May-June 2021

IN-PERSON Neighborhood Association Meeting Columbia Lancaster Park, 6000 Idaho Street – bring a chair Thursday, JULY 15, 2021 @ 7pm

Come early (6:30 pm), we have invited those running for City Council for a Meet & Greet

Agenda

• Approve minutes, as written in this Newsletter • Treasurer’s Report, Nicoletta Natta-Graf • (tentative) Fire Marshall Scarpelli • Report from our Neighborhood Police Officer, Sean Metevia • Thank you, Brian Carlson! • Welcome Cara Rene, City Neighborhood Liaison • 2nd Step Housing, Tim Foley • Vote in our newest Neighborhood Association Board Member, Joanita Munoz • Reminder of Neighborhood Garage Sale & Reminder of Bulky Item Clean-up

Annual Northcrest Association Garage Sale Saturday, July 17, 2021 9 am – 4 pm We will put signs out & advertise on NextDoor.com All you have to do is open your garage door – with all your “treasures.”

Bulky Item Clean-up Saturday, July 24, 2021 To sign up call Waste Connections 360-892-*5370 or email [email protected] or use the RecycleRight App

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Minutes for Northcrest Neighborhood Association General Meeting April 15, 2021 Chair Glenn Miller opened the Zoom Meeting at 7:00 pm. Twenty-four (24) members were present and twelve (12) guests which included Mayor Ann McInerny-Ogle, City Liaison Brian Carlson, Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) Sean Metevia, candidates for City Council: Glen Yung, John Blom, Mike Pond, Diana Perez and Kim Harless; guest speakers: Laura Ellsworth, Council for the Homeless, Jamie Spinelli, City of Vancouver Hart Program, and a member of the Harney Heights Neighborhood

A motion to approve the minutes of our January 2021 Meeting as written in the Newsletter was seconded and approved by voice vote without decent.

(NPO) Sean Metevia gave a short report. The neighborhood is relatively quiet but has an increase of prowlers. There was a brief discussion on Catalytic Converters because of the high re-sale value. He gave information on preventative measures.

Our first guest speaker was Laura Ellsworth, Council for the Homeless. The Homeless Response System is designed to connect homeless to housing assistance or services. Laura pointed out that every person’s needs are different. In 2020, 3,972 households who were homeless in Clark County contained 6,400 people. 65% were newly homeless, 26% were children under the age of 18, children, and 2,300 people asked for rental assistance.

She cautioned us not to make assumptions. People experiencing homelessness are in trauma and for some becoming homeless is better than the house they left. It takes time to build trust, adjust and then to recover from homelessness.

She encouraged us to call our legislature to encourage them to vote for funding for high-risk tenants.

The Howard Johnson, 9420 NE Van Mall Drive is anticipated to open in August-September with 66 units.

The Council for the Homeless Hotline is 360-695-9677

Our second guest speaker was Jamie Spinelli with the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) which serves as a resource to the community providing outreach, assessments and referrals to appropriate services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Jamie explained that those with high needs are served first; there are 900 people on the wait-list for housing; jails are not booking low-level crimes.

Many of our neighbors spoke up about concerns regarding the dozens of homeless campers along the Burnt Bridge corridor. Fire and safety are a major concern. Both camping and fires are illegal along the corridor, however because of Governor’s state-wide eviction moratorium which was extended through June 2021 the multiple agencies that neighbor, Greg Duvic and other neighbors contacted stated that their hands were tied. Joanita Munoz brought up that under provisions (RCW 43.06.220 (1) (h), “responding to a significant and immediate risk to the health, safety or property of others created by the resident.” And pointed out that fire was a safety issue. She inquired about the residents in Esther Short Park that were moved out on a daily basis, and inquired as to why that was not being done along the Burnt Bridge corridor.

Jamie explained that what we can do as a neighborhood is to provide feedback, contact Anette Cleveland, State Senator for additional funding through recording fees, share what you learn, be kind, do not dehumanize.

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To reach the HART Team use the free MyVancouver mobile app or email [email protected] or voicemail 360-487-862

There was a lengthy discussion on the Heights Development regarding building heights North of Mill Plain. Glenn Miller opened the discussion with this photo of the most recent (April 13, 2021) Heights District Plan Implementation presented at the Planning Commission Workshop. Neighbors voiced concerns about the spill- over parking from the 5,360 square feet of retail building with shared parking. It was pointed out that not everyone works a 9-5 job, so available parking for the retail will spill over into the neighborhoods. Neighbors pointed out that all the buildings North of Mill Plain are two story including the new schools that have just been built. Northcrest is a vibrant walking neighborhood with narrow streets, and no sidewalks. In addition, it was pointed out that Harney Heights does not have sidewalks, and narrow streets, so the safety of children walking to and from school is of major concern. It was suggested that the large parcels south of Mill Plain absorb the needed density.

There was a motion for the Northcrest Neighborhood to take a position to approve a 2-story limit to building heights on properties North of Mill Plain. The vote was seconded and approved by all members present. There was no descension.

Parking was discussed, and neighbors insist on two spots per unit in existing neighborhoods North of Mill Plain in keeping with current standards. No vote was taken on this item.

There was a short discussion on a 2nd signature on the NA’s checking account. Mark Kiere proposed that Sue Pupo, NA Secretary be added as a second signatory on the account which was seconded by Larry O’Leary, all were in favor, no declensions.

Glen Miller announced that the annual Neighborhood Garage Sale is set for July 17.

Waste Management Bulk Item pick-up on July 24.

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The City awarded Second Step Housing 900,000 for purchase of 26 housing units at 6305 and 6409 Kansas Street from Vancouver Housing Authority. Second Step provides affordable housing for homeless women and children. Tim Foley, the Executive will be invited to our next Neighborhood Association Meeting as soon as a date has been set.

Brian Carlson, our neighborhood liaison announced he is retiring at the end of June, 2021. Brian has been coming to Northcrest meetings for 7 years. We cannot express how appreciative we are for his advice and common sense. He has been a great fit for our neighborhood and will be missed greatly. We wish him the best of luck and a great happy and healthy retirement!

He announced that the March 29 is the State of the City’s address.

Meeting Adjourned shortly before 9 pm.

Bulky Item Clean-up - Saturday, July 24, 2021

Schedule your one-time, curbside pick-up (no more than 5 bulky items) by Sunday, July 18 2021 by 8 pm

To sign up call Waste Connections 360-892-*5370 or email [email protected] or use the RecycleRight App

Common Accepted Bulky Items for Curbside Pickup YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Appliances – water-heaters, stoves, washers/dryers Furniture – sofas, chairs, tables, shelving, mattresses, patio sets Household items – carpets rugs, kiddie pools, mops & brooms Kitchen/Bath items – sinks, toilets, other plumbing items Outdoor items – BBQ’s, car parts, play sets, rotten fencing, deck boards Power yard equipment – lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, weed whackers Recreation/exercise equipment – bicycles, treadmills, basketball hoops Small Appliances – lamps vacuums

NOT Accepted Bulky Items for Curbside Pickup NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Yard Debris Tires Building construction and demolition materials Electronic waste, including computers, TV’s and cell phones Any materials potentially containing asbestos Household hazardous wastes including fluorescent bulbs, paint and chemicals Items containing freon such as refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioning units

SPEAKING OF CLEAN-UP - FYI …… Columbia Lancaster Park play equipment is scheduled for safety repairs. Work is underway. Northcrest Neighborhood Association Newsletter Page 4

PAWS on PATROL What happens after I register to volunteer? After a volunteer registers, they will be mailed a The Vancouver Police welcome letter that features situational awareness Department invites local dog tips. We will begin distributing Paws on Patrol Pet ID and cat owners to sign up for Tags at our Kick-off Event on June 26 and will mail its Paws on Patrol volunteer them to each volunteer after that date. community safety program! Volunteer hours are automatically logged at one Paws on Patrol teaches community members how hour per day (7 hours per to be more aware of their surroundings while week). If a volunteer would walking their pets (put that phone away!) and like to submit more hours, emphasizes that people are not suspicious, but they are welcome to email [email protected] any behaviors are. hours to add to their baseline log.

Paws on Patrol also gives volunteers valuable tips Paws on Patrol volunteers will receive a quarterly on how to be a good witness and how to effectively newsletter from VPD featuring crime prevention tips call 911 or 311 when necessary. The program and they are encouraged to send photographs from encourages people to be more present while on their walks. We will host a yearly park gathering to their walks, and to get to know their neighbors and connect officers with volunteers. their neighborhoods better. VPD has another volunteer program called Neighbors on Watch. How is this different? Similar programs across the nation have helped police departments build stronger relationships with Paws on Patrol enlists community members to be their community, fostered improved neighborhood present while doing an activity they would already be doing in their daily life. VPD does not conduct camaraderie and safety, and helped increase crime background checks for Paws on Patrol and volunteers prevention awareness. do not have access to police facilities or special equipment, like Neighbors on Watch (NOW) No pet? No problem. Anyone who lives in the city volunteers. limits of Vancouver is welcome to register. Paws on Patrol volunteers will view a training video Frequently Asked about calling 311 or 911 if they see suspicious activities while out in their neighborhood. They will How did this program start? also receive periodical safety tips from VPD via email communications. According to the American Pet Products Association, there are over NOW applicants go through a background and 75 million dog owners in the United States. The interview process. Successful candidates attend an 8- National Association of Town Watch—founders of week academy where they learn about situational National Night Out—features a program called Dog awareness, law enforcement history, CPR/First Aid, Walker Watch in order to encourage community patrol and radio procedures and more. NOW members who are already walking their pets to have volunteers receive on- more awareness and report suspicious activities. going trainings and may also assist VPD with This nationally recognized program inspired the administrative support Bellevue Police Department to implement a similar projects at police version called Paws on Patrol, which in turn inspired facilities. the Vancouver Police Department. NOW volunteers serve What if I do not have a pet? May I still participate? as the eyes and ears No pet? No problem. Anyone who lives in the city for VPD by conducting limits of Vancouver is welcome to register, watch a community patrols that help reduce crime while also training video and be present as you walk or jog in helping to educate the community about situational your neighborhood! awareness. Northcrest Neighborhood Association Newsletter Page 5

Brian Carlson, THANK YOU!

Brian Carlson has been our City of Vancouver Liaison for the past 7 years. He has attended all Northcrest Neighborhood Association Meetings and kept us apprised of all aspects of the City. He knows more about Northcrest and the history of it than most of the people living in the neighborhood. Words cannot express our appreciation.

Brian, we hope you enjoy every minute of your well-deserved retirement. We thank you for your honesty and your integrity.

We wish you good health and happiness! May this be the best chapter of your life!

Litter Removal

June 26, 1 p.m. - tentative

[email protected] 360-487-8316 https://www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/litter-removal

One Time Event: These events are a coordinated and led by a City of Vancouver staff member and volunteers can join only once or time and time again. These litter removal events can be found at the, RSVP is required.

Ongoing Litter Steward: If you plan to pick up litter around your neighborhood, in a park or public space on a frequent basis and you need supplies or disposal support this is the litter project for you. All volunteers must make an ongoing commitment, complete an application, review and follow all safety protocols and have preapproved locations for removal.

Tips for litter removal

• Use your litter picker whenever possible. • It is best to separate glass/nails & other sharp objects into a sturdy bucket. • Please do not pick up personal items - i.e. backpacks, shoes, camping gear, etc. • Micro-litter is just as important as large pieces of litter-cigarette butts, small pieces of plastic • Do not approach or clean up campsites. • Do not pick up bio-waste (including feces, deceased animals, etc.) • Do not open containers filled with liquid. • Do not pick up drug paraphernalia, or anything else that makes you uncomfortable. • If you find any of the items listed above, please take a picture not the location, and send to your volunteer coordinator, so they can arrange proper disposal.

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Columbia Lancaster Park Although he was 6000 Idaho Street defeated for the Democratic seat to Congress for the Oregon Did you know that Territory, Lancaster Columbia Lancaster served on the territorial council from 1850 to Park in our 1852. When Washington neighborhood was Territory split off, he named after a arose as its first delegate person? to Congress and served from 1854 to 1855. Delegates represented This painting of territories but couldn’t vote, so they often lobbied Columbia Lancaster on the periphery of the House floor. While at the hangs in the nation’s capital, Lancaster convinced the federal Washington State government to purchase the Hudson’s Bay Company property within U.S. borders. This History Museum in Tacoma. His friends called him cleared the way for the ownership of Fort Judge because he sat on the Oregon Territorial Vancouver and the land surrounding it. Provisional Government Court before the Indigenous peoples at Cathlapotle lived near was formed in 1853. Lancaster’s home and visited often. His daughter, Later he became the first district judge in the Hannah, recalled Lancaster receiving Washington Territory and its first delegate Chief Umtuch and others on their front porch. to Congress. (Contributed by Washington State Once Umtuch came dressed all in white, awing them both. Lancaster, who wished to look equally History Museum) dapper, left and returned sporting a fez and smoking jacket. Columbia Lancaster’s mother changed the boy’s name from Thomas after Meriwether Lewis visited their home in New Milford, Conn., and told the Waite, Lancaster’s son, family about the great river of the West. operated the first telegraph in Clark County from their colonial home. Lancaster (1803-1893) lawyered in the Michigan Lancaster and his wife’s Territory well enough that the governor appointed poor health led to the him prosecuting attorney. In 1838, he served as selling of their home and a Michigan legislator before setting out for the moving to Vancouver. . He died in 1893 and rests in the old City Cemetery Armed with political experience and sharp wit, on Mill Plain Boulevard. the 44-year old’s 1847 arrival in Oregon City set him on a political path to help forge the Washington Territory. But first, Lancaster found himself serving as Supreme Judge Martin Middlewood is editor of the Clark County of the Provisional Government of Oregon from Historical Society Annual. 1847 to 1849.

After a side trip to California’s gold rush, he returned in 1850 and bought 1,100 acres along the Lewis River. On that spot, he spent five years building an elaborate colonial home in today’s Ridgefield. For his wife, he purchased a red patterned carpet shipped from London. The runner and all the lathed wood for the railings and newel (support) posts traveled around Cape Horn. Northcrest Neighborhood Association Newsletter Page 7

Northcrest Neighborhood [email protected]

Northcrest Neighborhood Association

Chair -- Glenn Miller Vice Chair – Christina Lombardi Secretary – Sue Pupo [email protected] Treasurer - Nicoletta Natta-Graf

City of Vancouver

Office of Neighbors – Judi Bailey 360-487-8608 [email protected] City Liaison – Cara Rene [email protected] Neighborhood Police Officer – Sean Metevia 360-487-7376 [email protected]

If you need help and are not sure where to start call 211 or go to www.211.org

City of Vancouver Disclaimer: The City of Vancouver supports the Neighborhood Associations in their effort to share vital information with residents to create a more informed public. However, the information provided and the opinions and views expressed in the Neighborhood Association newsletter or other documents do not necessarily represent the position of the City of Vancouver, nor does the City determine whether the information published is accurate or appropriate. Printed by the City of Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods.

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