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Celebrate Earth Month with Seattle Parks and Recreation

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Seattle Parks and Recreation is all about connecting community members with nature any time of year, but each April the theme is even more important. April is Earth Month, an annual celebration and appreciation of our beautiful planet, and a chance to have fun and give back while getting some fresh spring air.

This Earth Month, join Seattle Parks and Recreation and our partners at one of the many volunteer Earth Month events happening across Seattle. You can get your hands dirty and help revitalize a much-loved park or look for wildlife along trails bursting with new growth. Volunteer activities include nature walks, gardening, trail repair, mulching, cleanup, planting, weeding, invasive species removal, nature exploration, and much more. Whatever you do, Earth Month is a great time to practice active gratitude for the bounty around us.

More volunteer opportunities can be found on the Green Seattle Partnership’s event calendar here.

Earth Month volunteer events:

 

April 6: English Ivy Crush at Frink Park

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Help Green Seattle Partnership and Friends of Frink Park protect open spaces from the threat of English ivy, an invasive plant that covers trees and results in a loss of native habitat. Register Here

April 7: Bird Walk on the Burke-Gilman Trail with Woody Wheeler

8 – 11 a.m.  Join Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail for our monthly Bird Walk and Citizen Science project. All ages and experience levels welcome. Woody, Wheeler, Master Birder and author will lead our walk.

Contact mailto:jim.corson@comcast.netfor more information.

April 7: Warren G. Magnuson Park Reforestation

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Help create and improve thriving forest habitat on what was once a denuded and sterile navy airfield. Enjoy nature and learn a bit about native plants while doing satisfying work! Contactmailto:tpaulkelly@hotmail.comfor more info and to join.

April 12: Help the forest grow at Me-kwa-mooks

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Help the birds, butterflies, bees, rabbits and other creatures thrive by removing invasive species such as ivy and blackberry at Me-Kwa-Mooks park in West Seattle. Contactmailto:psocoupeville@gmail.comfor more information.

April 12 and 19: Wetlands Restoration and Community Lunch

10 a.m. – noon at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetland. Join Tilth Alliance staff, neighbors and a longtime community crew of East African seniors. We’ll enjoy a healthy and delicious community lunch at noon, so please bring a small donation or a dish to share. Children, youth and families welcome! Contactmailto:chrishoffer@tilthalliance.orgfor more info.

April 13: Golden Gardens Park Work Party

9 a.m. – noon. Remove invasive weeds and plant native species that return the forest to a more natural ecosystem. We provide tools and training, so we only need your enthusiasm to help restore this beautiful park! Contact mailto:doug@greshamenvironmental.comfor more info.

April 13, 20, and 27: Wildlife Walks/Bird Tours

8 – 10 a.m. at Discovery Park.  Join experienced leaders as we explore for migrants and year-round residents within Discovery Park’s varied habitats. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. $5 for ages 8 and older. Visit this page for more info on registration.

April 14: Lewis Park Restoration Event

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Spring’s warmer weather brings out the flowers, but also the weeds! We need your held to thin out the invaders to make room for mulching, among other tasks. Contactmailto:rickpaulsen@earthlink.netfor more info.

April 14: Martha Washington Park Restoration

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We’ll work to restore this Native American site and its historic white oaks by removing invasive plants, tending new plantings, watering and/or doing whatever is needed. Contactmailto:perasso@cruzio.comfor more info.

April 20: Carkeek S.T.A.R.S. Work Party

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. A fun morning of forest restoration and trails maintenance in one of Seattle’s most beautiful parks! Contact mailto:carkeekstars@gmail.comfor more info.

April 20: Duwamish Alive! Orca Earth Day

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Herrings House Park (Tulaltx). Orca populations are struggling because of the lack of their main food source – salmon, especially Chinook. Herrings House Park provides critical salmon habitat for juvenile salmon before they enter Puget Sound. Please join us in maintaining this habitat! Conacts.leishman@comcast.net for more info.

April 20: Student Conservation Association at Washington Park Arboretum

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The SCA and Washington Park Arboretum on work to restore Washington Park Arboretum, gathering members, alumni, friends and partners to weed, remove invasives, and add mulch. Meet at Crabapple Meadow, just South of the Visitor Center. More info here.

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP SECURES CRITICAL VICTORY IN EFFORT TO COMBAT WHITE SUPREMACY ON FACEBOOK PLATFORM

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Facebook announced a new policy banning content that promotes white nationalism and white separatism as impermissible hate speech, following nine months of advocacy from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Facebook’s new policy declares white nationalism and white separatism to be equivalent to white supremacy, and prohibits any praise, support or representation of these hateful ideologies. Until now, white nationalist and white separatist content was allowed on Facebook, despite the company’s Community Standards and Terms of Service.

“There is no defensible distinction that can be drawn between white supremacy, white nationalism or white separatism in society today. By maintaining this distinction, Facebook ended up providing violent racists a platform that could be exploited to promote hate. While we are pleased that Facebook is taking long overdue action, we know well that communities are still reeling from the rise in hate and racially motivated violence, and that extensive remedial action must be taken to ensure that hate is eliminated root and branch across the platform,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “As we have seen with tragic attacks on houses of worship in Charleston, Pittsburgh, New Zealand, and elsewhere, there are real life consequences when social media networks provide platforms for violent white supremacists, allowing them to incubate, organize, and recruit new followers to their hateful movements.”

On May 29, 2018, Motherboard published training materials used by Facebook content moderators that showed that while Facebook prohibited white supremacist content on its site, it allowed content related to white nationalism and white separatism. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law undertook extensive advocacy with Facebook, including issuance of a letter that demonstrated that “white nationalism and white separatism are white supremacy”. The organization also repeatedly met with Facebook over the past year to urge the company to reform its policies.

Clarke continued: “While Facebok’s new policies are one step forward in the fight against white supremacist movements, much work remains to be done. Putting in place the correct policy is a start, but Facebook also needs to enforce those policies consistently, provide meaningful transparency around any AI techniques used to address this problem, and adequately retrain its personnel. Without proper implementation, policies will prove to be just empty words, and white supremacy will continue to proliferate across its platform.”

 

About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights

 

About the Stop Hate Project

The Stop Hate Project works to strengthen the capacity of community leaders, law enforcement, and organizations around the country to combat hate by connecting these groups with established legal and social services resources.

Matching grants help preserve Pierce County landmarks

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The Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting applications for the 2020 Preservation Matching Grant Program. These grants assist in funding preservation efforts in Pierce County.

The program’s goal is to distribute small, yet meaningful, matching grants to help promote historic preservation throughout the county. Grant requests can be made for two types of proposals:

•      Historic preservation (maximum request of $20,000) for stabilization, restoration or rehabilitation of properties listed on national, state and local historic registers.

•      History-related projects (maximum request of $5,000) include photograph or document preservation, historic markers, history research and public events and programs.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies and owners of properties listed on local historic registers are eligible to apply. Recipients must provide matching funds.

Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. May 10, 2019. Project activities must be completed by Nov. 10, 2020.

The grant guidelines and application form are available atpiercecountywa.gov/historicpreservation.

Applications are evaluated by the Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, which administers the grant program. The commission forwards project and funding recommendations to the Pierce County Council for approval.

If you haven’t yet, for Women’s History Month please order one (two or three) of these eBooks written by and about Black Women

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If you haven’t yet, for Women’s History Month please order one (two or three) of these eBooks written by and about Black Women:  Two books about pioneering Black women; “Fanny Marion Jackson Coppin: First Black Female Principal,” amazon.com/dp/B06XDJ9FKN  (available on Over Drive) and “Ms. Forten of Philadelphia,” amazon.com/dp/B01N22E6JC. Both books are free with Amazon Prime.
Short, sweet, and only 99 ȼ.  Five stars on Amazon.com ! “Hell Hath No Fury.” amazon.com/dp/B0734J5N5G.
THE DOWN LOW ON THE LOCK UP!!!! “ABCs of the BOP;” Re-released, updated, new and improved, ready for primetime paperback, amazon.com/dp/1548538515 or eBook, amazon.com/dp/B077Y5Z6SC  Get your copy now. Give a copy to someone else to read. Recommended reading for anyone pursuing a career in criminal justice; anyone who has an incarcerated friend or relative; anyone who believes it is time for criminal justice reform; and anyone who just wants to know what the heck goes on in women’s prisons.
Thank you in advance for ordering my books.
L.A. Johnson of Aberdeen, WA
About Author:
L.A. Johnson of Aberdeen, WA  first book, “The ABCs of the BOP,” I’ve adopted the pen name L.A. Johnson. After reviewing my book, my granddaughter referred to me as “Piper.” That made me feel real good.

I earned an A.A. from Fresno City College, a B.A. from Fresno State and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Purdue University. I retired from the Los Angeles School District with 26 years of teaching service credit.

From my humble beginnings in Hamlin, Texas to my current home in Aberdeen, Washington, I’ve journeyed far; that is meant in both the literal as well as the metaphorical sense.

I am one of the many who was wrongfully investigated, convicted, and incarcerated for crimes that I did not commit. As of today, I am still fighting to have my conviction overturned. I have faith that one day I will succeed.

Nelson Mandela said “After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one’s person.”

I have found that to be quite true. Other books that I have written are:

Fanny Marion Jackson Coppin: First Black Female Principal

Miss Forten of Philadelphia

The fight for Medicare for All is just getting started.

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The fight for Medicare for All is just getting started. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (a Washington CAN member!) has introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2019. It’s the most ambitious Improved Medicare for All proposal to date, so we’re extending an invite for a special event where members can join the congresswoman in a discussion about the bill and the path forward.

It’s a great opportunity for folks to learn more about Medicare For All, share their stories about how the health care system has impacted them, and connect with others involved in our healthcare work. Join us!

The 2019 free Athletic Field Drop-In Program season will begin April 1

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is continuing a pilot program first launched in summer 2018 that provides community members with the opportunity to drop-in for free at designated athletic fields to play unscheduled athletic events with their friends and family.

 

Normally, field use requires a paid reservation, but SPR has dedicated seven athletic fields this year (Bitter Lake Playfield, University Playground, Ravenna Park, Magnolia Playfield #5, Rainier Beach Playfield, South Park Playground, and Roxhill Park) for open community drop-in use every Saturday and Wednesday, depending on location (see map below).

 

The 2019 season runs from April 1 to September 28 for most of these fields. However, Roxhill Playfield’s season ends on August 28. The free drop-in times are Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

 

For more information on the Athletic Field Drop-In Program, including program rules, visit:https://www.seattle.gov/parks/reserve/sports-field-reservations/athletic-field-drop-in-program. Questions? Please contact Courtney Brown, Manager of Athletic Scheduling, 206-684-7094.

 

Athletic fields are a beloved component of Seattle’s park system, and SPR is excited to continue to support ways to make fields accessible to all those in our community who would like to use them.

 

Revenue offers free tax workshop April 3 in Seattle

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Business owners in Washington are responsible for knowing which taxes to report. To help them, the Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue) is hosting a free workshop for new and small business owners April 3, 2019 in Seattle.
Call 206-727-5300 or go online to register on Revenue’s education page.

Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection and record-keeping requirements. Attendees receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Revenue’s rules and regulations. Also, attendees may earn two continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Contact the workshop instructor for details.

Date: Wednesday, April 3

Time: 1 – 4 p.m.

Location: Dept. of Revenue, 2101 4th Ave, Suite 1400 (cross street Lenora), Seattle
Contact Revenue’s Rick Stedman with any questions about the workshop: 360-705-6624 or rickst@dor.wa.gov.

Revenue offers several ways for businesses to learn about taxes. Visit the education page to view a complete schedule and to register for upcoming workshops. Business owners can also watch a short streaming video version of the workshop online.

Debt Buyers Go Largely Unchallenged in Lawsuits Against Washington State Consumers and Win Without Proving Debt

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Debt collection abuses rank first in the type of complaints filed by Washington State military servicemembers to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and second for all consumers in the state. A new Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) report may help explain why.

“Debt by Default: Debt Collection Practices in Washington 2012-2016” found that over 80% of lawsuits filed by debt buyers against consumers are unchallenged in court, meaning the debt buyer wins by default. So people sued by debt buyers are frequently subject to a judgment or garnishment of their wages, without the debt buyer ever proving their case or the validity of the debt.

The analysis also found that only 1% of defendants were represented by an attorney among 21,254 cases filed over five years by one large law firm representing debt buyers. Of those cases where the debt buyer won by default, defendants were represented in only 45 cases.

And the report documents a startling figure indicating how many of those consumers may not be aware that their case may be subject to a default judgment if they don’t respond to a summons in 20 days, a time frame that applies even if no court case exists. This “pocket service” may be occurring in almost 70% of the cases reviewed.

“The numbers show quite a lopsided legal situation in favor of debt buyers in Washington, who we found typically don’t have to prove the debt they are pursuing is real and accurate in order to win cases against unrepresented consumers,” said Julia Barnard, Researcher at the Center for Responsible Lending and co-author of the report. “In fact, less than two percent of defendants have legal representation. And on top of that, problems with service and very speedy timelines result in the fact that many folks find themselves subject to monetary judgments or even wage garnishments before they knew what hit them.”

“Unfortunately, this report shows the people of Washington are experiencing the injustice to consumers that we’ve seen in other parts of the country,” said Ellen Harnick, CRL’s Western Office Director. “These rushed default judgments, often for money that may not be owed, cause needless harm to people already struggling. These judgments show up on credit reports, impacting the ability to buy or rent a home, purchase a car, or even get a job. Debt buyers should provide basic proof before causing such damage to consumers. The problem with pocket service should also be fixed, so that consumers can at least find the cases against them when they contact the court.”

“Washingtonians are working hard to get by, often stretching limited resources to meet basic needs,” said Jay Doran of Statewide Poverty Action Network in Seattle. “A system that enables debt buyers to squeeze struggling consumers for precious dollars that they may not even owe is simply unjust. We need reform desperately, starting with the basic principle that debt buyers must prove the debt is real, as complaints make clear it is so often not inaccurate.”

“I see the abuses day after day, where debt buyers use the courts to push low income families deeper into financial distress, often without ever proving their claims,” said Scott Kinkley, an attorney with Northwest Justice Project in Spokane. “Providing proof when filing a lawsuit is a basic principle of our justice system. Debt buyers should not get away with draining desperately needed money from low-income consumers without documenting that the debt is real and accurate in each and every case.”

Free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on March 30 at Miller Community Center

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Seattle Parks and Recreation will host a free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave. E). Youth of all ages are welcome to attend and there will be many employment opportunities for high school-age youth (14-19) and young adults (19-24). Attendees should come prepared to spend some time visiting the various booths, which will have representatives from private employers as well as City of Seattle youth-employment and stipend programs.

Several City departments offer summer employment appropriate for teens and young adults, including positions in Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics (life guards, boat ramp monitors), Seattle Parks and Recreation Youth Engaged in Service (job shadowing an adult mentor, usually in an office setting), Seattle Parks and Recreation Student Teen Employment Program and Summer of Service (building trails in local parks as well as working on restoration and other projects), Youth Participatory Action Research (exploring social justice issues), and the Seattle Public Libraries Student Assistance program. Many local businesses will also be in attendance.

The Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ and Allies is a collaborative effort led by the Youth Employment and Service Learning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation. To participate in the fair or for more information contact Gwen Wessels, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Gwen.Wessels@seattle.gov.

Spring Clean 2019

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It’s time for Spring Clean, Seattle’s annual community cleanup program supported by Seattle Public Utilities.

Spring Clean, now in its 33rd year, runs from April 1 through May 31. During this time, Seattle residents—neighbors, volunteer groups, community organizations—come together to keep Seattle clean and vibrant. Activities include picking up litter, stenciling storm drains to prevent water pollution, painting out graffiti, and removing invasive plants. Seattle Public Utilities supports volunteers by providing free tools like garbage bags, gloves, garbage grabbers, safety vests, paint supplies, and waste disposal.

Ready to join? Gather your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, or go solo—there’s no minimum or maximum group size. Register online or call (206) 233-7187.

Spring Clean is a partnership between Seattle residents and Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, and Seattle Department of Transportation. All Spring Clean projects must be conducted on public property.

If you snap any photos, tag us on Twitter and Facebook! #SpringClean2019