News and announcements (new posts)

stolen bonsai: Re: stolen bonsai

Mon, 18 May 2009 03:09:31 +0000

I recently had most of my bonsai collection stolen. Can we get together and brainstorm about who may have taken our bonsai? I may have a lead and wonder if we had similar circumstances. I think you can contact me via my e-mail.

Cameras at Cal Anderson: ACLU Opposes Proposal for Surveillance Cameras in Parks

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:09:24 +0000

This issue is on the front page of the ACLU Washington's web site.

According to the ACLU the recent guidelines voted in by the Seattle City Council states the community should have a 30 day comment period before cameras are installed.
Obviously Cal Anderson park is grandfathered in but I believe the community should have a say.

If you don't mind the cameras installed, by default you don't have to do anything.
If you do mind, recommend you check out the ACLU's site which has drafted a citizens letter to send to the council.
http://www.aclu-wa.org/
Either way, this is an effective way of getting your voice heard.

ACLU Opposes Proposal for Surveillance Cameras in Parks
"Installation of police surveillance cameras would put the activities of law-abiding park users under the watchful eye of government and would not deter crime. A proposed Seattle ordinance lacks safeguards against misuse.
The police surveillance cameras will record people’s lawful activities in Seattle city parks, including attendance at political rallies and Pride events, and associating with friends. People are less free to act, speak, and associate with others when their activities are under the watchful eyes of the government.
Instead of spending valuable city resources on cameras, the city should focus on more effective alternatives that reduce crime and don’t intrude on our privacy, such as community policing and better lighting in parks.
… We need lights, not cameras - read our Technology & Liberty Blog. Take action! Email the Seattle City Council now."

Will the cameras deter park attendance? For some they already have.
Despite the safety guidelines and assurances we all know there is room for abuse.
Capitol Hill and Cal Anderson park should not be used as guinea pigs for cameras that violate civil liberties and at the very least the community should have had a say.

stolen bonsai: Re: stolen bonsai

Sun, 04 May 2008 17:27:06 +0000

Very cool!

Everyone should note this moment: The internet was used to do something worthwhile!

Cameras at Cal Anderson: Re: Cameras at Cal Anderson

Sun, 04 May 2008 04:30:42 +0000

Yes, residents should expect a level of privacy in public parks. I agree with the ACLU and
will repost what the ACLU of Washington said:

"The ACLU of Washington opposes installation of video surveillance cameras in our city park for three reasons:

1) People living in a free society have the reasonable expectation that they can be present in public spaces without the fear of government surveillance or tracking.

2) Video cameras are not discrete: they constantly record the innocent, lawful activities of people enjoying our public spaces along with the few illegal acts of the smallnumber of individuals who commit crimes in view of the cameras.

3) Research has shown that video surveillance does not stop or deter crime and is awaste of resources that could be spent on more effective alternatives that reducecrime and protect our privacy, such as community policing.Additionally, the current proposal fails to ensure that the privacy of innocent park users willbe protected if the cameras are installed. The proposal lacks accountability, fails to preventthe misuse of recorded images, and does not provide for an independent third partyevaluation of the effectiveness of the project in reducing crime.

1) Ensure Accountability - Watch the WatchersVideo cameras can be misused by the operators to monitor specific classes of people such asyoung people, people of color or pretty woman. The City must require clear guidelinesgoverning access to the archived video footage such as requiring a court order or warrantprior to viewing. The City must also require a reliable mechanism for monitoring andauditing who accesses the cameras in real time, who accesses the recorded and stored video images and to ensure that such access is lawful and not abused.
- April 22, 2008
To:Members of the Seattle City Council Parks and Seattle Center Committee
Fr:Jennifer Shaw, Legislative Director, ACLU of Washington
Re:Video Surveillance Cameras in City Parks: Council Bill Number 116188

Cameras at Cal Anderson: Re: Cameras at Cal Anderson

Sun, 04 May 2008 01:27:42 +0000

I'm a bit confused. Did you just say that you expect privacy when you are out in public? Is that not a contradiction?

Cameras at Cal Anderson: Cameras at Cal Anderson

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:55:19 +0000

Mayor Greg Nickels despite the Seattle City Council's objections installed three video surveillance cameras installed at Cal Anderson Park.
I don't believe the Capitol Hill Community ever got a say in any of this.
Is there a violation of privacy involved?
From Capitol Hill Times:
…."It's not solving the crime problem in any sense," said Doug Honig, communications director for the Washington state American Civil Liberties Union. He said if anything video cameras move crime rather than reduce it. ..The problem with video cameras is that they record the innocent activities of citizens," Honig said. "When people are out in public, they should have a reasonable expectation of privacy."

stolen bonsai: Re: stolen bonsai

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:46:05 +0000

Thanks, Joe. I took a walk past the house and the trees weren't mine, but it did give me the opportunity to talk with the owner and let him know about my trees being stolen. He said he would move his so they might avoid a similar fate as mine. He was really cool, he actually gave me one of his trees so I could start over on my collection. It made my day! Karma is real.

stolen bonsai: Re: stolen bonsai

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:08:39 +0000

While walking my dog, I noticed four or five bonsais on a porch on 20th, just north of Denny (maybe 1/3 of the way down, no noticeable address posted.) They do look very similar to the ones above.

I have no idea if they'd been there all the times I've passed by, but happened to notice due to the post about this on CapitolHillSeattle. No idea if they're yours, but maybe worth a look?

Joe

stolen bonsai: Re: stolen bonsai

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:17:33 +0000

What neighborhood area are you located in?
If there is a better idea of the area, locals may have seen something.

stolen bonsai: stolen bonsai

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:23:42 +0000

"Text a Crime" Anonymous Tip Program: "Text a Crime" Anonymous Tip Program

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:22:11 +0000

Seattle PI reported this new program several weeks ago. Boston and Cincinnati are already using this program with great success.
Everybody and their brother now owns a cell phone and are
the hundreds of eyes and ears of the community.
See a crime? Report it. They think witnesses will feel more safe texting a message from a crime scene rather than
be seen calling the police.
I think if more people added this to their
cell phone numbers we would see a
dramatic decrease in crime and I think this program might be better than the video cameras at Cal Anderson Park.
Anonymous way to report a crime and tip without fear.

http://www.crimestoppers-ps.com/pages.php/1092
Dial CRIMES, or 274637
Start a new text using "Tip486", then add a space and tip details.
You receive an alias number which can be used to check for rewards if your tip leads to an arrest.
Crime Stoppers suggests then tipsters delete their tip for their own safety.

Yeh, I think I can embrace this.