General Info

Big Kitty Cat Sighting

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There are reports of a Timberton resident encountering a mountain lion on the street near the guardrail on Timber Ridge early Friday (22 Mar 2024) morning while walking their dog. The lion was scared away by loud noises and the throwing of rocks, according to a second-hand report.

Mountain lions are not uncommon in this area, and have a wide ranging area. But it might be useful to be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking alone or with your small animals. And to ensure your pets are kept inside at all times. Also, ensure that you do not leave any pet food outside your residence.

This guidance might also be helpful:

Encountering a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in an urban area can be a rare but potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps to follow if you encounter a mountain lion in an urban area in Washington state:

1. **Stay Calm**: If you see a mountain lion, try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Mountain lions are solitary animals and will generally avoid confrontations with humans if given the opportunity.

2. **Do Not Approach**: Keep your distance from the mountain lion and do not approach it. Give the animal space and try to move away slowly and calmly without turning your back on it.

3. **Make Yourself Look Big**: If the mountain lion approaches you or acts aggressively, try to make yourself appear larger by standing tall, raising your arms, and waving them slowly. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one to make yourself appear larger.

4. **Make Noise**: Mountain lions may be deterred by loud noises and yelling. If you have a whistle or other noise-making device, use it to scare away the animal. Do not run, as this may trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts.

5. **Back Away Slowly**: If the mountain lion does not leave or continues to approach you, slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the animal. Do not turn your back on it or run, as this may trigger a chase response.

6. **Protect Yourself**: If the mountain lion attacks, try to protect yourself by using whatever means are available. Use rocks, sticks, or other objects to defend yourself, and aim for the animal’s face and eyes if possible.

7. **Report the Encounter**: After the encounter, report the incident to local authorities, such as animal control or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action to prevent further incidents.

It’s important to remember that mountain lion encounters are rare, especially in urban areas, but it’s always best to be prepared and know how to react if you encounter one. Following these guidelines can help you stay safe in the unlikely event of a mountain lion encounter.

Home Security

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In a recent presentation on home security, Deputy Brian Peterson of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation on home security. He referenced a home security checklist that was available on their web site.

With their permission, the checklist is here. We suggest that you take some time to go through the checklist and see where your personal and home security can be improved.

The checklist is Residential Security Survey(PDF).

A Discussion Regarding Timberton Village Residential Security

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There’s no question, the existing cancer ‘criminal’ element is real and growing exponentially in Washington State.  There is also a growing awareness of concern evolving in Jefferson County, Port Ludlow, and Timberton.  “Awareness” is an important guide for individual resident and village preparedness.

Last week, hosted by SBCA, there was a home and neighborhood ‘security’ presentation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.  The discussion presented a process which would guide how an active/involved crime prevention program could be implemented – individually and as a community.

Currently, the only active neighborhood level ‘organized structure’ is (either or both) the ‘block captain program’ and/or ‘the emergency preparedness’ program.  Neither of which are at the level of the suggested ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program.  If a Neighborhood Watch program is to be pursued, it will one organized block by block and supported within the entire village as a whole.  It could well incorporate both the block captain and emergency preparedness, structured to become one of cohesive, active viability.

Some Presentation Highlights – Target Hardening

Target Hardening, … the strengthening of the security of a building to protect it or reduce the risk of theft.  Intended outcome to deter the offender from burglarizing your property.

  • Weather is not a determining factor for a well organized criminal element.
  • Burglars surveil the neighborhood to ‘find’ predictable patterns; when people come and go and what’s parked in the driveway.  Make your home less attractive to burglars.  Be a bit more aware of who’s cruising the neighborhood and when.  Make note.
  • Burglars don’t like security cameras, alarm systems, well-lit areas, irregular routines, strong doors and dogs.
  • Consider additional lighting – motion sensing exterior lighting (be aware  of Timberton lighting restrictions).
  • Lock your car; your house.  Don’t leave keys or garage openers in the vehicle.  Park cars in garage. Be wary of where you place a ‘hide a key (under mat, above the door, fake rock – obvious and known).
  • Install window locks or place dowels in window and sliding door tracks.
  • Alarm Systems
  • Camera Systems
  • KNOW Your Neighbors – A good idea beyond security – “It takes a neighborhood”.  Offers a periodic hello and smile.
  • Trim trees and shrubs  – reduce and eliminate hiding places; offers a better line of sight.
  • Replace or add additional door locks; deadbolts that extend into the door frame.
  • Monitor known deliveries.  Have a neighbor pick them up if you’re away.
  • Disconnect garage door opener if gone for an extended period of time.
  • Don’t ‘advertise’ your vacation of Social Media.
  • Know your Block Captain and Involve Your Block Captain

Contact The Sheriffs Department and get a copy of the published Residential Security Survey.

Roger Bryan

President TVHA

Annual Irrigation Backflow Testing

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Hello Timberton Neighbors!

This message is for all homeowners with an irrigation system or Sublevel laundry set up. Spring is fast approaching which means it is time again to have your irrigation backflow valve inspected. For new residents, Washington State law requires that all irrigation backflow valves be inspected on an annual basis. For the past seven years, Don Lichten of DC Backflow in Port Angeles, has been performing this service for anyone in Timberton that wishes to have it done. This year he will once again be charging a group rate of $32.00 per valve.  Don will inspect your valve and perform any minor adjustments. If any repairs are required, there will be an extra charge for the parts.

In the next few days Don will send an email to each of you. If you would like for Don to inspect your backflow valve, simply reply to his email. He is planning to do the Timberton work on beginning on about March 22nd & 23rd* weather permitting. When the work is complete, he will email an invoice and you can pay him directly. Upon receipt of your payment he will send a report to OWSI. If you have questions about the process, please email Don at dcbackflowservice@olypen.com

Roger Bryan
TVHA Board

Village Update

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Regarding a possible Neighborhood Watch program, the past 2 eBlast discussions generated just 8 interested responses (8/76). Because the concept is of interest for all South Bay Villages, we’re now looking into involving the co-joined ‘overlaying’ involvement with the existing ‘block captain’ program and the existing ‘emergency preparedness’ program. Foundation clarity has to be established first … and then sustained … before a comprehensive crime prevention program is implemented. Eventually, if sustainable and on-going, it’s going to involve the village community at large, not just a couple of short-term volunteers, i.e., key word ‘involved’.

SBCA set up a village Presidents meeting this past week. Invited were all of the South Bay villages to attend. Crime prevention was a key topic and there is a universal concern. Implementation and participation have to be addressed on a sustainable basis. If we can do it at Timberton we can export a viable and continuing concept.

Near term for Timberton will be attendance at board meetings where village interests are presented and discussed. Our next Board meeting is March 27. Please note that 3 board member terms are coming to an end. Carry over terms for one more year are Chuck and Roger. We’d appreciate that a strong interest toward becoming a board member – term 2 years – is of interest. Alternative 3rd party involvement is both expensive and remote. Elections to be posted June. Inquiries and interest are welcome.

The TVHA annual meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2023, at 5:30. The status of a “Social” following the meeting has not been resolved. It has been suggested that if a resident or group of residents wish to organize such an event the Board will support the effort. A reasonable amount of funds will be available for amenities, but the program needs a proactive leader to get it established.

Roger