Disturbing Drawing in Snow

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information:

I am uneasy sharing this, but I do think that the neighborhood needs to be aware of a situation that occurred on Friday evening, February 8th, during the snow storm.

Around 1am, we noticed that outside of a neighbors house, who are of Jewish faith, there was a large (approximately 5 feet x 5 feet) swastika drawn in the snow.

We do not know if this is neighbors or kids as a prank, but it is a very hateful act and is extremely concerning that something like this would occur.   

We live in North Laurelhurst on a street that few would venture down, so to think that someone intentionally made an effort to come and do this makes it saddening and maddening.  Just something we think that the neighborhood needs to be aware of, and concerned about.

Keep Sidewalks Clear Of Snow

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many emails reminding neighbors to clear off snow from the sidewalk in front of their house.

One neighbor, who fell last year and sprained his ankle on an uncleared snowy sidewalk urged neighbors to shovel snow in the public areas in front of their homes. 

He added:

Sidewalks are a public right-of-way used by children, elderly, neighbors with disabilities and many others. Sidewalks covered in snow can be perilous and unpredictable o navigate when covered by snow. It is not the City's responsibility to clear the sidewalks, but a requirement of homeowners.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) says: 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property. They must make sure snow and ice does not pose a hazard to pedestrians. They must also repair cracks and other damage.

A neighbor sent this message to share with the neighborhood:

Igloo In The Park And Downed Branches

Yesterday several kids and their parents worked on this igloo for several hours and it was big enough for several kids to go inside.

And near the Community Center, several large branches have fallen due to the heavy snow.

Weather-Related Info And Tips From Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities posted this information:

Weather-related info from Seattle Public Utilities

Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection is dependent on safe road and weather conditions for our drivers. We're making service adjustments as needed based on current and predicted weather conditions. For the most up-to-date information, go here or check Twitter @SeattleSPU.

Here are some winter weather tips:

• If you can possibly avoid it, do not drive. If you must drive, please take your time, slow down, leave lots of room, and stay safe. Prepare your car with emergency supplies and chains or other traction devices. Remember bridges and raised roadways are likely to be icy, even when the roads are not.
• Keep warm winter clothing at the ready: gloves/mittens; hats; heavy coats; sweaters; long underwear; heavy socks.
• Have nonperishable food on hand that does not need to be heated.
• Make sure you have adequate propane/charcoal briquettes for barbeques/camping stoves that can be used to heat food outdoors. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, keep electric generators and barbecue grills outdoors and away from your house or apartment.
• Keep water dripping from faucets so pipes don’t freeze.
• If you are concerned about an individual living unsheltered, or in need, call 2-1-1 a resource line that can help connect an individual to resources. When the 2-1-1 line isn’t open, the 24-hour Crisis Line 866-427-4747 can provide information that the City has on warming shelters. If it is an emergency, contact Seattle Police by calling 9-1-1. SPD has transport vans to take people to warming centers and shelters.
• If you see a downed power line, please keep a safe distance (at least 20 feet) and report it to (206) 684-3000. If it appears to be sparking or smoking, call 911. Thanks for your help in spreading the word. Learn more here. 
• Never use a grill, charcoal, or generator indoors, in garages, or in carports. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.
• Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes in and around your home to burst. Go here to learn how to protect your pipes during freezing weather.

Snowmen Visit The Park

Check out the variety of snowmen at the park:

Snow!

Fun in the park today....

Readers Past Memories of Buses and Cars Stalling On NE 45th Every December

Picture from Wednesday of this week

A reader sent us an interesting account of her memories of steep NE 45th every winter:

Some things never change!  I have always remembered being at Children's Hospital as a pediatric resident, when there was a big snow storm at the end of December/first of January. 

Several of us stood at the windows of the 0 - 6 months ward, which looked out onto NE 45th. 

The buses got stuck going up the hill or slid around coming down, as did most cars which tried it. 

So the blog brought back lots of memories! 

Metro Bus Jack Knifes And Cars Abandoned On NE 45th Street Yesterday

Metro Bus jacknifed on NE 45th Street yesterday

A Metro Bus jacknifed yesterday morning trying to climb the NE 45th Street hill and was still there with flashing lights last night.

Two other cars were also left on the hill with no drivers in sight.

 One car was trying to climb the hill last night and pass the bus and couldn't make it up then let his car back up onto a curb and got out and walked home.

Another black car pointing down hill was there since morning up on the curb.

Sledders yesterday

Metro Bus and car stuck on NE 45th Street yesterday

Biker going down NE 45th Street with spikes on the wheels

  Bus and black car stuck on NE45th Street

Bus and silver car stuck on NE 45th Street 

 

Sledders at the park last night

NE 45th Street yesterday

Middle School Age Boys in Laurelhurst Park Endangering Motorists Reader Reports

We received this email from a reader recently on the dangers of middle schoolers throwing snowballs at passing motorists:

I just came home from walking my dog in Laurelhurst Park between 1:30 and 2pm today (Tuesday). There was a group of 7 middle school (my estimate) boys throwing snowballs at vehicles passing between the park and Laurelhurst Elementary.

As I passed, I casually mentioned to them that that's not a good idea as there are little ones on the sidewalks just getting out of school and they could cause an accident where someone would get hurt. I continued on a little bit and they just pressed on. So I went back to them and very pointedly told them they must stop. I asked them if any of them were drivers (blank looks) and told them that that kind of distraction could easily cause an accident. I suggested that I was pretty sure their parents would not approve.

Most stepped back. One argued incoherently. They stopped momentarily. Then restarted awhile later. Saw me again. Then stopped. And then as soon as I left the park started up again. I called 911 amd made a report. But I'm pretty sure the cops have better things to attend to today. Seriously -- what a waste of resources.

Please talk to your kids. I get that they think throwing snowballs is harmless but in the wildly variable and changinge road conditions with people rushing around to get ready for snowpocalypse the consequences of such a simple action could be unexpected and tragic

Safety Tips During This Winter Storm

Laurelhurst Park on Monday

The Mayor's Office sent out some helpful information earlier this week with some recommendations for residents during this winter storm:

• Consider options now for travel, staying off the roads if possible. 
• Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal.
• Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.
• Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding inside homes.
• Turn faucets to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Be careful when choosing how to heat or light homes. Open flames and unattended candles are dangerous. Do not bring open stoves or gas grills inside as the fumes can be poisonous and deadly. 
• Find and clear street storm drains. Snow followed by rain can clog drains and cause flooding.
• Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets at hand to stay warm during possible power outages.
• Bring pets indoors
• Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
• Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.

And some helpful websites:

• Seattle Department of Transportation's interactive map to help track which streets have been plowed and de-iced  recently. 
• For up-to-date information on SDOT’s response activities and roadway conditions go here. 
• Check current traffic conditions and roadway webcams and pictures on SDOT’s Traveler’s Map.

Snow In Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst woke up to snow! But only about 1-2 inches, according to weather reports.

Currently it's 29 degrees out so streets and sidewalks are icy.

Metro busses are still on regular routes so far today for North and Central Seattle area but you can check here for any alerts or changes. Microsoft has cancelled its Connector service.

King 5 says about today's forecast:

Snow showers are scattered around western Washington this morning and will continue into the afternoon. Brief accumulations of a trace to 1 - 2 inches is possible in the showers.



Cold but drier air is moving into the State which means decreasing snow showers Thursday afternoon with clearing form the north.

 Car going down NE 45th Street

 Laurelhurst Elementary School south playground

 Laurelhurst Elementary School south playground

 Metro Bus #25 heading east on NE 45th Street with chains

 Metro Bus #25 coming up NE 45th Street

 Laurelhurst Park - northwest playfield

Laurelhurst Park looking east towards playground

Frosty The Snowman Lives On And On

He still hasn't melted! Check him out on NE 45th Street near Laurelhurst Elementary School.