There was a ton of excitement earlier in Magnolia when someone thought they spotted a copperhead snake in the Discovery Park dunes. Seattle Parks and Recreation partnered with a herpetologist from the Woodland Park Zoo to locate the snake, and closed the South Bluff area. They soon discovered the slithering scoundrel was actually a harmless corn snake.
By reporter Steven Smalley
Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien plans to introduce a new ordinance before the City Council next week that would exempt vehicles used as residences from almost all car safety laws and parking restrictions.
“I think it is important for the public to be fully informed on this legislation,” writes Scott Lindsay, former public safety advisor to Mayor Ed Murray and now candidate for Seattle City Attorney.
“As drafted, this proposed ordinance is a major step in the wrong direction,” Lindsay writes in an open letter.
The following is an edited version of the letter in opposition to O’Brien’s proposed law:
“In short, the bill says if a vehicle is potentially being used as a residence then it is exempt from enforcement of the city’s safety codes particularly prohibitions on junk vehicles that are not street safe; oversized vehicles parked on neighborhood streets; and most of the city’s parking restrictions including 2-hour parking limits, commercial load zone, etc.”
“Shockingly, the bill would also exempt from impound residential vehicles used in the commission of a crime of sexual exploitation – a critical law enforcement tool used to deter pimps and johns from taking advantage of the most vulnerable.”
“The effect of the legislation would make residential vehicles beyond the law. That will not help vehicle residents get into shelter faster, will not keep them safe in their vehicles, and would have a dramatic impact on the landscape of neighborhoods across the city.”
“Councilmember O’Brien has laid out a plan for the bill to be considered in his Transportation Committee on Tuesday, August 15 and then voted out of his Committee to the full Council on September 8. Seattle needs to do more to address the homelessness and addiction gripping our streets. That should mean investing in compassionate programs that work, not those that have already failed. Seattle previously piloted safe lots for those living in their vehicles. According to the Human Services Department, the cost of that program, including Porta Potties, water, and case management, was almost $2,000 per vehicle per month – in other words, it costs as much to responsibly support someone in their vehicle as it does to get them into traditional housing. Unfortunately, few people transitioned to safer shelter during that pilot program.”
“We can do better.”
Lindsay goes on to provide details on the proposed bill:
“The bill exempts vehicles used as a ‘dwelling place’ from almost all parking restrictions and enforcement provisions of the Seattle Municipal Code.
Vehicular Residence Defined:
Passenger vehicle
Commercial vehicle
Junk motor vehicle
Private carrier bus
School bus
Shuttle bus
Sightseeing or charter bus
Motor vehicle with camper
Motor home (RV)”
“Vehicular Residences Exempt from Safety Laws –
No enforcement for vehicle residence that is defined as a ‘junk vehicle’ – unsafe for operation on city streets
No enforcement for vehicle residence used in the commission of a crime of sexual exploitation
No enforcement for missing license plates or tabs expired greater than 45 days
No enforcement for vehicle residence with four or more unpaid tickets
Vehicular Residences Exempt from Parking Restrictions –
No enforcement for parking overtime, e.g., expired meter, 2-hour time limit, or 72-hour restriction.
No enforcement for parking in a restricted zone, e.g., commercial zone or load zone.
No enforcement for having expired tabs/improper plates.”
More information from Scott Lindsay here.
Set-up is underway for one of Magnolia’s favorite summer traditions!
Summerfest starts TODAY at 3pm and goes through the weekend. We are so excited! Tune into our Facebook page for live coverage of the parade and Summerfest fun. Be sure to check out the outdoor movie tonight (The Incredibles), live music, food trucks, arts and crafts booths, and tons of fun things for the whole family to do and see.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
3:00 – 11 pm Beer Garden
Food trucks
Main Stage entertainment:
3:00-3:20 pm Faith Pomms
3:30-4:00 pm Asta Wylie
4:00-4:30 pm Wyatt Olney & the Wreckage
4:45-5:15 pm Gaby DeSpain
5:30-6:00 pm Pebble N the Crick
6:15-7:00 pm Kimo Muraki
7:15-9:00 pm Soul Purpose
9:30 – 11 pm Outdoor movie: The Incredibles
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
(Start: 34th Ave W & W Raye • Route: 34th – McGraw – 32nd)
Kids’ Parade staging is at 9:45am, Saturday at the corner of 34th Ave W & W. Raye St. Wagons, bikes, costumes are encouraged. Must have a guardian present to sign a release form, available here.
10:00 am – 12 pm Seafair Parade
10 am – 11 pm Beer & Wine Garden
12 – 7 pm Food vendors
12 – 5 pm Baby/toddler playland & activities
12 – 5 pm Kids’ crafts & games – FREE
12 – 7 pm Bouncy houses & hamster balls
9 am – 7 pm Vendor booths w/ Urban Craft Uprising
12:00 – 10 pm Main Stage entertainment
12:00-12:45 pm Quintessent Brass
1:00-1:45 pm Kristen Chambers
2:00-2:45 pm Robbie Christmas
3:00-3:45 pm Mary and the Rave
4:00-4:45 pm Kye Alfred Hilig
5:00-5:45 pm Rane Stone & JT Phillips
6:00-6:45 pm Wicked Shimmy
7:00-7:45 pm Motherofpearl
8:00-10:00 pm DJ Michael Neu
7:30 – 10 pm Teen Night
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
10 – 11am Free Zumba workout on the playfield
9 am – 5 pm Vendor booths w/Urban Craft Uprising
11 am – 5 pm Main Stage entertainment
9:00 am Interbay Crossfit
10:00 am Zumba
11 am -12:00 pm Sunshine from Polynesia
12:00-1:00 pm Recess Monkey
1:00-1:30 pm Damien Jurado
1:40-2:10 pm 3rd Space Talent
2:15-3:30 pm TALENT SHOW
3:30-4:00 pm Magic Rich
10 am – 6 pm Beer & Wine Garden
10 am – 5 pm Food vendors
11 am – 5 pm Bouncy houses & hamsterballs
12 – 5 pm Baby/toddler playland & activities
12 – 5 pm (Free)Kids’ crafts & games
4:30 pm Pet Parade & Awards
Looking for a cool place to hang out? Most locations of The Seattle Public Library have air conditioning! Find one near you:
· Ballard Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/ballard-branch> – 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089.
· Beacon Hill Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/beacon-hill-branch> – 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711.
· Broadview Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/broadview-branch> – 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-7519.
· Capitol Hill Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/capitol-hill-branch> – 425 Harvard Ave. E., 206-684-4715.
· Central Library<http://www.spl.org/locations/central-library> – 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636.
· Delridge Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/delridge-branch> – 5423 Delridge Way S.W., 206-733-9125.
· Douglass-Truth Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/douglass-truth-branch> – 2300 E. Yesler Way, 206-684-4704.
· Greenwood Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/greenwood-branch> – 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-4086.
· High Point Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/high-point-branch> – 3411 S.W. Raymond St., 206-684-7454.
· International District/Chinatown Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/international-district–chinatown-branch> – 713 Eighth Ave. S., 206-386-1300.
· Lake City Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/lake-city-branch> – 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518.
· Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/madrona-sally-goldmark-branch> – 1134 33rd Ave., 206-684-4705.
· Magnolia Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/magnolia-branch> – 2801 34th Ave. W., 206-386-4225.
· Montlake Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/montlake-branch> – 2401 24th Ave. E., 206-684-4720.
· NewHolly Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/newholly-branch> – 7058 32nd Ave. S., 206-386-1905.
· Northgate Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/northgate-branch> – 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980.
· Rainier Beach Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/rainier-beach-branch> – 9125 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1906.
· South Park Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/south-park-branch> – 8604 Eighth Ave. S., 206-615-1688.
· Wallingford Branch<http://www.spl.org/locations/wallingford-branch> – 1501 N. 45th St., 206-684-4088.
Visit www.spl.org/locations<http://www.spl.org/locations> for a map of all Library locations. For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian<https://www.spl.org/using-the-library/get-help/ask-a-librarian>.
Stop by Grey Sky Gallery Tuesday, August 1 from 5 -8PM to help raise money for Obliteride at the Fred Hutch Cancer research fundraiser happy hour sale.
Gray Sky Gallery is at 1631 15th Ave. W. Suite 210. Nine artists- One cause! There will be original artwork, prints, jewelry, home goods and clothing for sale. 20% of sales and 100% of raffle ticket sales go to Fred Hutch. Over $3000 worth of raffle prizes. Tickets are only five dollars each. Please stop by and support this amazing cause, have a glass of wine some snacks and do a little shopping!
