th, 7-9pm North Seattle Election Forum at Taproot Theater 204 N. 85th St. Seattle, Wa. 98103

GAINs on Crime

The North Precinct Anti Crime Team has completed  four sting operations on Aurora Avenue in a six month
period which resulted in a total of 70 arrests for prostitution, drugs, and suspicion of prostitution with persons
as young as 14 years of age.
Transients living in abandoned vehicles along Linden Avenue were recently evicted which aided in the
apprehension of a suspect wanted for three bank robberies.

Deputy Charles Douglas of the Metro Transit Police spoke to neighbors recently about personal safety on
Metro Transit and enforcements on Aurora Avenue North where 23 arrests were made during July and August
on Metro property. The bus stop at 85th and Aurora stands out with over half of all incidents followed by bus
stops in the 130 - 145th Aurora Corridor.

A brazen robbery attempt and home invasion was committed on 130th and Corliss on the afternoon of
September 25th at the home of a 73 year old neighbor. The Community Police Team reminds us not to open
doors for strangers and report suspicious behavior immediately. Mayor Nickels recently announced his
budget proposal which includes six additional Patrol Officers and will maintain the same staffing level (1280
Officers) since 1976!

Improve Linden Update

BIG member Improve Linden North received this correspondence from Grace Crunican,
Director Seattle Department of Transportation in response to Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Concerns:

"Thank you for your letter to Mayor Greg Nickels regarding the condition of Linden Avenue N.  I was asked to
address your concerns on the Mayor's behalf.

We are aware of the street's condition and have some good news to report.  Next spring, we will install a new
traffic signal at the intersection of N 145th Street and Linden Avenue N.  This will provide safe, convenient
access for users of the Interurban Trail.  We also applied for a state grant to construct a new sidewalk on the
west side of Linden between N 145th and N 143rd.  If successful, this will result in a continuous sidewalk
along the west side of Linden Avenue N from N 145th to N 130th.  Additionally, we will upgrade the ramps along
the west side of Linden to make the crossing more accessible.

Additionally, some street improvements will be made in conjunction with the new developments that are going
in along Linden Avenue N.  We have been working closely with the Department of Planning and Development to
make sure the improvements include sidewalks and space for a future bicycle lane.  The remaining
unimproved sections of street need additional funding.  Unfortunately, because of the relatively low traffic
volumes on Linden, this is a difficult project to fund since it does not compete well for state and federal
grants.  Consequently, improvements are unlikely to happen in the immediate future.

My understanding is that you recently walked most of Linden with Peter Lagerwey, our Pedestrian and Bicycle
Program Coordinator. Improving Linden Avenue N is a neighborhood priority and because of its importance as
a link in the Interurban Trail system, I have directed him to continue to look for opportunities to find grant
funding for this project.

September Newsletter


NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP - Sept 9 10:00AM - 12:00PM
We'll again clean our adopted streets and venture onto the Interurban Trail for a much needed cleanup. Rain
or Shine meet at Bitterlake Community Center 13035 Linden Ave N.

BIG [Broadview Improve Linden North GAIN the Highland]
GAIN the Highland members had a busy Summer hosting monthly Adopt A Street Cleanups on 143rd and
Linden Avenue, partnering with Improve Linden North and Broadview Community Council on neighborhood
patrols and hosting Seattle City Council member David Della on a walking tour of Linden Avenue on August 4th.
The walking tour included Seattle Parks Department staff and discussed the possibilities of including
recreational amenities such as skate parks, bike trails and additional walkways.
All residents are invited to join the first BIG meeting Wednesday September 13th 6:00PM to 8:00PM Northgate
Library to discuss Improving our Urban 'Hub' Village.


NARCOTICS (DRUG) WORKSHOP - Sep 12
GAIN has organized a public meeting so you can learn about a new tool that the Seattle Police Department is
using to identify and manage narcotic hot spots in Seattle. Narc Stat is a statistical tool that uses information
from 911 calls and officer 'on-line' views to examine drug use and drug dealing. Find out more about narcotics
in our area. Meet at the Greenwood Library (81 st and Greenwood), Tuesday, September 12, 6:30-7:45pm.

LINDEN TRAFFIC: Traffic Calming Committee Meeting
August 7th Improve Linden North members met with SDOT staff for a walking tour of Linden Avenue where
much needed Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety improvements are being planned. Citing for a completed walkway
north of 143rd on the west side of Linden was discussed and grant funding will be applied for this project. The
walkway would continue to 145th where a new Stoplight will be completed this fall for Interurban trail users.    

NEIGHBORHOOD WALK DATES
9/20/2006 Wednesday 5:00PM
9/27/2006 Wednesday 5:00PM

To join us, meet at 135th and Linden Avenue North. We leave promptly at the given time and walk south on
Linden Avenue.

OTHER NEWS
On August 17th GAIN the Highland along with GAIN Seattle members were awarded an Outstanding Citizen
award from Mayor Greg Nickels and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. The award cited the use of
technology to build community and enhance Public Safety in North Seattle.Two armed robberies occurred at
businesses in July on 144th and Greenwood Avenue North and  the Community Police Team reminds us to
report all suspicious activity by calling 911. Peter Steinbrueck stated that the top of his agenda is adding 150-
250 new Police Officers over the next 5 years. He said demand for more Police Officers is coming from all
over the city. His motto is "more Police with purpose and results" He cited an example that car and property
thefts are up in Seattle yet there is only a 6% clearance rate for burglars. The time to act is now for requesting
additional Officers for the 2007-09 Budget Cycle.






Saturday July 15th The First Annual Picnic at the North Precinct presented by the Seattle Police Foudation was
attended  by 500 Community members and Seattle City Councilmembers: Jean Godden, Jan Drago, David
Della, Tom Rasmussen and Peter Steinbreuck. Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske announced Michael Washburn's
promotion to Captain of the North Precinct congratulations Captain Washburn.

Sunday July 30th we witnessed smoke and flames billowing out of the Four Freedoms Retirement Home on
Linden Avenue and were very concerned for our elderly neighbors.
The Seattle PI reported:
"About 100 people and 24 units were dispatched by the Seattle
Fire Department, which initially reported having difficulty
getting water to the scene. Firefighters were called out at
about 4:45 p.m. and had the fire out just before 6 p.m. The
building has no sprinkler system."

This was the fourth fire at the Four Freedoms since 1992 resulting in five fatalities. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the victims: Ione Lucille Henry, David Erickson their families and friends.


North Seattle Vice  In late July a Seattle Police Dept Aurora Emphasis patrol contacted a 16 year old female at
130th and Aurora which lead to promoting prostitution and Human Trafficking charges for a male suspect.

"Human Trafficking" - is a form of modern-day slavery. Under federal law, the technical term for modern-day
slavery or coerced labor is "severe forms of trafficking in persons” which is defined as sex trafficking in
which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform
such an act is under 18".

Also on 135th and Aurora in July a John sting netted 18 arrests in 12 hours (12 Johns and 6 prostitutes) .
Commendations are in order for the Aurora Emphasis Patrol and Vice Squad Officers! In other NW Seattle
Crime News two armed robberies occurred on Greenwood Avenue North of 143rd. The suspects are still at
large.


On August 4th Community Leaders met with Council member David Della, Royal Alley-Barnes Seattle Parks
Department and Susanne Friedman to discuss the inclusion of Skateboard Parks and other intergenerational
recreational opportunities adjacent to the Interurban Greenway Trail. The meeting was also a walking tour of
our Urban ‘Hub’ Village which is under construction and will be home for an additional 2000 residents        















                                                                                                                            
                
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last updated June 29th, 2007