January Meeting AnnouncementFirst Creek Neighbors

Help your neighbors plan improvements for our community!
Attend the monthly meeting of

First Creek Neighbors


Wednesday, January 6, 2010
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Please join us at our January meeting to plan for the coming year.

Thanks to all of our neighbors who have made

the First Creek Neighborhood safer and cleaner in 2009.

For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Puyallup Tribe Christmas Parade

After a two-year hiatus, the annual Puyallup Tribe Christmas tree lighting and lighted float parade is back to kick-off the Tribe’s holiday festivities.

This year’s event is hosted by the Community Alliance, a group of representatives from across tribal departments who aim to provide healthy, sober and gang-free events and education for everyone in the local community.

The event begins at 6 p.m. outside of Kwawachee Counseling Center, where council members will flip the switch on the lights of the Takopid Christmas tree. From there, the parade of lighted floats, created by various groups and departments within the Tribe, will depart, going down East 32nd Street to Portland Avenue, over to East 29th St. and up to ‘R’ Street, and from ‘R’ to East 30th Street.

Following the parade, spectators can gather at the Old Polish Hall on East 29th Street for refreshments and hot cocoa to warm their hands and hearts on the chilly evening.

The above information is from the Puyallup Tribal News. To read the full article visit their website: http://puyalluptribalnews.net/article/738

First Creek Neighbors are invited to join the festivities. Look for Martin and his kids and have fun. Also, envite your neighbors and any families in you know about.
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First Creek Neighbors - November Meeting Notice

Find out how you can be part of the great things happening in our community!

Attend the monthly meeting of
First Creek Neighbors

Wednesday November 4, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue


Good News: Our September Clean-up was a great success. Our 92 participants got rid of 46 tons of junk and 333 tires. We had over 30 volunteers that helped with the event. Thank you to all participants and our sponsors, the City and the Puyallup Tribe.

Link to article in The Tacoma Weekly about the Clean-up:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/3560/

We look forward to seeing you at our November meeting.
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

More good news.

Priorities for First Creek Neighbors in 2009:
* Reduce gang activity
* Clean-up the community and Creek
* Stop illegal dumping
* Suppress fireworks
* Make opportunities for community social gatherings
* Fill pot holes

Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community.
* Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.
* Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there. Also pick up trash in your neighborhood.
* Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)
* Leave your porch light on all night

Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:
* Cleaned up a Meth Lab
* Closed 16 Drug Houses
* Closed Marijuana Growing Operation
* Hauled 201 Tons of Junk
* Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
* Illegal Encampments Closed
* Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
* Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
* Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/

Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek. The creek and open space area around it is becoming a community asset and the fall is a good time to visit and see the lovely colors.

Over 50 people attended our candidates forum in October.
Don't forget to Vote before November 3rd

Scheduled Events
Citizen’s Patrol-Ongoing
Winter Ivy Removal from trees in the First Creek Open Space. Email Dan Fear at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering.
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Safety Tips from First Creek Neighbors

Hello Everyone,
Just a few tips for your information and Safety:

1. It has been reported to us that the Dometop area has had several robberies or door kick-ins. Jeanie Peterson (Hilltop Action Coalition) can tell you how to easily make your doors kick-proof if you need that information. Alarms will help and keeping doors locked even when home.

2. Keeping our porch lights on all night deter criminal activity. It only costs about $5 per year to keep that light on.

3. If you see a crime in progress call 911 and Tribal Police 680-5656.

4. If you see something suspicious call non-emergency 798-4721. If you are not sure which to call 911 and they will sort it out by priority. FYI non-emergency and 911 calls are routed to the same call center. If you’ve never attended on of the Neighborhood Patrol Academies it is a great way to gain insight and understanding into how police calls are dispatched and followed-up on.

5. Unsightly yards let criminals know that we don’t care about the neighborhood and so they feel invited to move in or rob us so, please, if you see yards or alleys piled with junk or with overgrown grass or blackberries, trash strewn about, junk vehicles, or graffiti call Tacoma Cares 591-5001.

6) Rain Tips from the City of Tacoma:
a) Keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris by using a broom or rake. Drains near street corners and low areas of streets and parking lots usually need special attention. Remember to be safe; do not wade into flooded areas.

b) Dispose of fallen leaves and other yard debris properly. City of Tacoma single-family residents can place leaves and yard debris in their brown yard waste container, compost them in their garden or take them to the Tacoma Landfill. Please do not blow leaves into the street.

c) Direct downspouts at least 10 feet away from your home or business, and make sure your gutters are clear of any debris.

d) Use landscape barriers, such as rocks (or sandbags), to prevent bark, dirt and other landscape materials from washing into the streets and clogging drains.

e) If you’re in an area where flooding is known to occur, keep sandbags on hand and put valuables in a safe place.

6. Lastly, for now, please get to know your neighbors and their children. Know who belongs in the neighborhood and who does not. Don’t allow anyone to talk their way into your home unless you call to check them out first. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious and report it even if you are not sure if you should or not. Let the professionals determine the nature of the incident.

Be safe and be happy.

Thank you,

Lena Thompson
First Creek Neighbors

Tacoma Candidates’ ForumSponsored by First Creek Neighbors

You Are Invited to Attend
A Candidates’ Forum

Sponsored by First Creek Neighbors

Wednesday October 7, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30 p.m.

Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?

* Candidates for Mayor
* Candidates for City Council Positions 4 and 6
* Candidates for School Board Positions 2 and 4

Come hear and meet the future leaders of our City and School District. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Big Community Clean-up, Saturday, September 19th, sponsored by The Puyallup Tribe , City of Tacoma and First Creek Neighbors. Time 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Location behind Puyallup Tribal Headquarters near 30th and Portland Avenue. Hazardest waste will also be accepted. Sorry, no commercial businesses or appartments, must living in the lower Portland Avenue or Roosevelt Heights areas. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083.
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First Creek Neighbors - September Meeting Notice

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday September 2, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* The City of Tacoma's Nuisance Ordinance

* September 19th Clean-up

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

• Rent an Alley light from the City of Tacoma. These lights work really well and cost less than $15.00 a mongh, call Alley Lighting at 502-8618, leave a message and they will get back to you.

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
* Closed Marijuana Growing Operation
• Hauled 155 Tons of Junk
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks and painted the posts over First Creek
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek
• Held a Community picnic at First Creek meadow (below 32nd bridge)
* Hosted Home Ownership Fair and Tour of Vacant Easide Homes
* Participated in Foreclosure Intervention Fair

Just a few of our accomplishments so far.
The more active you are in your community the more that gets done.

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Scheduled Events:

• Big Community Clean-up, Saturday, September 19th, sponsored by The Puyallup Tribe , City of Tacoma and First Creek Neighbors

* Tour of the First Creek (the actual green belt and habitat area) September 26th, at Fairbanks and First Creek, 11:00, 11:30, Noon and 12:30

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

First Creek Neighbors - August Meeting Notice

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday August 5, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* The Puyallup Tribe’s Development Plans,
Presented by Peter Mills, Project Manager for the Tribe

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

• Rent an Alley light from the City of Tacoma. These lights work really well and cost less than $15.00 a mongh, call Alley Lighting at 502-8618, leave a message and they will get back to you.

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
• 155 Tons of Junk and Garbage from First Creek & Neighborhood
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks and painted the posts over First Creek
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek
• Community picnic in First Creek (July meeting attended by 66 people).

Just a few of our accomplishments so far.
The more active you are in your community the more that gets done.

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Scheduled Events:

• School Supply Carnival-Saturday, Aug 8, 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Portland Ave. Community Center. Sponsored by World Vision.

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). August 1 and September TBD.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. August 8 and September 12

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

July Meeting Notice & Pot Luck Picnic

You Are Invited to Attend a Beach Blanket Pot Luck Picnic

Hosted by
First Creek Neighbors
Wednesday July 1, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location:
First Creek Canyon near the 32nd Street Bridge*


What you should bring?

• Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share.
(Eastside World Vision Program will furnish fried chicken)

• A blanket or folding chair to sit on (a few will be provided)

• A big smile

• Your ideas for the future of First Creek

* Enter the canyon near East 29th Street near the Emerald Queen Casino (North entrance)and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd Street Bridge. You can also enter at East Wright and East T Street.

Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to shuttle them in to the picnic area.

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083


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First Creek Neighbors Priorities for 2009 addressed at this meeting:

• Clean-up the community and Creek

• Make opportunities for community social gatherings



Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community:

• Get to know your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up litter and trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there. Also, do the same in your alley.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of unwanted household stuff. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

Visit our community blog at http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/



Scheduled Events:

• Home Buyers Fair and Tour of East Tacoma Homes - Portland Ave. Community Center-June 27th, 10:30am-4:00pm

• Technology Day Camps sponsored by WSU Extension Program throughout the summer - Portland Ave. Community Center (Free)

• Fitness Boot Camp for youth ages 12-18, Every Saturday, 10:00am-12:00, Portland Ave. Community Center. Register at the main desk of the Center (Free)

• Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at Portland Ave. Community Center

• Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at East 34th and R Street in the church lot

• Citizen’s Patrol - Ongoing

• Visit the new skateboard features 5 minutes away at McKinley Park. Take McKinley Ave. toward the Tacoma Dome. Park is on your right before you get to the Dome

• National Night Out-Tuesday, Aug. 4th. Do we want one big community party or do you want to hold smaller events on your own block? Who wants to do the planning?

First Creek Neighbors - May Meeting

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday May 6th, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* How to get the best results from a call to 911
*Things We Can Do To Achieve our 2009 Priorities

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 10 Drug Houses
• City of Tacoma 140 Tons of Junk and Garbage from First Creek
• First Creek Clean-up Removed 3 Tons of Garbage and Liter
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks where it passes over First Creek
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Media Attention
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek

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Scheduled Events:

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). Other dates are April 4, May 2, June 6, July 6 (will replace July 4 date), August 1 and September TBD.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. April 4th will be replace the April 18 date. Other dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.

• Physical Fitness Boot Camp: For youth ages 12-18. Location: Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 East Portland Avenue. Saturday's from 10-Noon. Start Date: April 18, 2009. Pre-registration is required, space limited. Contact Ben at 253 310-7896 or Frieda at 253 591-5391 for more information and to sign up.

• Eastside Clean-Sweep - Date: Saturday, May 2 at 9:00am. Meet at the Eastside School of your choice. Parents, teachers and the community will be their to help students clean up the community.

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

First Creek Neighbors - April Meeting

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday April 1st, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* Needs of Eastside Youth
* Opportunities for Eastside Youth

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 10 Drug Houses
• Hauled 25 Tons of Junk and 218 Tires
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Media Attention
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek

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Scheduled Events:

• April 4th, First Creek Spring Clean-up and Ivy Removal, plus Community Celebration, Meet at East 34th and R Street or Fairbanks and First Creek. Work party 9-Noon, Celebration and Barbeque Noon to 1:30pm. We're looking for teams and groups, also RSVP needed for food count. Contact Dan Fear at 425 260-4991 or email him at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). Other dates are April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11 (will replace July 4 date), August 1 and September TBD.

• Physical Fitness Boot Camp: For youth ages 12-18. Location: Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 East Portland Avenue. Saturday's from 10-Noon. Start Date: April 18, 2009. Pre-registration is required, space limited. Contact Ben at 253 310-7896 or Frieda at 253 591-5391 for more information and to sign up.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. April 4th will be replace the April 18 date. Other dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.

• Eastside Clean-Sweep - Date: Saturday, May 2 at 9:00am. Meet at the Eastside School of your choice. Parents, teachers and the community will be their to help students clean up the community.

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

First Creek Neighbors - March Meeting

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday March 4, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* Priorities for 2009
* Strategies to achieve our priorities

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 10 Drug Houses
• Hauled 25 Tons of Junk and 218 Tires
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Media Attention
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek

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Scheduled Events:

• March 14th, Foreclosure Prevention Workshop, Evergreen Community College - 1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma, 10:00am-6:00pm. For more information or to Register call: 1-800-368 1455

• April 4th, First Creek Spring Clean-up and Ivy Removal, plus Community Celebration, Meet at East 34th and R Street or Fairbanks and First Creek. Work party 9-Noon, Celebration and Barbeque Noon to 1:30pm. We're looking for teams and groups, also RSVP needed for food count. Contact Dan Fear at 425 260-4991 or email him at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com

• Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at Portland Ave. Community Center

• Creek Clean-up: Third Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at East 34th and R St. church lot

• Citizen’s Patrol

For more information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

Foreclosure Intervention Workshop

TACOMA/PIERCE COUNTY HOMEOWNERS:

FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION WORKSHOP

Learn how to stop foreclosure now!

SATURDAY
March 14th, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Registration begins at 9:00am

Evergreen College - Tacoma Campus
1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma

Are your mortgage payments increasing? Are you worried about losing your home? Did you get a loan you can’t afford or didn’t understand? Do you feel like you were misled by professionals who helped you get your loan? Has your income been reduced?

Come to this FREE seminar and learn about the foreclosure process, income tax issues in foreclosure, safe refinance products and more. Know your legal rights and options.

Bring your loan documents! Certified Mortgage Counselors and Loan modification representatives will be available to discuss options for your mortgage.

ORGANIZED BY:
City of Tacoma Safe and Clean Team; Improving Livability through Homeownership

Supporting Community Organizations;
HomeSight, United Way of Tacoma/Pierce County; Tacoma/Pierce County Asset Building Coalition; Tacoma and Pierce County Housing Authorities; Tacoma/Pierce County Association of Realtors; Consumer Counseling NW, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and numerous other businesses and organizations.

For more information or to Register call:
1-800-368-1455

First Creek Neighborhood Clean-UpSaturday, February 14th, 9-Noon

FIRST CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP

Please join us on Saturday February 14th, 9 to Noon as we help clean up First Creek.

We will be focusing our efforts on cleaning up the lower creek wetlands and hillside just below East 34th Street. It will be fun, some hard work and it will help make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. We’ll primarily be picking up small paper and trash that the city clean-up crews did not get. Recently, the city removed 53 tons of trash from the hillsides above First Creek. And, they will be removing more this week, so let’s support their efforts and show them we care about of neighborhood.

Bring heavy gloves (leather recommended)
Wear sturdy work boots.

When: Saturday morning February 14th, 9 to Noon
Where: Church Parking lot at 34th and East “R” Street.

Please call Dan Fear, 425 260-4991, if you need additional info.

Tour First Creek - Saturday Morning February 7th

A tour of the First Creek will be held this Saturday, February 7th. Join us to learn about this historical creek/watershed and to discover its beauty. The tour will last approximately two hours, and we'll be exploring three areas of the creek. The lower wetlands between the Emerald Queen Casino and 34th, middle area near Fairbanks, and the upper creek area between Lister Elementary School and the new First Creek Middle School.

First Creek between Fairbanks and 34th

Tour starts at 10:00 a.m. Portland Avenue Community Center and we'll leave from there. Hiking boats are recommended but not required, you might also bring gloves and a camera.

What: Tour of First Creek
When: Saturday, February 7th, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 Portland AVE)

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Also, the First Creek Neighbors community group has scheduled a clean-up of the lower creek area for Saturday, February 14th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The work party will meet at 34th and East "R" Street, bring your gloves and help the community to clean up this beautiful area.

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Neighborhood Improvements - Working Together

On Sunday morning November 31st, a small group of First Creek Neighbors got together to help another neighbor. Two months later, the results are in and the property is much better. Neighbors helping neighbors to make our community better. Here're a few before and after pictures of the cleanup on East Wright. This is just one example of how changes are happening and our neighborhood is cleaner and safer.





To get more involved with First Creek Neighbors (lower Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Heights) join us at our monthly meeting. It's held the first Wednesday of the month, starts at 6:30, location the Portland Avenue Community Center.

We're planning several cleanup days over the next three months.
For more information call (253) 405-9007

First Creek Neighbors - February Meeting

You Are Invited to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting of
First Creek Neighbors
Wednesday February 4th, 2008
6:30 pm-8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue


Who will be there?
· First Creek Neighbors
· Tacoma Police Department
· Puyallup Tribal Police
· City Code Enforcement
· Many Others!!!


What Will We Discuss?
Eastside Gang Activity
Priorities for 2009*


2008 priorities and accomplishments.
Priorities Set At First Meeting In June 2008:
· Gang activity
· Illegal dumping
· Fireworks suppression
· Public defecation
· Overgrown vegetation
· Junk vehicles
· Pot holes

Should these priorities be revised? If so, what changes should we make? Be prepared with your suggestions.


Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:
· Cleaned up a Meth Lab
· Closed 8 Drug Houses
· Hauled 25 Tons of Junk and 218 Tires
· Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
· Illegal Encampments Closed
· Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
· Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
· Our Own Blog
· Media Attention
· Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek
· Resolution passed by Puyallup Tribe in support of Puyallup Tribe/City collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek


Current Projects:
· Blackberry Encampments
· Speed Racers
· Public Drunkenness
· Public Urination & Defecation
· Prostitution
· Drug Activity
· Gangs & Graffiti
· Stewardship Plan for First Creek

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call (253) 405-9007