“Friday Night Lights” Fire Trucks Will Pass Through Victory Heights April 24th

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Ryan

The Seattle Fire Department’s “Friday Night Lights” program will be back on April 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and have partnered up with @IAFF27 and @SeattlePD to show you we are here for you in these challenging times.

Read the entire minutes of the Victory Heights Community Council Meeting.

View yellow highlighted area for this week’s target zone.

The Engine from Station 39 will be cruising around the Victory Heights Neighborhood (barring an emergency call), and with mild weather predicted, folks should come out and cheer (maintaining social distancing, of course) as they pass by.

In other community council news, the homeless encampment underneath the 15th Avenue NE bridge was cleared out on March 11th by the Seattle Navigation Team, probably one of the last in the city for a while due to the virus.

Victory Heights on Social Media:

Our Twitter Page

Our Facebook Group

Sign-up for our neighborhood email list.

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April Virtual Community Council Plans

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Ryan

Dear neighbors,

Hopefully all of you received a flyer with information about connecting in Victory Heights.  Many thanks to the folks that contributed to that 50-hour project.  If you aren’t on our distribution list yet you can join here (https://mailchi.mp/d5e4dd948b74/vhcc).

Notes/Updates:

  1. Neighbors without internet access: the flyer had a phone number so they could reach out and stay connected.  We’ve heard from one neighbor so far.  The number is (804) 557-4273 if you know folks who would like to stay connected but lost the number.
  2. Great job on maintaining social distance!  Parents – you’re doing a wonderful job keeping your kids active without using the playground equipment. Strong work!
  3. Supporting one another:  No one has contacted the Victory Heights Community Council asking for help; please continue checking in on neighbors you believe might be struggling. 
  4. As this public health crisis continues, we anticipate the needs to grow.  Please use the “Help Map” on NextDoor to indicate that you are willing to help.  Or to find someone close to you that can help.  If you need an invitation to join NextDoor, please reach out to a neighbor who uses the site or contact us at VictoryHeights.Seattle@gmail.com.  If you struggle with the commentary on NextDoor, there are ways to reduce that.  Please experiment.  NextDoor is not perfect but it’s very helpful in these unusual times.
  5. National Public Health Week starts April 6th.  We’re working on an idea to show support for our local health clinic. More on that later…
  6. Block Captains! – We’re eager to support you in your mission of connecting neighbors.  Current, or potential, Block Captains are invited to gather virtually (via Zoom) on April 14th at 6:30pm.   You can just phone in if that’s easier.  Information below.  NO obligation; If you just want to listen in to decide if you want the job, that’s fine.   
  7. Community (virtual) meeting – Tuesday, April 21st, at 7pm.  ALL are welcome.  You can just phone in if that’s easier.  Information below.  Agenda to be announced…

Please take care,

Your Victory Heights Community Council

Ann, Brad, and Ryan

Virtual meeting information:
1.  Download Zoom to your computer/mobile device BEFORE the meeting.  https://zoom.us

2.  Join from your computer 5-10 minutes prior to the meeting start.

           
           

Call-in only info:

            Phone number: (669) 900-6833
            Meeting ID is 123-356-661

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How To Safely Support Your Neighbors

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Ryan

SUPPORTING NEIGHBORS who are choosing to reduce their exposure by staying home

  • Neighbors, DO NOT participate if you are not feeling well (fever, dry cough, etc.) – NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • This is not meant to cover situations where someone has been exposed to, or tested positive, for the corona virus.  Contact authorities for guidance if that’s the case.
  • Say hello and converse from at least 6 feet away.
  • If money needs to exchange hands during this process, find a way to avoid handling bills or coins.  Bills and coins are handled by many people during a day.
    • IOU?  PayPal?  Check?
  Neighbor   Person at Home
Checking in Ring the doorbell/knock and move back (6’ away from the door)
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, etc.
Go home and wash your hands thoroughly Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away   		Answer the door when you know your neighbor has had a chance to back up
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, make a request, thank them for stopping by, etc.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away      
Grocery delivery Ring the doorbell/knock and move back (6’ away from the door)
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, etc.
Go home and wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away   		Answer the door when you know your neighbor has had a chance to put the bags down and back up
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, thank them, etc.
Bring the bags into the house and wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away
Wash fresh fruit/vegetables thoroughly under cold running water
Put groceries away
Wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away
Medication delivery Ring the doorbell/knock and move back (6’ away from the door)
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, etc.
Go home and wash your hands thoroughly Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away   		Answer the door when you know your neighbor has had a chance to put the pharmacy bag down and back up
Maintain the 6’ distance
Chat, exchange pleasantries, thank them, etc.
Bring the bag into the house and wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away
Get out a disinfecting solution and place it near the sink
Follow the directions on your bleach bottle to make a disinfecting solution – OR –
Use a commercially manufactured disinfectant approved for food contact surfaces
Open the bag and put the medication bottle in the sink
Spray the bottle on all sides with the disinfecting solution and let it air dry   Go to another sink and wash your hands thoroughly
Count to 20 slowly while rubbing with soap and water
Dry hands with clean paper towel and discard right away
Once the medication bottle has been disinfected, put it away with your other medication bottles like normal   *  This might seem excessive but eventually you’re going to put these medications into your mouth, eyes, etc.  You don’t want to accidentally introduce a virus into your system.    
Pet walking Encourage everyone to walk their own pets – just avoid crowded areas.  And maintain a little more distance than usual when stopping to chat with neighbors.  

Created by the Seattle Emergency Communications Hubs (pending revalidation from City of Seattle Joint Information Center)

Version date: March 15, 2020

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Virtual Community Meeting Sunday

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Ryan

Virtual All Community Meeting for Victory Heights Sunday, March 15 4:30pm or 6:30pm (same information)
TOPIC:  Moving forward as a community…
Options for attending:

  1. Connect via Zoom
    1. https://zoom.us/j/123356661
    2. Meeting ID is 123-356-661
  2. Phone in
    1. (669) 900-6833
    2. Meeting ID is 123-356-661

Please share information about the meeting with neighbors!
Thank you!
YOUR Victory Heights Community Council  Ann Forrest, President

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March 6th Corona Virus Update

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Ryan
Neighbors supporting neighbors

Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/protection.aspx

Look around you… do you have a neighbor who might need a little support? Give them a call and see if you can help…

Do they need medications picked up from the pharmacy? Groceries? Pet food? A library book returned? A package mailed? Compost to get a head start on their garden? 

A small act of kindness can be very impactful in these uncertain times.

Information from Seattle Public Schools

Parents of school-age children probably received this from their child’s school but even those without children might be wondering why school’s aren’t closed at this time.

https://www.seattleschools.org/district/calendars/news/what_s_new/coronavirus_update

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Corona Virus Advice

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Ryan

As the corona virus situation develops, we believe the role of the Victory Heights Community Council is two-fold:

  1. Disseminating accurate information
  2. Encourage neighbors to support homebound neighbors (if/when appropriate)

We encourage you to read from the websites below and stay informed.  The situation is nuanced and developing.    
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Right now:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Masks are not recommended for people who are well.  Face masks are necessary for health workers and people who are taking care of someone at home or in a health care facility.

Be thinking about…

  • How a temporary closure of your child care center, school, place of worship, sporting event, concert, festival, conference, etc. would impact your life.  How would you adapt?

Be safe, don’t panic, and wash your hands! YOUR Victory Heights Community Council 
VictoryHeights.Seattle@gmail.com 

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Metro Transit Wants Your Feedback On 2021 Changes

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Ryan

At this month’s meeting of the Victory Heights Community Council, David VanderZee from Metro Transit spoke about the proposed changes to transit service coming in 2021 when link light rail comes to Northgate.

Read the entire minutes of the February meeting.

Many routes in north of the ship canal will be affected by the proposed changes come September 2021 that aims to have much of the service transfer riders to the new light rail service for the final few miles downtown. Read about proposed route changes around Victory Heights.

The hope is the inconvenience of having to switch between a bus and a train will be offset with more frequent, reliable service, particularly during rush hour. To that end, the new stations at Northgate, Roosevelt and Brooklyn in the U District, are being designed so buses can load and unload as close to the station entrances as possible, something not really possible at Husky Stadium (“lessons were learned,” we were told).

In other news, the Lake City Value Village location is going to be replaced with 260 units of affordable housing in a 5-6 story structure.

The Safety committee of the community council is looking at how we can repair and replace the wooden fence that runs along the east side of Victory Heights Park.

Our next meeting is at 7 PM on Tuesday, March 17th at the co-op preschool building in Victory Heights Park.

Please take a minute to “Like” our Facebook page.

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Metro Transit Speaker Live This Tuesday

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Ryan

If the 2021 changes to Metro transit routes interests you, Transportation Planner, King County Metro, Dave VanderZee will present at our monthly meeting of the Victory Heights Community Council on Tuesday, February 18th. The meeting starts at 7 PM at the co-op preschool building in Victory Heights Park.

To recap:

Metro and Sound Transit are considering changes to over 30 routes that serve North King County.

Sound Transit and King County Metro are working together to adjust bus routes so that North King County residents can take advantage of the coming light rail options.  Our ideas include ending some bus routes at the Northgate, Roosevelt or U District stations, where riders could transfer to Link. We’re receptive to feedback, and there’s room for change as we design routes.

Our ultimate goal is to develop a service plan in partnership with King County Metro to consistently connect riders to Link, provide new connections and add additional evening and weekend service.

https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/planning-future-service/link-connections?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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Victory Heights February Community Calendar

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Ryan

Here’s what’s going on in and around our neighborhood this month:

Tuesday, February 18th: Victory Heights Community Council meeting. Our monthly meeting to get caught up on neighborhood activities and our plans going forward. Everyone welcome. 7-8 PM, Co-op preschool building in Victory Heights Park.

Thursday, February 27th: Thornton Creek Alliance Meeting. Canceled last month due to the snow, TCA and the Meadowbrook Community Council are jointly hosting this public information meeting.  Come and learn all about the options the Seattle Department of Transportation is developing for the rehabilitation and replacement of four bridges on Thornton Creek. 7 PM, Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Avenue NE

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New Drainage System For 23rd Avenue NE

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Ryan

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will construct natural drainage systems (NDS) at 4 sites in the south Thornton Creek basin including 23rd Avenue NE south of Northgate Way in Victory Heights. The map above shows “Victory sites 113 & 138.”

NDS consist of shallow depressions in the public right-of-way, or “planter strip,” filled with deep-rooted plants and spongy soils that temporarily hold and clean polluted stormwater from streets and sidewalks before the stormwater enters our waterways. Examples of these can be found just north of us on some streets in Pinehurst.

This year will involve design development for selected sites and outreach with construction anticipated in 2021.

Please “Like” our Victory Heights Blog Facebook Page.

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