Category Archives: Public Service Announcements

Increasing Traffic on 122nd St East – Its Going to get WORSE – Much WORSE

Neighborhood Activity, Neighborhood Security, Public Service Announcements, Safety

Below is a note that one of our neighbors in the Shawnee Ridge development is sending to the people of Shawnee Ridge.  I think it contains some good information about concerns all of us should have. Exiting from any area on to 122nd St E has gotten much more difficult over the last two years, and it is going to get worse, much worse. Unless we act now we are going to find ourselves with long waits to get out of our areas/driveways, followed by a mad dash hoping not to be smashed by approaching vehicles.

I know the situation is dangerous as it is now.  One day I stopped at Military Rd. E. and 122nd St. E., checked for traffic and pulled out smartly on to 122nd St. E. going west. I had gone only 30 to 40 yards on 122nd when a vehicle whizzed by on my left, cut in front of me and sped away.  I have no idea how fast he was going, but am glad he missed me and the oncoming traffic.

“Signatures needed on Petition at SR162traffic.com.” 

“if you are concerned about privacy please note that you only need to fill in the starred boxes at SR162traffic.com petition to register your concern.  The more signatures we can get the better we hope it will be for traffic in our neighborhood.”

Neighborhood HOA

I live in the Shawnee Ridge HOA and have been involved in the SR162 Community Group for almost a year.  You may have seen our signs on SR162 advertising our Website, “SR162traffic.org”.  Our main focus right now is to try and stop Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) from building a roundabout at SR162 and 128th street.  You can go to our Website to learn more but let me explain briefly how a roundabout at 128th street impacts your homeowners. 

Tehaleh is the largest development in Washington State.  Close to 10,000 homes are expected to be built in this development at completion.  For the month of October Tehaleh sold an average of 12 homes a week.  In order for the builder to continue to keep building these homes the county is requiring them to build a four lane road from their development down to 128th and SR162.  WSDOT has no plans to expand SR162 to handle this additional traffic which is expected to increase SR162 traffic by 150%. 

This has a direct impact to traffic on Military road and south hill.  Traffic wanting to go west are expected to use Military road to get off the gridlock of SR162.  When the new road to Tehaleh opens up, the traffic on military is expected to increase 135% to 150%.   In addition, if the roundabout is allowed to be installed at 128th, the next roundabout is planned for SR162 and Military road.  A total of 11 roundabouts are planned between Orting and SR410.  Once the Military roundabout is installed there will be few breaks in traffic that will allow you to get onto Military Road/122nd St. E.

This is the primary reason I am involved with the SR162 Group.  We need traffic signals on SR162 to provide breaks in traffic.  We will also need traffic signals on Military Road so we can get out of our neighborhoods safely. 

We have been discussing improvements for the Military Road corridor with the county transportation division that would help with the safety issues but they are years away. 

We are asking that you would join us in stopping these roundabouts by communicating the information provided here to your residents so that they all know about this future traffic mess.   We also have a petition on our website SR162traffic.org that we are asking everyone to sign that requests the state to do required reviews that would look at the traffic impacts of a roundabout.  This petition will be provided to our legislators in Olympia who we are already talking to, to get them to demand traffic signals instead of roundabouts on SR162.

SR162 Community Group

Elvin Lerew email etlerew@hotmail.com

BMX Bike thefts

Neighborhood Security, Public Service Announcements

There have been a rash of BMX bicycle thefts recently.  One appears to have been 0.1 miles from my home, but in an area our Neighborhood Cameras do not cover.  The owner of this BMX stated that his “Ring” camera did not catch the theft.  This is not surprising  as the original “Ring” cameras were meant strictly as entry way cameras.  Another was stolen from the 7-11 at the corner of Meridian and 128th.  Its picture is the bike at the forefront in the 2nd picture.

I am posting pictures of these bikes as a public service with the hopes that they will be recovered.  The owners were told to check “Offer Up”,  “Craig’s List”, and other sites in the hopes that they will show up there.  At least one of the owners of the bikes shown below have filed a police report, which will make it easy to recover the bikes if they show up on any of the selling sites.

BMX Stolen at 7-11 on Meridian and 128thStolen BMX bicycle

Emergency Request For Comments

Public Service Announcements

Elvin Lerew one of our neighbors in Shawnee Ridge has sent me some material about the Miles Sand and Gravel Mine on the east side of the valley.  As you know the operation has been expanding steadily over the past several years, and a new large product pile has appeared on the crest of the hill around 3000ft south of the original mining operation.

Now Miles Sand and Gravel has asked for an amendment to Conditional Use Permit CP11-08, Fennel Resources,  Application number: 939160 and 940194.  If granted, these changes will change the view we enjoy toward Mt. Rainier for the next 20 to 30 years or longer.

Please write to express your views of this unwarranted change to the original permit.  Below are copies of the  amendment application and Elvin’s letter.  There is a very short deadline.  Comments must be in by close of business on 9 September 2020. Please send comments (citing  Conditional Use Permit CP11-08, Fennel Resources,  Application number: 939160 and 940194) to:

 Pierce County Planning and Public Woks                                                                       Development Center                                                                                                                                   2401 South 35th Street, Room 2                                                                                                     Tacoma, Washington 98409

I apologize for the orientation of some of the documents but this was a rush job.

Tehaleh Road0001Tehaleh Road0002Pierce-County- Planning-and-Publics9

Beware of Aggressive Door-to-Door Pest Control Salespeople

Neighborhood Security, Public Service Announcements, Safety

By Luke Rambo

This time of year, we get reports from our clients about aggressive door-to-door pest control salespeople. 

There seem to be more and more companies popping up each year, hiring temporary unlicensed people to go door-to-door selling pest control services. These temporary workers are typically not trained in proper identification of insects, and they are often brought in from out of state for the summer months.

As we all know, fear can be a powerful motivator, and many times the only training these salespeople receive is on sales tactics designed to capitalize on people’s natural fear of pests. They have little to no training on our local insects and pests.

The stated goal of some of these companies is to grow the business for two years then sell to a large national chain. “No Soliciting” signs mean nothing to these people!

At our company, we choose to deal in facts and reality, not fear and doubt. The aggressive sales tactics exhibited by some of these door-to-door companies give our industry a bad reputation, and it is increasingly frustrating for us (and our local competitors who “play by the rules”) to see some of our long-term clients sign up with these poorly-run organizations.

So what can you, the client, do about it?

Do Your Research

We strongly urge you to look for online reviews and do your own research before signing up with any service company.

Report Aggressive Pest Control Salespeople

If you have one of these doorknockers come to your door, we advise you to ask for their Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pest Control Operator (PCO) license number. If they do not provide you with that, and they proceed to mention anything about Carpenter Ants, Termites, or other wood destroying organisms, please report that person and their company to WSDA—they are breaking the law.

The WSDA Pesticide Licensing Department can be reached at 1-877-301-4555. We are active members of Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA), comprised of 200 pest control companies and affiliated businesses, and our association has worked directly with the WSDA from a consumer protection point of view in an attempt to combat these unprofessional and unethical organizations.

The WSDA has stated the only way they can enforce the laws against these types of activities is if consumers report them directly. For this reason, many of these companies will not leave sales literature or even a business card. We also urge you to inform your neighbors of these issues if you see or hear about the doorknockers coming to your neighborhood. We have heard some wild stories about some companies sending the same salesperson to the same house as many as 10 times, all hours of the day and night. A firm “No thank you!” may not be enough sometimes.

Pest Control Salesman - front viewPest Control Salesman - back view

 

Pest Control “Salesman” – Front & Rear Views

Covid-19 Thoughts

Public Service Announcements, Safety

Today (28 April 2020) I had to venture out, and what I saw appalled me.  Traffic was still not heavy, but it was a lot heavier than it should have been. It also seemed that I was the only one wearing a face mask. I saw people in vehicles (I know that you don’t have to wear mask as long as you stay in the vehicle, but how many of those people were carrying mask with them to wear when they reached their destination), on the street, in businesses and even waiting for buses, all without masks. To me it was an indicator that the people I was seeing did not care if they were carriers of the Covid-19 virus, and were willing to spread it to others, just so they did not have to wear a mask.

I understand the desire of people to get out of the house, see friends, do the normal things we all did before the Pandemic hit.  Unfortunately, the Pandemic is NOT OVER, and stopping the precautions prematurely, will surely backfire.  I hope I am pessimistic, but I am looking for a strong resurgence in the Covid-19 infection rates  in the near future, because of the premature stopping of the precautions.

Our Neighborhood has a large percentage of  seniors, who are more vulnerable to serious complications if they contract Covid-19. We still do not know enough about Covid-19 to deal with it as we would other diseases. We do know that it is highly infectious and easily transmitted. We know that wearing face masks helps protect others if we are unknowing carriers of the virus, by keeping the virus in our coughs and breathing from traveling far enough to infect others (hopefully).

Please do not listen to the politicians, who want to please their supporters by declaring that it is OK to stop the precautions we have been taking, even though it is these same precautions which have helped slow the spread of this disease. Listen to the scientists who are recommending caution and saying that if we are not careful Covid-19 infections will come roaring back and more will die. This is shown historically during the 1918 influenza Pandemic. Seattle and San Francisco relaxed restrictions after the Armistice that ended WWI.  That resulted in a 2nd wave of infections which destroyed many more lives.  Don’t let this happen to us.

My wife commented that resuming normal life too soon is like sending all the firefighters home as soon as the forest fire is beaten down.  Experience has shown that hidden hot spots can easily reignite the fire and unless precautions have been taken to keep firefighters on hand until it is certain that the fire is completely out you have to fight the fire a second time.

FAKE Covid-19 Testing

Neighborhood Security, Public Service Announcements, Safety

I just read a report from Kentucky about FAKE COVID-19 testing stations.  These people are charging up to $250 per test.  They set up in parking lots, often after convincing churches or similar organizations of their legitimacy. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/fake-coronavirus-testing-sites-probed-in-kentucky/ar-BB128lBH?ocid=spartandhp .

Please be aware and spread the word about these lowlifes. Their test are junk and they may give you a false sense of security if they do get back to you and say you are clear.

Help for our Neighbors in the time of Covid-19

Neighborhood Activity, Neighborhood Events, Public Service Announcements

My name is Julie Hrivnak.  My phone number is 253-279-7355, and my email address on hotmail is jewelsriv@hotmail.com.

I would like to help out the elderly in our Sunrise neighborhood.

As I am sure everyone is aware the Governor has issued a stay at home order. This is especially important for our elderly, or immuno-compromised populace. I am sure a lot of you have friends and family that will do a good job looking out for you and getting supplies that you need. I would like to offer my name , number and email for anyone in our neighborhood to reach out to me with any of your needs. Can I make a grocery run for any of you? Can I talk you through setting up online grocery delivery? Think you may be sick and don’t know what the next steps are? Anything I can do to help you stay in and away from the germs please reach out. Any interaction we have will be at a distance via phone or a porch drop off. I do work in healthcare and don’t want to expose anyone to anything. I also don’t want anyone putting themselves at risk for a little food or toilet paper. If I can help you I will.

If you are healthy and would like to offer me any help with this endeavor that would be appreciated and I can be contacted at the above number and email. Stay well.

Smash & Grab

Neighborhood Security, Public Service Announcements

Recently there have been a rash of smashed car windows within 2.5 miles of our neighborhood.  I was informed the other day of an incident which was just .30 miles from our neighborhood.  At least some of these “Smash & Grab” attacks were against cars which had visible items in them.  Others were probably designed to get personal information to use in identity theft or just to rifle the cars for anything left in the glove compartment, console, trunk, etc.

We are all guilty of leaving things in our cars. Sometimes we say to ourselves “My laptop will be alright if I just throw my coat over it.”  Unfortunately the coat may be what the thief is looking for, and the laptop will be just the cherry on top.

Be proactive in securing your car.  NEVER leave it unlocked.  Keep items out of sight.  Try to park in areas where your car is less likely to be vulnerable. Hope for the best.

2040 Proposed TIF Roadway Projects

Public Service Announcements

As a follow-up to the blog entry I posted in the e-mail below I have further information that is appropriate to post to the blog.  There is now talk of widening Military Road up the hill by us (Sunrise Terraces) to 4 lanes (initially 3 lower down the hill near SR 162 but as the road climbs widen to 4 lanes).  I pointed out this sounds like an eminent domain situation for Sunrise Terraces homes ON Military Road or some of those that back up to it due to needing room for 4 lanes.  I definitely think this should be of interest to Sunrise Terraces residents and urge them to get involved with the SR162Traffic.org group.

This map shows projects Pierce County is planning to be done by 2040 — of particular note is C-5 (Military Road up the hill by Sunrise Terraces) and D-1, D-2 and D-3 which is the new road from Tehaleh to SR 162 at 128th.  In addition C-3 is of interest since it is a continuation of the widening that was done further up Shaw Road to continue south along 122nd Ave E (3 lanes just like was done for segment of Shaw Road north of us).

Proposed Roadway Projects

This is the detailed map for C-5 (Military Road widening) – take note of projected volume up Military Road in 2015 vs what is projected by 2040 (e.g., due to Tehaleh):

C5

The SR 162 group (SR162Traffic.org) is also trying to get the County to look at extending 128th from SR 162 up the hill to intersect with 122nd Ave E at 144th St E (going at a diagonal up hill from 128th to 144th) to take some pressure off of Military Road but that isn’t in any plan as of yet.

I’ve expressed to the SR 162 group that Military Road up the hill by us is very dangerous for residents who live on Military Road and those trying to enter/exit side streets such as 133rd, 136th, 138th and will get much worse when Tehaleh opens the new 5-lane highway connecting those 9,500 residences to SR 162 at 128th since they’ll use Military Road to get to Puyallup and South Hill.  A new road up the hill from 128th wouldn’t have homes on it nor side streets off of it which would make it much more safe vs. Military Road.

 

Portable Camera Stations Graham Washington

Interesting Things, Public Service Announcements

I was recently chastised by one of our neighbors because of my post about home security cameras and how the police are depending on them more and more to help them solve crimes.  While I was communicating with Dav Eide who runs the technical side of our Neighborhood Camera Network and Blog he sent me the below information:

Ironically, when I was shopping with Peggy Ann yesterday at the Graham Fred Meyer, I captured some photographs of a portable camera station.

The checkers at the Fred Meyer said this equipment was placed due to a big increase in homeless folks in the area and shoplifting at that store.

The checkers said the cameras stations were helping. See attached images. I was thinking about posting the pictures.

So, bottom line.  I’m sorry if my mentioning Security Cameras so frequently upsets some of our neighbors, but in today’s world I think it is important that we provide the police all the help we can give them.  Home security cameras will provide some of that help.

Portable Camera Station- Graham Fred Meyer

FM-1