To any Columbia Citizen paying attention, SEEDArts is all over, brightening and enlightening the neighborhood scene.

SEEDArts believes in the power of art in community building. They offer visual, performing and public art programs that inspire and connect residents in Southeast Seattle.

• SEEDArts operates the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (RVCC), Southeast Seattle's only performing arts center, host to the Arts Gumbo Series, the Rainier Valley Youth Theatre and Brownbox Theatre.
• The Columbia City Gallery is a cooperative gallery of 30 local artists and also includes special guest artists, lectures and special events.
• Its Public Art Program brings community-inspired public art to the neighborhood by tapping into youth involvement, neighborhood collaborations and partnerships with local developers.

SEEDArts is a component of SouthEast Effective Development (SEED), a community development organization that has worked for 30 years to build strong SE Seattle neighborhoods and business district.

For more information or to help out, you can call Jerri Plumridge at 760-4286.

If you don't know about Tougo Coffee please feel free to shoot me an e-mail or check out our website www.tougocoffee.com or stop on in. we are located at 1410 18th ave.

If you are against this kind of business in the hood I would like, or not I would love to hear your reasons why. For/Against. I am waiting on the President of the CC BA to as me to the e-mail list, and to send me an invite to the next meeting that takes place Tuesday evening.

Best
Brian
moc.eeffocoguot|nairb#moc.eeffocoguot|nairb

__

HOWEVER, in the 10 minutes between her calling and arriving a the house (yes, in retrospect, I am aware I should have had a different meeting place so they wouldn’t know where I lived, whoops) I called the police and was told that if they handed the dog over, I have to assume they are telling the truth and have no case, but, I was under no obligation to pay them anything… if they had a problem with that, they could file a civil claim.

When they arrived, they had Fiona, whom I immediately took from them and put in the house before speaking with them. I then asked Eddie why I should pay him for his mistake (remember, I am assuming their story as true while talking to them). He claims he didn’t make a mistake. Tonie then interjected and said “where we’re from, people buy dogs off the street, that’s where they get them”. Other comments included “Your dog was real friendly to the person who sold it, so we had no reason not to believe it was theirs”

So, understand, this is what I’m up against and have already realized my mistake of letting them know where I live, so I asked him what he thought was a fair amount, considering he bought my dog off the street. Tonie said “at least $150”. After explaining to Eddie that what he did is not done around here, that what he did was purchase stolen property, etc… I gave him $150.

I did get the license plate

805 UAN Washington State

Eddie is 18, 6’1” African- American, with crooked front teeth
Tonie is his mother 5’6” African-American, with tattoos on her neck and arms
There were two other people in the car; the only one I can identify is the girl in the backseat 16-18 years of age, African-American with light blue eyes

For the area around Columbia City, it looks like the main idea is a reroute of the 39/34. The 7 express might go away, and they might extend the 9.

More details are here.

Let me throw a bone out there and mention that credit unions are a likely safe haven, going forward — find a local one at http://www.findacreditunion.com/search.cfm . Chances are good that many reading this post will soon be moving money to prevent savings from being frozen or lost due to a bank collapse.

Credit unions are not-for-profit, locally controlled and member-owned.

The majority of credit unions were formed around main industries. Over the years, they expanded to accept family members and others. About 10 years ago, Congress changed things and liberalized the membership rules. Credit unions were allowed to move to community charters, which allowed them to accept anyone who lived in a pre-defined geographic territory.

The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund insures deposits at least up to $100,000, just like the FDIC insures deposits in banks. Consumers can get more protection if they structure their accounts properly. (The federal bailout bill approved by Congress last week raises that insurance to $250,000 per account.)

If there's any interest, I'll write a bit about what you can do to protect your US dollar-based assets from the dilution (inflation) of our currency (the end result of corporate bailouts, and the coming $100 trillion debt associated with social security and Medicare). Keep in mind your tax-deferred 401(k) and IRA savings are stuck in US dollars for eternity, unless you cash them out and take a tax hit. Post your questions here.

The cost of the study is an estimated $225,000 and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen is gathering support among his colleagues in order to include this request in the 2008 budget. These are tough economics times, as everyone knows, but this request is very small considering the size of the entire budget. Timeliness of the study results is key if pools are to be addressed in any future capital funding opportunity for Parks.

Please visit www.seattlepools.org for more information about the study, the organization, or to find out how you can get involved.

http://hooleintelligence.vox.com/library/post/the-nimbys-of-the-fighting-southeast.html?_c=feed-atom

I hadn't really thought of it as NIMBYism before, but much of this resonates with my experience of local politics/community work. I've been sad to see energy drain away from good projects & useful organizations because of the kind of rancor John describes… And I have often felt uncomfortable with the positions some of our most vocal community activists have taken in public forums & the press… but have not felt like I had the energy or capacity to enter into the fray, so to speak.

Anyway, I'd be curious to know what other people think.

Mikala

Wed, October 1: Rainier Community Center 386-1919
4600 38th Ave S

Learn all about the lives and behaviors of coyotes and other wildlife, what to do during a wildlife encounter, and how you can help wildlife and humans coexist peacefully.

The workshops will help to distinguish between the behaviors of wildlife that are natural versus those that are learned from human interactions, recommend changes in public (human) behaviors that prevent wildlife from losing their natural fear humans, and assure the general public that wildlife species can coexist with humans in the Seattle area.

From coyotes to nutria, raccoons to squirrels, people who are— or think they are —experiencing a conflict with a wild animal are seeking a way to remedy the problem.

When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because people are not practicing conflict prevention behaviors. Presenters will give information about tactics and techniques for preventing conflicts, such as:

• Don't feed wildlife (manage your garbage, prevent access to fruit and compost, feed pets indoors),
• Keep cats indoors, especially from dusk to dawn, and keep dogs on leash,
• Block entry into homes and gardens through repair and special exclusion techniques.

All mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that occur in the wild in Washington are protected or regulated by state and/or federal laws. These laws not only pertain to the killing of regulated species but may also prohibit live trapping and relocation, harassment, and possession of the animal dead or alive.

Christina Gallegos

In the last year, Columbia Citizens has expanded to encompass hundreds of pages about the neighborhood. As the site grows, there are handy tools to help you out. How to get a quick summary of what's in here?

A site map spells out how we've organized Columbia Citizens. It's an ordered list that groups pages into categories, offering another way to explore the site and find pages that interest you.

Our site map is tucked behind the welcome message on the front page. For each category (such as artists, organizing, resources), the site map delves into the first two layers of what's in here. But there's even more than meets the eye — several limbs of this tree branch still further. Try it and find out!

Want to see the whole thing? A complete list of Columbia Citizens pages is here.

If not, maybe read this to determine why this may be important —
http://cafr1.com/Revolution.html

Maybe there's some money that can be freed up, if there's anything available. Who knows? Money to hire more police officers… or create incentives for Rainier Valley venture capitalists… or… ?

Worth looking into, IMO. Anyone good with numbers?

Here are the CAFRs for the City of Seattle —
http://www.seattle.gov/cafrs/

The daily changing menu items are unusual and ready to be microwaved, the traditional cooking method of the post-Columbian (City) peoples.

This ain't Tex-Mex. Her food's got more color, bananas, and the beans are the black tropical kind. There is the whole roast chicken adobo; or chicken tamales with with Oaxacan molé or cheese/jalapeno. There are meat-and-bean burritos; rice, black beans and spicy collard greens; or caramelized beef with red mole; caremelized plantains; and cotija and salsa negra, a Veracruz-style mixture of chipotle peppers and garlic.

She's famous for empanadas are filled with cinnamon-scented beef and raisins.

It's a feast with dishes and ingredients that cross a lot of borders.

(Read the rest here.)

But here's what owner Naomi Smith had to say to the Times.

It may be too late for some. Chef Naomi Andrade Smith isn't sure her Columbia City takeout and catering business, Villa Victoria, will last through the fall. This is partly due to a challenging location off the main drag, she says. But she noticed the stream of customers buying tamales, whole roast chicken adobo and burritos slowed to a trickle this summer.

"I think it's the economy. It's nuts. I think people are all on tenterhooks waiting to see what happens with the election."

This is a win-win-win for you, for sustainable local living, and for Graham Hill Elementary.

Chinook Book is a coupon book that supports local businesses and gives straightforward and simple ideas about improving health and reducing impacts on the environment. Coupons are easy to use: for food, services, and fun family activities.

A couple trips to the grocery store pay for the book — the rest is gravy.

Please take a look at the Chinook Book website for a listing of all coupons. Each book sells for $20, and the school receives $10 of that.

Cash is fine, or checks made out to Graham Hill PTA. Just email me: moc.liamtoh|nalpttocs#moc.liamtoh|nalpttocs I'll bring it to you. Thanks.

One neighbor suggested to me that we have an informal community meeting to discuss what if anything we can do to address these crime issues.

At the last Columbia City Community Council meeting there was talk of inviting Tim Burgess to the next meeting which will be on the first Mon night in Oct. at 6 pm in the CC Library. Stay tuned, and if he is able to come it would be an important meeting to attend.

Any thoughts, suggestions? I have a list of 20 people's address' to send your letters to. Let me know if you'd like a copy. Thanks, Iris Antman 384-9123 (c) ten.tsacmoc|1tnadam#ten.tsacmoc|1tnadam

And there are some kick_a** paintings at the bakery, all plein aire paintings around Columbia City. I forget the name of the artist but am going back for a purchase once I decide which want I want.

Thanks for a great Saturday morning, Columbia City! Jennifer

The grassy hill is where people sit down, after they have filled their market baskets. This is where they take the quesadilla or tamale they just bought at the market stall, or the plate of spaghetti. They sit and eat and talk to their friends, families have picnic dinners, kids play together and people laugh and the sun drops low and slants across the grass and there is a feeling of happy in the air.

It’s not just the food, it’s how it brings us together.

Whenever I go to the market at Columbia City I make sure to spend a few minutes checking out the grassy hill behind the market. Be it the little kids skipping and playing together, the neighbors catching up on news, or just a family having an evening picnic in the dwindling sunlight—this is the community that food can create.

I think it’s beautiful.

When construction begins at Columbia Plaza, the market's new home must be within sight of this park.

Jurors include:

Michelle Bufano, Executive Director, Pratt Fine Arts Center
Catherine Person - owner, Catherine Person Gallery
Norie Sato - artist

The work of twenty-one artists from around the country has been selected for this exhibit, which includes paintings, photography and sculpture from the following artists:

Julie Alexander
Sia Aryai
Sharon Birzer
Jeremy Blake
Brian Cypher
Michelle de la Vega
Frank Duckstein
Lori Duckstein
Eric Edgerton
Julia Haack
Marc Ellen Hamel
JinMan Jo
Patti King
Karen Kosoglad
Yvonne Kunz
Jim Madara
Sandra Jo Palm
Eddy Radar
Kathy Schinhofen
Mark Stevenson
David Chula Tupper

The Columbia City Gallery is located at 4864 Rainier Avenue South, in historic Columbia City. The gallery is an artists’ cooperative and a program of SEEDArts. The gallery receives support from 4Culture, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 8pm, Sundays, 10am to 6 pm.

Cyd Smith & Ruthie Dornfeld House Concert at Bruce & Bonnie's near Columbia City.
7:30 pm, $12 suggested donation; kids 12 and under half. For directions, reservations, and info, contact <us @ wbandbonnie.com> or call 206-723-7684.

Guitarist/singer/songwriter Cyd Smith brings the swinging rhythms and harmonies of jazz to tunes gathered from around the world by master fiddler Ruthie Dornfeld. In turn, Ruthie’s ear for the adventurous resonates superbly with Cyd’s distinctive songwriting.

Ruthie, recognized as one of America’s finest and most versatile fiddlers, is equally at home in traditional fiddle styles—Irish, American, Hungarian, or Danish—as she is in free improvisation or Brazilian chorinhos. Cyd, through her exploration of early jazz and traditional American roots music, has uncovered her own fresh voice in guitar playing and songwriting. Long-time friends and collaborators, their musical connection is intimate, often surprising, and deeply engaging.

And now it's easy to zero in on what's available right around you. The Columbia Citizens Craiglist page shows items for sale, jobs offered, and event listings, all located in and around Columbia City. It's up-to-date and easy to skim.

Why drive all over town? Here's one more way to live locally.

THE MCCOMBERS
ARI JOSHUA
JOE DORIA
ALEXA
ROLE:ONE
LAZYBONES

TICKETS: WWW.STELLAMARIE.NET

SEATTLE, WA – 08/19/08 - AUTISM SPEAKS TEAM 7 presents the First Annual Fundraiser Concert to benefit Autism Speaks at Columbia City Theater on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7:30PM. Musical veterans Role:One, LazyBones, Ari Joshua, and Joe Doria will be sharing the stage with newcomers The McCombers, and the amazing 11-year-old Alexa. This is a highly anticipated performance at the beautiful Columbia City Theater. They will amaze you, astound you, and hopefully move you to tears.

A little background regarding how each performer is touched by autism:
Alexa is an autistic happy little girl with amazing talent. She will be performing some of her favorite songs.
The McCombers have an autistic son who brightens their lives every day, and who inspired the song they wrote and will sing.
Ari Joshua and Joe Doria are not only extremely gifted, in high demand Jazz musicians, they are also wonderfully patient teachers of children with and without autism. One of their well-known bands is AriSawkaDoria.
LazyBones is an alternative rock band whose friends’ siblings have autism. Their music has an organic, rootsy sound that will get you groovin’ on the dance floor.
Role:One is a funky reggae-rock band whose friends have autistic children. Their blend of digital and live rhythms is a one of a kind experience whose journey you won’t want to miss.
Possible guests include a fire/light dancer who’s the mother of an autistic spectrum child, and an autistic 13-year-old intensely talented guitarist.

Every 21 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism. In the past decade the number of school-age children getting treatment has skyrocketed 600 %. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by impairment of social interactions and communication, and severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior. It is commonly diagnosed by the age of 3, and in some cases, as early as 1 year. 1 out of 166 children have autism. Currently, there are no effective means for prevention, treatment or a cure.

Their performances will make this a night to remember. So don’t miss out! Buy your tickets before the show because there is limited seating. The show might sell out! Don’t miss your chance to get tickets early.

The money raised supports Autism Speaks' mission to find the causes, effective treatments and a cure for autism through funding essential biomedical and scientific research.

A cure must be found NOW!

Location: Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave, Seattle, WA 98118
Info Line: 206-723-0088
Website and Pre-Sale Tickets: www. stellamarie.net
Contact: Stella Podgornik, 206-265-3652, ten.eiramallets|allets#ten.eiramallets|allets

Tickets for children can be purchased on the day of the event at the door. This is being done in order to verify the age of the children in attendance.
0-5: free
5-12: $5
Pre-Sale: $12
Day of Event Sale: $15

You can also particpate in the Fundraiser Benefit Concert by visiting the website www.stellamarie.net and click on the Join link. This event is in preparation for the official Autism Speaks Walk being held on the UW Campus on Oct 4.

Kids who join Rainier Valley Rowing are taught to swim, then taught to be competitive rowers at Mt. Baker Rowing Center . Leadership skills, team participation, healthy living, nutritional
counseling are all part of the program. It's the first program of its kind designed to eliminate the barriers to rowing access that have barred many South Seattle kids from the sport. Costs are subsidized; only $50 for the whole year while spaces last.
Contact Julian Zimlich at gro.hcilmiZ|nailuJ#gro.hcilmiZ|nailuJ or call her at 206-604-5155 if you or someone you know would like to join.

This is coming right up - Reserve your ticket now

Friday - September 19, 2008
Columbia City Theater
Doors open 6:30 PM - Music begins 7:30 PM

Tickets Available on Brown Paper Tickets for $25.00 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/40372

Bike Works will be hosting an after-show open house with beer, wine and snacks (complimentary with concert tickets!!) at our program location just up the block from the concert venue: 3709 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle, WA 98118. More details to follow!

What do Bike Works and Po' Girl, a Canadian-based vocal/acoustic group, have in common?

When Po' Girl performed at board president Bill Lippe's House Concert series last year and learned about the positive impact that Bike Works has on youth, the group volunteered to do a benefit concert!!

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SUPPORT the Bike Works programs…

Bike Works invests in youth, promotes bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative and form of life-long exercise, and provides affordable bicycle services to the community. Check us out: www.bikeworks.org. Core to our mission is reaching out to disadvantaged youth and low income families.

Educating Youth. Bike Works teaches youth three fundamental things: how to fix their own bike, how to ride a bicycle safely, how to serve others in the community.
Making Bicycling Accessible and Affordable for Our Community. Bike Works offers affordable recycled bicycles through its nonprofit community bicycle shop.
Promoting Sustainable Transportation and Environmental Stewardship. Bike Works views every bicycle donated, refurbished, and recycled back into the community through its programs as one less bike in the landfill, and potentially one less car on the road.
Po' Girl's music has soulful roots combined with jazz, country, folk, and R&B grooves. Check them out: www.pogirl.net. This is framed by their performance on a stunning array of instruments, including the banjo, guitar, clarinet, piano, accordion, gutbucket bass, harmonica, and if that isn't enough…the dobro and penny-whistle!!! Represented by the same agency that includes Ani DeFranco and other well-established, seasoned musicians on its roster, Po' Girl regularly plays to sold-out crowds across the U.S. and abroad during their "zealous" tours (4 different continents and 15 different countries in 2007!).

PO' GIRL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BIKE WORKS – Come on out!

Awesome Music In A GREAT Venue Supporting Bike Works
Friday - September 19, 2008
Columbia City Theater
Doors open 6:30 PM - Music begins 7:30 PM
Tickets Available on Brown Paper Tickets for $25.00
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/40372

Bike Works will be hosting an after-show open house with beer, wine and snacks (complimentary with concert tickets!!) at our program location just up the block from the concert venue: 3709 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle, WA 98118. More details to follow!

Volunteers are still needed to help with setup and takedown, monitoring the parks, finding supplies, performing, and partying-down with your neighbors! Please contact Abbey Norris at (206)760-4289 for more information!

This event is brought to you by the Department of Neighborhoods, the Columbia City Business Association, the Hillman City Business Association, Jeffrey Taylor State Farm Insurance. With additional support from the City of Seattle reLeaf Program, and the Trust for Public Land (www.tpl.org/parkingday).

Columbia Citizens are invited to post their own artwork. Here's how.

Roy's BBQ Makes a Damn Fine Sandwich

Amber will probably surface the details in the RV Post tomorrow.

The constant, low-level violence in these parts is wearing on me. What about you? How do you cope?

[update: this is within blocks of the mid-afternoon, home invasion near S Lucile that happened two days ago.]

The person was standing by an upside down bike which they proceeded to move to the trunk of the car instead of the bike rack on top of the car. After some trouble getting the bike in, it looks like a big hairy dog sitting next to the vehicle was let in. Alright, I thought, that looks all somewhat normal at 2am.

But then the figure moved into or next to the bushes and appeared to be wrestling a stone from the ground. And that's when from the bushes crawled a human, proceeding to the car and climbing in on all fours. They appeared to be in some pain. The driver got into the car and drove off just as a police cruiser slowly passed through the intersection. At 2 in the morning.

So what happened? Was the person in the bushes an injured cyclist with no medical insurance? Was the driver his/her friend? Is the crawling figure okay?

All you have to do is eat at the Alehouse and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the SEEDArts Annual Fund.

The SEEDArts Annual Fund supports the programs you love, like the Columbia City Gallery, the Rainier Valley Cultural Center, Rainier Valley Youth Theatre, and the Public Art Program. Through these programs we bring you exciting performances from diverse cultures, visual art from local artists, opportunities for your kids to participate in creating public art and theatre, and SO MUCH MORE!

Learn more about SEEDArts at http://www.seedseattle.org/seedarts/
Contact: Abbey Norris (gro.elttaesdees|sirrona#gro.elttaesdees|sirrona) or (206)760-4289

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs is teaming up with the Department of Neighborhoods to invite Seattle students, kindergarten through 12th grade, to submit original artwork for a contest as part of Neighbor Appreciation Day. Feb. 7, 2009 will mark the city's 15th annual celebration of the event.

The winning artwork will adorn the 2009 Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting card. Free cards—perfect for recognizing the contributions of your neighbors—will be available at City Hall, neighborhood service centers, community centers and libraries throughout Seattle. The winner will receive $100.

The artwork should depict caring and active neighbors, reflecting the theme of Neighbor Appreciation Day. Past artwork has shown neighbors sharing meals; exchanging plants; and working together on a community project, such as building a new playground, painting a mural, or beautifying school or park grounds.

Art should be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. It is recommended that art be vivid in color. Pieces done in watercolor or magic marker tend to show better, but all formats are welcome. Student artwork must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19 at the Department of Neighborhoods. For more information, contact Peter McGraw vog.elttaes|warGcM.reteP#vog.elttaes|warGcM.reteP , (206) 615-0950.

Peggy, a Southerner, calls Columbia City a cute little area in South Seattle, gets gobsmacked by the smells and flavors coming from Jones BBQ, is reduced to drooling, gets weak in the knees, shrieks when she discovers that they've got "fried freaking okra!", and introduces major girlfriend/boyfriend tension.

I'm not a Southerner, haven't had fried okra, and haven't eaten at the new Jones. How can I make my amends?

So I read that Amazon.com has a home grocery delivery service, AmazonFresh. They serve Columbia City now. Orders over $25 get free delivery.

Has anyone tried AmazonFresh? What's the experience like? How's Safeway or the other on-line grocers compare? Note that I'm not asking about C.S.A.s.

This could be a better solution for some than the 10-mile round-trip to the E Madison ST. Trader Joe's.

This performance will feature Red Eagle Soaring, International Capoeira Angola Foundation, Abráce, Global Heat & Adefua Cultural Education Workshop. See all of the 2008 Arts Gumbo events at the SEEDArts website.

For more information about the 2008 Arts Gumbo Series, please contact Jerri Plumridge at (206) 760-9846.

While comments are mostly static, almost all pages are available for your input. Take a look around. What's missing? What could you improve? What would you like to share?

Here's a brief how-to. If you need help, just ask.

Thanks to Johnny U for pointing out a spot that's been right under our noses for years. If you've got that hunter-gatherer urge and blackberries are your quarry, then this is for you.

The alley running E-W, between Edmunds and Ferdinand, 42nd and 39th — it's flanked by two solid rows of large, ripe blackberries. It's just the right mix of sunny, watered, overgrown, and public!

In less than an hour, the boys and I picked a couple gallons (net).

You can post that feedback here, or email me via the Wiki software by clicking on my name.

Thanks so much!

Over the past year, many people have participated in this experiment in community building, the wiki. It's time for a wider discussion to share ideas and impressions.

Let's get together and talk about the future of the wiki.

Where: The Alehouse
When: Monday, August 18, 7pm

n.b. laptops and libations don't mix. Leave yours at home.

There are so many angles, so let's make this a free-form discussion. Here are a few questions to think about beforehand.

• What do you want to do with Columbia Citizens?
• What's working? What could work better?
• What's motivated you to participate so far?
  • What would make the experience more fun?
  • What might motivate other neighbors?

In the meantime, here are some numbers.

• ~4000 monthly visits
• ~12 000 monthly pageviews
• ~30 comments per week
• ~270 total pages
• ~440 subscribers to Wikli alerts
• ~75 Citizen members

If you have ideas or questions you'd like to share, please use this comment thread. If this conversation is something folks enjoy, then maybe we can have it more regularly.

Dear Community Friends,

Light Rail Testing
As reported in this morning’s Seattle Times, Sound Transit will begin testing link light-rail trains in Rainier Valley on Thursday August 14, adding a new to the traffic on Martin Luther King Jr. Way South. The trains will share streets with cars, buses, motorcycles, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Light Rail tracks pass through 18 intersections and 10 pedestrian signals, plus three stations in the median. Trains will run as often as every six minutes in each direction, at a top speed of 35 mph. Although engineers have designed state-of-the-art signals and walkways, the sheer volume of activity makes this a hazardous five miles.

Left turns from MLK are allowed only on left-turn arrows, to reduce conflicts with trains going straight. Electronic signs show a train icon whenever trains are approaching. There are several "Z-crossings," where short fences channel pedestrians and force them to look in the direction of approaching trains. There are refuge islands in the median where people can stand, if they can only make it halfway.

Safety During Testing and Operation of Light Rail
With light rail testing and the start of service in the summer of 2009, Sound Transit has launched a safety education and awareness campaign for community members and students. To spread the safety message, Sound Transit has bought billboard space, talked with school and community groups, and hung fluorescent warning signs at crossings. Safety brochures have been produced in 12 languages. A light rail safety brochure should have already arrived in your mailbox. The light rail safety education is designed to:
• Bring awareness that light rail trains are quiet, so people should always be alert and look both ways before crossing the street
• Explain the function of the overhead electric power lines, called OCS (overhead catenary system)
• Demonstrate safe pedestrian behavior and light rail crossing safety signs and signals
• Inform the public about safe pedestrian and driving habits and signals.

The key safety messages that Sound Transit wants to impart for South Seattle residents are:
 Link light rail trains move faster than they appear and can’t stop as quickly as a car: cross only at designated crosswalks
 Trains have the right-of-way; obey all signals and warning signs
 Trains are quiet; always look both ways
 Tracks are for trains; never walk or play around trains or tracks

The Sound Transit community outreach team is also available to speak to small or large groups. Please call Carol Doering at 206-398-5095 to schedule a time, day or evening. You may also email her at gro.tisnartdnuos|gnireod.lorac#gro.tisnartdnuos|gnireod.lorac. You can also call and/or email to get the safety brochures in the various languages.

Why Traffic Safety Information is in a Police Department Newsletter
We want to give you information that is pertinent to community public safety, not just crime related information. Nothing is more important than the safety of the members of our community. So, if it means we advise you regarding traffic issues so we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent accidents or fatalities, seems like a good use of ink for us.

Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!

Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

Columbia Citizens have come to the wiki by the thousands. Having found it, some are scratching their heads, wondering what's this all about?

Photo by dadsmonkeyshine
More images in the Citizens' gallery
Add yours!

This site is about life as we know it in Columbia City, Seattle. Like many good things here, you and your neighbors get to pitch in and help make it work. It's about connecting, sharing information, and making good ideas happen in our community.

Columbia Citizens can make stuff happen. The wiki is a space to work together. It's a way to get the word out. It's a venue to have a public discussion. You can learn about your place and its people. It is what you bring to it — and you're welcome to share what you know and care about in Columbia City.

Twelfth Night

Playing at Seward Park on Friday, August 15 at 7pm, and Saturday, August 16 at 3pm

The Seattle Weekly called Twelfth Night, “A charming production with an excellent cast.”

Hamlet

With Shawn Law in the title role. Playing at Volunteer Park on Friday at 7 pm, and Saturday at Seward Park at 7pm.

The Seattle Times says “Shawn Law makes the role his own with such zest and intensity that resistance is futile.”

GreenStage's mission is to inspire our audience to engage with live theater as part of their recreation.

Our neighborhood committee of the Landmarks Preservation Board meets on Friday afternoon. The link to the agenda is at right. Note the change in venue — this time they're meeting at the Royal Esquire Club.

Retroactive Kids' signage… Rainier Valley Historical Society facade upgrades…

The third item is a briefing on demolition of a house at 3834 S Edmunds St, to make way for a triplex designed by Pb Elemental.

When I first came across the plea for donations, I bristled at the idea of helping out somebody who, judging from his arrest record was some kind of thug. But the RVP's editor got it right, responding to a comment which made the same point:

I'm not sure whether Pierre had an arrest record or not, but where I come from, a person's life isn't defined by some poor decisions and poor decisions don't make anyone - especially a child - unworthy of a proper burial.

Only good can come from citizens of the Valley circling the wagons and helping their own.

Dear Community Friends,

When we send out our informational newsletters and alert bulletins, we want to keep you up to date regarding significant events that impact the residents of the South Precinct. We want to give you a complete picture, not just one that scares you, spurs you in to action or pats us on the back. To that end, we wanted to alert you regarding some significant events that occurred over the past 24 hours.

Significant Events
At approximately 10:30pm on Tuesday August 5th, Seattle Police officers responded to call of someone having been shot at Rainier Avenue S. and S. Graham St. Upon arriving to the scene, our officers found a 15-year old victim lying on the sidewalk on the 6300 Block of Rainier Ave S. He had a single gunshot wound to the lower torso. We located witnesses that were with the victim when he was shot.

Although it uncertain what exactly occurred, we believe the victim, who had a known history of gang and criminal involvement, was confronted by a group of individuals as he was walking home with the witnesses. Supposedly nothing was said and there were no warnings. A single shot was fired and struck the victim. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The witnesses were running when the shot was fired and, either did not see, or would not tell us what they saw. The 15-year-old victim died as a result of his injuries. The Seattle Police Gang Unit initially responded but turned the scene over to the Homicide Unit.

Later in the evening, just after midnight, a number of calls came in to 911 regarding shots fired in the area of Othello Park. Upon arriving, officers located a victim who had been shot through the upper thigh and a car that he was using for cover had numerous bullet holes in it. Officers learned that the victim and a friend had been at a local convenience store where they saw a group of males starting to assault a woman. The shooting victim apparently knew the assailants. When he and his friend came to the aid of the woman, the males voiced their anger at the intervention. Not long after this confrontation, this same group of males walked by the victim’s residence, stood across the street from his home and fired several shots, striking the victim and the vehicle. The suspects fled. The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Gang Unit detectives processed the crime scene and recovered 45-calibre shell casings and spent rounds.

Night Out 2008
It may seem incongruent to talk about Night Out Against Crime in the face of the tragic incidents mentioned above. But while these tragic incidents were happening, neighbors from all over the city were coming together. There were over 1000 registered Night Out events throughout the city - the most we have seen in the 25-year history of the Night Out Against Crime. The South Precinct area had 115 registered Night Out events – also the most ever had recorded. Police officers and Firefighters appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality as they tried to stop in at as many events as they could. Whether the group was an long-time established block watch, or just got together for the first time, the important thing was seeing neighbors connecting with neighbors and commit to each other to reduce crime and violence in their neighborhoods.

In looking at these and other incidents that happened on the same day as Night Out, neighbors coming together to support each other is more important than ever.

Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

It was a fantastic opportunity to get out introduce ourselves to neighbors we hadn't yet met, and talk about the neighborhood and the community.

I was surprised by the large turn out, nearly 40 throughout the night. And some fantastic food, and games.

I may not remember everyones name I met, but I will remember there faces, and look forward to reintroducing myself and continuing to build those connections.

Great Night! How did you all the other block parties go?

Dave

The Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Festival is Saturday, August 16. There's a family fun run, followed by the parade at 11 AM. The afternoon is given over to a street festival, with music, food, and lots of people you know and want to catch up with.

Thanks to the Rainier Chamber for organizing this annual gala, and to all of the sponsors for supporting it. See you there!

Walk For Sickle Cell

with the Bobby Engram Foundation

Seward Park, Sunday August 31, 10 am to 2 pm

Join friends, neighbors, Bobby Engram and the SeaHawks to raise funds and awareness to aid young people in their fight against Sickle Cell Disease. The event will feature breakfast, guest speakers, a celebrity packed charity walk, lunch and a free T-shirt.

• Registration, breakfast and guest speakers begin at 10:00AM.
• The 2.5-mile walk kicks off at 11:00AM.
• All ticket purchases include breakfast, lunch and T-shirt.

Proceeds from the event will allow the Bobby Engram Foundation to continue to provide funds, resources and support to local organizations dedicated to fighting Sickle Cell Disease and caring for patients who suffer with its debilitating effects.

You can purchase tickets with Brown Paper Tickets by going here and following the Brown Paper Tickets link:
http://bobbyengramfoundation.org/events.html

More info: Call Emijah Smith at 206-987-6972