Reader Frustrated Over Neighbor's Gardener Blowing Leaves Into His Yard

After our post last week about keeping sidewalks clear of wet leaves, we received this email from a reader:

On the topic of leaves, I also wanted to mention my "annual pet peeve". 

Just Thursday, I racked and swept all the leaves from our front and rear yard. Today one of our neighbor's had their lawn service attend to their yard.  

You can probably see this coming, but the yard service pulled out their blowers, and blew all their client's leaves into our front and back yard. 

Of course, I would be the bad guy if I returned the favor and blew the leaves back, so I will again be picking up all the leaves in my yard this weekend. 

So I would request that you do an article about picking up your leaves, and not just blowing them into your neighbors yard. 

 

Reader Asks Neighbors To Clear Leaves From Slippery Sidewalks

A reader sent us this email about slippery sidewalks covered with leaves:

It would be great if you could remind neighbors to clean the leaves and debris off their city sidewalks. The leaves have become slippery and then when frost is added it is downright dangerous, especially for us oldsters.  

Thanks, Laurelhurst walker

Here are applicable Seattle City Codes pertaining to residents keeping sidewalks in front of their home clear:

SMC 10.52.030 Duties of owners and occupants.

A. It is the duty of the owner of the property and of any occupant of the property wherein or whereon any such nuisance exists to abate the nuisance by destroying, removing or trimming vegetation, and removing or destroying any health, safety or fire hazard.

B. In addition to duties the owner or occupant may have to abate nuisances, the owner or occupant of property shall:

1. Remove vegetation in or on an abutting sidewalk;

2. Destroy, remove or trim vegetation or parts thereof on the property, and which are also overhanging any sidewalk within eight (8) feet measured vertically from any point on the sidewalk;

3. Destroy, remove or trim vegetation or any parts thereof on the property or on adjacent planting strips, which encroaches on or overhangs the traveled portion of the street or alley within fourteen (14) feet measured vertically from any point on the street or alley;

4. Remove vegetation constituting a safety hazard found on adjacent planting strips or alleys;

5. Remove vegetation constituting a fire hazard found on adjacent planting strips or alleys;

6. Remove vegetation constituting a health hazard found on adjacent planting strips or alleys.
 

SMC 15.48.010 Snow and ice removal.

It is the responsibility of the owner or occupant of private property to remove snow and ice on the sidewalks abutting his or her property in a timely manner and, if practical, prevent its becoming or remaining in an icy, ridged, uneven or humped condition or in a condition which is potentially hazardous to users of the public sidewalks.
 

SMC 15.72.010 Notice to clear or clean sidewalk.

Whenever, in the judgment of the Director of Transportation, the condition of any sidewalk, or any portion thereof, in the City is such as to render the same unfit or unsafe for purposes of public travel, or require clearing, cleaning, repair or renewal, said official is authorized, empowered and directed to serve upon the owner of the property immediately abutting upon the sidewalk, a notice advising such owner of the condition thereof and instructing him/her to clear, clean, repair or renew the same.

Laurelhurst Community Center Fall Class Registration Starts Today

Registration starts today at noon for fall classes at the Laurelhurst Community Center as well as all city Community Centers.

Catalogs are available on-line are in person at the Laurelhurst Community Center.

The Northeast Region Catalog includs events, classes and swimming pool schedules for neighborhood community centers in Laurelhurst, Magnuson, Meadowbrook (and its Teen Life Center), Northgate, Ravenna-Eckstein, Meadowbrook Pool and the Helene Madison Pool.

Register here or call the Community Center at 206-684-7529.

Here are some of the offerings at the Laurelhurst Community Center for the Fall:

Barre Conditioning
Ages 18 and older
This class features light weights, isometrics and is easy on the joints. The class consists of exercises done at the barre and floor and incorporates Pilates, yoga, weights, stretching, and intense muscle work to fatigue. All levels welcome. No classes week of 9/17-9/21.
Instructor: Laura Martin
9/4-10/23 Tue 10:30-11:30 am $105
10/30-12/18 Tue 10:30-11:30 am $120
9/7-10/26 Fri 9:30-10:30 am $105
11/2-12/21 Fri 9:30-10:30 am $105

Body Conditioning
Challenging group workout program that will build core strength and increase overall fitness and energy levels. Workout can be modified to individual fitness level.
Instructor: Laura Martin
9/10-10/29 Mon 10-11 am $105
11/5-12/17 Mon 10-11 am $90

Mat Pilates for Beginners
Ages 18 and older
The class includes upper and lower body exercises and balance techniques designed for beginners. No class 9/17-9/21, 11/23.
Instructor: Laura Martin
9/7-10/26 Fri 10:30-11:30 am $105
11/2-12/21 Fri 10:30-11:30 am $105

Mat Pilates
Ages 18 and older
The class includes upper and lower body exercises and balance techniques. Participants must have taken beginner class to
register for intermediate/ advanced class. No class 9/17-9/21, 11/22.
Instructor: Laura Martin
9/4-10/23 Tue 9:30-10:30 am $105
10/30-12/18 Tue 9:30-10:30 am $120
9/6-10/25 Thu 10-11 am $105
11/1-12/20 Thu 10-11 am $105

Harvest Festival At Magnuson On Saturday

Saturday from 11:30-2:30pm Magnuson Community Center, the Children’s Garden, and Magnuson’s Community Garden Orchard and Pea Patch are hosting a day of “Harvest Celebration.

The special guest, Caspar Babypants, will perform at 1pm.

Also featured will be a fruit-tasting maze, apple press, garden games and more.

The free event will take place at the Children’s Garden and Magnuson Park Amphitheater 6344 NE 74th Street).

For more information, please contact the Magnuson Cmmunity Center at 206-684-7026.

Another Great Neighborhood Fall Shot

This sent in by a reader...

Fall in Laurelhurst

A reader sent us these pictures he took near the school.

Before all the leaves fall, send us some pics from your neck of the woods and we'll post them.