Punched door lock and smashed windows:  According to Kent PD, these are two popular methods for thieves to use to gain access to your vehicle. To prevent this, always lock your car doors and remove valuables from your vehicle. These items are the most appealing to would-be thieves:  GPS units, tools, computers, spare change, sunglasses and cell phone charges.

Full-time DUI patrols are in force:  This summer special full-time DUI patrols are patrolling local streets and highways to keep drunk drivers off the road. Kent PD recommends that you be safe and be smart by finding alternative transportation if you’ve been drinking:  (1) take public transit; (2) designate a driver to remain sober; and (3) take a taxi.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle: Did you know that it is illegal to leave your vehicle running with a child in it? In addition, running cars with kids in them are easy targets to thieves, and it is unsafe to leave your child or pet in the car during the summer time. When outdoor temps are 80 or above, the inside temp of your vehicle can escalate to as high as 130 degrees in just an hour!

For more tips like these or to learn more about crime prevention, contact one of the Kent PD’s public education specials:

West Hill – Cesi Velez, 253-856-5884

East Hill – Stacy Judd, 253-856-5883

Valley – Sara Wood, 253-856-5851

July 30, 2010

Be Responsible With Summer Fun on the Water

Summer is here, and many King County residents are celebrating by taking advantage of the many water recreation opportunities available here.

While cooling off in local lakes and rivers is a great way to beat the heat of a hot summer day, it also is important to be respectful of neighbors and of the environment, said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents northeast King County. She has heard from citizens complaining about garbage left on their property, and they would like recreational users to be neighborly by cleaning up after themselves.

“Summer vacation is a good time to remind everyone to dispose of your garbage properly, especially in a water environment,” said Councilmember Lambert. “In addition to polluting waterfront properties and contaminating salmon habitat, throwing garbage in a state waterway such as a lake or river is unlawful.”

RCW 9.66.010 specifies that befouling a lake, navigable river, bay, stream, canal or basin is a public nuisance, and state law bans disposal of trash in the state’s waterways. An offender can be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. The King County Sheriff’s Office will be watching for careless swimmers, rafters and boaters this summer.

“Summer is a time for everyone to have fun, including your neighbors, and to make sure to keep our waterways clean and beautiful for the next user,” said Councilmember Lambert.

From the City of Kent:

Thousands are expected to attend Kent’s annual 4^th of July Splash and evening fireworks celebration at Lake Meridian Park.  But other parks get heavy use over the holiday weekend, too. The result is debris from unauthorized fireworks littering the parking lots and grounds.

So, neighbors, families, scouts and other volunteers are invited to donate an hour or two between 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 5^th, to help clean up one of the hardest-hit parks.  The select parks are West Hill Park and West Fenwick Park on the west hill and Morrill Meadows Park and North Meridian Park on the east hill.

“We encourage volunteers to work together to ‘be green’ and keep recycling separate from trash,” said Parks Director Jeff Watling.  Trash bags will be dropped off at each park site for volunteers to use and maintenance staff will pick up full bags afterwards.  A Parks staff member will travel to each site, beginning on the west hill from 9-10 and moving to the other parks for the last hour.

Registration forms are available at www.KentWAParks.com, click on Volunteer, or call 253-856-5110.  Registration is encouraged by July 1 to give staff an idea of community interest.

Kent Cornucopia Days is just around the corner. The 39th annual street fair and community festival will be held in and around Kent July 8 – 11, 2010 with a variety of favorite events (dragon boat races, carnival, Grand Parade) and a few new additions (bike ride).

Highlights include:

• Crowning of Miss Cornucopia
• Funtastic Shows Carnival
• Kent Lions Street Fair & Taste of Cornucopia
• Farmers Market (Sat., 9-2)
• Kent Youth Soccer Association’s 11th annual Cornucopia Cup Tournament
• Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show
• Kent Cornucopia Days First Annual Bike Ride
• Plaza and Gazebo Stages
• Dragon Boat Races
• Blood Drive
• Safety Fair
• Beer Garden
• Pet Adoptathon from KCACC
• Grand Parade (Sun., July 11 at 2 pm) – It’s Kentastic!
• First Annual Bike Ride (25 & 60 miles) (Sat., July 10)
• Military Displays from the Army National Guard, etc.
• Lions Bingo
• 5k Fun Run & Walk
• Beatles Tribute Band

For a complete schedule, please visit the Kent Lions Club’s Kent Cornucopia Days website.

For more info., visit the Washington State Licensing website or the full text of the Final Bill SSB 6345.

Taking without a hands free device is only permitted in case of an emergency, and talking with a hands free device such as a Bluetooth headset or earpiece is permitted.

“Boating activity and the wakes they create could potentially cause erosion of the shoreline,” said Jeff Watling, Kent’s Parks and Recreation Director.  “The amount of rainfall we’ve seen this June is unprecedented.  Closures of the boat launch typically occur only during winter months.”

For more information and updates on the boat launch, visit www.choosekent.com.

For more information, visit the City’s Annexation Web page, email the city, or call the annexation message line at 253-856-5777.

The Kent Reporter names the 2010 Winners in the “Best of Kent” contest, sponsored by Kent Station. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Community Volunteer: Suzanne Cameron, winner and Lee Anderson, nominee

Police Officer: Chief Steve Strachan

Public Official: Mayor Suzette Cooke

Realtor: Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Teacher: Sara Palmer, Mattson Middle School

Waiter: Michelle @ Maggie’s on Meeker

Spa Services: Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Italian Cuisine: Paolo’s

Gift Store: Marie Haggin Accessories

Favorite Family Destination: Kent Station

For a complete list, visit the Kent Reporter’s Best of Kent “insert” online.

- Obey posted speed limits
- Slow down in heavy traffic or bad weather
- Don’t tailgate!
- It takes a braking vehicle traveling 60 mph 270 feet before it can come to a complete stop, so allow plenty of time!

The system was implemented in September 2009 and, since that time, residents and businesses have been encouraged to add their names and contact information to the City’s CodeRED website.

The Kent CodeRED test will coincide with similar tests in Auburn, Renton, Tukwila and King County.

CodeRED is a geographically-based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in a specific emergency.  An associated street address is needed for cell phone numbers.

Requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address—no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone numbers and additional phone numbers and an email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also choose to receive text or email messages about emergencies, in addition to telephone calls.

CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so, and the information will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the system entirely if they so choose.

Those without Internet access may contact Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a registration form by mail.

For more information, read the full press release online or visit http://kentCodeRED.com.