Hoopfest brings kids out to play
The kids are out practicing for this weekend’s Hoopfest basketball tournament, and with court space at a premium, drivers are likely to find b-ballers in the streets.
Though it’s illegal to place portable basketball hoops and skateboard ramps in Spokane’s streets, many kids still use the blacktop in front of their homes to play.
“We don’t have the resources to actively look for basketball hoops or skateboard ramps in the streets, so we typically only go out on complaints,” said Scott Egger, Spokane’s Street Department director.
Using such equipment in the street is legal in unincorporated Spokane County and the city of Spokane Valley.
But children and drivers need to be very careful.
“It’s not a safe place for kids,” said Anna Matthews, a health educator with the Spokane Regional Health District.
The district doesn’t have a particular program to discourage children from playing in the streets, but Matthews said it does urge kids to obey traffic rules and wear helmets while biking or skateboarding.
Better places for kids to play are parks, playgrounds or yards, Matthews said, adding that nothing beats parental supervision.
“You would hope that if there are responsible adults in the household they wouldn’t let their kids play in the dangerous location,” Egger said.
Reader pet peeve
Getting There reader Amy Mickelson called to remind people that it’s illegal to block the sidewalk with a parked car.
As someone who walks frequently, Mickelson said she often has to walk in the street because someone has parked a rig in her path.
Guess some drivers just think they should be able to park anywhere. Here’s the question, though: Which is worse, blocking the sidewalk or parking in the front yard?
Fuel futures
The average Washington family will spend $225 more on gas this summer than last, according to a recently released report from some of Washington’s congressional delegation.
That’s because prices are hovering at about 70 cents higher per gallon than this time last year.
“In order to bring prices down, we need to open the books of America’s petroleum industry so that we can have a full understanding of what is actually going on in gas markets and of what we can do to lower prices,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell in a press release about the study.
If Congress can figure that out, here’s another job for them: Figure out what that rattle is underneath the car hood.
Ever heard of a bus?
The state is allowing drivers with suspended licenses greater flexibility to continue driving.
In addition to allowing driving to and from work, a new law passed by the Legislature allows suspended drivers to use the new occupational/restricted license to get to and from health care, perform a trade that requires operating a motor vehicle, go to school, attend substance abuse treatment, attend job training or provide care to a dependent.
What, no provision for driving to and from the bar?
Help us, Dale
Local transportation advocate Dale Stedman was elected last week as chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission.
Stedman was appointed to the commission last year after years as the local president of AAA.
Glad to know that someone familiar with Eastern Washington’s traffic problems is in charge over in Olympia.
Fair warning
The Spokane Police Department’s traffic unit will be conducting emphasis patrols this week near Manito Park.
Remember the speed limit there is 20 mph and you need to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Not getting there
Government Way will be slow going from Hartson to the Sunset Highway this week as water main work requires the street to be reduced to one lane in each direction.
On Spokane’s South Hill, 29th will be closed today and Tuesday from Glenrose to Havana while the city builds a new sewer line.
Repairs on Highway 21 between Keller Ferry and Republic will mean loose gravel and oil as well as some single-lane traffic delays starting Thursday.