Community Based Services (CBS) is expanding to our neighborhood!
Mark April 22 as the official kickoff for the Community Based Services (CBS) program expansion into the South End and Eastside neighborhoods. As part of the expansion, City staff are hosting a kickoff meeting for residents to help set priorities for the area. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on April 22 at Stewart Middle School (5010 Pacific Ave.).
If you live or work in the new CBS area (and that includes Park Avenue Neighborhood), you are encouraged to attend to learn more about CBS and to offer feedback on area-wide priorities. The new CBS area will include most of the non-CBS area in the South End and Eastside, which runs from 43rd to 64th streets and Sheridan to just west of McKinley Avenue. This meeting will also include participants from the Lincoln West, Whitman and Jennie Reed neighborhoods.
The expanded area will now have a dedicated code enforcement officer, community liaison police officer and program development specialist who will work directly with the neighborhood. Together, they will strive to eliminate blight, reduce crime and increase community awareness.
The other five CBS areas include the Bryant, Tacoma Avenue, Jennie Reed and Edison neighborhoods as well as much of the Eastside including the Lincoln South, Dome Top and First Creek neighborhoods. For more information about the program, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/cbs.
For contact information with the City of Tacoma, contact:
Karrie Spitzer, Community Relations, karrie.spitzer@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5790
Allyson Griffith, Community Based Services, agriffith@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5119
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 2009 Meeting Announcement
Our monthly meeting is set for next week, Tuesday, April 21st from 6:30 - 8:00pm.
Community Based Services (CBS) is coming to our area!
Join us to learn what CBS means to YOU and how it will help reduce the crime & grime in our neighborhood.
Allyson Griffith, a member of the City of Tacoma’s CBS team will be our guest speaker. She will tell us more about CBS and will be available to answer your questions.
Officer Don Williams, our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
Community Based Services (CBS) is coming to our area!
Join us to learn what CBS means to YOU and how it will help reduce the crime & grime in our neighborhood.
Allyson Griffith, a member of the City of Tacoma’s CBS team will be our guest speaker. She will tell us more about CBS and will be available to answer your questions.
Officer Don Williams, our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 2009 Meeting Minutes
Park Avenue Neighborhood Meeting on March 17, 2009 – Brief Meeting Minutes
Meeting started at approximately 6:35pm – 26 neighbors, 1 Safe Streets representative, 1 CLO (TPD) attending
Neighborhood Patrols, with guest speaker, David Cantlin, Safe Streets Neighborhood Patrols Coordinator
Neighborhood patrols are eyes and ears of TPD. Patrollers must complete Academy and become certified before they can participate in their neighborhood’s patrol. (See note below on next session.) Patrollers drive or walk throughout the neighborhood. Patrol vehicles have large magnetic signs on their doors, which say “Neighborhood Patrol.” Foot patrols have bright orange vests, which say “Neighborhood Patrol.” All patrollers work in teams, carry cell phones, notepads and neighborhood phone trees / phone lists. Patrollers document and report suspicious activity to TPD. This results in crime reduction and better response from TPD. TPD responds better when 911 calls are received from certified neighborhood patrols.
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Break-in and robbery near corner of 63rd & G Street. Entry made through back door.
Attempted break-in or vandalism thwarted in-progress by neighbor near 61st & Park. Three young males in teal Honda were
about to throw a rock through back of home but were stopped in-progress.
Several concerns were voiced regarding junk vehicles and neighbors “parting-out” vehicles in their yards.
Suspicious vehicle appeared in alley near 64th & Park Avenue.
Graffiti recently appeared near 64th in the alley East of Park Avenue.
Many complaints voiced about suspicious activity, noise and more coming from 5614 S G Street. Neighbors want to write a
collective letter to owner, THA and Code Enforcement about the renters (and their “friends”).
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of Tacoma Police Department)
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for February 2009 (4400 calls for service). Nearly 14,000 calls citywide, for month.
House and house in back at 507 S 57th St (Yard Girls), closed for Meth. Residents have now moved out and owner is returning.
5614 S G Street is still in the process of being closed down, gang-type activity, under-age drinking, source of vandalism & graffiti, possible drug-related activity. Eviction in process but tough since property is owned by known slumlord. Owner is no longer returning calls. THA funding is currently under review in an attempt to get funding cut for renter.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
Homes and owners, etc. can be tracked on govME.com. This is the city’s info-based website.
Neighborhood Patrol Report
Neighborhood patrols began this month. Patrols are taking place at various times during the day and the evening.
More patrollers are needed. This will allow us to increase our patrols throughout the day and evening.
Suspicious individuals and suspected drug and/or prostitution witnessed in Saar’s Marketplace parking lot.
Park Avenue Neighborhood Blog & Facebook - (please be careful what you post on the internet because it is NOT secure)
Don’t forget to check the blog, http://parkavenueneighborhood.blogspot.com. This will be used for general posting of announcements, patrol reports and activities. You do not need to register to read the blog.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is now on Facebook, it is accessible by neighbors only. It is used for communication
with your neighbors and may also give you a chance to know them better. To find us on Facebook, search for Park
Avenue Neighborhood and register.
Action Plan
1. Our phone tree is very important communication tool. Don’t forget to use it! Distributed updated phone trees.
2. Distributed revised Calendar of Events for 2009.
Announcements
Community Based Services is coming to our neighborhood. Kick-off is April 22nd at Stewart Middle School.
Extreme Neighborhood Makeover: Tacoma Edition is coming in May to our neighborhood. Date TBA.
From Darren Pen, Safe Streets
Neighborhood Patrol Academy is scheduled to begin April 7th but may be postponed to May based on enrollment.
Park Avenue Neighborhood needs your financial support. Group leaders have currently been paying all expenses themselves.
Several members donated to Park Avenue Neighborhood’s operating fund, Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Meeting ended at 8:10pm
Meeting started at approximately 6:35pm – 26 neighbors, 1 Safe Streets representative, 1 CLO (TPD) attending
Neighborhood Patrols, with guest speaker, David Cantlin, Safe Streets Neighborhood Patrols Coordinator
Neighborhood patrols are eyes and ears of TPD. Patrollers must complete Academy and become certified before they can participate in their neighborhood’s patrol. (See note below on next session.) Patrollers drive or walk throughout the neighborhood. Patrol vehicles have large magnetic signs on their doors, which say “Neighborhood Patrol.” Foot patrols have bright orange vests, which say “Neighborhood Patrol.” All patrollers work in teams, carry cell phones, notepads and neighborhood phone trees / phone lists. Patrollers document and report suspicious activity to TPD. This results in crime reduction and better response from TPD. TPD responds better when 911 calls are received from certified neighborhood patrols.
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Break-in and robbery near corner of 63rd & G Street. Entry made through back door.
Attempted break-in or vandalism thwarted in-progress by neighbor near 61st & Park. Three young males in teal Honda were
about to throw a rock through back of home but were stopped in-progress.
Several concerns were voiced regarding junk vehicles and neighbors “parting-out” vehicles in their yards.
Suspicious vehicle appeared in alley near 64th & Park Avenue.
Graffiti recently appeared near 64th in the alley East of Park Avenue.
Many complaints voiced about suspicious activity, noise and more coming from 5614 S G Street. Neighbors want to write a
collective letter to owner, THA and Code Enforcement about the renters (and their “friends”).
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of Tacoma Police Department)
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for February 2009 (4400 calls for service). Nearly 14,000 calls citywide, for month.
House and house in back at 507 S 57th St (Yard Girls), closed for Meth. Residents have now moved out and owner is returning.
5614 S G Street is still in the process of being closed down, gang-type activity, under-age drinking, source of vandalism & graffiti, possible drug-related activity. Eviction in process but tough since property is owned by known slumlord. Owner is no longer returning calls. THA funding is currently under review in an attempt to get funding cut for renter.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
Homes and owners, etc. can be tracked on govME.com. This is the city’s info-based website.
Neighborhood Patrol Report
Neighborhood patrols began this month. Patrols are taking place at various times during the day and the evening.
More patrollers are needed. This will allow us to increase our patrols throughout the day and evening.
Suspicious individuals and suspected drug and/or prostitution witnessed in Saar’s Marketplace parking lot.
Park Avenue Neighborhood Blog & Facebook - (please be careful what you post on the internet because it is NOT secure)
Don’t forget to check the blog, http://parkavenueneighborhood.blogspot.com. This will be used for general posting of announcements, patrol reports and activities. You do not need to register to read the blog.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is now on Facebook, it is accessible by neighbors only. It is used for communication
with your neighbors and may also give you a chance to know them better. To find us on Facebook, search for Park
Avenue Neighborhood and register.
Action Plan
1. Our phone tree is very important communication tool. Don’t forget to use it! Distributed updated phone trees.
2. Distributed revised Calendar of Events for 2009.
Announcements
Community Based Services is coming to our neighborhood. Kick-off is April 22nd at Stewart Middle School.
Extreme Neighborhood Makeover: Tacoma Edition is coming in May to our neighborhood. Date TBA.
From Darren Pen, Safe Streets
Neighborhood Patrol Academy is scheduled to begin April 7th but may be postponed to May based on enrollment.
Park Avenue Neighborhood needs your financial support. Group leaders have currently been paying all expenses themselves.
Several members donated to Park Avenue Neighborhood’s operating fund, Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Meeting ended at 8:10pm
Monday, March 16, 2009
Neighborhood Patrols
Why neighborhood patrols?
TPD cannot be everywhere at the same time.
Only # officers are on patrol at any one time throughout the entire city.
Crime is reduced in patrolled neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Patrol is
trained patrollers.
Washington State Patrol-screened patrollers.
being the eyes and ears of TPD (and neighborhood).
teams of 2 or more (never alone).
visibility / notice to criminals they are being watched.
awareness of criminal activity for TPD, patrollers and neighborhood.
successful crime reduction.
Neighborhood Patrol is NOT
using guns or weapons.
vigilantism.
confrontation.
a solo act.
Neighborhood Patrol Tools
Eyes & ears
Car, truck or van
Cell phone
Flashlight
Binoculars
Notepad / house watch form
List of police and other emergency phone numbers
Neighborhood phone tree
How do you get involved in our Neighborhood Patrol?
Enroll in Neighborhood Patrol Academy.
Call Safe Streets at 272-6824 to register.
Classes are held at Tacoma Police Department Headquarters.
Next series begins 4/5/2009, from 7-9pm.
Once your training is complete, you can be part of our neighborhood patrol.
TPD cannot be everywhere at the same time.
Only # officers are on patrol at any one time throughout the entire city.
Crime is reduced in patrolled neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Patrol is
trained patrollers.
Washington State Patrol-screened patrollers.
being the eyes and ears of TPD (and neighborhood).
teams of 2 or more (never alone).
visibility / notice to criminals they are being watched.
awareness of criminal activity for TPD, patrollers and neighborhood.
successful crime reduction.
Neighborhood Patrol is NOT
using guns or weapons.
vigilantism.
confrontation.
a solo act.
Neighborhood Patrol Tools
Eyes & ears
Car, truck or van
Cell phone
Flashlight
Binoculars
Notepad / house watch form
List of police and other emergency phone numbers
Neighborhood phone tree
How do you get involved in our Neighborhood Patrol?
Enroll in Neighborhood Patrol Academy.
Call Safe Streets at 272-6824 to register.
Classes are held at Tacoma Police Department Headquarters.
Next series begins 4/5/2009, from 7-9pm.
Once your training is complete, you can be part of our neighborhood patrol.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Proper Use of Phone Tree
TELEPHONE TREE
One of the most important parts of your NEIGHBORHOOD’S SECURITY is to know and stay in contact with your neighbors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Call 911 for a neighbor if you see them in danger.
2. Call your neighbors (using the PHONE TREE) when you see suspicious activities at a neighbor’s home when you suspect they are not home.
3. Call 911 and your neighbors (using the PHONE TREE) when you see suspicious activities at a neighbor’s home when you know they are not home.
4. More callers + more witnesses = BETTER POLICE RESPONSE.
5. Less urgent problems can be reported to the block watch / neighborhood coordinator for action with South End Neighborhood Council (SENCo), Safe Streets and Park Avenue Neighborhood.
6. Telephone neighbors and tell them of suspicious activities in their neighborhood.
7. CONFIDENTIAL: The telephone tree is a confidential document provided only to the people on the telephone tree. DO NOT give the telephone tree to anyone else.
The telephone tree is one of the most important tools for preventing and stopping crime in your neighborhood. Your neighborhood’s telephone tree becomes even more effective by helping your tree grow block by block.
One of the most important parts of your NEIGHBORHOOD’S SECURITY is to know and stay in contact with your neighbors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Call 911 for a neighbor if you see them in danger.
2. Call your neighbors (using the PHONE TREE) when you see suspicious activities at a neighbor’s home when you suspect they are not home.
3. Call 911 and your neighbors (using the PHONE TREE) when you see suspicious activities at a neighbor’s home when you know they are not home.
4. More callers + more witnesses = BETTER POLICE RESPONSE.
5. Less urgent problems can be reported to the block watch / neighborhood coordinator for action with South End Neighborhood Council (SENCo), Safe Streets and Park Avenue Neighborhood.
6. Telephone neighbors and tell them of suspicious activities in their neighborhood.
7. CONFIDENTIAL: The telephone tree is a confidential document provided only to the people on the telephone tree. DO NOT give the telephone tree to anyone else.
The telephone tree is one of the most important tools for preventing and stopping crime in your neighborhood. Your neighborhood’s telephone tree becomes even more effective by helping your tree grow block by block.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
March 2009 Meeting Announcement
Our monthly meeting is set for next week, Tuesday, March 17th from 6:30 - 8:00pm.
This month's meeting continues our focus on stopping the rising crime in our neighborhood. Our Neighborhood Patrols have already begun so come to our meeting to learn about this program and learn how you can be involved in our neighborhood patrols.
Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
This month's meeting continues our focus on stopping the rising crime in our neighborhood. Our Neighborhood Patrols have already begun so come to our meeting to learn about this program and learn how you can be involved in our neighborhood patrols.
Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
February 2009 Meeting Minutes
Meeting started at approximately 6:30pm – 39 neighbors, 2 Safe Streets representatives, CLO (TPD) attending
Safe Streets reps (Darren & Wanda) presented banner for neighborhood and 2 sets of magnetic Neighborhood Patrol signs
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Home break-in 200 block of S 60th, in the afternoon, TV, videogame console and more stolen
Home break-in 400 block of S 58th, in the afternoon, suspect possibly seen leaving scene
Vehicle break-ins in alley between 58th & 59th, West of G Street, in evening between 1am & 4am, again (2x in past 6 wks)
Suspicious man walking neighborhood on weekends, checking on homes and knocking on front doors. Tall, slender, casually-
dressed, good looking black male, aged 20-30 years old.
Speed Watch Report
Speed watch ended this week.
Worst streets are S Park Avenue & S 64th Street.
Will consider another later this year.
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of Tacoma Police Department)
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for January 2009 (4746 calls for service), number is up 9.7% over 2008
House behind 507 S 57th St (Yard Girls), closed for Meth.
5614 S G Street being closed down, gang-type activity, eviction in process but tough since property is owned by known slumlord.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
**Better descriptions = better police action. Officer Williams explained how a better description allows an officer to
stop and talk to investigate a subject [that meets the description].
Questions were raised about using web-based neighborhood surveillance cameras to assist neighbors and TPD.
Neighborhood Patrol Report
Neighborhood patrols will begin this month. Keep an eye out for vehicles with the signs roving throughout our neighborhood.
Phone Tree
This is a vital resource for the neighborhood. This is the best way to tell your neighbors of recent crimes and suspicious
activities. Reviewed guidelines for proper use of phone tree.
Park Avenue Neighborhood Blog & Facebook
We now have a blog, http://parkavenueneighborhood.blogspot.com. This will be used for general posting of announcements, patrol reports and activities. You do not need to register to read the blog.
We are now on Facebook, look for Park Avenue Neighborhood. This can be used for communication by our
neighbors. Keep in mind, nothing on the internet is secure. Please be very careful what you post.
Action Plan
1. Phone tree discussed and distributed to neighbors.
2. 2009 Innovative Grant, neighbors agreed we should pursue signs for neighborhood saying “You are entering Neighborhood Watch area.”
3. Flyer distribution will be expanded to other areas. More volunteers agreed to help.
4. March meeting will kick-off expansion of neighborhood patrol with return of David Cantlin, Safe Streets Neighborhood Patrol Coordinator.
5. Neighborhood brochure presented and distributed to neighbors.
6. Distributed and reviewed suggested Calendar of Events for 2009.
From Darren Pen, Safe Streets
Neighborhood Patrol Academy continues
Several members donated to Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
Meeting ended at 8:15pm
Safe Streets reps (Darren & Wanda) presented banner for neighborhood and 2 sets of magnetic Neighborhood Patrol signs
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Home break-in 200 block of S 60th, in the afternoon, TV, videogame console and more stolen
Home break-in 400 block of S 58th, in the afternoon, suspect possibly seen leaving scene
Vehicle break-ins in alley between 58th & 59th, West of G Street, in evening between 1am & 4am, again (2x in past 6 wks)
Suspicious man walking neighborhood on weekends, checking on homes and knocking on front doors. Tall, slender, casually-
dressed, good looking black male, aged 20-30 years old.
Speed Watch Report
Speed watch ended this week.
Worst streets are S Park Avenue & S 64th Street.
Will consider another later this year.
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of Tacoma Police Department)
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for January 2009 (4746 calls for service), number is up 9.7% over 2008
House behind 507 S 57th St (Yard Girls), closed for Meth.
5614 S G Street being closed down, gang-type activity, eviction in process but tough since property is owned by known slumlord.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
**Better descriptions = better police action. Officer Williams explained how a better description allows an officer to
stop and talk to investigate a subject [that meets the description].
Questions were raised about using web-based neighborhood surveillance cameras to assist neighbors and TPD.
Neighborhood Patrol Report
Neighborhood patrols will begin this month. Keep an eye out for vehicles with the signs roving throughout our neighborhood.
Phone Tree
This is a vital resource for the neighborhood. This is the best way to tell your neighbors of recent crimes and suspicious
activities. Reviewed guidelines for proper use of phone tree.
Park Avenue Neighborhood Blog & Facebook
We now have a blog, http://parkavenueneighborhood.blogspot.com. This will be used for general posting of announcements, patrol reports and activities. You do not need to register to read the blog.
We are now on Facebook, look for Park Avenue Neighborhood. This can be used for communication by our
neighbors. Keep in mind, nothing on the internet is secure. Please be very careful what you post.
Action Plan
1. Phone tree discussed and distributed to neighbors.
2. 2009 Innovative Grant, neighbors agreed we should pursue signs for neighborhood saying “You are entering Neighborhood Watch area.”
3. Flyer distribution will be expanded to other areas. More volunteers agreed to help.
4. March meeting will kick-off expansion of neighborhood patrol with return of David Cantlin, Safe Streets Neighborhood Patrol Coordinator.
5. Neighborhood brochure presented and distributed to neighbors.
6. Distributed and reviewed suggested Calendar of Events for 2009.
From Darren Pen, Safe Streets
Neighborhood Patrol Academy continues
Several members donated to Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
Meeting ended at 8:15pm
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Facebook Group
Hey everyone!
Just a reminder that Park Avenue Neighborhood now has a Facebook Group. We currently only have 5 members. We would love to have YOU, too.
Facebook is quick & easy to join. Log on to Facebook.com to signup for a free account & then search for us under groups, "Park Avenue Neighborhood".
This format is more interactive. Get to know your neighbors!
If you have any questions, you can email me at shelleythornton@msn.com. Thanks!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Correction to 2009 Calendar of Events - April Meeting
The previously posted Calendar of Events is wrong. The meeting date for April 2009 is April 21st. I guess it helps to look at the correct year.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Extreme Neighborhood Makeover: Tacoma Edition is coming to Park Avenue Neighborhood
Extreme Neighborhood Makeover: Tacoma Edition is coming to Park Avenue Neighborhood. Keep an eye on this blog for further developments. Or, if you can't wait, email parkavenuenueneighborhood@gmail.com for more information.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2009 Calendar of Events - Proposed
March 17th Monthly Meeting: Neighborhood Patrol
Innovative Grant Application
April 15th Monthly Meeting: Community Based Services (CBS) Arrives?
May 9th 1st Annual Neighborhood Spring Cleaning & Adopt-a-Spot Clean-up
May 19th Monthly Meeting
June 6th Annual Pacific Avenue Business District Spring Festival & Car Show
June 16th Monthly Meeting: Neighborhood Walkabout
July 21st Monthly Meeting
August 4th National Night Out (& Silent Auction to benefit Park Avenue Neighborhood?)
August 18th Monthly Meeting
September 15th Monthly Meeting
October 20th Monthly Meeting
October 24th Adopt-a-Spot Clean-up
November 17th Monthly Meeting
December 15th Anniversary Party & Success Awards Celebration
Innovative Grant Application
April 15th Monthly Meeting: Community Based Services (CBS) Arrives?
May 9th 1st Annual Neighborhood Spring Cleaning & Adopt-a-Spot Clean-up
May 19th Monthly Meeting
June 6th Annual Pacific Avenue Business District Spring Festival & Car Show
June 16th Monthly Meeting: Neighborhood Walkabout
July 21st Monthly Meeting
August 4th National Night Out (& Silent Auction to benefit Park Avenue Neighborhood?)
August 18th Monthly Meeting
September 15th Monthly Meeting
October 20th Monthly Meeting
October 24th Adopt-a-Spot Clean-up
November 17th Monthly Meeting
December 15th Anniversary Party & Success Awards Celebration
Neighborhood Patrols are Starting Now
Neighborhood patrols are starting now. Keep an eye on this blog for reports and other information. If you'd like to learn how you can get involved in your neighborhood patrol, contact Safe Streets at www.safest.org or (253) 272-2824. Or, you can contact Park Avenue Neighborhood at parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com. You can also join us at our next monthly meeting to learn more about our patrol and what's happening in your neighborhood.
Extreme Neighborhood Makeover video
Here is the link to the video describing the Extreme Neighborhood Makeover: Tacoma Edition. It is featured right after Zoo Lights. This is what we are proposing to do in Park Avenue Neighborhood in May. Just click on the title "Extreme Neighborhood Makeover video" above and then click on "December 2008".
January 2009 Meeting Minutes
Meeting started at approximately 6:35pm
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Home break-in at corner of 59th & Park, on 1/4/2009, in the afternoon
Vehicle break-ins in alley between 58th & 59th, West of G Street, in evening approximately 1 week ago
Speed Watch Report
Worst areas are Park Avenue and S 64th Street.
Will continue speed watch for a few more weeks.
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Yes, our CLO will continue to attend our meetings, City and TPD feel it is really important to maintain involvement with neighborhood watch groups.
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for December 2008 (3,541 formally reported crimes)
comparisons were also given for Sector 4 vs. all other sectors, Sector 4 was higher than any other sector.
Expecting our sector (4-3) to become part of Community Based Services (CBS) area in April. What does this mean to us?
Better access to Tacoma Police Dept., Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma CARES, Code Enforcement (Building Inspector, Building & Land Use), Crime Prevention through Environment Design (CPTED).
CBS can also help with community clean-up and neighborhood “Call to Haul.”
Discussed manner of home break-ins: most common method - back doors are kicked-in.
Addressed questions regarding increased crime and break-ins, mainly feeding drug habits.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
Report from David Cantlin, Safe Streets Coordinator Neighborhood Patrols
This is the best way to actively reduce crime throughout our neighborhood.
We become an extension of the Police Department’s eyes & ears in our neighborhood.
This is an effective tool for maintaining a presence throughout our neighborhood.
We will become better at documenting and communicating with TPD what is happening here.
Our neighborhood will be better recognized by TPD and be able to work with us more effectively.
Neighborhood Patrol Academy will be held 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Thursday each month.
Classes are free and are held at TPD Headquarters.
Differences for 2009: Each academy student will have Washington State Patrol background check (no charge).
Patrol involvement? Patrol members average 3-6 hours per month
We now have a Neighborhood Patrol Leader for Park Avenue Neighborhood, patrols will begin within next month.
Kathleen Merryman of The News Tribune is very interested in what our neighborhood has done and what we are currently doing. She would like to meet with us to discuss our group and our activities.
About Bounty Food Bank (at Bethany United Methodist Church):
Now serving more members of the community.
Need donations of paper goods, cleaning supplies and toiletries. These are items they are not able to buy with food stamps.
Several members donated to Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
Meeting ended at 8:10pm
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Home break-in at corner of 59th & Park, on 1/4/2009, in the afternoon
Vehicle break-ins in alley between 58th & 59th, West of G Street, in evening approximately 1 week ago
Speed Watch Report
Worst areas are Park Avenue and S 64th Street.
Will continue speed watch for a few more weeks.
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Yes, our CLO will continue to attend our meetings, City and TPD feel it is really important to maintain involvement with neighborhood watch groups.
Officer Williams presented crime statistics for December 2008 (3,541 formally reported crimes)
comparisons were also given for Sector 4 vs. all other sectors, Sector 4 was higher than any other sector.
Expecting our sector (4-3) to become part of Community Based Services (CBS) area in April. What does this mean to us?
Better access to Tacoma Police Dept., Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma CARES, Code Enforcement (Building Inspector, Building & Land Use), Crime Prevention through Environment Design (CPTED).
CBS can also help with community clean-up and neighborhood “Call to Haul.”
Discussed manner of home break-ins: most common method - back doors are kicked-in.
Addressed questions regarding increased crime and break-ins, mainly feeding drug habits.
What can we do? Keep on eye on neighborhood, monitor problem homes & suspected drug homes, continue to report activities to 911 and use “House Watch” forms to track vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and suspect descriptions, submit “House Watch” forms to neighborhood group, block captains, Safe Streets, and so on.
Report from David Cantlin, Safe Streets Coordinator Neighborhood Patrols
This is the best way to actively reduce crime throughout our neighborhood.
We become an extension of the Police Department’s eyes & ears in our neighborhood.
This is an effective tool for maintaining a presence throughout our neighborhood.
We will become better at documenting and communicating with TPD what is happening here.
Our neighborhood will be better recognized by TPD and be able to work with us more effectively.
Neighborhood Patrol Academy will be held 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Thursday each month.
Classes are free and are held at TPD Headquarters.
Differences for 2009: Each academy student will have Washington State Patrol background check (no charge).
Patrol involvement? Patrol members average 3-6 hours per month
We now have a Neighborhood Patrol Leader for Park Avenue Neighborhood, patrols will begin within next month.
Kathleen Merryman of The News Tribune is very interested in what our neighborhood has done and what we are currently doing. She would like to meet with us to discuss our group and our activities.
About Bounty Food Bank (at Bethany United Methodist Church):
Now serving more members of the community.
Need donations of paper goods, cleaning supplies and toiletries. These are items they are not able to buy with food stamps.
Several members donated to Bounty Food Bank and Bethany U.M.C.’s heating fund.
Meeting ended at 8:10pm
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
December Meeting Minutes
Gathering started at 6:30pm and meeting started at 6:45pm.
No formal agenda tonight, meeting kept informal with plenty of open discussion and time for cookies, etc.
Neighborhood & CLO reports :
Speed watch program is progressing…plenty of speeders on Park and 64th, also witnessed many cars “blowing” thru stop sign.
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for November (4,598 calls for service). Burglaries are still rising.
The “Yard Girls” home is apparently a meth house and is being monitored by neighbors closely.
Two more of our residents have graduated the Neighborhood Patrol Academy.
Alley between Yakima & Park, south of 61st Street is finally getting cleaned-up.
Darren Pen, Community Mobilizer of Safe Streets reports
Requested report of our neighborhood’s volunteers hours for meetings, clean-ups, flyer distribution and “donation” from church since they let us use their meeting room.
Reminded us Neighborhood Patrol Academy continues in January.
Reviewed Park Avenue Neighborhood’s successes for 2008:
Our neighborhood watch group is now over 1 year old.
Know more of our neighbors and stay in contact with them (our roster includes over 70 neighbors).
Building neighborhood phone trees.
Know and work openly with our neighborhood’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tacoma Police Department.
Know and work openly with our neighborhood’s Building Inspector with city Code Enforcement
Adopted spots in the neighborhood and have completed two neighborhood clean ups through Adopt-a-Spot program.
Conducting Neighborhood Speed Watch Program.
Participated in march against drugs and crime on Pacific Avenue at 64th Street (with Mayor and other public officials).
Have several residents in neighborhood who have graduated the Neighborhood Patrol Academy. Completed neighborhood walkabout in September.
Meeting ended at 8:15pm, after consumption of many cookies and other goodies
No formal agenda tonight, meeting kept informal with plenty of open discussion and time for cookies, etc.
Neighborhood & CLO reports :
Speed watch program is progressing…plenty of speeders on Park and 64th, also witnessed many cars “blowing” thru stop sign.
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for November (4,598 calls for service). Burglaries are still rising.
The “Yard Girls” home is apparently a meth house and is being monitored by neighbors closely.
Two more of our residents have graduated the Neighborhood Patrol Academy.
Alley between Yakima & Park, south of 61st Street is finally getting cleaned-up.
Darren Pen, Community Mobilizer of Safe Streets reports
Requested report of our neighborhood’s volunteers hours for meetings, clean-ups, flyer distribution and “donation” from church since they let us use their meeting room.
Reminded us Neighborhood Patrol Academy continues in January.
Reviewed Park Avenue Neighborhood’s successes for 2008:
Our neighborhood watch group is now over 1 year old.
Know more of our neighbors and stay in contact with them (our roster includes over 70 neighbors).
Building neighborhood phone trees.
Know and work openly with our neighborhood’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tacoma Police Department.
Know and work openly with our neighborhood’s Building Inspector with city Code Enforcement
Adopted spots in the neighborhood and have completed two neighborhood clean ups through Adopt-a-Spot program.
Conducting Neighborhood Speed Watch Program.
Participated in march against drugs and crime on Pacific Avenue at 64th Street (with Mayor and other public officials).
Have several residents in neighborhood who have graduated the Neighborhood Patrol Academy. Completed neighborhood walkabout in September.
Meeting ended at 8:15pm, after consumption of many cookies and other goodies
November Meeting Minutes
Meeting started at approximately 6:30pm
62 residents formed Pac-Yak Neighborhood Watch Group, just to the south of us. Their boundaries are south of 64th Street to 72nd Street, between Pacific & Yakima.
Jennifer Kammerzell – City of Tacoma, Traffic Engineering
Presented information for us to begin speed watch with radar gun.
We record speeders’ vehicle description and license plate number and send to her.
Info on speeders given to Tacoma Police Department, TPD mails letter to speeder.
If speeder is a chronic offender, TPD hand delivers the letter.
Other ways we can reduce speeding in our neighborhood?
EVERYONE should drive 20-25mph throughout the neighborhood, set a good example.
Use moveable “drive slow” signs, place at various locations in neighborhood and move them frequently.
Sign-up to borrow mobile “radar trailer,” which displays your current speed from SENCo.
Consider working toward speed humps by using data from speed watch program and paying with City’s innovative grant.
Plant street trees, these become an effective visual barrier causing speeders to slow down.
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
2 murders occurred in our area over the past weekend
1 at a party at 5620 S Yakima
1 at the South End Community Center
58th & D, brawl Saturday night, 2 arrested
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for last October (4,851 calls for service).
He noted burglaries are up.
The vehicle burglar mentioned last month, Johnny Bonner, has been arrested and is awaiting trial.
Adopt-a-Spot clean up will be held on Saturday after Thanksgiving, starting at 9am
Meeting ended at 8:05pm
62 residents formed Pac-Yak Neighborhood Watch Group, just to the south of us. Their boundaries are south of 64th Street to 72nd Street, between Pacific & Yakima.
Jennifer Kammerzell – City of Tacoma, Traffic Engineering
Presented information for us to begin speed watch with radar gun.
We record speeders’ vehicle description and license plate number and send to her.
Info on speeders given to Tacoma Police Department, TPD mails letter to speeder.
If speeder is a chronic offender, TPD hand delivers the letter.
Other ways we can reduce speeding in our neighborhood?
EVERYONE should drive 20-25mph throughout the neighborhood, set a good example.
Use moveable “drive slow” signs, place at various locations in neighborhood and move them frequently.
Sign-up to borrow mobile “radar trailer,” which displays your current speed from SENCo.
Consider working toward speed humps by using data from speed watch program and paying with City’s innovative grant.
Plant street trees, these become an effective visual barrier causing speeders to slow down.
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
2 murders occurred in our area over the past weekend
1 at a party at 5620 S Yakima
1 at the South End Community Center
58th & D, brawl Saturday night, 2 arrested
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for last October (4,851 calls for service).
He noted burglaries are up.
The vehicle burglar mentioned last month, Johnny Bonner, has been arrested and is awaiting trial.
Adopt-a-Spot clean up will be held on Saturday after Thanksgiving, starting at 9am
Meeting ended at 8:05pm
October Meeting Minutes
Meeting started at 6:35pm
No formal agenda tonight, meeting kept informal with plenty of open discussion.
Successful neighborhood walkabout in September
25 neighbors participated, along with CLO from Tacoma Police & Building Inspector from Code Enforcement (Tacoma CARES)
Learned much about issues in certain parts of neighborhood, many of which exist throughout entire neighborhood
Neighborhood decided actions to be taken will be as follows:
Occupied properties will receive letter from neighborhood,
draft of letter to be reviewed during next meeting, if time permits
Vacant properties will be turned over directly to code enforcement for action
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Suspected drug activity at 520 S 59th Street, frequent brief visits throughout day and night, from street and from alley
Numerous reports of vehicle theft & burglary in the area south of 64th and Park, suspect has been identified by TPD, warrant has
been issued but he has been successful in alluding TPD, so far
Illegal dumping continues in the alley west of Park, between 61st and 64th
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for last September (4,748 calls for service).
He also discussed the vehicle burglar mentioned above in greater detail and the steps TPD has been taking to apprehend him.
Action Plan for October / November
1. Neighborhood Speed Watch Program with guest speaker from City of Tacoma will be subject of November meeting.
Need volunteers to coordinate and conduct speed watch in neighborhood.
2. Continue phone tree use, appoint block captains.
3. Flyer distribution for November meeting.
4. When should we have Adopt-a-Spot Clean Up?
Darren Pen, Community Mobilization Specialist, Safe Streets:
The Washington State Liquor Control Board has designated our neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods an Alcohol
Impact Area (AIA) beginning October 1, 2008. Malt liquors, certain beers, certain wines and similar beverages
CANNOT be sold in this area.
Neighborhood Patrol training starts again on Thursdays, beginning November 6th at TPD Headquarters.
Darren will be out of the country for 3 weeks in November and will not be able to attend our next meeting.
Meeting ended at 7:50pm
No formal agenda tonight, meeting kept informal with plenty of open discussion.
Successful neighborhood walkabout in September
25 neighbors participated, along with CLO from Tacoma Police & Building Inspector from Code Enforcement (Tacoma CARES)
Learned much about issues in certain parts of neighborhood, many of which exist throughout entire neighborhood
Neighborhood decided actions to be taken will be as follows:
Occupied properties will receive letter from neighborhood,
draft of letter to be reviewed during next meeting, if time permits
Vacant properties will be turned over directly to code enforcement for action
Neighborhood Reports (crime and other activity from the past month)
Suspected drug activity at 520 S 59th Street, frequent brief visits throughout day and night, from street and from alley
Numerous reports of vehicle theft & burglary in the area south of 64th and Park, suspect has been identified by TPD, warrant has
been issued but he has been successful in alluding TPD, so far
Illegal dumping continues in the alley west of Park, between 61st and 64th
Report from CLO? (Don Williams, CLO of TPD)
Officer Williams presented statistics for calls in 4th sector for last September (4,748 calls for service).
He also discussed the vehicle burglar mentioned above in greater detail and the steps TPD has been taking to apprehend him.
Action Plan for October / November
1. Neighborhood Speed Watch Program with guest speaker from City of Tacoma will be subject of November meeting.
Need volunteers to coordinate and conduct speed watch in neighborhood.
2. Continue phone tree use, appoint block captains.
3. Flyer distribution for November meeting.
4. When should we have Adopt-a-Spot Clean Up?
Darren Pen, Community Mobilization Specialist, Safe Streets:
The Washington State Liquor Control Board has designated our neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods an Alcohol
Impact Area (AIA) beginning October 1, 2008. Malt liquors, certain beers, certain wines and similar beverages
CANNOT be sold in this area.
Neighborhood Patrol training starts again on Thursdays, beginning November 6th at TPD Headquarters.
Darren will be out of the country for 3 weeks in November and will not be able to attend our next meeting.
Meeting ended at 7:50pm
Monday, February 9, 2009
Peace Out
Peace Out - A forum supporting parents, students, and community efforts to stop gangs, drugs and violence.
DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2009
TIME: 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Lincoln High School- 701 S 37th Street - Tacoma, 98418
Safe Streets is collaborating with youth, Tacoma Public Schools and Tacoma Police to sponsor "Peace Out," a forum for community members to discuss solutions to drugs, gangs and violence in our schools and neighborhoods.
Food and childcare for this free event are provided.
For more information, and to RSVP, contact Safe Streets at (253) 272-6824.
Park Avenue Neighborhood will have a booth at this event. If you'd like to join us and support your neighborhood, email: parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.
DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2009
TIME: 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Lincoln High School- 701 S 37th Street - Tacoma, 98418
Safe Streets is collaborating with youth, Tacoma Public Schools and Tacoma Police to sponsor "Peace Out," a forum for community members to discuss solutions to drugs, gangs and violence in our schools and neighborhoods.
Food and childcare for this free event are provided.
For more information, and to RSVP, contact Safe Streets at (253) 272-6824.
Park Avenue Neighborhood will have a booth at this event. If you'd like to join us and support your neighborhood, email: parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February Meeting Announcement
Our monthly meeting is fast approaching.
This month's meeting continues our focus on stopping the rising crime in our neighborhood. Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday, February 17th from 6:30-8:00pm at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
This month's meeting continues our focus on stopping the rising crime in our neighborhood. Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from Tacoma Police Department will be attending our meeting.
Join us Tuesday, February 17th from 6:30-8:00pm at Bethany United Methodist Church, 5634 S Park Avenue, Tacoma 98408.
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
For more information, email parkavenueneighborhood@gmail.com.
Park Avenue Neighborhood is a proud supporter of Bounty Food Bank so don't forget to bring paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries and canned food donations.
And, don't forget to bring cash for Bethany U.M.C.'s heating fund.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
