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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 33 No. 3THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 33, NUMBER 3 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 Mayor Haggerton and Police Chief Villa share scissor duties at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Tukwila's new NRC. Police announce opening of new office On August 7, a ribbon -cutting ceremony introduced the community to its new police Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), located at 14862 Tukwila International Boulevard. The Neighborhood Resource Center represents the partnership between our community and the Tukwila Police Department. Part of the Police Department's Crime Reduction Initiative is focused on efforts along the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor. The NRC will be a new base of operations for the Police to address crime and quality -of -life issues for Tukwila's citizens, business owners and visitors who frequent this multi -faceted neighborhood. Officers assigned to this new NRC are able to provide a faster response to crime and support our proactive policing in the area. Volunteers lend assistance at the NRC front desk, allowing the officers to maximize their time on the streets. Citizens are reminded to call 911 if they wish to contact the Police for emergencies or to make reports. City Council Actions: April, May, June and July 2012 April 2012 Accepted grant funding from 4Culture for the Duwamish Hill Preserve. Authorized the implementation of an enhanced consent agenda process. Confirmed the re -appointment of Jan Bolerjack to Human Services Advisory Board. Confirmed the re -appointment of Alice Russell and Scott Kruize to the Parks Commission. Authorized a contract for the City's Strategic Plan with Berk Consulting. May 2012 Passed a resolution adopting a 2012 City-wide Work Plan. Held a public hearing and approved an ordinance updating and expanding the Sign Code. Entered into Interlocal Agreement with City of SeaTac for probation services to be provided by the City of Tukwila. Entered into contract with King Coun- ty for receipt of Community Develop- ment Block Grant funds for the Minor Home Repair Program. Passed a resolution creating a Tukwila Tree and Environment Advisory Com- mittee. Authorized 3 -year lease for property located at 14862 Tukwila Interna- tional Boulevard for a Neighborhood Resource Center. Passed resolution updating and clari- fying the non -represented employees' compensation, and adopting Non -Rep- resented Salary Schedule and benefits summary effective January 1, 2012. Accepted a 10% request as submitted, authorizing circulation of the 60% peti- tion for annexation; and require both the simultaneous adoption of zoning and the assumption of all existing City indebtedness, as it relates to the North Highline Annexation Area. June 2012 Authorized 5 -year contract with Xerox Corporation for managed print services. Approved fireworks permit submitted by Western Display Fireworks, Ltd., for a fireworks display at the Family Fourth at the Fort celebration. Authorized an agreement with King County for the Regional Stormwater Decant Facility Program. Authorized reinstatement of position in Mayor's Office for Project Analyst. Held public hearing and passed resolu- tion adopting a six-year Transportation Improvement Program for 2013-2018. Approved an ordinance establishing new regulations relating to Develop- ment Agreements. Authorized purchase and sale agreement for approximately 1.9 acres of property located along south 115th street, known as Duwamish Hill Preserve. Return of Tent City brings opportunities to help Tent City will be returning to Tukwila on August 18 and will be here until November 17. There will be about 100 homeless men and women living on the Riverton Park United Methodist Church prop- erty (vacant lot north of Military Road S. and S. 140th Street). You may recall that Tent City was in our City about five years ago, and several groups in our community provided meals and other services to these visitors. For more information on how you can help, call Rev. Jan Bolerjack at 206-246-2436 or Pastor@RivertonParkUMC.com. Authorized a three-year Interlocal Agreement with King County for ani- mal control services. Authorize acceptance of the proposed term sheet dated 6/20/12 with King County Library System for the Tukwila Village development. Authorized Labor Agreement with In- ternational Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 2088 for period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013. Authorized Labor Agreement with the Tukwila Police Officers' Guild for the period January 1, 2011 through De- cember 31, 2013. July 2012 Awarded bid to ICON Materials for the 2012 Overlay Project Awarded bid for 2012 Annual Small Drainage Program to Green River Con- struction, Inc. Authorized an agreement with Perteet Engineering, Inc. for GIS Inventory Area 8. Passed resolution authorizing Cascade Water Alliance Joint Municipal Utility Services Agreement, which converts Cascade Water Alliance into a Joint Municipal Utility Services Authority. Authorized Memorandum of Under- standing with valley area cities for im- plementation of joint funding program for the Alive and Free Program. COUNCIL CHAT On the second Saturday of each month, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM Come join the talk at FOSTER GOLF LINKS CLUBHOUSE 13500 Interurban Avenue South Council Chat is a chance to stop by and informally talk with one of your Tukwila City Councilmembers about anything on your mind regarding your community. NEXT CHAT: SEPTEMBER 8 2 THE HAZELNUT CHANGE YOUR CLOCK f 1 � CHANCE YOUR RATTIRY It's time to "fall back" — an annual reminder for your family's safety Although it seems like summer has only just arrived, believe it or not autumn is right around the corner. This means we are quickly approaching the changing of the clocks back from daylight time to standard time. Please remember to PI check the function of your SMOKE DETECTORS and CAR- O BON MONOXIDE DETECTORS, and to replace all batter- ies when you set your clocks back on Sunday, November 4. Minor Home Repair Program Contractors with the Minor Home Repair Program have been busy helping low-income homeowners with safety- and health-related repairs and preven- tive maintenance, including railings for senior citi- zens, repair of faulty electrical outlets, and minor plumbing issues. Tukwila homeowners have been pleased with the efficiency and customer service shown by the licensed contractors. No -interest loans are available to residents who qualify for services. Homeowners are eligible for grant -funded work up to $2,000, not to exceed a lifetime limit of $5,000 per homeowner. For more information or to receive application materials, con- tact the Human Services Office at 206-433-7180. Taking a look at Tukwila's "glass" Is your glass half full or half empty? It's a common question for assessing people's perception of what is going on around them. In previous articles, I have focused on things affecting City operations such as our budget, or how we're addressing the economic downturn, or what we're doing to move the City forward in the current environment. Today, I'm sharing some positive things that take place in the City of Tukwila that you may not be aware of and which I believe make our "glass" half full. Our location — midway between Seattle and Tacoma, at the crossroads of major freeways, in close proximity to Sea -Tac Airport — contributes to Tukwila being the site of some sig- nificant events. Tukwila's Museum of Flight hosts numerous veterans groups during Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations and other special events. Guests have included Tuskegee Air- men, Doolittle's Raiders and the Black Sheep Squadron, plus special appearances of individual heroes from past wars and conflicts. We recently welcomed a huge event: the arrival of the NASA Space Shuttle trainer on the Guppy — a sight to behold! Five astronauts, Governor Gregoire and past governors, members of our Congressional delegation and other dignitaries were greeted by the enthusiastic crowd. The NASA trainer is dis- played in the Museum of Flight Space Gallery on East Mar- ginal Way; plan a visit to see this amazing piece of history Many conferences, conventions and military reunion groups have chosen Tukwila as their preferred Northwest destina- tion; these include the 351st Bomber Group, the Western Regional Conference of Church Ushers, and members of the Armed Forces who took part in a recognition event in May. We recently hosted the 2012 Health Care for the Homeless Regional Training Conference at our Tukwila Community Center (approximately 200 in attendance from Alaska, Ida- ho, Oregon, California, Montana and Washington). Tukwila received high praises for the community center staff and fa- cilities... and the City in general as a perfect host. Our community celebrations for the Fourth of July, Back- yard Wildlife event, various Tukwila Days events and City outreach during the `National Night Out' all bring positive comments to my office. Thanks go to our City staff and vol- unteers who work hard to ensure the success of all of these events. Many citizens have completed surveys, participated in com- munity events, or are members of the various Strategic Plan- ning committees that are working together to create a vision for Tukwila's future, and I thank you for your efforts in this important work. As we begin to build the City's next biennium budget, it's apparent that our economic challenges are going to continue for some time. This is true for the City and for each of us personally, but I am proud of what we have been able to ac- complish in difficult times. I look forward to the changes on the horizon, and hope that you will join me in looking at our glasses as "half full." Jim Haggerton, Mayor 1 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 3 Council Corner Construction and permits: Did you know? It's the time of the year (good weather, usually) when construction projects keep people busy. To make sure that citizens are visited by an inspector who is sporting a happy face, with the help of our Code Enforcement team, I offer the information below. Most construction work requires a per- mit. This includes residential remodel- ing; commercial tenant improvements; and electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas piping work. The requirement for permits is to ensure that the con- struction work meets local code stan- dards in order to protect you and your neighbors. If work begins without permits, you may be assessed a fine or other penalty. Permit required (not all-inclusive): • Installation/replacement of water heaters (gas or electric) • Most electrical work including panel installation, new wiring, etc. • Commercial reroof (including apartment buildings) • Relocation of plumbing fixtures • Signs (whether temporary or permanent in nature) Permit NOT required: • Sheds under 200 square feet (residential property) • Sheds under 120 square feet (commercial property) Fireplace Safety Tips As autumn settles in, many residents will turn to their fireplaces or wood stoves for heating. Tukwila's Fire Department reminds you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. • Overbuilt fires can ignite creosote in the chimney, so do not use too much paper to build fires, and have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist. • Burn only dry firewood, never treated/painted wood. • Never burn charcoal indoors; it can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. • Keep flammable/combustible materials away from the mantel, front and sides of the fireplace. • Use screens/glass doors to cover the fireplace open- ing to keep sparks from flying out of the fireplace. • Before you go to sleep, be sure your fire is out. • Never break a synthetic log apart or use more than one at a time; they often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide. • If you scoop ashes, put them in a metal container and place it well away from the house. Embers can remain hot enough to start a fire as long as a day later. Do not place the ash container on a combus- tible surface (wooden porches or decks). By Verna Seal, 2012 Ciry Council President • Fences 6 feet or under • Replacing fixtures (lights, outlets, switches, toilet, sink, etc.) • Residential reroof (unless replacing plywood substructure) • Replacement windows of the same size (no reframing of opening) When in doubt, ASK. The City of Tuk- wila's Permit Center can provide you with direction as to whether or not a permit is needed, the submittal re- quirements, or estimated permit fees. Contact the Center at 206-431-3670. Information can also be found on the Permit Center website (vvww.Tukwila- WA.gov/D CD/D C D p ermit. html) . Seiptertnber is Ready Nations i Prepar Month Thinking about Whole Community Preparedness In July, Tukwila Emergency Management's Mary Hobday attend- ed a course offered through FEMAs Emergency Management In- stitute. A great deal of time was spent discussing the "National Preparedness Goal," which describes what needs to be done to create resilient communities. A key concept involves incorporat- ing a "whole community" approach towards preparedness. Whole community means everyone — individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, social organizations, schools, City government — doing their part to prepare for emergencies. If you haven't thought about your own preparedness, September is a great time to get started because it's National Preparedness Month! Don't know what to do? Check out the national pre- paredness website at www.READY.gov, which offers checklists and other helpful information. If you have questions or are interested in having a group presenta- tion on basic preparedness, contact Tukwila Emergency Manage- ment at 206-971-8742, or email Preparedness@TukwilaWA.gov. 4 THE HAZELNUT Knotweed control program coming this fall If you are a waterfront property owner on the Green/ Duwamish River, you may be contacted soon by the King County Noxious Weed Program about getting permission to control knotweed along your shoreline. The City of Tukwila has mapped knotweed along the river from the I-405 cross- ing to the northern City limits and the Water Resource In- ventory Area (WRIA) 9 Program, charged with restoring salmon habitat to the Green/Duwamish River, is collaborat- ing to help control the knotweed in this area because of its negative effects on habitat for salmon. Knotweed is a large, spreading peren- nial plant — with heart -shaped leaves, cane -like stems (similar to bamboo) and sprays of white spikey flowers — that dies back in winter. It can grow in stands between 6 and 12 feet tall. Originally from Asia, knotweed has been invading shorelines on the Green/Duwamish River and tribu- tary streams, as well as other rivers in the region, displacing native vegetation, clogging small streams, creating bank erosion and removing food sources for fish and wildlife. It spreads from roots, seeds and pieces of stem that break off and float downstream to root in a new place. This is why, if you have knotweed on your property, it is important not to let any cuttings fall into the river, other- wise you could be contributing to its spread. Because knotweed is notoriously difficult to control, the WRIA9 program, along with King County's Noxious Weed Program, will be assisting property owners with control through a combination of approaches, which include spray- ing the foliage (with an herbicide approved for aquatic ap- plications) and injecting the stems with herbicide. This will most likely be a multi-year program, followed with assistance for replanting of native trees and shrubs to benefit salmon. For more information, please contact the City at 206-431- 3661 or the WRIA 9 Program 206-296-1909. For more general information about knotweed, you can contact the King County Noxious Weed Program at 206-296-0290. Tukwila's Digital Records Center lets you look up documents online In March 2011, the City opened its Digital Records Center, offering access to a variety of City records via the internet. At the City's website — www.TukwilaWA.gov — clicking the "Records Center" link on the left takes you to a list of acces- sible documents. From here you can: Find out what's on the agenda at the next City Council meeting, Planning Commission or Council Committee meeting. Read the minutes from a past meeting. Listen to the audio recording from a past City Council or Planning Commission meeting. Check the weekly calendar of community events, which is part of every agenda packet. Access the directory of City press releases and proclamations. Research City laws, either by reading individual ordinances or as grouped by category in the Tukwila Municipal Code. Search the directory of City contracts and agreements. Look for Legal and Public Notices. These can include Notices of Special Meetings and Public Hearings; Notices of Meeting Cancellation or Time Change; Calls for Bids, RFPs and RFQs; Notices of Application; and Notices of Special Events. Find Metropolitan Park District (MPD) information regarding Tukwila Pool, including MPD meeting information, resolutions and contracts. Click through the folders in the Digital Records Center to find your desired document. Selecting the document opens it for reading. You can print a copy by following these steps: • Click the "PDF" tool (located right above your document) • Enter the page numbers you want to print • Click on "Download & Print" A PDF file is created, which you can then print using your print menu or save to your computer. Contact City Clerk staff with any questions regarding ac- cessing the Digital Records Center. Call 206-433-1800 or email them at TukwilaCityClerk@TukwilaWA.gov. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 5 What's New(s) in Human A success story for a new Tukwila resident Mr. S, originally from Bhutan and a father of three, worked as a farmer in a refugee camp in Nepal for 20 years. Unable to gain a formal education, he was concerned about his ability to support his family and about their future. When the chance came to immigrate to the U.S. in May of 2009, he and his family took that uncertain leap. After arriving in Tukwila, the resettlement agency placed him in the Samara Apartments. Many newly -arrived refugees and immigrants seeking services are unable to navigate the complex human services system on their own. Mr. S had been asked by his Department of Social and Health Services case manager to come to the Refugee Womens Alliance (ReWA). When the ReWA Family Support program manager received his referral for a job search, Mr. S could not communicate with the program manager and had no understanding of the referral process or why he was at ReWA. He was immediately assigned a case manager who could speak his language, and his face lit up when the Bhutanese ReWA case manager spoke. As a result of the family's contact with ReWA, support services and emergency basic need services were addressed, barriers toward employment removed, and childcare services were arranged. After three months of English Language classes, Mr. S advanced a level in Eng- lish, which enabled him to volunteer in ReWA's Senior Bhutanese program. He demonstrated extraordinary learning skills and enthusiasm as a student and volunteer, achieving perfect attendance in class and always arriving on time. His ability and willingness to overcome barriers — despite leaving his com- munity of many years, learning a new language in a new land, and adjusting to an unfamiliar and often overwhelming new culture — did not escape the notice of ReWA's employment specialist for Bhutanese refugees. The employ- ment specialist convinced the Human Resources Manager at Sea -Tac Airport to interview Mr. S, and when he did, the manager was so impressed he offered Mr. S the job, saying "You are my favorite applicant because you tried very hard and I like that!" Mr. S had to pass a safety test in order to begin his job at the airport, and his first try was not successful. The ReWA employment specialist and the case manager assigned to work with City of Tukwila residents helped him practice for the test and also went with him the next time he took the test. On his sec- ond try, Mr. S passed the test with a score of 100%. He is now able to support his family. We congratulate him and ReWA staff for all of their hard work! Hyde Shuttle serves SeaTac and Tukwila! A neighborhood van service for seniors age 55+ and for people of all ages with disabilities, offering free door-to-door service anywhere within the city limits of both cities • Hours: Monday—Friday, 9:OOAM to 4:OOPM • Sign-up by phone • Lift -equipped vehicles • Shopping, appointments, social activities! To request a free ride, call 206-727-6262 or visit the website at www.SeniorServices.orq Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 HumanServices@TukwilaWA.gov Small business assistance Two job support and micro -enterprise pro- grams are available to Tukwila residents. Washington CASH offers low-income in- dividuals, including immigrants and refu- gees, support to start or expand their own small businesses. One of their offices is located in Tukwila on Interurban Avenue. They offer clients business development training to learn the fundamental practices of business operation in an eight -session course, and later provide ongoing business training on topics of personal credit, busi- ness financials, bookkeeping, taxes and in- vesting. Twice -monthly business support groups offer one-on-one coaching and mentorship, networking and other services. Addition- ally, Washington CASH clients can access collateral -free microloans from $1,000— $5,000 through a peer lending group. Contact them at 206-352-1945. StartZone, available at Highline Commu- nity College, provides training and one-to- one technical assistance for low- to moder- ate -income individuals starting or growing a business in South King County. Their services include assessment and referral, business consulting, loan packaging work- shops, networking, mentoring and peer support. A four-week class series called "Reality Check: Starting a Business Eyes Wide Open" helps members assess their own readiness, produce basic financial pro- jections and market opportunity analysis, and other feasibility factors. "Business English as a Second Language" curriculum is also available through High - line Community College. Students are co - enrolled with their regular "English as a Second Language" class to promote overall language acquisition. For information, call StartZone at 206-878-3710, x3388. 1 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA REPOR IIE RESOURCE SECURE PAPER SHREDDING AND ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT Tukwila BECU is sponsoring a FREE document shredding and recycling event where you can bring and safely destroy your documents containing sensitive and personal informa- tion, as well as recycle unwanted TVs, computers, computer monitors, laptops, and cell phones for free. Saturday, October 20, 2012 — 10:OOAm to 1:OOPm BECU Tukwila Financial Center, 12770 Gateway Drive DB Secure Shred — a professional document destruction ser- vice with a mobile shredding unit — will be on site. Experts will also be on hand to share the most effective tips on fight- ing identity theft and fraud. Help us support the local food bank by bringing donations of non-perishable items. This service is FREE, for shredding up to three grocery bags or two banker boxes full of paper, and for recycling of TVs, CPUs, computer monitors, laptops and cell phones. A small fee may apply to recycle any other items. More information: Shredding — www.DBSecureShred.com — www.E-wastes.com itNew solid waste service begins November 1, 2012 Starting November 1, 2012, Waste Manage- ment will be Tukwila's new service provider for recycling, compost and garbage collection. Business customers will now have all -in -one recy- cling included for free with their garbage service. Free recycling consultations, site visits and waste assessments will be provided, along with educational materials. Single-family residential customers will receive new easy-to- use carts. Beyond the "standard" recyclable items, an ex- panded list of materials will be accepted, including curbside collection options for hard -to -recycle items such as compact fluorescent bulbs, used cooking oil, used motor oil and ap- proved electronic waste. For more information about these new services, please visit wwwWMNorthwest.com/tukwila or call 1-800-592-9995. TER "Recycle More: Its Easy and Fun" — new solid waste service mini -workshop Beginning November 1, 2012, Tukwila residents will receive new and improved recycling services from Waste Manage- ment, Tukwila's new solid waste hauler. Come learn about what these changes mean to your weekly garbage and recy- cling service, and which new items can be placed in your curbside recycling carts. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 — 7:00 to 8:OOPm Tukwila Community Center, 12424 - 42nd Ave S A representative from Waste Management and a King Coun- ty Master Recycler Composter will give a short presentation about the residential service changes and recycling do's and don'ts. Bring all your questions and learn more about: • Tukwila's new City-wide solid waste & recycling service • What can and can't go in the recycle bin, including new materials and those confusing plastic items • Making recycling more convenient at home • Recycling food scraps and food -soiled paper You'll receive free recycling goodies, including a high-quality compact nylon shopping bag, compostable bags for collect- ing food scraps, and a spatula to help clean out peanut butter and mayonnaise jars for recycling. Recipes for living green Save money and protect the earth by making your own envi- ronmentally -friendly cleaning products! All -Purpose Cleaner 13/4 cup water 13/4 cup vinegar 1 tablespoon dish soap Mix gently to avoid mak- ing bubbles, and pour into a spray bottle. Can be made with just vinegar and water if you like. Glass Cleaner 1'/3 cup water 11/3 cup vinegar 1 tablespoon dish soap 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol (this will give you a great streak free shine) Again, mix gently. Omit the dish soap if you prefer. All -Purpose Scrub Baking soda! Add a bit of water to make this a paste and scrub away. Add a splash of dish soap to make it soapy/ scrubby. For more information about Tukwila recycling and resource conservation programs, please contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox by phone at 206-431-3683, or email her at Recycle@TukwilaWA.gov 1 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30MM-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: www.TukwilaWA.gov E-mail: tukwila@TukwilaWAgov MAYOR Jim Haggerton 206-433-1805 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Verna Seal, Pres 206-293-3274 Joe Duffie 206-478-0089 Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 Allan Ekberg 206-241-6904 Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 De'Sean Quinn 206-241-0225 Kate Kruller 206-853-9330 Kimberly Matej, Analyst 206-433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays CITY OFFICES Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 David Cline, City Admin 206-433-1851 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Services 206-433-7180 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Community Development Dept. Jack Pace, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Peggy McCarthy, Director 206-433-1835 Fire Department, Emergency Management Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Human Resources Department Stephanie Brown, Director 206-433-1831 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Information Technology Department Mary Miotke, Director 206-433-7150 Parks/Recreation Department Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Mike Villa, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Bob Giberson, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency Fire, Police 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2323 TUKWILA CITY POOL 4414 S. 144th Street 206-267-2350 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 THE HAZELNUT newsletter is published three times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris, IT Dept. THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-433-1800. Tukwila community members observe National Night Out by sharing neighborly conversation — and good food On the evening of Tuesday, August 7, the City of Tukwila celebrated National Night Out Against Crime. This year 26 neighborhoods registered "Night Out" events with the Tukwila Police Depart- ment. Of these parties, two were held at businesses, one was at a condominium community, four were at rental housing communities, and the remainder in pre- dominantly single-family neighborhoods. National Night Out is a long-running, annual crime prevention event — an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other, renew old friendships and also to interact with the many City of Tukwila staff volunteers who ride around Tukwila and visit the registered events. This year 35 City employees vis- ited as many of the 26 parties throughout Tukwila as time would allow. Several gatherings took advantage of being in the same place at the same time to hold a neighborhood meeting to discuss events that affected their lives and homes. One of the events hosted by a newly -formed blockwatch featured a DJ and of- fered attendees "Anti -Crime Dogs", "Blockwatch Brats" and "Hot Pursuit Links" as their dining choices. Yet another group has started planning next year's party so they can book a live band for the date! Start planning your party for next year's National Night Out (Tuesday, August 6, 2013).