Neighbors On Watch Information Night Coming Up!

Neighbors On Watch is a volunteer watch program and the Clark County Sheriff's Office is hosting an informational meeting.  

"Now volunteers are trained to patrol neighborhoods throughout the county in pairs looking for suspicious activity such as car prowls and graffiti. They attend community events and other assignments as requested by the Sheriff's Office" -The Columbian 11/7/15

If you're interested in the Neighbors On Watch (NOW) info night, it's coming up Wed, Nov 18th, beginning 6:30pm at 505 NW 179th ST Ridgefield (CCSO West Precinct) near Fairgrounds.

Additional information available from Clark County Sheriff's Office Outreach Unit at 360-397-2211 ext 3380 or email sheriffcommunityoutreach@clark.wa.gov. You can also visit www.clark.wa.gov/sheriff/community/NOW.html

Got Leaves?

Here's a coupon for free disposal of leaves! Please don't rake or blow leaves into the streets, it stresses the drainage systems, clogs drains and floods our streets. 

Residents in Clark County and the City of Vancouver may dispose of Leaves only, Oct 1-Dec 31, 2015 free of charge at the designated locations.  Get your coupon here.

Candidate Forum

Neighborhood Meeting - Important! Who will represent us on the Board of Clark County Councilors? 

Note: In lieu of our general meeting this month, please join us at the Candidate Forum (on our calendar). We will vote in November for our Clark County Representatives.

Heritage NA is a Member of NACCC, see you there! 
*in the meeting room

Rx Take Back Fall Event Coming Up!

Coming Up!  Rx Take Back Fall Event  - Saturday, September 26, 2015.

For year-round disposal options, see this flyer.  For additional information and resources, we invite you to check out the Prevent! Coalition of Clark County or visit Clark County's medication recycling page.

You can also find this event posted on our neighborhood Facebook page.

 

 

Events Today, public invited to attend

Public Safety Event Today! Noon-4pm http://www.clark.wa.gov/neighborhoods/documents/PublicSafetyComplexOpenhouseSept-2015.pdf

POW/MIA Recognition Event Today! 11am
http://www.clark.wa.gov/neighborhoods/documents/2015_POW_MIA_Flyer.pdf

New! Non-Emergency phone Number for Law Enforcement

We can now keep 9-1-1 just for emergencies! Dial 3-1-1 to access the new way to report non-emergencies that need the attention of law enforcement. 


Make note of all your resources:

2-1-1 Health & Social Services Referrals
provided by 211.org

3-1-1 Non-Emergency for Law Enforcement
provided by CRESA911.org

4-1-1 Telephone Directory Assistance
provided by phone carrier

5-1-1 State Travel Information
provided by WA511.org

6-1-1 Telephone Company Repair Service
provide by phone carrier

7-1-1 Telecommunications Relay Service
provided by dshs.wa.gov

8-1-1 Call Before You Dig
provided by washington811.org

9-1-1 Emergencies, All Fire, Police and Emergency Services
provided by CRESA911.org

Call 360-992-8000 report power outages to Clark Public Utilities

Source: CRESA911.org

Safe Exchange Zones

Vancouver Police and Clark County Sheriff's Office parking lots posted as Safe Exchange Zones (Photo) - 08/17/15 
"Vancouver, Wash.- On August 17, 2015, the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office will begin offering the parking lots at their facilities as Safe Exchange Zones where individuals conducting online purchase transactions can meet with the potential buyer or seller to complete the transaction. The parking lots at the participating law enforcement buildings provide an alternative to meeting a stranger at a private residence or unfamiliar location. Signage is placed on the buildings that are designated as Safe Exchange Zones. 

"It's important to remember, everyone online is a stranger, so offering our parking lots as a place where legal transactions can occur seemed like a natural extension of our community crime prevention efforts", said Vancouver Police Chief James P. McElvain. 

"Historically, our precinct parking lots have been seen as 'neutral zones' for citizens to meet, be publicly visible, and know that a deputy may be close by if needed", says Clark County Sheriff Chuck E. Atkins. "In an era of increasing risk from online purchases, we see this as a logical component of our commitment to public safety. By providing our parking lots as a known landmark to meet and conduct legal, private transactions it's our desire to lessen the potential dangers for both buyer and seller." 

Vancouver Police or Clark County Sheriff personnel will not assist with any transactions, and gun sales are prohibited. The Safe Exchange Zone is meant for person-to-person transactions. Property may not be dropped off and left unattended; sellers are required to take their property with them if the buyer does not show up. 

The following location parking lots are designated and signed as Safe Exchange Zones: 
* Vancouver Police Administration (605 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police West Precinct (2800 NE Stapleton Rd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police East Precinct (512 SE 155th Ave., Vancouver, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's West Precinct (505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's Office Central Precinct (11608 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie, WA) 

Law enforcement agencies across the country are utilizing the safe exchange zone premise and both the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office are excited to support this enhancement to community safety. "
Source: FlashAlert.net

Sources, Sources, Sources!

With the power of technology, information can travel fast!  As your official Neighborhood Association, we value the information we provide to you because you expect to receive valid news and updates from creditable sources.  Recognized by Clark County, we're proud to be YOUR neighborhood association!

"Neighbors nationwide have come together to shape the areas in which they live. By forming neighborhood associations, citizens work in partnership with their local governments to maintain or enhance the livability of their communities.

Neighborhood associations usually form when a single issue unites people in a geographic area. Concerns range from crime to traffic to development issues. From there, most groups evolve and focus on the long-range overall health of the neighborhood." *Source: Clark County Public Information and Outreach

We are proud to partner with agencies and groups all over Clark County including Clark County, WA, Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County (NACCC), Clark County Sheriff's Office, Vancouver Fire, CRESA 9-1-1, Evergreen Public Schools, and more.  We're pleased to partner with many others across Washington State, including WSDOT.  Pending approval this fall, we've submitted an application to become an official affiliate the nationwide organization Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA). 

Although utilizing technology is a means for information to reach you quickly, please exercise due diligence, certainly in regards to using social media.  Thank You!

Primary Election Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Reminder: Voters, tomorrow is the Primary Election.  If you haven't already mailed in your ballot, there are ballot drop boxes countywide, even three new locations.  For more local election information, including ballot drop box locations, click here.  Vote!

National Night Out 2015

Wanted: Neighborhood Watch Volunteers!

At this time, we have no active neighborhood watch volunteers from the Heritage Neighborhood.  With representation from our neighborhood, we're able to have more patrols in our area!  Please consider taking part in this program.  See below:

"The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Vancouver Police Department are accepting applications for NOW (Neighbors on Watch), a non-confrontational citizen patrol volunteer program. Citizens interested in the safety of their neighborhoods are encouraged to apply!

NOW volunteers receive specialized training and patrol in pairs throughout the city and county looking for suspicious activity such as car prowls and graffiti, attend community events and other assignments as needed. The next training academy begins in September 2015.

Applicants must be at least 21- years old, pass a background check and attend a 28 hour training academy. For the full list of volunteer qualifications visit: http://www. clark.wa.gov/sheriff/community/NOW.html.

If you live in Clark County, to request an application contact Clark County Sheriff’s Office Outreach Unit at (360) 397-2211 ext. 3380 or email:sheriffcommunityoutreach@clark.wa.gov.

Citizens who live in the city limits of Vancouver can contact the Vancouver Police NOW Program Coordinator, Kelly Cheney, at (360) 487-7467 for an application or more information. Applications are due by July 23 to be considered for the next NOW Training Academy." Source: Clark County Sheriff's Office S.A.L.T Times July 2015 edition

Fireworks, Burn Bans and Drought...it's hot and dry in July!

If you aren't sure or don't know yet, here's the latest!

Fireworks
Legal to set off this year ONLY at these dates/times, USE EXTREME CAUTION!.  Here's your direct source to all fireworks information pertains to our neighborhood: http://www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/fireworks.html

With a note on their Facebook page, Evergreen Public School has banned fireworks on all school grounds. "Due to unusually hot and dry weather conditions, Evergreen Public Schools is taking extra precautions to protect school buildings and grounds during the July Fourth holiday.

District officials are asking the public to refrain from using or discharging fireworks on school property. Gates will be closed at schools that have them and increased patrols will take place over the weekend.

Neighborhood watch groups are encouraged to call 911 to report suspicious activity.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!"

Burn Ban
Effective June 23, 2015 in Clark County: outdoor burn ban

Strengthening the statewide burn ban on June 26, 2015, this Proclamation from Gov. Inslee was put into place.  This supersedes the June 22nd burn ban by the Department of Natural Resources.

Drought
Gov. Inslee declared a drought for some Washington regions.  In March, he expanded the drought to include more counties in the state, including Clark County in April.  Effective in May, a statewide drought emergency was declared.  For more about drought conditions, see the Drought 2015 from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

"Hot Days + Cold Water = Potentially Dangerous Combination" by CRESA 9-1-1

With temperatures predicted in the 90s this weekend, here's some important information from CRESA 9-1-1 for keeping cool and safe!

Garbage day pick up reminders & Recycling info...there's an app for that!

"The RecycleRight App is free, fast and extremely functional, designed to make everyday life a little easier.
Check your garbage and recycling service schedule, sign up for reminders and even upload your schedule to your iCal, Google or Microsoft Outlook calendar. The app will even give you handy reminders in advance so you need never miss a collection day again.

Best of all, the RecycleRight App features a handy Recycling A-Z search tool. Just enter the name of the item you no longer need and hit ‘Find item’ to get answers to a variety of options for reusing and recycling, including locations and contact information.  If the item needs special handling, such as a household hazardous waste, the application will tell you how to properly dispose of it, keeping you and the environment safe. Simply click on a drop-off site, and you will see the address and phone number, along with a map at the bottom of the screen.

Ready to get the app? Here’s how to do it:

- Visit the Apple iTunes App Store, for iPhones or iPads, or visit Google Play for android devices.
- Search for RecycleRight.  Hint: The app image is the familiar Big Blue Recycling Cart.
- Click and install the Recycle Right App, created for the City of Vancouver, Clark County and Waste Connections by Recollect Systems.  (Please note: If you’re visiting the Apple App Store, you may need to enter your iTunes Apple password, depending upon how you have configured your settings. Be sure to search for the iPhone app, not an iPad Only app.)
- Once the app has been downloaded to your smart phone or tablet, open it up and enter your address. The app will provide you with your next garbage and recycling collection days. By clicking on garbage or on recycling, you can get more information and access to the handy Recycling A-Z wizard.

Don’t have a smartphone or tablet? If you have a computer and Internet access, you can still use these handy tools for garbage and recycling. The calendar and A-Z Recycling wizards will be available on the City of Vancouver Solid Waste webpage; Waste Connections of Washington website under Collection Schedules and Reminders; and Clark County’s website, as well as through other cities throughout Clark County."

*Source: City of Vancouver

Talking with kids about marijuana

"Resources, suggestions planned for talking with children about pot use"

Tomorrow night, The Prevent! Coalition will be hosting a free, educational seminar for the community-specifically parents, grandparents and caregivers for tools and resources for talking with kids about marijuana. 

See this article for more. The live discussion will be on TV at CVTV Channel 21.

*Source: The Columbian

No School Tomorrow, Teachers Walk Out

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 will be a no school day for the Evergreen Public Schools.  Due to this cancellation, the last day of school has been extended a day to June 17th.  Evergreen Public Schools has notified all it's families with this letter. Copies of the letter are also available in Spanish and Russian.

Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale

Master Gardener Plant Sale, proceeds go to help support food and garden growing education programs right here in Clark County.  Bring your own carts or wagon and check it out; will be at the 78th Street Heritage Farm on Saturday, May 9th from 9am-4pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm.

The most common type of property vadalism- graffiti

"Graffiti hurts communities.  It's your neighborhood, get involved!"  Click here for more about Graffiti Abatement.

Did you know?  Heritage Neighborhood Association has an Adopt-A-Highway contract with the State of Washington to help with the removal of graffiti along SR-500 (Padden Parkway)? 

We have been provided the training and tools to do so, but it takes the work of volunteers to make it happen.  It takes less time than you think, we try to keep our clean ups (park, road, highway) as close to an hour or less.  As the saying goes, "many hands make light work".

If you'd like to help clean up graffiti on the sound wall along the Padden Parkway Trail and/or remove litter, contact us!

For graffiti on private property, we encourage owners to report it then remove it ASAP.  It helps law enforcement tremendously if pictures of the graffiti are submitted with the report.  You can even file a crime report online.

*Source:  Clark County Sheriff's Office

Code Enforcement...taking care of our neighborhoods

Tall Grass/Weeds, Noise, Inoperable or Abandoned Vehicles and more.  Sometimes it's an issue for Code Enforcement, sometimes it's also a concern for the Sheriff's Office, Fire Department and/or others.  See below:

"Dear Neighbor

Our neighborhoods are where we live, shop, play, and work. They are an extension of our homes and, just as we take care of our homes, we also need to take care of our neighborhoods. The Code Enforcement program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of the county by providing effective public service in the enforcement of the county’s zoning, nuisance, and building codes.

This neighborhood guide was developed to assist you in understanding Clark County’s ordinances and in knowing who to call to obtain a particular service or receive additional information. It is intended as a general summary of information, but not as a substitute for actual Clark County Code.

Working together, we can be proud of our neighborhoods while continuing to contribute in making Clark County a desirable place to live.

Paul Scarpelli

Code Enforcement Manager"

*Source:  Neighborhood Guide

Do 1 Thing; small steps toward being prepared for an emergency

"If you do 1 thing each month, by the time a year has passed, you will have taken big steps towards being ready for the unknown."

Emergency Preparedness, a free 12-month program.

-For Individuals
January- make a plan
February- water
March- sheltering
currently: April- food
next month:  May- work, school and community

-For Businesses
January- risk assessment
February- essential business function
March- facilities
currently: April- insurance
next month: May- vital resources

*Source:  http://do1thing.com/

Drought Emergency Declaration by Gov. Inslee

Governor Inslee declares drought in Washington, now 44% of state, including Clark County.

Master Composter/Recyler Spring Workshops

Lasagna Gardening Workshop, free
April 18th

Family Wormshop, $35 per family
May 30th or June 20th

Backyard Composting Workshop, free
April 23rd or May 9th

Registration required, details here.

Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT)

Clark County Senior Citizens, this is just for you!  We encourage you to know about SALT! Seniors and Law Enforcement Together is a partnership between our Senior community members and our local Law Enforcement. 

 

Meetings are free and open to senior citizens. 

 

The SALT newsletter is an excellent source of information, including how to better protect yourself from scams and other useful tips.  Here's the latest edition of the SALT newsletter.

 

To receive the free monthly S.A.L.T. Times Newsletter, call 397-2211 ext. 3380 or send an e-mail to: sheriffcommunityoutreach@clark.wa.gov.

For other formats: Clark County ADA Office, Voice (360) 397-2000, Relay (800) 833-6384, E-mail ADA@clark.wa.gov

Weeds: Identify & Report Noxious Weeds...there's an app for that!

"Non-native invasive species can greatly alter our natural areas, impact wildlife, destroy crops, and even threaten our health and the health of pets and livestock.

Early detection is key to stopping the spread of noxious and invasive species. By reporting sightings of invasive plants we can better assess the extent of infestations and remove them before they spread and become a bigger problem."

See the flyer for more information.  Free app download directly here.

Recycling Done Right

Heads Up:  You may see people out and about looking at curb-side recycling as a part of a single-family recycling cart education project.  Teams of two people will be looking at your recycling bin, they will have County ID and driving a clearly marked Clark County vehicle.  Here's more info about this effort.  This project started yesterday and will continue for about four weeks.

Our Neighborhood Map

"Neighbors throughout the nation have come together to shape the areas in which they live. By forming neighborhood associations, citizens work in partnership with their local governments to maintain or enhance the livability of their communities." *Source Clark County Public Information and Outreach

 

Heritage Neighborhood Association, active and recognized by Clark County.  All Clark County Neighborhoods can be found on the Clark County Neighborhood Association Directory. 

 

Heritage Neighborhood is also an active participant in the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County (NACCC), a group of County Neighborhood Association Leaders.

 

 

Earth Day Celebration

Family Eco-Fair Celebration for Earth Day.  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10am-2pm at Salmon Creek Regional Park (near Klineline Pond).  All activities are free.

Recycling Day Events 2015

Here's a list of this year's recycling day events and locations, including materials being accepted. 

Get more information with the RecycleRight app.  Download it and/or learn more at www.RecyclingA-Z.com 

Another great recycling resource is Clark County Green Neighbors website or visit their Facebook page.

Home & Garden Idea Fair

Clark Public Utilities Home & Garden Idea Fair, April 24-26, 2015  at Clark County Event  Center at the Fairgrounds.  Free Admission, $6 parking.  Free shuttle bus available to save on parking costs, see website for more details.  Canned Food donations or contribution to Operation Warm Heart encouraged.

Safe & Secure Rx Disposal

Coming Up!  Rx Take Back Spring Event  - Saturday, April 25, 2015.

For year-round disposal options, see this flyer.  For additional information and resources, we invite you to check out the Prevent! Coalition of Clark County or visit Clark County's medication recycling page.

You can also find this event posted on our neighborhood Facebook page.

What do you want in County parks?

"Clark County needs your help in setting priorities for your parks system.  The County is updating it's long-range Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan for urban and rural areas of unincorporated Clark County.  This blueprint for the future will guide the purchase of land for parks, trails, sports fields and other amenities.

Clark County is working closely with the seven-member Parks Advisory Board to update this important planning document.  But we need your help in determining what amenities should be emphasized."

Resources:
CVTV video (4 minutes)
Read Parks Advisory Board Documents

Take an online community survey- closing this week!  If you haven't responded yet, please do so before it closes on April 2nd.

Submit written comments:  Send an email to parks@clark.wa.gov with "Comp Plan" in the subject line.  Mail your comments to:  Clark County Parks  Attn: Comp Plan  4700 NE 78th ST  Vancouver, WA  98665

Questions?  Call Clark County Parks at 360-397-2285

Source:  Bill Bjerke, Clark County Parks Manager

CCSO Central Precinct will be closed to the public

Clark County Sheriff's Office Central Precinct will close to public access - 03/30/15
Effective April 6th, 2015, the Clark County Sheriff's Office Central Precinct will be closed to public access.
Central Precinct, located at 11608 NE 149th Street in Brush Prairie, opened in 1995 and was intended to be a temporary location for deputies while a new precinct was built. Funding was never approved for the new location, which has since become the permanent home for about 40 deputies and one support staff. The forty-one year old building was originally constructed as a manufacturing facility, and Central Precinct occupies what used to be the office portion of that business.
Even with some cosmetic upgrades over its history, the precinct does not have a community room, waiting area, or even a public restroom. The stairwell to the second story does not meet fire codes, and the upstairs briefing room only allows for nine occupants at any one time.
While deputies will continue to meet at the precinct, the facilities are not adequate to meet the needs of the growing population that live in the area of Clark County east of Northeast 50th Avenue.
"It's important for our citizens to understand that we are not closing Central Precinct," said Undersheriff Mike Cooke. "Our deputies will continue to be based at and respond out of the Central Precinct. The facility is simply not adequate for public access."
Patrol staffing will remain unchanged, and Sheriff Atkins remains committed to providing the same level of service as before the closure. In addition, the Sheriff's Office provides the ability for citizens to use online reporting for minor offenses and the public is always encouraged to call 911 if a deputy response is needed. CCSO West Precinct, at 505 NW 179th Street, will continue to be open to walk-ins and by phone during regular business hours.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office has two locations open to the public:
CCSO Headquarters/Main Jail
707 W. 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-397-2211

CCSO West Precinct
505 NW 179th Street
Ridgefield, WA 98642
360-397-6079

*Source:  FlashAlert.net

New school calendar is available!

Planning your summer vacation or weekend getaways?  Evergreen School District has release a copy of next year's school calendar!  This is a basic edition, more will be added in the future but here's a glance at next year.

C-Tran wants to hear from you!

C-tran is proposing changes and would like to invite you to attend an open house or provide feedback by taking a brief survey.  Written comment will be accepted through 12pm on April 14, 2015.  Thanks!