Just passing through? Migration is creating unusual opportunities for neighborhood bird-watchers this spring. This scarlet tanager is one of more than 80 species that participants in the neighborhood bird survey have spotted around Como since March. Photo: Nile Fellows
Pivotal Votes Loom on TCGIS, St. Andrew's
The City Council could take the decisive votes this Wednesday, June 5, on the future of Twin Cities German Immersion School's expansion plans and the former St. Andrew's church building. 

In a last-ditch attempt seek common ground on issues that have divided much of the community for more than a year, the city hired mediator Aimee Gourlay. Gourlay spent much of this past week interviewing members of school leadership (who object to historic designation for the former church without the school's consent), the preservation group Save Historic St. Andrew's (which filed the independent application for historic designation), the Como Community Council, and others to determine if there is potential for a negotiated agreement that would save the building and still allow the school to expand to meet its growing enrollment.

Gourlay is expected to release her report this Monday or Tuesday. Then, on  Wednesday, d uring their 3:30 session, City Council members are scheduled to vote on whether or not to grant  local historic status  to the former church building.  Following that, during their 5:30 session, council members hold public hearings on appeals related to the variances and construction site plan the school needs for its proposed building expansion. 
  • One appeal, filed by resident Kevin Anderson on behalf of Save Historic St. Andrew's, claims the city's Planning Commission failed to either approve or deny the school's site plan. As a result, state law would allow a site plan to take effect that is not consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan, Anderson argues.
  • A second appeal by Anderson says the school's variance requests fail to meet five of the six standards spelled out in state statute.
  • An appeal by the District 10 Como Community Council argues that the Planning Commission abdicated its responsibility and would allow a site plan to take effect that does not comply with city zoning requirements.
The City Council meets on the third floor of City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. Meetings are open to the public. 
Volunteer -- and Get a Bonus
We're still registering volunteers to staff the Citywide Drop-Off at the State Fairgrounds next Saturday, June 8. If you do volunteer, you can get rid of one load of your own junk for free. We'll also keep volunteers well-fed and hydrated -- promise. Volunteers work a 3.5-hour shift; you can register here. (Please do so by this Wednesday, June 5, so we can get all the scheduling and assignments in place in time.)
Grab a Paddle and Grab Some Trash
Bring (or rent) a canoe or kayak this Saturday morning, June 1, and join other neighbors in pulling trash from Como Lake. If you don't want to be on the water, join us by walking the shoreline and cleaning up litter there.  Sign up here

We'll supply snacks, beverages, and equipment. Join us anytime you can from 9 a.m.-noon June 1. The event is organized by the District 10 Como Community Council and supported by a grant from the Capital Region Watershed District. 
Recycling, Trash Pickup is Saturday
Because of the Memorial Day holiday, recycling pick-up is one day later than usual this week. Eureka will empty the blue bins this Saturday, June 1, instead of today, Friday May 31. For residents east of Hamline, trash pickup also is Saturday instead of Friday -- at least this week. Too early to say what happens with trash a month from now.
Neighborhood, Land Use Committees Meet
District 10's Neighborhood Relations and Land Use committees both meet this week. Neighborhood Relations meets Tuesday, June 4. Members will focus on logistics for July's Ice Cream Social and on continuing their earlier discussions on food access in the neighborhood.

Land Use meets this Wednesday, June 5. New business includes reviewing sound-level variances for the annual Hmong Freedom Festival and the annual Gabe's Mini-Mingle. The committee will also review a request for a lot-size variance at 962 Como Ave. to allow construction of an accessory dwelling unit.

Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All renters, homeowners, and other community members are welcome to attend and participate.  Preliminary agendas will be posted as soon as they are available.
Take the Stress Out of Your Summer
District 10's next Community Yoga is next Sunday, June 9, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. The session is suitable for all levels of skill and experience. Bring a yoga mat or blanket, and wear comfortable clothes. Registration is $5, which benefits the Como Community Council. The class is limited to 25 participants, so be sure to register in advance.
Connect with Local Rec Centers
North Dale and Northwest Como recreation centers have extensive schedules of one-day and ongoing summer activities of all ages, plus multi-day camps for children and teens. Here's the rundown

In addition, online and in-person registration opens this Saturday, June 1, for fall youth sports through Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Football, flag football, lacrosse, and soccer are on the schedule. There's a 25 percent discount if you register June 1, a 20 percent discount if you register June 2, and a 10 percent discount if you register June 3, 4 or 5.
1 Week Left to Get Your Junk Together
The annual Citywide Drop-Off at the State Fairgrounds is next Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The Drop-Off, organized by Saint Paul and District 10, is a great chance for Saint Paul and Falcon Heights residents to get rid of junk they can't throw in the trash (and to get rid of it for a reasonable price).  Find out what you can bring to the Drop-Off and how much it will cost.
If You've Got Hazardous Waste ...
Ramsey County sets up a temporary hazardous waste collection site every Friday and Saturday in June on Kent St. -- just east of Dale and north of Larpenteur in Roseville.  If you've got solvents or other chemicals that say Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison on the label, those are good candidates. So are batteries, cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, gasoline, mercury thermometers, paint, propane tanks, and used motor oil and filters. Disposal is free.  The site operates Fridays beginning June 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays beginning June 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  See the complete list of what you can bring. 
Navigating Larpenteur -- or Not
Ramsey County is repairing pavement on Larpenteur Ave. from Snelling west to Malvern from now through early July. This weekend -- today, Friday May 31, through this Monday, June 3 -- expect eastbound Larpenteur to shut down completely between Fairview and Snelling.
Metro Transit Adjusts Routes on June 8
Beginning next Saturday, June 8, Metro Transit is adjusting schedules on Route 61, which is Larpenteur, Victoria, and Arlington in our neck of the woods. It also is adjusting schedules on Route 84 (Snelling) and changing the loop that runs through our neighborhood. The bus will travel clockwise (Snelling to Midway to Pascal to Como) rather than the counter-clockwise route it now takes.
Got Budget Ideas for the Mayor?
There are only a handful of chances left to bend the ear of Mayor Melvin Carter and his staff on what the  city's budget priorities should be in 2020. You can weigh in online, or do it face to face:
  • This Saturday, June 1: Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave., 10- 11:30 a.m. 
  • This Sunday, June 2: BlackStack Brewing, 755 Prior Ave. N, 3:30-5 p.m. 
  • This Thursday, June 6: Villa Del Sol, 88 Cesar Chavez St., 5:30-7 p.m. 
  • Monday June 10: Tracks Bar & Grill, 1091 Rice St., 5:30-7 p.m. 
Groovin' in the Garden in Back
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's annual summer music festival, Groovin' in the Garden, opens this Wednesday, June 5, with the Innocent Reggae Band. The music, lawn games, climbing wall, and bounce house are free from 6-8 p.m. Pack a picnic, or buy food, ice cream, soft drinks, beer, or wine. Everything happens outside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory; if it rains, activities move inside. See the season's full line-up.
5 ensembles perform as part of the Queer Music Consortium Pride Concert on Sunday.
Music at the Lakeside Pavilion
  • Today, Friday May 31: Hilary Thavis and Doug Otto, 7 p.m.
  • This Saturday, June: 1, Belfast Cowboys, 7 p.m. $8
  • This Sunday, June 2: Queer Music Consortium Pride Concert, 3 p.m.; Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Monday, June 3: Saints of Swing Big Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Tuesday, June 4: Saint Paul Police Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Wednesday, June 5: Everett Smithson Band, 7 p.m.
  • This Thursday, June 6: Pat Donohue and Jeff Ray, 7 p.m.
  • Next Friday, June 7: Annie Mack, 7 p.m.
Performances are free (except when they're not). Find out more about the performers -- or get an advance look at the mix of local artists and traditional bandstand performers -- on Spring Cafe's website.
It's old Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevys, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs -- and maybe even Geos, Hummers, LaSalles, and Saturns -- at the GM car show on Sunday.
No Off Season at the Fairgrounds
  • North Central Reining Extravaganza: Today-Sunday, May 31-June 2, Warner Coliseum and Compeer Arena. Performances begin at 8 a.m. Free spectator admission.
  • Artists Market: Today-Saturday, May 31-June 1, Fine Arts Center. Hours: Friday, until 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission.
  • International Gem and Jewelry Show: Today-Sunday, May 31-June 2, Progress Center. Hours: Today, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $8 at the door, discounts available online (children age 8 or younger are not admitted).
  • General Motors Car Club of America Car Show and Swap Meet: This Sunday, June 2, between Hoyt and Randall Aves. Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Spectator admission: teens and adults, $5; children 12 or younger, free.
  • Minnesota United park-and-ride: This Sunday, June 2. Parking lots south of Como Ave. will open for tailgating and shuttle buses from noon-7 p.m. The soccer match vs. Philadelphia is at 3 p.m. at Allianz Field.
  • Machinery Hill Criterium Race Series: This Tuesday, June 4, 5-8:45 p.m. Bicycle races for men, women, juniors, and masters. Entry fee: Adults, $25; juniors, $15.
  • Stamp and Scrapbook Expo: Next Friday-Saturday, June 7-8, Education Building. Hours: Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
On the Wings of June
We Can Help with Your Party
District 10 has street barricades and portable recycling containers that community members can use for block parties, neighborhood, or family events. You can borrow the recycling containers for free; there are two kinds:
  • For cans, bottles and other items you can include in your weekly recycling.
  • For food scraps and other compostable organics.
The street barricades are required by the city when you block off your street or alley -- but ours are a more-affordable option than getting them from Public Works.  Barricades require a $50 deposit. We return $40 when you return the barricades.  Reservations are first-come, first-served. (To borrow our barricades, you must have an event permit from the city.)

To reserve any of this equipment, call our office at 651-644-3889, or send us an email.
Photo: T Boardman
Streetcar Station is Open Every Sunday
For the rest of the season, the Como Park Streetcar Station is open every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. It is a great chance to learn a little about the long-gone trolley system in the Twin Cities, about the history and visionaries behind Como and the city's overall park system, to pick up organics recycling bags or kitchen starter kits, or just to chat with a District 10 board member who is staffing the day. The Historic Streetcar Station is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
Spread the Word
District 10 is one of Saint Paul's 17 citizen participation districts. The District 10 Como Community Council is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by members of the community. The Council's mission is to inform, educate, and connect the neighborhood to increase community pride and confidence. 
You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in District 10 activities.