Both sons of my neighbor came over to apologize for the actions of their friend, “Mr. Chainsaw”. They assured me that they had not given him permission to cut the wood on my property, and they were angry that he had lied and reflected poorly on them.

One son called Mr. Chainsaw over to my house. He stood at my front door and apologized. He also agreed to come do storm damage cleanup and hauling for a couple of days, under my supervision and with one of the neighbors, to make amends and as compensation for the loss in value of the cypress he had cut up. In addition, he returned the two huge rounds of wood that he had cut off the 6 foot log.

Here’s her original Letter, first posted on Jan. 22:

The fee quoted by the arborist to remove the tree was enough to make anyone’s jaw drop onto the snowy ground. But it was mid-afternoon and getting dark. I had a tree on my roof and needed to get it off. And I was still on stun.

“Fine. Get the tree off the roof.” And that’s all he did for the price, taking full advantage of a bad situation. Removal and cleanup would have been an added fee. The urgency of my situation formed dollar signs in the eyes of the arborist.

The second tree, at the road, was brought down at no charge by Seattle City Light because of the danger it posed to the neighborhood’s lines. The crew was courteous and generous, welcome attitudes after the arborist’s pushy greed the day before. The 100 ft. trunk was cut into manageable pieces and dropped into a pile on the side of my property. The base of the trunk was left at a 6 ft. length, and lay in my lower parking area. I figured that all of this could be dealt with in a day or two, after the snow and ice melted.

The next afternoon, I was talking to a local artist that offered to buy that 6 ft. length of cypress for a commercial project she was working on. We measured it, and brainstormed about potential ways to integrate the wood into her project. She’d come by in a day or two, with a truck and some help, to pick up the heavy piece of wood.

An hour later, now dark, I heard a chainsaw droning on and on. I thought, “who in the world is using a chainsaw this late?” Then I realized the sound seemed to be coming from where the cypress log lay.

I flew out the door and to the road and won’t repeat the expletives that came out of my mouth. The cypress trunk was now only 4 feet long. Mr. Chainsaw was standing on my property, under the street lamp, making firewood out of my wood that had been destined for an art piece. Technically, doesn’t this amount to trespassing and attempted theft?

Mr. Chainsaw said that my neighbors across the street had told him he could cut and take it. Really? Couldn’t he (shouldn’t he) have come knocking on my door to ask politely, “Excuse me, but will you be using the wood from your tree that came down? May I cut it and take it?”

And, what were my neighbors thinking in granting permission that they had no right to grant?

We have all heard reports of post-disaster looting and artificially-high rates for repair and cleanup. It seems to me that after we’ve all endured snow, ice, power outages, downed trees, property damage, loss of work, etc., we should more readily offer generosity, respect… and lawfulness. An urgent situation does not grant license to forego courtesy and propriety! We will not be united through greed and opportunism.

My experience due to the downing of my trees gave me a glimpse into a “darkside” viewpoint. Fortunately, that glimpse was contrasted by the many offers of help, and by a plate of fresh-baked cookies brought over by my elder neighbors, an enduring sweet spot in the middle of a sour-tasting time.

– Maureen Hoffmann

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Be sure to try and view the video full screen; here are some things to look for:

• Around the :16-second mark note how some enterprising, hardy neighbors put two bar stools out to sit and enjoy the weather!
• Around :38, the road either gets plowed, or perhaps shoveled…?
• Around :48, there’s proof that the storm didn’t stop the Postal Carrier.
• Toward the end someone left a plant watering can out.
• What else do you see? Please leave a Comment below!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burien Parks sent out the following Tweet Friday morning, Jan. 20, which included the photo above of a downed tree blocking the road to Seahurst Park:

Seahurst Park in #Burien is closed to the public today due to road conditions and downed trees.

The National Weather Service issued a ‘Freezing Fog Advisory‘ Sunday afternoon, warning residents to be careful on the roads, as visibility will be low and the roads may be icy.

The Weather Peeps say that conditions may be hazardous through 10 a.m. Monday morning (Dec. 12).

Here’s the full statement:

… Freezing fog advisory in effect from 10 PM this evening to 10 am PST Monday…

* Visibility… local visibilities below a half mile in fog.

* Temperatures… widespread temperatures at or below freezing tonight.

* Timing… late this evening through mid morning on Monday.

* Impacts… areas of freezing mist and fog may cause ice to form in spots on roadways… bridges… and sidewalks overnight.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A freezing fog advisory means visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one quarter mile. If driving… slow down… use your headlights… and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. Also… be alert for frost on bridge decks causing slippery roads.

First Ave South after a 2008 snow.

by Jack Mayne

Residents of the Burien area who work in Seattle must remember the snowstorm of 2008, when even some arterials were clogged with snow on which Seattle city crews dumped dirt and basically tied up the city for several days.

Some believe the storm and the traffic mess it created ended the career of then-Mayor Greg Nickels.

The current Seattle mayor has had a rocky first year in office, but he has definitely not forgotten the lesson Nickels learned too late: Keep the streets clear so businesses can operate and citizens can get to work.

It looks like another La Niña year, when colder than usual temperatures are expected, so Mayor Mike McGinn has announced Seattle is prepared for another season and winter storm plans are readied, salt stockpiled and equipment prepped.

“If tested by colder temperatures and more precipitation, we are ready to respond and keep arterial streets clear,” said McGinn. “Across city departments and in coordination with other agencies, we have completed our winter response preparations and stand ready to act.”

McGinn said the city has a new Winter Weather Response webpage, which allows residents to track where plows have been and check current street conditions. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will activate the website during snowstorms. It will include a map of winter weather routes; provide plow data for the previous one-, three- and 12-hour periods; and display nearby traffic cameras. Residents will be able to access the website via SDOT’s homepage: www.seattle.gov/transportation/.

McGinn said the aim is to keep major roads open, buses moving and critical emergency services accessible during snow and ice storms. In line with industry best practices, SDOT will stay ahead of storms by pre-treating streets with salt brine before snow falls to reduce snow’s ability to stick to streets and using salt during storms to melt snow more quickly. The plan, which has been used with success over the past two winter seasons, was designed in consultation with emergency services, transit providers and key partners such as area hospitals.

The city has 26 plows and four anti-icing/de-icing trucks ready to respond. The department has stockpiled 2,200 tons of salt and 46,500 gallons of salt brine and has already conducted a full exercise with its plow fleet.

Other storm season enhancements include implementing Snow Watch, a new weather tool that tracks and forecasts snowfall at the neighborhood level, converting to a more effective salt brine solution (magnesium chloride) for anti-icing and de-icing work, and completing internal agreements to provide SDOT’s snow fleet with additional drivers from other departments if needed.

With an emphasis on emergency response during winter storms, the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Fire Department have snow chains ready and alternate response routes planned so personnel can effectively respond to emergency and general calls during adverse weather.

Businesses and residents are reminded of their responsibility to shovel sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Clear walkways are important for safe pedestrian travel across neighborhoods during and after storms. Residents should prepare before the winter season by purchasing a snow shovel and salt to keep their sidewalks clear.

If you don’t recall what the Seattle area turns into (and drivers go through) during a snowstorm, here are some video reminders:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Just when we thought it was all over, the National Weather Service issued a “Winter Weather Advisory” Saturday afternoon (Feb. 26th) warning us that “snowfall accumulations of a trace to 2 inches are expected from tonight through Sunday morning.”

This alert is for the I-5 corridor stretching from Lewis to King counties, and it’s in effect from 7pm tonight until 9am Sunday morning.

Here’s the statement in its entirety:

Statement as of 3:23 PM PST on February 26, 2011

… Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 7 PM this evening to 9 am PST Sunday…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the I-5 corridor of Lewis… Thurston… Pierce and King counties for snow… which is in effect from 7 PM this evening to 9 am PST Sunday.

* Some affected locations… Chehalis… Centralia… Olympia… Tacoma… Federal Way… Seattle and Bremerton.

* Accumulations… snowfall accumulations of a trace to 2 inches are expected from tonight through Sunday morning.

* Timing… areas of snow are expected to expand this evening. Snow will gradually mix with or change to rain at lower elevations from late evening on but might remain as snow on higher hills through Sunday morning.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow… sleet… or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities… and use caution while driving.

Here’s the forecast for the next week:

Tonight: Snow. Low around 34. South southwest wind between 11 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday: Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 10am. Snow level 400 feet rising to 1000 feet. High near 42. South southwest wind between 14 and 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night: Rain showers before 4am, then rain and snow showers. Snow level 1100 feet. Low around 35. South southwest wind between 10 and 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday: Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 10am. Snow level 500 feet. High near 41. South southeast wind between 7 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night: Rain showers likely before 10pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 500 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 34. South southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all rain after 10am. Snow level rising to 800 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday: Showers. Cloudy, with a high near 45.

Wednesday Night: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 700 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 36.

Thursday: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level rising to 800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

Thursday Night: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 1000 feet lowering to 400 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level rising to 900 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 45.

Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 39.

Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46.

One easy way to see if the Weather Wonks are correct is to check out our collection of webcams from around the area:

Wag the Dog Dogcam #2:

In order to understand your rights when slid into by another car, we checked with our local Burien legal-beagle and BTB advertiser W. Tracy Codd to see what you can do. Here’s his advice:

During the winter, local streets, freeways and highways become especially dangerous. Auto accidents become more frequent, and often times these accidents involve injuries that can have a long lasting impact.

If you are involved in an auto accident, the time period immediately after the accident is a critical time for documenting your personal injury claim. The importance of gathering evidence, talking to witnesses on the scene and taking photographs is important.

Here is a checklist of the information you will need to document your claim properly. This checklist may be used to organize your information, which you will eventually use to discuss your claim with an insurance company or turn over to your lawyer who is handling your auto accident case.

Information from the accident scene
Always make sure you get a copy of the police report from the investigating agency. If the Washington State Patrol investigated the accident, a written application and $9.50 fee is required. The $9.50 fee is non-refundable whether a record is found or not. The Washington State Patrol accepts checks and money orders through the mail.

If you have internet access, Please go to www.wsp.wa.gov, then “Hot Topics” on the right hand side of the page, and select “Collision Reports”. At the top of the page, select the link to the form Request for Copy of Collision Report. Complete and print the form, attach the $9.50 fee and mail or bring it into our office.

• Information about the driver including name, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate number, insurance company name and policy number.
• Take photographs at the scene of the crash including any visual evidence of your injuries, vehicle damage and of the scene in general.

Information after the accident

• Medical costs including doctor visits, prescriptions, diagnostic and lab tests, medications (prescription and over-the-counter), physical therapy, chiropractic
• Services. Make sure you make a note of dates, times and amounts charged as well as the reason for seeing the medical providers.
• Record work time lost as a result of injuries. Include time you had to take off for medical treatments and your lack of ability to function properly at work because of your injuries. It would also help to get a letter from your employer confirming your lost pay and lost time. If you are a student, make sure you record school time lost. Also document your inability to continue with school work as you did prior to the crash.
• Try and contact witnesses. Obtain their contact information.
• Document pain, discomfort, emotional distress, mental anguish, exhaustion and inconveniences caused by your injuries. You would be well-advised to keep a daily log or journal documenting your thoughts and how you feel each day. Also record what effect your injuries have had on your everyday life, activities and relationships.
• List property damage, specifically car repair estimates and other related bills.
• Keep track of out-of-pocket expenses – be it for medical care or to fix your car.
• This is very important – Keep copies of all documents, bills and medical records.

Remember, under no circumstances should you hand over your documents to an insurance adjuster or attorney for the other side. This could be used against you, very likely, to minimize the value of your claim. Consult an
experienced Washington car accident attorney, who will be able to guide you efficiently through what can be an extremely complex legal process.

Burien Attorney W. Tracy Codd has been representing persons involved in serious auto accidents since 1987. Call for a free consultation.

Phone: 206-248-6152 Email: wtcodd@comcast.net

Snow finally fell on the Burien area Wednesday night, and as of midnight, at least three inches were on the ground near sea level in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood, with large flakes still falling slowly.

The National Weather Service switched its “Winter Storm Warning” over to a “Winter Weather Advisory,” which will be in effect until 10am Thursday morning, and are telling us that “snow accumulations of 1 or 2 inches are likely tonight as snow showers continue to move into western Washington. Another inch or two may fall Thursday morning.”

There’s a 90% chance of snow overnight, and an 80% chance Thursday.

The Weather Peeps are also predicting some much colder temps over the next few days, so get your boots and gloves out and find that old sled in the shed, ‘cuz it’s going to be icy and slick.

Here’s the latest advisory:

Statement as of 7:43 PM PST on February 23, 2011

… Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 10 am PST Thursday for the southwest interior… Seattle/Bremerton area… Tacoma area… lower Chehalis valley area… north coast… and central coast…

… Winter Storm Warning is cancelled for the southwest interior… Seattle/Bremerton area… Tacoma area… lower Chehalis valley area… north coast… and central coast…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the southwest interior… Seattle/Bremerton area… Tacoma area… lower Chehalis valley area… north coast… and central coast… for snow… which is in effect until 10 am PST Thursday. The Winter Storm Warning has been cancelled.

* Some affected locations… Seattle… Bremerton… Tacoma… Puyallup… Olympia… Forks… and Hoquiam.

* Accumulations… snow accumulations of 1 or 2 inches are likely tonight as snow showers continue to move into western Washington. Another inch or two may fall Thursday morning.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow… sleet… or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities… and use caution while driving.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Overnight: Snow showers. Low around 27. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Thursday: Snow showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 33. North northwest wind between 6 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North northeast wind around 17 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. North northeast wind between 7 and 11 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northeast wind between 3 and 7 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

SNOWFLAKE PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Wagner

The National Weather Service is warning everyone that there’s a 60% chance of some snow this Thursday (Feb. 17th), with the snow level projected to be around 200 feet.

The snow level is predicted to drop to just 100 feet on Friday, with a chance of the white stuff set at 50%.

But don’t get too excited, as only “new snow accumulation of less that half an inch (is) possible,” according to their website. Also, highs should get up around 40, meaning whatever falls will likely melt away.

However, University of Washington Meteorology Professor Cliff Mass says on his blog:

Yes, there is plenty of uncertainty, but folks let me assure you…this is a pattern to worry about.

Things should dry up on Saturday, but then the chance of snow returns Sunday and continues through Tuesday of next week.

Here’s the prognostication as of Tuesday, Feb. 15th at 4pm:

Thursday: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 200 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night: Rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 100 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Washington’s Birthday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

Monday Night: A chance of rain showers. Snow level 800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.