This month is National Nutrition Month and, to help celebrate, Kent4Health volunteers will be available at Top Foods, 26015 104th Ave. in Kent, every Saturday in March  from 11 am – 2 pm to give shoppers a taste of quick, healthy recipes from the “Grab & Go” meals program. Nutritionists will be on hand to answer shoppers’ questions and to pass out recipes. For more recipes and tips on living a healthier life, visit Kent4Health online.

Kent4Health is a city initiative that promotes healthy living including good nutrition, exercise, community service and more.

The City of Kent and a community group of dog owners are working to create an off-leash dog park on the East Hill. Currently, many dog owners are taking their dogs to Clark Lake Park between 248th and 240th which does not have an off-leash area. The new area will be on 248th street between 104th, directly between Morrill Meadows Park and East Hill Park. The off-leash dog park will consist of approximately three acres of land and provide space for both large and small dogs.

Work parties are needed to help raise funds for the work and to clear invasive plants which have gotten out of control in the area. The first work party is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 from 9 am to noon. If you’d like to help, call 253-856-5110 or email B. J. Levenhagen with the city.

This week Kent residents should be receiving their first mail notice from the U.S. Census Bureau announcing that the census is coming. The census is taken every 10 years and its goal is to document how our country’s population has changed over the last 10 years. This data impacts how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to local and state governments, so it is important that you and your family are counted.

Here are some highlights of this year’s census:

• It is one of the shortest census forms ever.
• It has 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
• It should be filled out by the owner or primary renter.
• Complete the form and return it in the postage paid envelope.
• If you don’t complete the form, a census rep will visit your home to take the count in person.

For more info., visit the U.S. Census Bureau online.

On Thursday, March 4, the Kent Downtown Partnership hosted a property owners and commercial real estate agents’ meeting at Bittersweet Restaurant. Sponsored by Valley Bank, the breakfast meeting drew about 55 community members including downtown property owners, commercial brokers, property representatives, business owners, city officials and KDP board members. The mood was enthusiastic and participants were eager to hear what the city is working on in terms of economic development in downtown Kent.

After a welcoming statement from Valley Bank’s Mike Miller and the introduction of participants, Kent’s Economic Development Director Ben Wolters took the floor to discuss the city’s recent successes. He noted the Regional Justice Center, Kent Station, the rail station and ShoWare Center as having been some of the area’s most significant recent developments.

“The city has tried to attract businesses that are game changers,” Wolters said.

He further noted that the ShoWare Center has only been open for 15 months, and has already attracted more than 400,000 visitors to its hockey games, concerts, business fairs and other community events. These numbers are likely to escalate with the addition of the Kent Predators, Kent’s new IFL expansion team. The Predators play their first home game at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“Looking forward, the city is looking at another game changing opportunity,” Wolters added.

The targeted project is to build a facility for the Federal Aviation Administration which could potentially bring 2,000 employees to Kent – within half a mile of the downtown core. Currently, a dozen municipalities are competing to be considered. The first phase of the process is submitting a letter of interest to the GSA and FAA. The City of Kent has done that and hopes to provide a more detailed proposal in May. If the city advances to the next level of the bidding process, the city will make a presentation and proposal in August, with the final decision coming in December.
Other key projects in the works include Tarragon’s expansion of Green River Community College at Kent Station.

“Tarragon just completed a huge expansion of GRCC, with hundreds of new students, and a lot of energy, excitement and new opportunities,” Wolters said.

He also gave an update on the half-completed parking garage at Smith and Fourth which he called “an incredible legal soap opera.” The property is now in the hands of Washington Federal Savings. To date, there has been some interest in buying that space for office use, but there is no time frame for resolving the issue, developing that property or selling it.

Another meeting highlight included the city’s completion of Town Square Plaza which was an attempt to bridge the historic downtown district with Kent Station. Wolters noted there is still a gap between the two areas, but the city is hoping to do more integration. Wolters also commented that First Avenue is becoming a destination in downtown Kent, with its own personality and flavor.

Wolters said, “It shows what is possible in the rest of downtown if property owners and businesses come together. We are changing the market perception of this place.”

Wolters opened the meeting for questions and comments, and invited property owners to voice their concerns as well as the potential for opportunities. Participants asked about the status of the Howard Hanson Dam, potential flood risk, lack of parking, need for additional ball fields and an aquatic center, the Farmer’s Market, the need for housing in downtown Kent and more.

“What is the long-term vision for downtown Kent?” asked Paul Morford. “The city needs to take on parking. It needs to increase parking on a large scale.”

Wolters wrapped up the meeting by inviting participants to contact him directly with their concerns and ideas. A follow-up meeting is planned for later this spring. To offer your input, contact Ben Wolters at 253-856-5703 or via email.

The Kent Police Department is offering a Community Police Academy class on six Wednesdays, starting March 31st and ending May 5^th, 2010.   The Academy offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn more about the daily operations of the police department and its role in the community.

The classes will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an officer available for a question and answer session 30 minutes prior to the start of class. The academy will be held at the Police and Fire Training Center, 24611 116^th Ave SE in Kent. There is also a Saturday session, which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Facility and our dispatch operations at Valley Communications Center.

The 6-week curriculum includes topics such as officer recruitment and hiring, traffic enforcement, patrol functions, detectives and criminal investigations, SWAT, use of force policy, community education and the Neighborhood Response Team.  K-9 officers will demonstrate their K-9 partner’s abilities.  All questions will be answered.

Academy classes are taught by veteran police officers and supervisors. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns to police employees.

The academy is open to any adult (18+), living, working, or interested in the City of Kent and its police department.  There is no cost for attending.

Applications and information are available online at http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/police/ or call the Community Education Unit at 253-856-5838.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to gain insight into the day to day operations of the police department” said Sergeant Dina Paganucci. “We enjoy being able to interact with the community and answer any questions they have.”

It’s that time again.  What time is that?  Uhg…yes…spring cleaning time.  However, it doesn’t need to be all bad.  There is somewhere you can take those hard to get ride of items.  The City of Kent is sponsoring the “Special Recycling Event” on March 20, 2010 from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Bring your approved items (check out their website for more info) all to one location.  Make that spring cleaning fast, easy and less stressful.

Kent4Health sees the potential to make Kent a healthier community. They share opportunities for personal wellness at group meetings, join a committee to promote healthy lifestyles, help create awareness of existing programs by participating in activities, make new friends, and advocate Kent4Health (physical, spiritual, emotional and environmental wellness).

At Kent4health.com, you can find recipes for healthy eating, health and fitness tips, activities and interests, and links to wellness. To submit a recipe, health and fitness tip, or to have Kent4Health linked to your business group, please contact Kent4Health.

Kent4Health meets bi-monthly for community discussions. At these meetings, they have leaders and experts relating to healthy living. To get involved, call 253-856-4YOU, or via email.
Thanks to Kent4Health for this info!

Today the Kent Police Department issued notices of two sex offenders who have registered to live in downtown Kent.

Notice 1 – Jeremy Ross Baxley (Clark Avenue North)

Notice 2 – Brandon Cole Reed (Crest Avenue South)

In addition, they offered these educational and safety tips:

Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are posted on the state website at www.icrimewatch.net/washington.php

Level 1 offenders (least likely to reoffend) that are Homeless/Transient are also posted on the website.

YOU can search, register to receive email alerts etc. on this public website. It does NOT give the exact address of the offender, but you can search a radius area near your home, a school, work etc.

NOTE:  This information is a matter of public record.

Along with this week’s crime stats, the Kent Police Department cautions Kent residents to protect their vehicle and belongings. In particular, car prowlers are looking for these items:

• GPS units and holders
• Laptops, iPods, cell phones and other electronics
• Sports equipment and shopping bags
• Mail and money

Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.

If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com

From now through March 26, the City of Kent is hiring camp counselors for its Camp WALKAPALA Day Camp. The camp runs from June 23 to August 20, 2010, and leaders are sought for 40 hours per week during that time. Pay ranges $9 – $10/hour depending on experience.

Go to the City of Kent website for details.

Kent TV21 has created and is now showing “Welcome to Kent:  The Panther Lake Annexation” to discuss the city’s plans to annex the neighborhood on July 1, 2010. Featuring Mayor Suzette Cooke, planning director Fred Satterstrom and members of Citizens for Annexation to Kent, the program will discuss the annexation and how it will impact the community. To view the program, visit KentTV21 online.

Once the Panther Lake annexation of 24,000 residents is complete, the City of Kent will become the sixth largest city in the State of Washington. For more information about the annexation, visit the city’s online annexation resource.

City of Kent Police Department reported crime stats for the week of February 2 – 8, 2010.  Included in the stats are vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, residential burglaries and commercial burglaries.

The report also includes crime prevention tips. In this week’s stats, readers are reminded how to identify a suspect:

“A key element to crime prevention is identifying a suspect. Here are some items the police department would utilize if you are witness to criminal activity: Male/Female, Height, Weight, Distinguishing features, Eye color, Skin color, Clothing, Birth marks, Accent in voice, Direction of individual, and any other details you can remember.”

In a press release from Jim Granacker, director of operations for the Kent Predators, the Kent Predators announced that the community and media are invited to attend a press conference this Friday, February 12 at ShoWare Center to meet members of the front office and coaching staff, including team owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of football operations and Predators head coach William McCarthy. The group will discuss their first season which kicks off with its first home game on Friday, March 12. In addition, Mayor Suzette Cooke will be available to answer questions regarding how the Predators’ presence in Kent will affect the community.

Also making an appearance is IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio who will officially kick-off the league’s season tomorrow.

“Heading into the league’s second season, the IFL has quickly established itself as the nation’s premier indoor football league,” he stated in the February 10 press release.  “I am very excited to come to Kent to announce the kickoff of the 2010 campaign and to watch the Predators compete in our Pacific North Division this year.”

The Indoor Football League (IFL) was started in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football Association. Two years later, the IFL consists of 25 teams in 13 states in six divisions. The IFL season is 14-games long and the season’s regular schedule runs from March through June. The season ends with playoffs in August, followed by the IFL United Bowl.

Refreshments will be served at 2:30 pm as informal announcements are made. The question and answer session will begin promptly at 3:00 pm.

For more information, contact Jim Granacker at 253-239-3254 or via email.

After a major disaster, some emergency services may not be available. To help the city respond as needed, Kent is offering CERT – Community Emergency Response Training – training. This eight-week program offers instruction on preparing for a disaster and useful skills like first aid, triage, fire safety, search and rescue and more.

Starting March 11, classes will be offered on Thursdays from 1 – 4:30 pm and 6 – 9:30 pm. To find out more or to register, call Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

For more information on the City of Kent’s handling of emergency management, visit the city’s online resource here.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, Kent, Washington–Today Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke gave her annual State of the City Address at the February Kent Chamber membership luncheon. With a packed room at the ShoWare Center, Mayor Cooke revisited 2009.

“This past year was challenging, not just for this city, but for all governments, large and small,” Mayor Cooke said. “Kent, like all cities, worked under a tightening budget.”

She is, however, optimistic about three things:  1) that 2009 is over; 2) the economy appears to be recovering; and 3) flood season is ending. She recounted a number of the city’s 2009 highs and lows, including:

1)  The popularity of ShoWare Center which brought 350,000 guests through its doors in 2009, including 60,000 guests who saw Disney on Ice at the new sports arena

2)  The implementation of the new CodeRED system which allows the city to make 60,000 emergency contacts per hour via phone, email and text message

3)  The four labor unions taking voluntary pay cuts to avoid staff reductions and to help the city save more than $1 million in 2009 spending

4)  2.8%, or $2.2 million, drop in revenue

5)  8.1%, or $1.5 million, drop in sales tax revenue

6)  Elimination of 56 positions within the city, about half of which resulted in layoffs. Other vacant positions were not filled.

7)  Expansion of Kent Station with the GRCC expansion

8)  1,677 Kent Parks volunteers

9)  4,000 volunteer hours spent removing graffiti

10)  Annexing Panther Lake to occur July 1, 2010, making Kent the sixth largest city in the state

In addition to these items, Mayor Cooke reviewed the 2010 budget, stating that public safety remains the city’s #1 priority. The 2010 budget is 5.6% less than the 2009 budget and it includes $1 million to be set aside for emergencies like potential flooding.

“Things are looking a lot better economically,” she added.

A topic of major concern was, of course, the flood risk of the Howard Hanson Dam. Once predicted at a 1 in 4 chance of flooding, the flood risk has dropped to 1 in 33. While this is a positive step, Mayor Cooke said, a permanent fix is not available for three to five years.

“Any kind of delay is simply unacceptable,” she added. “Until that dam is fixed, it is going to haunt us.”

To help control potential flooding, the city raised levies by three feet, successfully completing the task before the beginning of flood season last fall. In addition, Mayor Cooke thanked the community, business leaders and service groups for helping to spread the word about potential flood risks as well as helping one another fill sand bags and helping seniors and the disabled prepare for a flood.

Mayor Cooke singled out a number of city staff and community and business leaders for their support of the Kent community. She thanked them for their tireless service and for making Kent the great place that it is. One person instrumental in the city’s survival of a difficult year was Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgsen.

“John Hodgsen is an outstanding leader and worker in the city,” Mayor Cooke said.

The overall mood of the meeting was positive and Mayor Cooke left the audience with some new things to watch for:  a redesigned website, taking the inbox newsletter to an email format, and the second annual International Festival, set for June 26, and the Kent Refugee and Immigrant Forum.

“It’s 2010 and I’m smiling,” Mayor Cooke said.

The event was presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Allied Waste and co-sponsored by Kent Downtown Partnership. The program was taped to be shown on Kent TV21 at a later date.

January 9, 2010

KPD Update

I haven’t done a column in a while; since before Officer Brenton was murdered in Seattle, which of course was followed by the murder of four Lakewood officers and then the death of Deputy Mundell in Pierce County.  I have avoided writing anything about the events of the last two months because I don’t have anything profound or illuminating to say, and anything less would be trite.  To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, any attempt to say something intelligent is “far above our poor power to add or detract.”  Now that we have entered the new (and hopefully quieter) year, I won’t attempt to be profound but I will share a few related comments and reflections.

In 24 years in law enforcement I have never seen anything quite like this.  Officer deaths occur, but are infrequent.  Not only the frequency and scope, but the acts themselves are overwhelming.  The attacks were not just on the officers, or the department, or the profession, but on the community.  The cold-blooded murder of Officers Brenton, Richards, Griswold, Owens, and Renninger was an attack on civilized society, and it crossed a line.  The astounding outpouring of emotion and support that followed, up to and including the response to the death of Deputy Mundell was in part because of that attack on society itself.  It is jarring and upsetting and shakes our collective beliefs.

In the past two months, we have seen public reaction which has occasionally included calls for some sort of action to “solve” this problem.  Some of these ideas are worth exploring and discussing, but we really should not attach them to the loss of these officers.  Banning guns, having more guns, reducing or increasing mental health treatment, making more laws – none of these, by themselves, will solve the problem.  In our society, the interplay between personal rights and public safety is just too complex, and there are no simple answers.

Here in Kent, we received countless cards and flowers at the department, and almost every officer has a story about someone here in Kent approaching them in a store or on a call, saying how much they appreciate their department and feel the loss of the officers.  We are all deeply appreciative of the support of those we serve.

After the past two months and attending too many funerals, I can offer only three observations that, I hope, will help us find some context.

First, one of our Kent Sergeants, right after the Lakewood shootings, was meeting with his group of officers and of course, lengthy discussion of the incident and our opinions followed.  This Sergeant is a top-notch police instructor, SWAT officer, and expert in officer safety.  Rather than focus only on caution and staying safe, he ended his briefing by assigning the officers a very specific mission:  pair up, go to a coffee shop, and talk to our residents.  They want to talk to us as much as we need to talk with them.  It’s easy for us to underestimate just how many truly good people there are all around us, but these tragic events brought that all out and made it abundantly clear.

Second, another observation was that the funerals for each of these officers, while formal and ceremonial and respectful, focused not on their heroism and their sacrifice, but rather on their humanity.  Each funeral highlighted their families and funny stories about their jobs.  There was no deification of anyone, only highlights of real people who had real experiences and faults.  They were human beings who loved their jobs and did the best they could.  Police officers are not good at drawing attention to themselves, and the basic humanity of each officer was what I really understood.

One of the most salient observations for me was that in every instance, the families of these fallen officers did not engage in any kind of blame, anger, or hostility.  It would be understandable if all of us wanted to focus on those who committed these acts, but the fact is, they weren’t even part of the discussion at the memorials.  Each funeral was about celebrating good people who lived worthwhile lives.  There was no recrimination or self-pity.  The funerals and memorials were not sad at all; they were recognition of people who lost their lives too soon, doing what they loved.

Finally, I came away thinking about the strong message that came from the children of Officer Greg Richards, who started his career right here at the Kent Police Department.  Their message was simple.  Greg was a good dad, and the best way to honor him, and each of the officers who gave their lives, is be a better mom or dad.  Be a better sister or brother, a better son or daughter.  Be a better friend.

Have a great week!
-Steve

Earlier this week the Kent Downtown Partnership and other downtown associations across the state issued press releases about the possible elimination of the Main Street program.

Despite the importance of the program to communities like Mount Vernon, Walla Walla and Kent, Governor Christine Gregoire has proposed eliminating the Main Street program from her 2010 budget. This loss of funding and state support could mean the dwindling of downtown associations statewide, further dampening local economies throughout the state.

For more information, visit the KDP blog for the full text of the press release and contact information for Barbara Smith, executive director for the Kent Downtown Partnership, an affiliate member of the Main Street program.

According to a press release issued today by Michelle Witham of the City of Kent, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will deliver her annual “State of the City” address on Wed., February 3 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s luncheon will be held at the ShoWare Center during the monthly Kent Chamber luncheon.

The mayor, who is beginning her second term in office, will focus on public safety, the local economy and quality of life for Kent residents. In addition, she will discuss highlights and accomplishments from 2009.

The cost per person is $20 which includes lunch. For those who can’t attend the event, it will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 and online at Kent TV 21.

For more information, visit the Kent Chamber online. To RSVP for the luncheon, contact Marge Williams at 253-854-1770.

Join Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services on Monday, January 18 for the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.  This year the project is Clean-up at West Hill Skate Park.  The community service project will begin at 2pm and continue until 4pm.  Please make sure to dress warm and wear sturdy shoes and gloves.  Trash bags and pick up sticks will be provided.   Please pre-register by January 14.  For more information or to register visit kentwaparks.com.