Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WVC Newsletter

There is a great resource of information in the West Valley City's newsletter, it's called UpDate. The link is HERE to read it!

I especially like the message from Mayor Dennis J. Nordfelt & I'd like to thank him for his service to our community!

The other article I liked & learned a lot from is titled, "Is my basement apartment legal?" by Ed Domain, Cheif Building Official. I especially liked point 12. He says, "If your basement apartment is located under a typical single family home, there is a good chance it is illegal. City zoning regulations generally prohibit basement apartments in neighborhoods dedicated as single family zones (DIAMOND SUMMIT IS ZONED AS SINGLE FAMILY). Less than 1% of the land in West Valley City is zoned for duplexes." I found this to be very interesting...

There was also information about Christmas Tree disposal. All West Valley City residents can dispose of their Christmas trees between December 26 - January 18 at City Park east parking lot ( 3400 South 4400 West) & West View Park parking lot (6020 West 4100 South). All lights, stands, nails, screws, bags & decorations must be removed. Residents can also use the City's bulky waste service to dispose of trees.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Gratitude...

Tonight, I went before City Council during the Public Comment period of the City Council Meeting. I wanted to express my gratitude for the Speed Bumps that were put in our neighborhood. I've been so happy with the reaction of residents... I've had many people tell me that they are grateful, that they feel it has been effective, along with the raised crosswalks. I have noticed that people have slowed down...I understand it won't be a cure to the problem, but I know that it has helped. I would also like to mention here how wonderful it is to have Steve Vincent as our Councilman. He is awesome! He really cares about our city & about our neighborhood. I have spoken with him often about my concerns through the years & he's always listened & helped with the solution. I appreciate that. I think democracy is at it's best in city goverment. I love it! I also have to thank Erik Brondum with the Public Works Department. I can't tell you how much I called him & he always called me back! He was great to work with & I appreciate all the times he came out to our neighborhood to observe for himself & to meet with me, he clearly went above & beyond his job. There are so many people I wish to express my gratitude, for the residents in Diamond Summit who have cared & have called the police for patrol, or called Steve Vincent to talk about the situation! I also have to thank my cute family...for being patient with passing out fliers, holding meetings, going to meetings, going to city council & all the things I've done to work on this! Thank you for all who have supoorted this cause...& now, let's remember to keep driving slow!!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Graffiti

This is our Neighborhood Watch Blog's 100th post & guess what it's about? Graffiti. Yesterday, we were hit with graffiti in several areas in our neighborhood. It's really frustrating!! It costs so much money to clean up...& actually all of us, as tax-payers pay to clean this vandalism up. If you have been hit with graffiti, please remove it within 24 hours. I have a supply of various colors of paint that the city has equipped me with. Paint to match utility boxes, poles & cement walls, as well as vinyl wipes to remove from vinyl fences. Please email me if you need some supplies. But, before you clean it up...take a picture & report it to the police. Please keep an eye out for suspicious behavior or vehicles. Call the non-emergency number at 801-840-4000! Or if it's "in progress" or life-threatening, call 911.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

ReFuse to ReUse

Recycle your car seat campaign!
Time to recycle expired & used car seats during Recycle Your Car Seat Week at the following locations:
.
Deseret Industries:
- West Jordan (7166 S Redwood Rd)
- West Valley (2994 S Glen Eagle Dr)
- Sandy (727 E 9400 S)
- Murray (11 E 4500 S)
- Welfare Square (743 W 700 S)
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Unified Fire Stations:
- Kearns (4444 W 5415 S)
- Herriman (5916 W 13050 S)
- Riverton (13000 S 2700 W)
.
When:
September 07, 2009 through September 12, 2009 From 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
www.slvhealth.org//programs/injuryPrevention/safeKids/index.html
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Contact:
May Romo
801-313-6607

Monday, August 31, 2009

FYI - 2010 Census Cautions

2010 Census Cautions
August 2009


Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way, as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you do not know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org/

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Texting

"Studies from the University of Utah show that if you are driving & texting at the same time, you're about as dangerous as someone driving with a blood alcohol content that's twice the legal limit."
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Please take a moment & watch THIS presentation about Texting & Driving!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Please, slow down!


Just another reminder to please, please slow down in the neighborhood!!

I was coming home from Walmart & came upon a horrible car accident on 6200 South between Laurel Canyon & the LDS Church meetinghouse. It was a single car who apparently (by my observation of the skid marks) drove up the side of that hill where the street narrows, then rolled several times, breaking a part of the cement wall & also taking out a street light. They took the man by life flight & I'm hoping that all is well. There was a dog ejected & a dog that was trapped, but we saw animal control & the policemen rescue the dog that was trapped. Of course, tons of people were present & venting their frustration to me about how the road narrows & how dangerous it was. Most wanted to know (including me) if there is something that can be done, maybe level some of that dirt, so it's not so dangerous...I will follow up with Erik Brondum, with WVC Public Works on Monday.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

21 Things a burglar won't tell you.

I got this as an email & I thought it was rather clever...a new spin on how to help us remember to be safe. Enjoy!

21 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

17. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

21. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Speed Hump & Crosswalk Update

I received this email from Erik Brondum with WVC Public Works:

The speed hump installation is moving along. It was the intent of the City to have this project completed before school starts on Monday. That is not going to happen, but the contractor has committed to put more resources on the project to get it done as quickly as they can. In the meantime your patience is appreciated. Five of these speed humps are also raised school crosswalks. Two of them have been installed as of today. The other three will be painted until the humps are installed. All of the signs will be installed this week as well.

Please pass this information on to your neighbors and contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,
Erik

Erik W. Brondum, P.E.
Transportation Engineer
West Valley City
3600 S Constitution Blvd.
West Valley City, UT 84119

801-963-3406 phone
801-963-3499 fax

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Meet the Candidates Night


Primary Election Cadidates
September 2, 2009
Utah Cultural Celebration Center
(1355 West 3100 South)
7 -9 PM

Doors open at 6pm for residents to mingle with candidates. Submit questions for candidates online at http://www.votelocalutah.com/ .

Election Dates
Primary Election - September 15, 2009
Early Voting: September 1-11, 2009
General Election - November 3, 2009
Early Voting: October 20-30, 2009
*A new Utah state law requires voters to
provide identification before voting.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Vile of Life

I have received some emails regarding the Vile of Life program. The Vial of Life is an emergency preparedness program to help make West Valley City more disaster resistant and resilient through citizen volunteer involvement. The purpose of the Vial of Life program is to encourage residents, particularly those who are home bound, living alone,or with special medical needs, to compile personal information and place it where it can be easily located by 911 responders in the event of an emergency. The vial comes with a personal information sheet, a vial to keep the information sheet(s) in, and a refrigerator magnet to place on the refrigerator door to alert emergency personal of the homes participation in the program. More information is available online at: www.wvc-ut.gov/vial

Speeding

When KSL contacted me about doing a story about my use of "technology" for our neighborhood watch, I had no idea that so many people would visit this blog. I started this blog back in 2007 to help pass the word along to those in our NW's boundaries. I feel it has been an effective tool in communicating with residents! I am thankful for the kind emails people have sent me. For me, Neighborhood Watch is something I feel strongly about. For about 6-7 years, I have been working with city officials about the speed on our street. I am totally going to take advantage of the attention that the blog is receiving to pass on this information that I was given by a West Valley City policeman all those years ago, who is now LT. Merritt. I have handed this flier out to so many people. Please, print it off & hand out to others. I hope it will help to give us all a reminder that we need to slow down in our neighborhoods! :)

Friday, August 14, 2009

NNO 2009

I just wanted to take a moment & thank everyone for a very successful NNO Neighborhood Block party! We had a great time & it was fun to meet new people in our neighborhood! I will be posting pictures of the event shortly. I'd also like to thank the NW's block captains for a great job in helping out! Thanks!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

FYI

{Picture from last year's NNO!}
by Kim Martinez
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 4th
6:00 - 8:00 PM
6398 S - 6449 S Pine Valley Lane

Annual children's bike parade (so decorate your bikes, scooters or bigwheels), face painting, Vile of Life information, popsicles, visits from WVC Police & Fire Departments, McGruff & the National Night Knight... Be sure to come & mingle with everyone!
We are asking that you bring a plate of goodies to share with everyone!

*

**I'm happy to announce, that because of a VERY generous resident, we will be having a HOT DOG dinner!!!
I'll have a donation jar in case anyone wishes to donate a $1 or $2 to help cover costs!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Have you seen the new signs?

Have you seen the new STOP signs?
They are located on Mt. Montana in the intersection of Mt. Montana & High Bluff in the East & West directions. Also, on Mill Valley in the intersection of Mill Valley & Laurel Canyon, in the East & West directions.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

2 Things...

1. Please, please slow down! There were 2 incidents involving speeding and/or inattention while driving today on High Bluff Drive. One, could have cost some people their lives. Please slow down & pay attention to street signs!

2. For Mobile Patrol tonight, we stopped at 12 homes that had their garage doors open. Please take a moment to check & make sure that you have closed your garage door before you go to bed at night. Also, take a moment to look out your windows & check if your neighbor's garage doors are closed. If they aren't, call or knock on their door. When people leave their garage doors open, we are all affected. They are a "crime of opportunity" waiting to happen... Just remember that the only way to fend off these types of crime is to "look out for each other"!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

NNO 2009


National Night Out
August 4, 2009!
Place & Time TBA...
.
What would you like to do?
Did you like the Hot Dog dinner?
Did your kids enjoy the bike parade?
(Although I think this year we'd split it into 2 groups...little kids & big kids!)
Please email me with ideas or suggestions!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

WVC Citizen Survey

- FYI -
WVC CITIZEN SURVEY
I got this message from Craig Thomas:
Beginning April 20, 2009 Discovery Research will begin conducting a CITY CITIZEN SURVEY on behalf of West Valley City. Approximately 1,000 households will be contacted via telephone and asked to complete a short telephone interview. It is expected that Discovery Research will be able to complete all calls in approximately one week. PLEASE encourage residents to take a few moments to answer this survey if they are contacted. West Valley City Officials and Administration consider the results of this survey very important for future daily and annual strategic planning efforts.

FREE HOCKEY TICKETS FOR WVC

-FYI-
Free Hockey Tickets
For ALL WVC Residents!
West Valley City Night with the Grizzlies!
Friday, April 17, 2009, 7:05 p.m.,
Utah Grizzlies vs. The Alaska Aces
The E Center, 3200 South Decker Lake Drive
All West Valley City residents are invited to join the Utah Grizzlies for a FREE playoff game! Limit four tickets per household while supplies last.
West Valley City, in conjunction with The Utah Grizzlies and the E Center, is excited to announce West Valley City Night with the Grizzlies! All West Valley City residents are invited to join the Utah Grizzlies for game four of the ECHL’s West Division Semi-Finals against the Alaska Aces.
Tickets are available at the E Center Box Office, 3200 South Decker Lake Drive, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available until Friday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m., while supplies last. Limit four tickets per household; must show proof of West Valley City residence or identification from a West Valley City school.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

WVC Leash Laws

I had a resident ask me about Leash Laws this past week. It is a sensitive topic for dog owners & neighbors who feel frustrated by dogs roaming. I contacted Craig Thomas, who is my direct link to WVC for these types of questions. He found out the answer from Nate Beckstead with WVC Animal Services.

Nate said the following:
"Our codes require all animals to be under control at all times. So it does not matter the size or breed.
The only way I know to have the dog under control is to have it on a leash. Electric collars would not be considered under control."


So, if a dog owner has a dog in their yard, but not on a leash, then it is against city code. If you have a concern, Craig gave this advice, "You can ask him to have an officer go to the home and and help the pet owner understand the code in a casual discussion. Chances are the officer will simply say there has been a request made by a neighbor to ask the pet owner to have the animal on a leash and to clean up after the pet. Names usually remain anonymous because we do not want to create contention in the neighborhoods, but it is always a good idea to specifically ask him to keep names anonymous. I think they are like code enforcement in that if they continue to get complaints, more aggressive reminders are issued."

Here is Nate's information:
Nate Beckstead
(801) 965-5806
nathan.beckstead@wvc-ut.gov

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Diamond Summit Traffic Calming Open House

The West Valley City Public Works Department is hosting an open house, seeking public comment on the proposed design of speed humps throughout the Diamond Summit area.
Date: April 8, 2009
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Place: Silver Hills Elementary
(5770 West 5100 South)


Any interested persons or stakeholders are invited to attend.
Public comments can also be provided at the open house
or online using the Diamond Summit Comment Form.
Additional information can be viewed on the project's website at
www.wvc-ut.gov/diamondsummit as it becomes available.
See the link below to view speed humps & crosswalks!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Correction

I just received a phone call from Craig Thomas regarding the Adisory news release. There was a major misunderstanding... Here is the corrected information:

An advisory released yesterday indicated that a contractor had been working throughout West Valley City and was misrepresenting the fact that they were working with the blessing of the City.

The contractor in question has been contacted, and City officials realize that this was a case of miscommunication between the residents involved. The contractor mentioned, Amen Paving, has not misrepresented themselves in any way.

Residents are still encouraged to call the City with any concerns or questions they may have about contractors, and to verify that anyone representing themselves on behalf of the City is legitimate.

Any questions may be directed to Aaron Crim at 801-963-3466 or 801-232-0466.

Thank you,

Aaron Crim
Director of Public Relations


While this advisory ended as false alarm, it is a good reminder for our residents to be very cautious in who they speak with at their door and allow into their homes. Please find attached a handout that can serve as a reminder to beware of offers that seem too good to be true. As always, your work is greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend.


*I personally meant no harm to this individual at this company. I use this blog as a way to communicate with residents throughout the neighborhood.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Please, Slow Down!

*Please click flier to enlarge!*
Considering that I witnessed a crazy driver today...I am reposting the Speeding Flier! Please take a moment to read over it...Thank you!

Monday, February 16, 2009

FYI

FYI
We've had some home invasions on High Bluff Drive... Please take a moment to make sure your doors are locked, your porch light is on & that your valuables are removed from your cars. Also, take a moment to look out your windows before you go to bed or when you wake up at night, & see if there is anything suspicious or out of place. If you do, please contact the police when necessary. If it is a crime in progress, call 911. If you see something suspicious call
840-4000, which is the non-emergency phone number.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

It's Official...

Wakefield, Laurel Canyon & High Bluff
WILL be getting Speed Bumps!
Wahoooooooooooooooooo!
I got the call from Erik Brondum telling me it's a go! I asked if he knows a time frame & he said that they will definitely be in before school starts in the fall. Also, he'll be meeting with Mrs. Koji, the Diamond Ridge Principal today to discuss the "safe routes to school" program.
I'll let you know more information as it comes...

Monday, February 9, 2009

Keeping an eye out...

Most of you have heard that one of our residents had their home broken into on Friday, Feb 6th. The person who broke in, went through the backyard & broke into the sliding glass door. This is just a good reminder that we can all just keep an eye out for each other. Look out your blinds, be aware of your neighbor's cars...so that you'll notice when something is different, if you see someone walking around the side yard & you don't recognize them...call the police, or call your neighbor. I will make sure that our Mobile Patrol is more consistent... It will take all of us looking out for each other to keep our neighborhood safe!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

New Stop Sign

F.Y.I.

There is a new stop sign on Mt. Adams,
for traffic turning onto High Bluff Drive.

Speed Bump Update...

I got an email from Erik in Public Works about an update. They REALLY need to have more people to respond to this public vote. I know that there are more people that care about this, just as much as I do! Please, talk to your neighbors & give them the info! Here is the email:


Dear Diamond Summit Residents,
Thank you for participating in the speed hump voting process.
Currently, we have received 132 votes out of the possible 660 votes possible (remember 1 vote per household). We would like to have a minimum of 330 votes (50 percent) in order to make a final decision. We are asking those of you who have voted to encourage your neighbors to respond to the letter sent out in order to get more input on the issue. If needed, we can provide additional electronic copies of the original letter sent out for their information. Please contact Erik Brondum or Owen Jackson for a copy of the letter or with any questions, their contact information is listed below.

Thank you for your help and input,West Valley City

Erik Brondum
Transportation Engineer
(801) 963-3406
Erik.brondum@wvc-ut.gov

Owen Jackson
Public Education Coordinator
(801) 965-5833
Owen.jackson@wvc-ut.gov


Don't forget, the link to vote is:
www.wvc-ut.gov/diamondsummit