Update: Tacoma Power

A lot has been happening in our neighborhood lately. I apologize about being a little slow to pass this information along. Look for several new posts in the next few days.


Issues regarding Tacoma Power: They've threatened several times to shut our power off. Thankfully, Jim has been able to work with them to keep that from happening (for now at least). There has been a discrepancy in which laws are to be followed when it comes to the money they are owed. Tacoma Power believes they are to adhere to state law (which would be in their favor), but we believe they are to adhere to federal law (which would be in our favor). Jim has been in contact with their legal team and is trying to work out a solution. For now, it's looking like each homeowner may be responsible for a small portion of the outstanding bill (about $9.48 for each home), and the banks will be responsible for the rest. In all, Tacoma Power is stating that Grand Firs owes over $3600.

Thank You

This is a couple weeks overdue, but it's better to be late than never. A handful of neighbors recently spent several hours cleaning up the common area along 231st. They cleaned up debris, mowed, etc. and it looks wonderful.

Lee and Trudy (and kids), Pat, Lisa, Mike (and son).... thank you so much for the hard work. If I'm leaving anyone out, I'm really sorry.

Luckily we've had a cold spring which has kept the grass growth slow. However, as the temperature starts to warm up, we're going to need to get a group together to handle our landscaping for this year (or until we get control of the HOA and can hire a landscape crew).

Any volunteers to help get something together?

Community Garage Sale - This Weekend

Just a quick reminder that this weekend several neighbors in Grand Firs will be holding garage sales (Friday-Saturday, 9am-4pm). The gates will be open both days.

Recent Central Park Damage

Well...here we go again! The park play system has been vandalised, and who ever did it was able to pull eight or so wooden planks off of one of the platforms used to climb up to the slide and monkey bars. I was able to see first hand all of the damage done, after seeing some of the kids at the park running and chasing one another with these planks. Let me just add how dangerous this is, considering each piece of wood has 4 or so screws sticking out both ends.
Just a reminder for parents whose children frequent the neighborhood parks...PLEASE inform your kids that breaking things maliciously is NEVER okay, and if they are caught doing so...parents will be notified immediately. So, a heads up to all the neighborhood parents...there is wood, and nails thrown about at the park. To avoid your children from a potentially serious injury...advise them to just leave them alone, and to avoid the kids who think it's a good idea to swing them at one another.
Some children doing the damage were caught in the act by a couple of neighbors, but I believe are just trying to figure out where they live.

Six-Digit Gate Code

Just a heads-up... some neighbors probably know this already, but it's news to me. To use your six-digit entry code for the gate, you must hit the "key" button once, and then follow with the six digits. If you don't hit the "key" button, you'll end up dialing your home phone. I've never used our six-digit code so I didn't know this. Otherwise I would have made sure to include this information on the sheet that was delivered door-to-door.

Hope this clears up any confusion! Thank you to the couple of neighbors who emailed to point this problem out.

More Gate Stuff

Sorry in advance... this is another long post.

As everyone probably knows by now, the gate information was re-programmed over the weekend. Notices were placed on each door to let people know about the change. If your information is incorrect, please email grandfirs@hotmail.com so we can get it changed. So far all feedback has been positive, and I'm so thankful that everyone has been patient and understanding during the switch.


Just a couple of reminders... when someone calls your home from the gate, your caller ID will show "Grand Firs Gate". Press 9 from your phone to open the gate. Chris was able to get the callbox speaker working, but the volume is pretty low so it's hard to hear. We've tried to adjust the volume but haven't been successful. We may need to buy a new speaker when funds are available. And there is an LED fixture that lights the keypad but it is broken. The part costs roughly $140 so we'll need to wait on fixing it.

We're in the process of notifying UPS, milk man, utility companies, etc. of the new codes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be an easy process for those who provide services to our neighborhood.

***Regarding emergencies: If you call the police, give the 911 dispatcher your 6-digit code so the cops can enter. Fire and medical services are able to gain entry by flashing their strobes at the sensor.


One last thing... I've talked to a lot of people in the neighborhood regarding the gate being open for the new builder. Most people seem to be comfortable with the gate being open on weekends. Jim and I have been in contact with people from the Mahan team, and for now the gates will be open on Saturdays/Sundays. We're trying our best to compromise while keeping everyone happy.

Thanks again for being so patient!

Cub Scout Food Drive

"Cub Scout Pack 621 will be participating in a Scouting for Food Drive.
We have picked our neighborhood along with several neighborhood along 86th Ave. The group of boys along with parents will be coming through our neighborhood Saturday March 13th with door hangers and will be collecting the food the following Saturday March 20th. We will be giving the food to Holy Disciplines Catholic Food Bank. Thanks for you support. If you have any questions you can call me. 253-655-5007.
Tricia Garber"

Grass piles

A couple of neighbors decided they were going to take advantage of the beautiful weather today by raking and picking up loose branches along the fence line off of 231st Ave. Ct. E. . If you drive down this road, you will notice little grass piles by the sidewalk, and down by the fence itself. The two volenteers were wondering if anyone with a truck bed was interested in helping out by picking up the grass and disguarding of it. Maybe in an empty lot perhaps? If this is something you are able to do, please let us know. Of course, it would be greatly appreciated. And thanks again ladies...

Next Clean-Up Party

After conferring with a couple of neighbors, we'd like to try for another work party during the weekend of March 13-14.

Saturday, March 13:
-Branch/debris removal along 231st.
-Flag removal along 86th fenceline. If you live in one of those homes, the crew will need access to your backyard for a few minutes. If you're able to remove the flags yourself, just leave them in front of your house and the crew can pick them up.

Sunday, March 14:
-Lawn mowing (and edging if needed). Are you or your teenager willing to mow a section of common area lawn?
-Help with removal of grass clipppings. Is anyone opposed to spreading the clippings in an empty lot? It's great for keeping the weeds down!
-Help with sidewalk cleanup (anyone have a blower?).

If you are available to work on one or both days, please leave a comment (with your availability) so we know how many to expect. Thank you SO MUCH for your help!

Community Garage Sale

Based on feedback, April 9-11 has been picked as the weekend for the community garage sale. Two households have committed so far. It would be great to get 8-10 homes (or more) involved!

Jim has sandwich boards that can be placed at the entrance to help us advertise, and Tricia has offered to place an ad on Craigslist and in the newspaper (we can figure out how to split the cost as the date approaches).

If enough homeowners commit, I don't see why we couldn't open the gates for the event. As long as it's a community-wide effort, I'm doubting anyone would have an issue with it.