Laurelhurst Blog Staff On Vacation This Week

The Laurelhurst Blog staff is on vacation this week and will return to posting on Tuesday, July 7th. 

In the meantime, please keep sending in your informative emails and we look forward to responding.

Also the Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Happy 4th! 

Firework Tips

The Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Laurelhurst Blog Staff On Vacation Through End Of Week

The Laurelhurst Blog staff will be on vacation July 4th through the end of the week and will return to posting on Monday, July 9th. 

In the meantime, please keep sending your informative emails and story ideas.  The Blog Staff looks forward to responding to all of them.

Stay tuned for more interesting posts!

Happy 4th of July!

July 4th Fireworks Tips

The Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Neighbor Discourages Fireworks, Especially Near Eagles And Fire Department Advisory

A neighbor wrote to the Laurelhurst Blog:

Please put out a plea to the neighborhood to do all they can to discourage fireworks from being set off in the neighborhood.  Besides being dangerous for people, there are nesting eagles and many other birds in the neighborhood as well as many, many dogs who do not do well the noise from fireworks.

The Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

There were 481 fireworks-related injuries and/or fires reported to the Office of the State Fire Marshal by fire departments and hospital emergency rooms in 2015, an 11 percent increase over 2014. Of the 481 incidents, there were 241 injuries and 240 fires resulting in more than $600,000 in property loss.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.  

Last year, Harborview Medical Center, an entity of UW Medicine, treated 54 patients who had been injured as a result of fireworks. Injuries ranged from finger amputations to fractures and burns to faces and hands. This year, Harborview has already seen 11 patients with fireworks-related injuries. 

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Illegal Firepit Built In Tree Stump At Park And Fireworks Not Allowed Anywhere In City



A neighbor alerted the Laurelhurst Blog that someone has built a fire pit in a tree stump at the park, and coincidentally right next to the Ctiy fire pit.

The neighbor said "It's pretty bad.  That's all I know. Why they couldn't use the fire pit 100' away is unknown."

The City Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

 

 

 

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says:

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

 

Also Seattle Police Department and Police reminds residents that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle:

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. 

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable. 

On the 4th of July, 911 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 911 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help. 

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011 

The Laurelhurst Park closes at 10pm daily.

Seattle Police Reminder That Fireworks Illegal In Seattle

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent out this helpful information for today:

Seattle Police and Fire Department want to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or $5,000 fine.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. (Not to mention the stress our pets experience) Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable.

Our 9-1-1 center becomes overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls on the 4^th of July. For this day only, DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. If you know me or my work, you know that it is my constant endeavor to encourage the public to use 9-1-1 to report suspicious circumstances, in addition to reporting crime.

HOWEVER, my message applies to all days of the year except July 4^th. This is the busiest day of the year for our Call Center. Reports of fireworks; barking dogs; drunken parties; gunshots fired; boating mishaps; burns; noise complaints, etc. are commonplace during this holiday. Delays in dispatch are a reality. If possible use the 625-5011 line to report any fireworks violations.

Police Reminder: Fireworks Prohibited And Use Non-Emergency Line Today For Fireworks Related Calls

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information about use of fireworks today:

Seattle Police Department  and Police want to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle.  

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.  Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.  Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them.  Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries.  The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable. 

Our 9-1-1 center becomes overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls on the 4th of July.  For this day only, DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.   

If you know me or my work, you know that it is my constant endeavor to encourage the public to use 9-1-1 to report suspicious circumstances, in addition to reporting crime.  HOWEVER,  my message applies to all days of the year except July 4th.   

This is the busiest day of the year for our Call Center. Reports of fireworks; barking dogs; drunken parties; gunshots fired; boating mishaps;  burns, noise complaints, etc. are commonplace during this holiday.  Delays in dispatch are a reality.  

If possible use the 625-5011 line to report any fireworks violations.

Reminder From Seattle Police That Fireworks Are Not Allowed And How to Report Illegal Fireworks

Terri Johnston, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent this important information to keep in mind over the 4th of July holiday week-end regarding the use of fireworks:

Fireworks are not legal in the City of Seattle.

• DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have life threatening emergency and need immediate response from Police, Fire or Medics. The 4th of July is perhaps the busiest day of the year for the 9-1-1 Communications Center, which becomes overloaded by non-emergency fireworks calls. 
• Use the non-emergency line to report Firework violations at 625-5011 only for July 4th. 

Where To Watch The 4th Of July Fireworks In The Neighborhood

If you are looking for a great place to see the fireworks close to home, head on over to the Laurelhurst park for a great view of the Lake Union Fireworks starting at 10pm.

There are always a lot of neighbors that gather there, bringing chairs, blankets and picnics to take in the great view.

If you are a member of the Beach Club, the hours have been extended until 11pm on the 4th of July only to accomodate viewig of the Bellevue show which starts at 10:05pm and the Kirkland one at 10:15pm
.
And remember to keep your pets inside.

Have a great 4th!

Extended Hours at Beach Club on 4th of July

The Beach Club will be open until 11pm on Sunday, the 4th of July, according to one of their recent mailings which says:

"The Beach Club will remain open until 11:00 PM on July 4th to accommodate fireworks viewing across the lake. Bellevue will commence their fireworks display at 10:05 PM and Kirkland at 10:15 PM.

Come join us for this fun and safe summer tradition. Please note that the water will close at the usual time."

One of our staffers went last year and said you can see the Eastside firework shows pretty well, as well as a show from Madison Park.

And if you want to see another show, stop by the Laurelhurst park for a great view of the Lake Union Fireworks at 10:15pm.

Also a reminder that the parking lot in front of the Beach Club is closed forcing everyone to park on the hill or beyond. Here is a post we did about this last month.

Last we checked with the Front Desk at the Beach Club and they said every picnic table has been reserved with a long waiting list.  So it should be a very busy day and evening.

During the week, the construction crew has been very good about helping people cross the streets and guiding them around the construction and large equipment by following the sidewalk around the sight to the entrance of the Club.

They also have been helping cars turnaround safely near the site since the turnaround area now is very small. Several no parking signs have been placed at the bottom of the hill designating a temporary drop-off area since pulling up right in front of the Club is no longer possible

One of our staffers said that a worker told him that construction is slated to end the third week of August, quite a delay from when the Board was told it would end a few days before the Club opened last month.  The worker said only one street is left to complete - Laurelcrest Lane.

Here are some pictures of the construction site right in front of the Beach Club entrance:

Pictures from 4th of July Bike Parade Yesterday

The 4th of July Bike Parade and Picnic last night had a great turnout with lots of tricycles, Skuts, scooters and bicycles. Kids and parents decorated their bikes with all sorts of ornamentation provided by the Community Center.

The kids proudly rode their 2 and 3 wheelers around the park to Patriotic music blaring from speakers for the big Bike Parade while parents snapped photos.

There were kids games, a big giraffe bouncy house and a nice picnic dinner.

Great evening in the neighborhood!

Free Drip Coffee Tomorrow Morning at Tully's

Oscar, a marketing consultant for Tully's, sent us email to let our readers know that tomorrow, Friday, July 2, participating Tully's Coffee stores will be serving free drip coffee from 7-10am.

The closest one to Laurelhurst is located at Five Corners, next to Federal Express and across the street from Baskin-Robbins on 3042 NE 45th.

"As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, we're just hoping to spread the word so everyone will be nice and caffeinated going into the weekend!" Oscar says in his email.

Tully's is also offering Buy One, Get One free on any Barista beverage all weekend, July 2nd through July 5th. The free beverage must be of equal or lesser value.

Tully's also always has free Wi-Fi at all stores.

Here is the list of  participating stores in and around Seattle. 
 
 

4th of July Bike Parade and Picnic Thursday At The Park

July 4th is just around the corner.

And you can get started early at the annual family 4th of July Picnic and Parade at the Laurelhurst Park on Thursday from 6-8pm.

Young and old alike are invited to bring their bikes to the park and deck them out with all sorts of fun red, white and blue decorations provided by the Laurelhurst Community Center.

Pictured above is a bike from last year's event.

At 6:30 the bike Parade begins around the park loop to show off the festive bikes.

After there will be a picnic and some fun lawn games as well as  an inflatable toy for little ones.

And at 7:30 there will be marshmallow roasting at the firepit.

This is an all  ages event and costs $3 per person or $10 per family.

If you are interested in volunteering contact the Community Center at 684-7529 or just show up.
 
One of our staffers went last year and said it was lots of fun!

Early 4th of July Celebration at the Park

What a great show of patriotic bikes and tricycles last night at the Parks Department Event!

Little kids decorated their bikes in red, white and blue. And there were lots of fun games - biggest bubble gum blowing contest, potato sack race, best hoola hoooper!

Check out all the pictures.

And the huge Castle bouncy house was a big hit!

Great 4th of July event for kids.

Decked out Bicycle in Red White and Blue..




Hoola Hoop Contest



Bubble Gum Blowing Contest