by Janet Grella

Ever wonder why Burien-ites are not seeing as much of Mick and Adrian at their local Burien eatery, Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (a BTB Advertiser)?

To find out, I spent a few hours with Mick’s Marketing Dirctor Sandy Schmitt. We visited their ‘new’ properties where they’ve been real busy expanding their restaurant business to Renton as well as the Glen Acres Golf Club.

In May of this year they resurrected “Full Throttle” in Renton. It’s now “Mick Kelly’s at Full Throttle.” Located on top of Bob Lamphere’s Renton Motorcycles and next to Renton Harley, this location can be called a real, upscale biker bar and restaurant. It’s got “outdoor dining” on a patio that overlooks the sales floor of Renton Motorcycles, and windows that overlook Harley’s service department.

Mick and Adrian not only imported all their Irish Specialities to Renton, but plan to offer pizza on the menu soon. Plus they’ve got lots of sandwiches, sides and appetizers. They offer $1 tacos and $2 beers on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5-8. Regular Happy Hour is Tues-Sun 3-6.

Mick’s sister, Lorraine Torrez, a long-time server/bartender in Burien, has joined Mick and Adrian as a partner in Mick Kelly’s at Full Throttle. She’s quite proud of the all-chrome bar and the bar stools that are authentic Harley motorcycle seats.

On Saturdays in Renton, customers will find the cooks firing up the BBQ downstairs from 11-3. Their specialty, hamburgers and hot dogs soaked in Guinness are served up with chips (that’s french fries) for $5 and $4 respectively. There’s also a beer garden for your drinking pleasure.

You’ll find Mick Kelly’s at Full Throttle at 3701 E. Valley Road in Renton, and here’s a photos slideshow by Michael Brunk that will transport you there:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Next on our road trip was Glen Acres Golf Club. “Mick Kelly’s at Glen Acres Golf Club” opened to residents and members on July 1st. Not only do they serve the same great food we all know and love, but also this location will house Mick Kelly’s Catering.

The catering division started about 18 months ago and grew out of “Mick Kelly’s Catering-Boxed Lunches” serving sandwiches and salads to go.

In order to expand their catering division, they hired Chef Richard Maglietto. “Chef Richard’ (to non-Italian speakers) has 45 years’ experience in the kitchen and his personal credits include 24 gold medals in national culinary competitions and he’s a Certified Chef through New York’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He also has extensive training in Tornino and Florence, Italy, mastering the art of baking and desserts.

When you and/or your group decide that you require the best in local/regional catering, contact Sandy Schmitt at sandy@mickkellys.com or call 206-244-1177. She and Chef Richard will create custom menus ranging in price from $12-25 per person.

Sandy tells us that no event is too small or too large for them to cater. They recently did an Irish funeral at the Cove for 300 people. They also do weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement parties – you name it, they’ll cater it.

And this brings us back to Glen Acres. The clubhouse was built in 1935 and has long boasted beautiful views of Seattle, our own Emerald City. The main dining room captures this panoramic view. There’s a cozy bar area, another dining room as well as an outdoor patio. There’s room for up to 250 guests for special occasions.

When your book your event and catering with Mick Kelly’s you will have the full use of Glen Acres Golf Club. Golf Party on the Patio? Swimming party at the pool? Wedding on the lawn followed by catered dinner? No problem now that Mick’s and Glen Acres have teamed up for Mick Kelly’s at Glen Acres Golf Club.

But their catering is not limited to Glen Acres. They will deliver meals to any venue you want. Big or small. No service or full service.

So there you have it. Mick and Adrian are still around Burien…around Renton…now around Glen Acres…and at a catered event near you!

Happy Independence Day Burien!

Here’s a good way to celebrate your independence, your community, your country – read the actual text from the Declaration of Independence:

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. –Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Sustainable Burien has installed four community gardens at the Interim Art Space, with the hopes of developing a place where residents can grow sustainable food.

“Right now we’re just trying to show that this can be done,” said SuBu member John Feeney as he put the finishing touches on some lattice work. “And this garden is open to all residents, especially those who want to grow their own food – just come to one of our meetings.”

Some of the plants growing in the garden now include pumpkin, tomato, corn, mint, lettuce, peppers, chard, onion and others, along with one planter devoted to local, native plants like wild rose and black cap raspberry.

Sustainable Burien’s next meeting is Sunday, July 12th at the new Burien library from 2pm – 4pm. For more information, please visit their website.

Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting on Sunday, July 12th from 2pm to 4pm, and they’re back at the (new) library.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sustainable Burien’s monthly meeting

WHEN: Sunday, July 12th from 2pm to 4pm – doors open at 1:30pm

WHERE: The new Burien Library, located at 400 SW 152nd

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is an organization started in January of 2008. We recognize the need to promote and participate in the creation of a sustainable community in Burien. We invite all residents and businesses to participate in creating a sustainable local community by sharing their ideas, passions, knowledge and talents.

At our meetings we will be collecting burned out CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs and dead rechargable batteries. People are welcome to bring any extra food items [produce from your garden, fruit from your trees, etc.] that they have and barter with others. Also bring any coupons for food that you get in the mail or from the newspaper, we’ll pass them on to the food bank, who can make good use of them.

Gatherings are held on the second Sunday of each month, – from 2:00 – 4:00PM at the (new) KCLS Burien Library (doors open at 1:30PM). For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

Please call Rebecca or Bill at 243-9366 if there are questions.

by Scott Schaefer

Late Thursday afternoon (July 2nd), renowned German urban planner Thomas Sieverts walked around Burien on a perfect summer day in an effort to study its unique “Zwischenstadt.”

The term “Zwischenstadt” has become popularized to mean an “in–between city,” or the city between the old historical centers and open countryside, which is how he views Burien. Sieverts previously taught urban planning at the University of Visual Arts in Berlin and the Technical University in Darmstadt.

Sieverts was on a three-day visit to the Seattle area, which included a town hall meeting Wednesday night, and an appearance on KUOW’s Weekday. In addition to Mayor Joan McGilton and Councilmember Gordon Shaw, he was followed around by a four-camera film crew, which is producing a documentary on Burien that will be released later in the summer.

After several different groups did walking tours that began at the Burien Interim Art Space, the entire crowd re-grouped for a lively discussion lead by author Matthew Stadler, along with B-Town Blog Publisher Scott Schaefer and Sieverts himself.

Sieverts spoke about things he noticed on his walking tour, including a strip of Hispanic businesses on SW 153rd, which he recommended nurturing into a sort of “hispanic market strip” as opposed to making it “another main street” to encourage diversity and as a place for like-minded folks to gather and appreciate their culture.

“This is a huge deal for Burien,” said Mark Kearns, owner of nearby coffee shop Burien Press. “Not many know about Sieverts, but there are people here who have followed him up from Portland, or have come down from Vancouver just to see him speak. His appearance here could put Burien on the international map!”

Highlights of the outdoor discussion included:

• Members of the crowd shared their observations of their walking tour, including concerns over possible vandalism in Dottie Harper Park to some carved faces in a tree stump. Later, resident Guy Harper (no relation to Dottie) explained that the artwork had actually been removed for restoration and had not been vandalized. Host Stadler noted how each interesting space in a city can inspire different stories for different people.
• Mayor Joan McGilton spoke about the effectiveness of temporary art, and proposed doing a mural on the large rear exterior wall of Grocery Outlet across the street. Later, Stadler proposed projecting images on the wall as a solution. Sieverts concurred, and spoke briefly about “softly breaking the law” as a way to revitalize a neighborhood.
• Sieverts’ son, Boris, got up and spoke about discovering the hidden gem nearby known as Lake Burien. He wondered aloud why there was no public access to the private lake, and encouraged residents to demand it. Schaefer then explained about how a small group of residents is trying to gain public access, but have had no success due to much resistance from protective lake residents.
• Near the end of the evening, Boris encouraged everyone to “march down to the lake together.” Schaefer then added “…and go skinny dipping!” Unfortunately for the film crew present, the march and nude swim prank never materialized.

Over 100 people stayed to the end of the evening, even helping “strike the set” by putting chairs and tables away.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• German Urban Planner Thomas Sieverts Featured On KUOW; Will Be At B/ IAS Thursday Beginning At 4pm
• “Where We Live Now: Why Burien?” Featuring Thomas Sieverts, Is Thurs., 7/2

Thursday (July 2nd), we received the following email from a BTB Reader named Jessica, inquiring about the 1972 George Tsutakawa fountain at the new library, which has been recently removed:

Hello,

Yesterday I visited the beautiful new Burien library and noticed the fountain in front was missing. I know it made it in the move as I had previously saw it at the new location.

When I asked one of the librarians what had happened to the sculpture she said it is currently in storage but was unsure as to why.

With the community so boisterous about one particular bronze sculpture I can’t imagine why they are not up in arms to protect the lovely G rated George Tsutakawa Fountain.

Is there not enough room in Burien for more than one sculpture?

Or perhaps someone complained about the environmental impact of the base of the sculpture being too small and thus causing a small amount of water to be wasted.

I thought if anyone could get to the bottom of this it would be the B-Town Blog.

Thank you,
Jessica

So we contacted our “Empress Of Information,” Marilee Cogswell, Manager of the Burien branch, who said:

Yes, it has been removed temporarily – we are looking at alternative sites for it as it was getting a bit too much attention (trash, coins, and climbing) in that space.

It was decided to pull it out and store it before any real damage happened.

We are looking at a couple of alternatives..one inside the building and one outside.

I don’t have a timeline, but will keep you posted.

The original installation of this fountain was in an inner courtyard of the old library, which was protected from human interaction.

The new location was not, hence the concerns and subsequent removal.

When we took the photos early Thursday evening three young boys were playing around in the fountain’s base, empty of everything but rocks.

“I think they moved it ‘cuz kids were playing on it,” said one young man who was literally inside the base when asked what happened. Moments later, he found a coin from under some rocks.

Here’s some info on Tsutakawa from the website Art Market Online:

George Tsutakawa dedicated his life to art and the freedom of expression that it granted him. Tsutakawa worked in a number of media, including paint, bronze, and clay. Born in Seattle in 1910, Tsutakawa went to live with his maternal grandmother in Japan from 1917 to 1927. Upon Tsutakawa’s return to Seattle, he began to study art and help with the family import/export business. His time spent in Japan as a child – especially the traditional tea ceremonies performed by his uncle – inform his work, as did the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region and the art of the Northwest Masters. Tsutakawa attended the University of Washington, and received his MFA in 1950.

In 1960 the City of Seattle commissioned George Tsutakawa to create Fountain of Wisdom, for the Seattle Library; this project was the first art commission by the city of Seattle since 1908. Between 1960 and 1990, the artist designed and created over 60 fountains throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He exhibited extensively throughout Japan, the United States and Canada beginning in the 1950’s. Tsutakawa was awarded many honors throughout his career including the Order of Rising Sun Award, fourth class, from the Emperor of Japan.

In 1972, “Rain Fountain No.2,” made of stainless steel, 6′, was installed at the (old) Burien Library on 4th Ave SW.

We’ll keep you posted as this story develops, so check back often. You can also subscribe to our free RSS Feed here, or get the blog via email here.

Burien’s next Annexation Informational Open House will be Tuesday, July 14th at the Glen Acres Church of Christ in White Center.

Here are the details:

WHAT: City of Burien’s informational open house to provide information about what annexation will mean for the people within the proposed annexation area.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 14th from 6:30pm – 8pm

WHERE: Glen Acres Church of Christ, located at 11401 10th Ave South in White Center

CONTACT: 206-436-5555; Email: annexation@burienwa.gov

King County Elections is scheduled to mail out ballots to registered voters on July 29 for the August 18 vote. Residents of unincorporated King County who live in the southern portion of the North Highline community will have a chance to decide if they want to join the city of Burien.

City of Burien staff will present information and answer questions at three upcoming informational open houses.  If you would like city staff to come and talk with your community group please drop us a line at annexation@burienwa.gov.

Registered voters in the proposed annexation area will see this language used in the measure on the mail-in ballot that they receive at home:

North Highline South Annexation Area

Simple majority (RCW 35A.14.080)

Proposition No. 1: Proposed Annexation to the City of Burien

The Burien City Council passed Resolution No. 288 which would authorize annexation of that area of unincorporated King County known as the North Highline South Annexation Area which annexation was approved by the Boundary Review Board with a modification to the boundaries as legally described in Resolution No. 292.  Shall that area of unincorporated King County known as the North Highline South Annexation Area as legally described in City of Burien Resolution No. 292 be annexed to the City of Burien?

FOR ANNEXATION

AGAINST ANNEXATION

Burien-based Evergreen Bookkeeping Solutions will be holding a FREE seminar aimed at small business owners called “How To Make QuickBooks Work For Your Small Business” on Wednesday, April 22nd from 1pm-3pm.

The seminar will be lead by Principal/Senior Consultant Shandra Rose, an experienced corporate controller and long-time QuickBooks expert.

To attend, you must RSVP by either calling (206) 243-2799 or emailing shandra@evergreenbookkeeping.com before 5pm Tuesday, April 21st. Space is limited, and interested Burien biz folk are encourage to reply ASAP.

Evergreen Bookkeeping Solutions is located at 401 SW 153rd Street, Suite C in Burien:

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BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi wants all Readers to know about their special upcoming Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, April 27th, which is co-sponsored by Vino Bello and will feature special guest, Italian Wine Importer Gianpietro Ottolini.

Here are the delicious details:

WHAT: Italian Wine Dinner at Bistro Baffi

WHEN: Monday, April 27th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

WHERE: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine, located at 15217 21st SW across from the Seahurst Post Office

COST: $100 per person, which includes a 4-course dinner, tax and free-flowing wine all night

RSVP: Reservations required. $100 per person, includes tax and 4-course dinner with free flowing wine. Space is limited, please call (206) 244-0737 to make your reservation today.

INFO: “Join us for a special Wine Dinner hosted by Bistro Baffi and Vino Bello Wine Bar with special guest, Italian Wine Importer, Gianpietro Ottolini. This is a once in a lifetime chance to experience these truly unique and magical wines.

Gianpietro was born in a small town in Alps of Lombardia, on the shore of lake Lugano. He first visited Seattle in 1991, fell in love and married. He spent the next 12 years in the wine trade in Seattle before setting up his import company featuring a carefully assembled portfolio of unusual Italian wines. His focus is indigenous Italian varietals that are very unique and rarely tasted. These wines display exceptional individuality, glorious aromatics and palate – stretching flavors. Meet Gianpietro and explore these unique wines paired with Chef Michael’s especially paired dishes.”

MENU:

Antipasti

Funghi Ripieni
Stuffed Mushrooms with prosciutto, roasted bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus and pecans, served with spicy pink sauce paired with Livio Pavese Prosecco-Made from 100% Prosecco grapes in an extra-dry style, this wine is vibrant and exuberant. Notes of spring blossoms and fresh apple.

Insalata
Chef Michael’s special Caesar Salad : Romaine lettuce with fresh made Caesar dressing, croutons and aged Parmesan cheese paired with Coffele Soave Classico made from100% Estate -grown Garganega grape variety. This wine has intense aromatics reminiscent of acacia and cherry blossoms, fresh apple with notes of sage, vanilla and mineral. Medium bodied and well built mouth feel.

Secondi Piatti (choose one)

a) Pollo Oscar
Grilled chicken with crab meat in Bearnaise sauce paired with Nera “Alisio” Sassella DOCG. 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) The vineyards of this Northern Italian viticultural region are planted on the south facing slopes of the Alps at an altitude ranging from 1300 to 2500 ft. This is truly elegant Nebbiolo, very structured and age -worthy with intense floral and explosive dark fruit and tobacco notes.

b) Branzino
Grilled sea bass served with roasted red bell pepper and cognac sauce , and sun dried tomatoes paired with Campodelsole San Maglorio di Romagna Superiore DOC. Campodelsole is a jaw-dropping renovation of an old farm, which was once part of the Franciscan Monks’ estate back in the 15Th C. Campodelsole wines have distinct character and purity. The San Maglorio is selected from lots of the Estate vineyards, all stainless steel fermented to preserve the complex and floral aromas, lots of juicy cherries and rich, long finish.

c) Bistecca Romana
Fillet Mignon wrapped with prosciutto , grilled and served with roasted garlic, and Chianti wine reduction paired with Terenzi Cesanese del Piglio Colle Forma DOC. 100% Cesanese from the Lazio region very close to Rome. Cesanese is the name of one of the indigenous grape varieties only grown here and was amongst the favorites on the tables of Roman Emperors and Popes.This wine has powerful elegance reminiscent of Pinot Noir but is much bigger in style. It shows a deep ruby color with violet hues; intense bouquet of black cherries and currants, with well-structured mouth feel.

Dolce
Livio Pavese Barolo Chianto paired with Chef Michael’s Tiramisu.
A pharmacist in the late 1800′s created this concoction by adding to the Barolo wine a cocktail of wine distilled with the Chincona tree bark, rhubarb root, cardamon seeds and other herbs and spices. It is divine with dark chocolate or even with a little seltzer as an aperitif.

If you’re not familiar with Bistro Baffi, here’s an original Video Ad we produced for them (if you’re interested in having an professional Video produced, Contact Us!):

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

The 2nd Annual Normandy Park Emergency Preparedness Fair is scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd from 12pm to 6pm at the Normandy Park Community Club (The Cove), located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive (map below).

The event is FREE and for all ages and will include displays, information and demonstrations from the City of Normandy Park, Burien-Normandy Park Fire District, Dunn Lumber, Highline Medical Center, American Preparedness, Normandy Park Assisted Living, King County Sheriff’s Guardian One helicopter (3pm–5pm) and others.

Vendors, Agencies and Participants providing emergency preparedness information include:

• City of Normandy Park
• King County Fire District No. 2 (Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department)
• Highline Medical Center
• American Preparednesss
• Dunn Lumber Company
• Normandy Park Assisted Living
• King County Sheriff’s Department – Guardian One Helicopter
• Normandy Park RACES Team
• City of Des Moines
• Others pending

Stop by the Fair and learn how to prepare your family, pets, home and business for an emergency – Be Prepared!

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Residents in the path of Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway, negatively affected by increased noise and toxic fumes, are meeting with attorneys on Sunday, April 19th to prepare a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.

The meeting will be held at 2:30pm, Sunday at the SeaTac Community Center, located at 13735 24th Ave. South in SeaTac. Area homeowners are invited. Trial attorneys Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran, known for a string of successful, high-profile verdicts and settlements, are partnering with Seattle personal-injury attorney Will Dixon.

Sunday’s meeting is a discussion of homeowners’ rights, and potential remedies available under the law. Concerned residents living near the third runway’s flight path first contacted and met with attorneys on Jan. 10th.

Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway went into use Nov. 20th, 2008. Originally, Port of Seattle officials stated in planning documents, such as the environmental impact statement, that the new $1 billion runway was needed to reduce delays during poor weather. But in recent public statements, port officials have said the third runway was always intended to be used at high-traffic times and 365 days a year.

Local homeowners believe the situation will only worsen as departing planes – not just incoming flights – use the new runway. Also, the port plans to shift more traffic to the third runway as it rebuilds the eastern runway.

There are at least two potential lawsuits that are likely to be filed by homeowners. The first, a class-action lawsuit, would focus on the legal principle of inverse condemnation. Basically, plaintiffs believe the fair-market value of their property has been diminished by government “takings” or damages – in this case, by the dramatic increase of planes flying the area for third runway take-offs and landings. Plaintiffs would seek to recover just compensation for damages based on measurably diminished property values.

The second case would be a nuisance or damages lawsuit representing individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries. Local homeowners say throughout the day, big commercial jets are flying over their homes, coating their lawns with jet fuel particles and leaving a wake of toxic fumes.

Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran are partners at the law firm of Pfau, Cochran, Vertetis, Kosnoff. Pfau and Cochran have years experience in personal injury and class-action lawsuits. In February, Pfau and Cochran secured a $14.2 million settlement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and a New York-based Catholic order on behalf of two dozen men, who were sexually abused at a Kent orphanage, the Briscoe Memorial School, during the 1950s and 1960s. In 2007, Cochran secured a $13.5 million settlement on behalf of thousands of Washington state students affected by the abrupt closing of the now-defunct Business Computer Training Institute (BCTI).

Earlier this year, Cochran and Pfau left their longtime law office of Gordon Thomas Honeywell to open their own firm, with offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

Will Dixon is a seasoned lawyer with more than a decade of legal experience representing clients in numerous multi-million dollar cases in Washington state and federal courts. Dixon focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. Dixon also worked in Gordon Thomas Honeywell’s trial group with Pfau and Cochran before opening his open firm. (Dixon Law Firm, http://www.dixon-law.com)

The meeting will be held in the Banquet Room of the SeaTac Community Center, which is located at 13735 24th Ave South:

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by Mark Neuman

The B-Town Blog spoke recently with Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, who, along with fellow councilmember Dow Constantine are the leading contenders in the race to replace outgoing King County Executive Ron Sims.

THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE:
We asked Phillips who he regards as the best King County Executive since the office came into existence some 40 years ago.

Phillips named three, starting with the first Executive, John Spellman, who served three terms.

“I think Spellman set the framework for successful (county) government. I hold him in high regard. He’s a fabulous individual.”

Phillips admires Randy Revelle, who served in the early 1980s and for whom Phillips served as chief of staff for four years.

“I got to know the executive branch very, very well during that period,” Phillips said. “I was in the room for all the tough decisions.”

“I am also partial to Ron Sims, who I believe had an extraordinary run during his years two through eight” as Executive.

RESPONDING TO DOW’S BULLET POINTS:
Phillips agreed to respond to five bullet points that appeared on a direct mail piece the Constantine campaign mailed out to prospective voters the week of March 30th.

The Constantine bullet points appear in italics below.

CLAIM: Dow fought for parks, open space and Puget Sound. He has a 97% lifetime environmental voting record

RESPONSE: “I completely trump Dow when it comes to parks, open space and Puget Sound. If there is one hallmark to my service over the years it’s the contributions that I’ve made to open space in King County and our regional parks system. I could go on beyond that significantly. I trump Dow in spades.”

CLAIM: Dow helped lead passage of light rail expansion

RESPONSE: “That one he doesn’t get to claim for himself.”

Phillips recalled the failure of area voters to approve light rail during his school days in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

“I’ve been fighting for light rail ever since, including my time in the Washington State legislature.

“I’m a growth management guy, so I look ahead ten to twenty years. My dad was an architect, so planning is part of my DNA.”

CLAIM: Dow is a champion for jobs and working families

RESPONSE: “I have a fabulous labor voting record. I emphasize jobs and infrastructure.” Phillips named several labor endorsements his campaign has received to date.

CLAIM: Dow demanded efficiency in audits in county government

RESPONSE: “No one has led more reforms in county government than I have. I was the one who called for the audit of Metro Transit last year before anybody else did.”

CLAIM: Dow is the only candidate who represents rural areas, suburban cities, Seattle neighborhoods and the broad diversity that is King County. Dow will unify, not divide our county

RESPONSE: Phillips responded by pointing out that he has received endorsements of the rural county mayors of Enumclaw, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and Issaquah.

“I have a long, long history of working with the rural communities of King County. I know their issues and I know their people.”

RED LIGHT CAMERAS:
Phillips says he does not see the use of red light cameras by some cities in King County (such as Burien) at certain intersections as a revenue-generating effort.

“Sparingly and appropriately used, red light cameras are a public safety and traffic calming effort,” he says. “However, there needs to be some balance and common sense in how much they are utilized.”

ANNEXATION:
Phillips says that King County “does not have the taxing authority that cities have. It’s very hard for King County to continue to provide the levels of service that people normally expect in urban areas.

“The state’s Growth Management Act strongly encourages incorporation or annexation in urban areas, but does not require it.”

Phillips says it’s up to the citizens in the remaining pockets of non-annexed and unincorporated areas to decide for themselves whether they want change or the status quo.

Short of incorporation or annexation, Phillips says, “our ability to provide current levels of services to North Highline and the White Center community will likely continue to diminish over time.”

THIRD RUNWAY:
Does Phillips think the residents living northwest of Sea-Tac Airport were, perhaps, duped with respect to the intended use of the now functioning third runway?

“I think the Port, from my perspective, can always do a better job of communicating with the public on what they’re doing, with respect to high profile or contentious issues,” Phillips said. “I’ve haven’t been a student of this issue as perhaps other citizens living around Sea-Tac Airport are.”

STATE INCOME TAX:
Does Phillips support a state income tax?

“I have supported a state income tax, yes,” he said. “Dow’s very proud of the fact that he supported the commission that just talks about an income tax. I actually supported the legislation.”

GO HUSKIES:
Phillips is a University of Washington alum, who played basketball on his high school varsity team. He went out on a non-political limb: Regardless of who wins the race for King County Executive in November, he predicts the Husky men’s basketball team will come out on top as National Champs in the Final Four next spring.

“I am three generations deep into being a Husky and I believe in Purple!”

Here’s Phillips’ YouTube video announcement for his campaign:

So who will you vote for as Ron Sims’ replacement? Please answer our poll:

[EDITOR'S NOTES: The B-Town Blog first published an interview with candidate Dow Constantine on February 16. The primary election is August 18th; the general election is November 3rd.]

Burien Little Theatre has released its May schedule, which will include readings from winners of the Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival.

BLT will also feature “Recession Pricing” for all of May, with tickets priced at just $10.

You can buy tickets safely and securely online here:

You can also email tickets@burienlittletheatre.com or call (206) 242-5180.

As for the playwright fest:

Experience wonderful brand-new works written by up-and coming playwrights from Washington state and never produced anywhere else.  Come see the winners of the 2009 playwrights festival!

The festival is graciously sponsored by the City of Burien.

Half of all ticket sales for the Playwrights Festival go to Hospitality House to help homeless women.  (Sorry, this means NO Five Buck Friday during the Festival.)

There are four shows, two one-act plays and two full length plays in the festival.  One one-act play and one full-length play will be performed together.  Two shows for the first two weekends and then the other two shows for the last two weekends.  Don’t miss out!  Come twice and see ALL the winners! – The shows are recommended for audiences age 15 and older due to occasional language.

SPECIAL – SPECIAL – SPECIAL – Every Saturday there will be a FREE reading of the honorable mention plays! (we will pass the hat)!  Starts at 2 pm!  See details below:

“The Reprieve” a one-act play written by Judith A. Jacobs AND “If Spiders Made Honey” a full-length play written by Dave Tucker:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
• May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

“Famous Last Words” a one-act play written by Michael Wallace AND “Man Defeats Nature” a full-length play written by Christopher Bailey:

• May 15 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 16 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 22 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 23 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 24 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

A few things to note:

• The play readings are free to the public.
• Tickets for the productions are just $10 with one half of the ticket price ($5) being donated to Hospitality House.
• BLT is conducting a food drive for local food banks, so please bring non-perishable food stuff.
• There is a “play with your food” option (dinner and a show) at the Mark Restaurant and Bar – a two course meal and a ticket for just $30.00 per person. Call the Mark at (206) 241-6275.
• If you brought food for the food drive and bought a ticket, you could enjoy live entertainment and feel self-righteous from all of the good you are doing for the community!

by Gina Bourdage

Here are notes from Monday night’s (April 13th) Burien City Council meeting (link to PDF agenda here):

PUGET SOUND PARK REVIEW:
After receiving opposition from local councils and the city of Burien, the 5-acre Puget Sound Park will not be used for low income housing development.

“We are roughly twice the rate of affordable housing opportunity as the county,” said Burien City manager Mike Martin.

“As a city we are not against affordable housing. We welcome affordable housing, but don’t just look for areas that a current park exists and replace it,” remarked Mayor Joan McGilton.

CITY SIDEWALKS:
Doug Lamothe, Interim Public Works Director, received wholehearted support from the council on $195,000 budget arrangements for the design efforts on sidewalk installation and street overlay projects.

Current plans include installation of sidewalks on the following streets:

• SW 136th Street from Ambaum Blvd. to Des Moines Memorial Drive
• SW 154th Street
• SW 156th Street
• SW 132nd from 4th Ave to Ambaum Blvd.

Overlay of the following roads are also included in the project plans:

• Ambaum Blvd. north of 153rd Street
• SW 128th street to Des Moines Memorial Drive

Current progress is dependent on receiving additional funding from a proposed stimulus package. The improvements would create local jobs while improving the community.

ANNEXATION VOTE PROPOSED FOR AUG. 18th:
The city is working with the county clerk to establish August 18th, 2009 as the date for voters to decide on annexation.

“Annexation is a high likelihood in the not too distant future,” said city manager Mike Martin.

ZONING REVIEW:
Concerns over Burien’s zoning restrictions were brought before the Boundary Review Board by a local property owner.

Currently Burien has a R-24, meaning there can be a dwelling space of 24 units per acre of land in city boundaries.

The county has double that having zoning of R-48.

Planning staff is working on a detailed analysis between Burien’s zoning and the county’s zoning.

“We will begin working with planning commission when we have all of the needed information,” said Scott Greenberg, Community Development Director

“I view zoning as a one way valve, you can go up but you cannot go down. It affects people’s property rights and is not the moral thing to do,” said Councilmember Gordon Shaw.

CLEAN SWEEP REMINDER:
The council wishes to remind business owners and others that Burien annual Clean Sweep is Saturday, April 25th, with broader “garbage acceptance” than what has been previously allowed.

On Tuesday morning (April 14th), workers from Western Neon in Seattle installed new signs at “Burien Press,” a soon-to-be-opened coffeeshop/newstand located at 423 SW 152nd, next door to the Australian Pie Company and across from the new town square, city hall and library.

Owner Mark Kerns has been busy over the last few months doing a major renovation, turning the former tattoo parlor space into a coffeeshop/newsstand, which he hopes to open sometime in May. The glass windows on the front were installed by Wakefield Glass, a Burien company.

Kerns promises a “european-style” coffeeshop where visitors can relax, have meetings and enjoy free wi-fi, pastries, coffee and magazines from around the world.

Burien Press already has website up, but with only the logo posted.

Stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for more news as the opening gets closer.

It’s “Spring Training” time at BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club, which is celebrating this Saturday, April 18th with an incredible one-day grand slam of a special – NO ENROLLMENT FEES!

On Saturday, the HAC basketball court will be taken over for a FREE launch of GroupX (that’s Group Exercise), spring music and routines.

That’s right, you can experience the music and routines at no charge whether you’re a member or not. Fact is if you’re not a member, Saturday would be a perfect time to join, because there will be ZERO, NADA, NOTHING charged to join the Highline Athletic Club this Saturday only.

Here’s what you have to do get this amazing special:

1. Show up Saturday, April 18th and take one of the free demo GroupX Classes (schedule below)
   
2. After class, just enroll and everything that HAC has to offer will become yours (in addition to GroupX classes, there’s basketball, pickle ball, swimming pool, tanning…you name it, and HAC has it).

The schedule is as follows. Get there early and enjoy several classes, swimming or Salsa. The fun starts at 7:30am and runs ‘til 10:40am:

7:30-8:30am: Everyone finishes first in Group Ride®! Pedal in groups, roll over hills, chase the pack, climb mountains and spin your way to burning calories and strengthening your lower body. This normally 60-minute cycling program is geared for anyone that can ride a bike. Motivating music, awesome instructors and an inspiring group environment lets you Ride On!

8:00-8:35am: Group Kick® brings it on! This electric 60 minute fusion class of martial arts and boxing movements will kick your cardio fitness to the next level while defining and shaping your body and self confidence! Energetic music, awesome instructors and a group environment will keep you punching, kicking and smiling! Group Kick will knock you out!

8:45-9:20am: Group Power® is your hour of power! This normally 60-minute barbell program strengthens all your major muscles in an inspiring, motivating group environment with fantastic music and awesome instructors. Group Power is for all ages and fitness levels. Discover results, discover Group Power!

9:30-10:00am: Discover new heights with Group Step®! Utilizing the step in many positions and heights, this compelling normally 60-minute cardio program strengthens and shapes the lower body one step at a time. Energetic music and motivating instructors create this spunky group experience. Step this way with Group Step.

10:10-10:40am: Redefine yourself with Group Centergy®. Grow longer and stronger as you explore this regularly 60-minute journey of yoga and Pilates movements. Positive uplifting music, group dynamics and supportive instructors will enable you to center your energy, reduce stress and even smile. Discover Group Centergy!

And for good measure Highline Athletic Club has included two additional, very popular group classes: Salsa and Aqua Lite:

7:30-8:00am: Salsa lets you boogie to a Latin beat, while providing a solid cardio workout with a Latin flavor. Steps are broken down for all fitness and coordination levels.

8:00-9:00am: Aqua Lite is a great way to get an aerobic workout and tone muscles in a non-impact environment. Foam dumbbells and other devices are used to add resistance and intensity. Please advise your instructor if you are not a swimmer. The pool is 4.5 feet deep.

To repeat, all you have to do to take advantage of this grand slam of a special is:

• This Saturday, April 18th, take one free GroupX class listed above
  
• March over to the reception area and enroll/signup for membership
  
• Say you’re there because you read about the Zero initiation fee on The B-Town Blog (not required but hey, why not give us a plug?)
  
• Enjoy your newfound savings and health club!

Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th in Burien, and their phone number is 206-246-9000:

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Despite tough economic times, interest rates are low, you can get tax credits, and home prices continue to drop, so believe it or not – now is a good time to buy a home, and this Saturday, April 18th there will be a free Home Buying Class at the Burien Library from 10am to 11am.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Opportunity Knocks: A Home Buying Class”

WHEN: Saturday, April 18th from 10am — 11am

WHERE: Burien Library, located at 14700 6th Avenue SW

INFO: In this class you’ll learn:

• Current market conditions
• Steps in the home buying process
• How to negotiate price, terms & conditions
• What’s in a credit report
• How to improve a credit report
• Loan approval process

RSVP: Pre-registration required; call 206-419-6950. More info at this meetup website.

We offer a first-place, award-winning handshake welcome to our latest Advertiser: Burien Trophy!

Burien Trophy has a long history of community involvement here in town, getting its start about four decades ago.

Susan Hillard, who owned the shop since the early 1990’s, sold it last year to her most trusted employee, Angie Coy-Jackson.

And Angie in turn realized she had no better assistant to have on board than Susan herself, who now holds down the fort from time to time.

They make a great team.

Speaking of teams, Burien Trophy revolves around sports and team activities, including work, corporate and civic groups.

Here’s just a short list of their products and services:

• Award certificates
• Custom engraved signs
• Name plates and badges
• Ribbons
• Achievement and recognition medals
• Plaques
• Pens, clocks and gavels
• Sandblasting
• Trophies (of course) for all occasions

They specialize in laser engraving.

“We are very customer oriented,” Angie said. “We customize and personalize our products for every order. Come in or call and let us know what you need.”

Angie and her husband keep busy with their daughter, Audajha, a student at Highline High School.

“We all love to go bowling and roller skating,” Angie says.

Angie’s husband, Sergeant Guy Jackson, commutes to Fort Lewis every work day, serving in the 1st Special Forces Group Airborne.

On that random and rare day when they have a couple hours to spare, Angie and her husband jump on their motorcycle and, well, just go.

“I just sit on the back and hold on for dear life,” she says, “because my feet won’t reach the ground!”

Burien Trophy moved to their current location about a year ago. They have a great shop on the south side of SW 153rd, very near fellow B-Town advertiser E.B. Foote Winery.

See the map below and stop in anytime!

Burien Trophy
213 SW 153rd Street
Burien, WA 98166
phone 206-246-5371

Hours:

• Monday – Friday 10am to 5:30pm

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