Burien Little Theatre’s current production, a 1950s musical comedy adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will end its run this weekend. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
So who cares? Why support the arts in Burien anyway? Isn’t just a way for a few people to feel good about themselves? Why help? Why now?
Well as it turns out, arts are good for business! Arts are good for Burien! Attached is a copy of an article in the most recent edition (March 2010) of The Business Report, a newspaper serving business interests in South King County.
The article, “Arts Represents a Boon to the Local Economy,” describes some of the economic benefits arts organizations provide to South King County. Three arts organizations mentioned by name in the article are the Federal Way Symphony, Burien Little Theatre and the Seattle Opera Scenic Studios. The latter is located in Renton.
Click image to see larger version.
As the article notes, a 2005 study by Americans for the Arts showed that nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $166.2 billion in economic activity in a year. The ArtsFund 2003 King County Economic Impact Study reported that county-wide arts and culture were responsible for $208 million in sales, $113.4 million in labor income and $8 million in tax revenues.
As also noted in the attached article, not only does Burien Little Theatre buy locally whenever possible, 77.6 percent of BLT’s patrons go out and eat or drink before or after seeing one of Burien Little Theatre’s performances. It is about an even split between those that eat or drink before the show compared to those who eat and drink after the performance. This is business for local restaurants and bars that would not occur without the performances at Burien Little Theatre. Additionally, for many years Burien Little Theatre has partnered with the Mark Restaurant and Bar in Burien for a dinner and a show package, where patrons can combine both dinner and a performance for a reduced rate. This has been very successful.
Not mentioned in the article is Burien Little Theatre’s recently joining with the local child care service The Jungle Gym to provide child care during one of the evening performances during a run, so parents can enjoy a night out and have their children entertained, too. Once again arts helping local business, while also helping harried parents catch a little time for themselves.
Unlike sports patrons who go to a game and eat at the event, patrons at Burien Little Theatre eat at local restaurants before or after the performance. Additionally, on any given evening after a production anywhere from 10 to 40 cast members, friends and well wishers descend upon a local bar, often the Mark, to talk about the show and the next project they have going. Speaking from personal experience, money is spent, food is eaten and liquids consumed at these spontaneous arts-related events.
Not only do Burien Little Theatre’s patrons help the local economy by eating and drinking before and after the performances, Burien Little Theatre itself spends money in the local economy. Live theater takes many things: first of all theater takes a lot of space that Burien Little Theatre rents from the City and a local School District. Theatre also needs countless items to present a live production: from paint to props, from shoes to sandpaper, and everything in between. Theater must create an entire world to tell its story. To do that, Burien Little Theatre spends tens of thousands of dollars every season. Whenever possible Burien Little Theatre spends that money locally. Whether it is Ace Hardware, Fred Meyer, McLendon in White Center or Value Village and Salvation Army, Burien Little Theatre looks first to the local community to buy everything it needs to mount a production and run a nonprofit business.
Burien Little Theatre is suffering from loss of space in the near term and the long term. Approaching is the loss of the green house, which is the office and costume storage space Burien Little Theatre has rented from Burien Parks and Recreation for years. Burien Little Theatre is also facing a much bigger jump in its rent than just to cover inflation. In the long term there have been, and continues to be, discussions of Burien Little Theatre losing its performance space so the City of Burien can replace its new Community Center (the old library space) with another new Community Center located where Burien Little Theatre has performed for the last 30 years.
In a City like Burien, with strong leadership, the arts, including Burien Little Theatre, can flourish and help lead the way out of tough economic times for all of the people in Burien. The attached article and the studies mentioned within it answer the question, “Why help the arts?” The arts are a proven economic engine, one that is much needed right now.
So what can you do to help? First, go see a performance. Decide for yourself whether the local arts are worth supporting. Burien Little Theatre is not your parents’ community theatre. It is part of the suburban fringe movement, bringing to Burien bold, fun, high-quality productions of works you cannot get on a DVD or anywhere else. Check it out, enjoy yourself and support the arts at the same time.
Throughout time immemorial the arts have had patrons. Those patrons were in a financial position to help the arts thrive and grow in a way that was bigger than just ticket sales. To paraphrase William Shakespeare, “There are more things in the cost of production, Horatio, than are covered by your ticket price.”
If you are blessed enough to be in a financial position where you can give some support to the local arts community, please be generous. Help the local arts grow. Because, as the local arts community grows, the local economy will grow even in these tough economic times.
Eric Dickman, Artistic Director
Maggie Larrick, Managing Director
Burien Little Theatre
While working on a humorous story the other night I received a text:
Lori: “ru walking the c2c tomorrow” (In text speak=”Are you walking the Cove to Clover race tomorrow?”)
Me: “Forgot all about it. What time?” (Notice my perfect punctuation, unlike my friend’s…)
I won’t bore you with the details of the 22 text messages discussing the C2C race. Why we didn’t just call each other is beyond me, because I’m really super slow at texting. I can just imagine Lori looking at her cell phone impatiently and wondering about the ten minutes between each text.
Here I am getting "treated" by Mr. Handsome EMT.
Next order of business—my Cove to Clover race day attire. Something green, comfortable, and zany, because since I certainly won’t be fast, I may as well be fun.
Tom, my husband and our chauffeur dropped us off near the top of Snake Hill. Mr. Big and Mr. Small (sporting their green scarves) yapped and marked everything in sight and checked several ‘pee-mails’ for good measure. Neither of us wanted to fight the crowds (or walk down, then up Snake Hill) so we started walking and talking. Less than 50 feet into our walk (we’re in the enviable position of first place because the race hasn’t actually started), and I notice my hand is bleeding. I’m not kidding. Fortunately the medic truck is right in front of us. Lori watches as Mr. Big and Mr. Small take advantage of the situation and tangle their leashes. Perhaps Lori will fall over the tangled leashes and scrape her knee. She is looking rather envious of all the attention I am receiving from Mr. Handsome—the medic.
Another 50 feet puts us in front of the first drink stop. Naturally, we’re their first customers because the real runners have yet to make it up Snake Hill. At this point my dear friend is becoming rather exasperated with my slow pace, although I assure her I’m just getting into my rhythm. We’ve just reached a perfect walking synchronicity when shouts alert us to the first runner.
And then he’s gone. We barely had time to dash to the side of the road before he breezed past us. I must say his outfit was rather brief but then maybe real runners actually need to dress light in order to run faster. I wouldn’t know but I’m pretty sure my yellow and green lady bug top would hamper my running ability. And need I say—it was so hard to focus on the task at hand—walking, when there were distractions everywhere.
Young folk, old folk, stroller baby folk, big dogs, small dogs, costumed dogs, you name it, they were all there. All 950 of them, running for a charitable cause. Last year it rained costumed cats and dogs and the run was still a huge success.
Burien has come a long way in the 20 years that I’ve lived here. You can call it Beercan or B-Town. I call it home.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We’d like to extend a hearty “cngrts” (Text Speak for “Congratulations”) to Shawn, who will be releasing her first book this spring, called “Mommy Are we French Yet?“
We’ll be posting more on this exciting news, but for now here’s a blurb on it:
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in another country for a year with your children, in Mommy, Are We French Yet? you will discover that it is not an insurmountable task. But it’s made doubly rewarding when the day-to-day chores and challenges are approached with humor. Shawn Underwood moved her family, her husband and three kids along with her sister’s family, to the south of France to experience the joys and frustrations of living abroad first hand.
Whether running headlong into the language barrier, where faux pas are a given and the best way to communicate is with a smile or just trying to shop at the local market, keeping a sense of humor is the key to overseas success! As she and her extended family travel in France and throughout Europe and Egypt among other countries, they learned that being a good ambassador for your country is worth its weight in gold. Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions!
Come along with Shawn and her family as they learn to embrace the local culture, even if it means eating pig intestines or trying to cook turkey American style. Whatever happens, the chocolate is sublime in any language!
Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.
All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.
Or something like that.
Read more of her humor at her website here.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Happy nearly-springtime to all those B-Town Bookworms out there!
DID YOU KNOW?
Voters Approve Levy Lid Lift for libraries!!
Thanks to dedicated community advocates and library supporters, voters approved Proposition 1 on the February 9 special election ballot by 52%, authorizing a one-year increase in the property tax level to fund essential library services.
With the passage of Proposition 1, voters restored the full allowable library levy rate of 50¢ per $1,000 assessed property value for 2011.
The additional revenue will sustain library operations, including hours of service, new and replacement materials, computers and software upgrades, and regular preventive maintenance.
Thank YOU VOTERS!!
KCLS WELCOMES RENTON LIBRARIES, PATRONS & STAFF:
Renton Libraries are now part of the King County Library System! Though many details involved in merging the library systems are being worked out, two key changes are now in place for Renton Library patrons:
- Expanded library hours in downtown Renton.
- Immediate eligibility for a Seattle Public Library Card.
Welcome!!
PROGRAMS AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES:
- TechConnect!!! Burien Library Saturday March 13th 10am -2pm: TechConnect is an interactive library open house showcasing the many ways KCLS technology connects you to reading, recreation, entertainment and lifelong learning. Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-challenged or somewhere in between, TechConnect will enhance your use of the library! King County Library TechLab van will be in our parking lot demonstrating the latest in downloads available. TechConnect stations will be set up throughout the first floor of the library demonstrating our databases, how to use the library catalog, children’s story time online, and much much more. There will also be Spanish language station ‘Biblioteca’ showing library technology for Spanish speakers. Visit every station and enter to win the prize drawings, winners announced on the hour, must be present to win. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Crumac Concert: Burien Library, Sunday March 14th 5pm. This Irish trio creates traditional music on fiddle, uilleann pipes, whistles, and guitar
Ages 5 and older. - Get Loose with Seuss! Burien Library, Friday March 19th, 10:30am. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Sing along with the Doctor’s ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’ and other Seussian favorites! All ages welcome Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! White Center Library, Friday March 19th, 3pm. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, songs and silliness. Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.
BOOK REVIEW:
‘The Eight’ By Katherine Neville
Part historical fiction, part mysticism, part modern day suspense thriller – this tale follows the discovery and disappearance of the powerful Montglane Chess Service. The chess service imbues unlimited power to anyone playing. The task of hiding and protecting the chess pieces from abuse falls upon the novices of Montglane Abby in the year 1790. In 1972, modern day computer expert Catherine Velis is hired to recover the valuable chess pieces and soon finds herself entangled in a global plot.
Excellent!
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
Within the next few weeks, the City of Burien will annex this lake into the city. The lake’s health problems, in large part, come from its public access. A couple times per month, citizen scientists visit Arbor Lake to perform visual assessments of the environmental and physical conditions around the lake. The reports from those visits are not good. Currently, King County has a clean-up crew at Arbor Lake seven days per week. The crew reports that there is litter (bottles, cans, paper, plastics, paint cans, used condoms, needles, etc.), biological wastes (poop, vomit), damage to the park equipment and gang tagging daily to clean up. They worry that Burien will not have the financial resources to provide this seven day a week routine just to maintain the lake and surrounding area at its current level. The worst damage happens to the lake on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is a time at which Burien typically does not contract for park clean up.
Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.
A number of the neighbors around Arbor Lake say that they would never consider swimming in the lake because the water quality is so poor. Several drainage pipes empty into the lake and there is a lot of non-point pollution entering the lake. Arbor Lake is obviously infested with fecal coliform bacteria (E.coli) because of the amount of poop that is around the lake at times. Remember E.coli is that stuff that sickened and killed people who ate infected food. The major cause of this E.coli is not from birds. It is from humans and dogs pooping in and around the lake. During the summer, the lake has major infestations of invasive weeds that choke out the oxygen in the lake and make the water impossible to sustain any fish. At that time, the water is not healthy for the birds to use either.
Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.
The Native Plant society has attempted to help the lake by planting some native plants but clearly a great deal more needs to be done to help this small lake get back on the road to recovery. Most of the homes on the east side of the lake are heavily gated to protect the owners from public intrusion into their homes and property. No Trespassing signs are everywhere. The road running along the west side of the lake has had to be blockaded due to car racing and crimes. The King County Sheriff frequently has to visit the lake. Like Lake Hicks, Arbor Lake has fared poorly with public access. The City of Burien will be picking up a big financial bill, if it plans to care for and restore Arbor Lake.
Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.
What Burien really needs to provide for citizens is a swimming pool where they can learn to swim and enjoy the pleasure of water exercise. Most small lakes do not do well (water health wise) having heavy public access. Arbor Lake and Hicks Lake have not been able to meet the demands that the greater public has on them and perhaps that is not their real ecological purpose. These fragile bodies of freshwater are not sketchy line drawings on paper, art work, public swimming pools or public garbage cans. They are living, functioning natural systems that deserve respect, understanding, protection and care. Do not plan on having your kids swim in Arbor Lake soon for both your kids’ and the lake’s health.
– Chestine Edgar
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by Lori A. Alden
Prudential Northwest Realty
Thinking about investing in Burien? Now is the Time!
Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.
In fact, that very downturn has created a historic buying opportunity for potential homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of lower home prices across the Burien and Southwest King County areas and historically low mortgage rates, two essential factors that usually don’t trend in the same direction, have triggered a buyer’s market in many areas of the county. For real estate investors who want to rent their properties, this can make the difference in achieving positive cash flow sooner or right off the bat.
While some seasoned real estate investors make it look easy, to be successful, beginners should follow some basic principles.
Learn all you can. Before committing your cash, you should have a fundamental understanding of real estate. For example, be aware that, in general, investment properties are not liquid investments. Barring exceptional circumstances, real estate does not sell at a moment’s notice. It could take days or months to sell a property, depending on the strength of the market in a particular region.
Consider cash flow. You’ll need to have enough capital on hand to cover any short-term losses due to vacancies between tenants.
Start small. Look into buying a condominium, single-family home or a duplex. Leave large apartment buildings and commercial properties to the pros.
Inquire at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce about companies relocating into or out of the area. Company movement is one indicator of demand for rental and/or office space.
Find a property that will be in demand. Look for a moderately priced home with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage that sits on a quiet street.
Research the property. The most common way first-time investors lose is by failing to investigate a property thoroughly. Look beyond the front door. Investigate the reputation of the school district, the crime rate, and plans for expanding a nearby highway or developing vacant land. Ask a local Prudential Northwest real estate professional about the area, its history, and how fast (or slow) properties are moving.
Inspect the home you’re considering for signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling and crinkling or gathering wallpaper; open and close every door and window; and check all electrical sockets by plugging in an appliance. Get an independent home inspection, roof inspection and termite inspection. Unexpected repair costs can eat away your cash flow. Because even the best inspection can’t always predict problems, try to set aside some of the rental income for unexpected repairs.
Spend time driving the streets of the neighborhood noting the condition of other properties. Are lawns maintained? Are roofs in good shape? Are homes kept up?
Be ready to make fixes quickly and respond to the renter’s needs. If you’re not prepared to be a hands-on landlord, consider hiring a property management firm.
See your tax advisor for related planning and laws that can affect your investment decisions.
Remember, investing in a property is much different than living in one, and while emotion and attachment can be prime motivators when it comes to homes, it is return on investment that counts when investing in real estate.
Lori A. Alden can be reached at 206-244-6400, or via email at lorialden@PNWRealty.com.
Prudential Northwest Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity. They’re also a proud sponsor of The B-Town Blog’s Real Estate section.
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On Monday (Mar. 1st), Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large published a followup article that is basically a reaction to him being confronted by Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Councilmember Kathy Keene and City Manager Mike Martin over Burien’s desire to annex the remaining portions of White Center.
The encounter came after Large published a column on Feb. 3rd extolling how White Center is “the right fit” for Seattle.
Councilmember Keene then sent us a copy of a letter she sent The Times, where she strongly refuted Large and claimed that Burien would be a better fit for White Center (read Keene’s letter here).
In Large’s latest column, he starts out by saying:
Burien is getting feisty.
The small city is not counting itself out as a home to the northern neighborhoods of North Highline.
So now, “feisty” Burien has struck back, and the columnist has printed our cityfolk’s claims, stating that “Burien knows what it wants” – read his full column here.
We wonder what will happen next in this political opinion-shaping chess match…stay tuned.
As a resident of the Shorewood community, I strongly object to having an “Adult Entertainment” zone bordering our Shorewood neighborhood, including two public schools (Cascade and Evergreen) and a private Montessori school, as well as the White Center King County Library. I have contacted Joan McGilton, mayor of Burien, for an explanation, but she did not seem to be clear on the designation and suggested I contact Mike Martin for clarification.
If the Highline Times story is accurate, then I want to know why this particular area was selected and why we need an Adult Entertainment zone in Burien in the first place. Is there any other area in Burien that is currently zoned Adult Entertainment? Does this mean that topless barista coffee stands and “deju vu nightclubs” will be allowed to operate in this two block area? I sincerely hope this is not the case and would appreciate clarification on this zoning change as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Moormeier
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an unpaid "Reader Review" of a local Burien restaurant. If you want to write one and have us consider it for publication, please email us.]
by Germaine’s Country Kitchen is now serving dinner – let’s all help support a local family business located at 14901 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166.
Germaine’s is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot. They are expanding their hours to serve dinner. To me, they are the “Cheers” of breakfast, ” Where everybody knows your name”. I love supporting a local family business. Mom, Jacki in the kitchen, daughters Jennifer (1/2 owner) and Kaitlyn are serving.
Germaine’s Country Kitchen is dedicated to the memory of Grandmother Germaine Maribeau Bourton. Germaine came to America in 1919 to live on a farm in Eastern Washington. At that time, all she could do in the kitchen was boil water. Soon, she was selling her egg salad sandwiches at the family barn dances, cooking for the local Catholic church, and planning and cooking dinner for the members of the American Legion. For years, Germiaine was well known to folks in the Waterville area for her wonderful apple pie, maple bars, chicken dinners, and the wine she made in her cellar. Germaine started the family tradition of gathering in the kitchen with good home cooking! Come share the warmth of family and the enjoyment of good food, bringing you the same warmth and comfort of Germaine’s original country kitchen.
Their nightly specials are:
- Monday – Traditional turkey dinner
- Tuesday – Mexican night
- Wednesday – Pasta night
- Thursday – Meatloaf
- Friday – Steamer Clams/ Steak
Jacki is especially proud of her steamer clams. She said she “loves being able to present such a dish to folks who may not be able to afford to go to somewhere like Anthony’s or Salty’s.”
Hope to see you there!
- local resident, Suzanne Greive
I asked at a local pet store, and they wouldn’t tell me.
According to the Humane Society, we should be skeptical of any claims that they don’t come from puppy mills (link here).
According to the American Kennel Club, you should buy a dog directly from the breeder, so you can inspect their premises and ask questions, instead of buying from a pet store (link here).
Better yet, you can get a mutt from the pound for one-tenth of the cost and save a life. Most pet stores agree that selling puppies and kittens is not the right thing to do. The City of West Hollywood recently passed a law banning this practice (read the LA Times story here; link to the ordinance here as a PDF file).
Sign the petition and ask the City of Burien to take the lead in animal welfare:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-pet-store-puppies
- Jim Branson
So…what do YOU think? Should Burien outlaw the selling of puppies in local pet stores? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…
Loading ...[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
Working at Sea-Tac for 35 years, I have firsthand knowledge of airport operations and STITA Taxi. Knowing STITA’s reputation, I thought they would surely be chosen for the new contract for the taxi concession. I was astonished to hear the Port’s decision. The structure of the RFP caused a bidding war, and the Port plans to award the contract to the highest bidder, Yellow Cab. How could they base their decision purely on money and not reputation and quality of service?
Shuttle Express and STITA operate within a few feet of each other so I know their operations and service level. STITA taxi owners maintain their vehicles and have invested in a green fleet, all while making a living wage. And, STITA provides good service, much better than any other taxi service in Seattle.
As a competitor, it would be to my advantage to say nothing and compete against a lesser provider. But I can’t watch this play out without saying something about the Port’s injustice to STITA, and more importantly to you, the traveling public. I have no issue with the Port opening the concession to competitive bid, but its selection based on who will pay the most money rather than service and safety is wrong.
Jim Sherrell is the Owner of Shuttle Express.
More money for the Port may sound good, but in reality the over-inflated fees that Yellow agreed to pay the Port are way off base. There is no way Yellow can use the minuscule taxi fees to fund reservations, dispatch, accounting, marketing, safe vehicles, insurance, advertising AND also pay the Port an exorbitant fee to use the taxi curb. What expenses will the Yellow taxi drivers have to cut to still be able to put bread on the table? Will you feel safe when you climb into that taxi knowing they cannot meet their financial obligations and still make a living?
So why would the Port prioritize getting more money above safety, service and other important factors? What seems obvious is the Port wants more money. Who is eventually going to pay the Port more money? Sure, first it will be the poor taxi drivers. Next, the taxi drivers will ask regulators to allow increased fees. In the end, YOU, the traveling public will be paying the difference with higher taxi fares.
Now ask yourself, is the Port operating in the interest of the traveling public, or is it merely trying to squeeze more money from taxi drivers and you, the passengers?
Will the publicly elected Port of Seattle Commissioners recognize this flawed RFP bid for what it is and correct this radical mistake? My experience during the last thirty-plus years tells me that when the Port Commissioners know the facts and hear from their voters, they will make the correct decision to award the RFP fairly, based on service and safety for the traveling public rather than strictly money from fees.
It’s up to you, the traveling public, to let the Commissioners know your feelings on the issue to have it corrected: www.portseattle.org.
- Jim Sherrell
Owner, Shuttle Express(Jim Sherrell is the owner of Shuttle Express, serving the Seattle region since 1979)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
Yes, it’s rainy.
Yes, the wind is howling and the 2010 Olympic flame is blowing sideways, leaving my umbrella to resemble a closed tulip, but the enthusiasm for the Olympic games is infectious.
The minute we stepped off the Skytrain we are greeted with a chorus of welcomes.
“Good morning!” said one Mapleleaf-clad young woman.
“Good morning!!” said another.
“Good morning!!!” said a third.
Oh my gosh, I’ve got to move to this friendly city – I’ve already got three friends in less than one minute. Just think, by the time I get to my hotel, let’s say ten minutes or so – I’ll have 30 new friends. I did notice a lot of my new ‘friends’ were wearing bright green coats and badges.
Hmmm…
At our centrally-located hotel, Rosedale on Robson in Vancouver BC, the staff personnel practically fall over each other with their welcomes. I love this place. I can’t wait to tell my old college friend, Deb, how much I love her country. Deb moved here 20+ years ago and never left. She probably has loads of friends.
Translated, this First Peoples symbol means "Good Morning!"
The phone rings five minutes after we settle into our room.
“I’m downstairs,” said my old friend (what, no “Good morning!”? So much for a friendly country…).
I quickly put on some lipstick and run downstairs.
“Damn girl, you look the same as you did in college!” I said.
Waiting, waiting, waiting for similar reply. Guess I’m not looking as fresh as I thought. Oh well, things could be worse.
“Deb, everyone here is soooo dang friendly.”
“Oh yeah, we’ve been barraged with public announcements before the Olympics – stuff like, ‘remember you are a representative of Canada, go out of your way to be friendly.’”
I’m rather deflated by this statement. Maybe I don’t have quite so many friends as I imagined. Maybe they are paid to be nice!
“What about all the people in green jackets?” I ask.
“Oh, those are volunteers, they don’t get paid unless their empolyers pay for their time off to help with the Olympics,” she said as we walked towards the waterfront to see our first ever ‘live in person’ Olympic flame.
Nate Holland
Sunday–we hope to be first in line at The Bay department store–the only place in Vancouver which sells Olympic souvenirs. The line was three blocks long today. I don’t want the popular mapleleaf mittens that bad.
Monday–Off to Cypress to watch Tom’s relative, Nate Holland, a “five-pete” X Games champion.
Hopefully I’ll be wearing my new souvenir mapleleaf mittens – you know, the kind that make you smile and say “GOOD MORNING!!!!”?
Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.
All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.
Or something like that.
Read more of her humor at her website here.
Last week (Wed., Feb. 3rd), Seattle Times Columnist Jerry Large wrote an editorial explaining why he thinks White Center would be a “good fit” for Seattle, and vice versa (link here) – an issue that has reared its head ever since new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said that he’d like to annex the area.
Of course, numerous folks around these parts think differently from both Large and McGinn (hey, weren’t they in a band together in the 60s?), including Burien City Councilmember Kathy Keene, who read Large’s column, then emailed us her response to him:
“Needless to say I do NOT agree and wrote the following letter to Mr. Large, to which he responded.”
Here’s the email dialogue she had with Mr. Large, which we print below with her permission:
From: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:21 AM
To: Jerry Large
Subject: Article on White CenterDear Jerry,
I want to comment on your article last week on White Center.
Before I go any farther, let me introduce myself: I am a 23 year resident of the area (a veritable newcomer by most standards), and a 19 year Commissioner at Water District 20. We provide water to a very large portion of North Highline, in fact, the remaining unincorporated area east of 509 down to the Seattle city limits in South Park is in our service area. I also am in my first term on the Burien City Council.
As a small local government, Burien offers the residents in North Highline something Seattle will NEVER be able to: POWER TO THEIR VOICES! In Burien they will be 18,000 of 45 000, in Seattle they’ll be 18,000 of what? 600,000? Tell me how much power that gives them. In Burien we hold our Council meetings Monday at 7 PM, Seattle’s are 3:00, how many working folks can make those meetings? As an added bonus we’re a hop, skip and a jump from White Center, two jumps for Blvd Park, and the parking is FREE.
I would love to invite you to Burien and show you around. A Burien annexation of this entire area is a reuniting of a neighborhood that was one neighborhood for many many years. These folks are our brothers and sisters, our moms and dads, our cousins, our best friends. They shop in Burien. Like Burien, they are home owners and shop keepers, many have lived here for generations. I grew up in the little fishing village of Ballard. This area reminds me of my childhood – stable neighborhoods, generational families, extended families, a deep pride of community.
An annexation to Burien also ensures a continuation of the same services they now enjoy:
Libraries-currently the people of NH are part of the KCLS. If they become Seattle residents they lose that. The county may close down the White Center and Blvd Park libraries due to loss of tax revenue. It took Seattle 100 years to build a library in South Park, how long before they will build a replacement library in this area??? There are 8-10,000 people a month that use the White Center Library. I don’t have the figures for Blvd Park, but I do know it is also is the heart of their community. These facilities are a vital part of the human infrastructure of the area.
Speaking of infrastructure, the water distribution system in Water District 20’s boundaries are heads and shoulders above Seattle’s. Our system is almost totally rebuilt. We don’t wait for a pipe to break 3 times before we replace it; we are proactive. We don’t have the accidents like the Ravenna area has had recently. Approx. 35 years ago old WD 61 became a direct service customer of Seattle water; this area includes White Center, North Shorewood, Salmon Creek and the NW corner of Burien. A majority of that systems has not been touched since. The rate payers have no say in their rates and they pay a 10% out of service fee. (You pay, a 14% utility tax on your bill I believe) WD 20 and Burien have no utility taxes. By reuniting the entire area we can hopefully give all these folks back control of their water system and rates.
Another cost savings for the unincorporated area is their sewers. The western area is served by SW Suburban Sewer District (SWSSD), which has its own sewer treatment plants. We do NOT have to pay for Brightwater… look at your sewer bill, there is most likely a charge of $40 + to pay off the county bonds, which, I believe are 40 year bonds. I have been told that will probably go up to around $50/month. If this area becomes part of Seattle, I believe they will have to pay those rates because of the bond covenants, even if they remain in SWSSD.
Fire – Fire District 11 will go away and the entire area will be served by FD 2. The existing fire fighters will become FD 2 personnel. They know the area, which is helpful when every minute counts. When Burien was deciding on the boundaries of Phase 1 we included the fire station on 112th which serves this area now. Seattle was adamant that they needed that station to serve the area and parts of south Seattle. In a spirit of cooperation we honored their request. When the Seattle City Council was getting their briefing they were told this station isn’t adequate and White Center will be covered by the station in West Seattle…. I wonder how that will affect the response time? I wonder why we gave it up.
Police – If the area becomes part of Burien they will have the same police officers they have now, there will be a seamless transition. Our Sheriffs have been very effective dealing with crime in this area. So what happens to these officers if Seattle annexes? I realize they have the option to hire those that currently work there but there are issues of seniority, pay, benefits etc.
Debt-Burien has no debt, Seattle has many levy and bond measures that have to be paid. The new residents will be responsible for helping to pay for this debt since they now “enjoy the benefits”.
The focus of your article was on the social services and how the non profits could “help the people”. As you can see from what I’ve written there are many other aspects to consider. It is true Burien does not have the deep pockets of Seattle, but we do work well with the various support and non profit groups that work in our city. We look forward to working with the non profits you mentioned as well. Since these folks are receiving grant money from private agencies that money can also continue to flow into the area.
We are a small and nimble city, it is in our combined best interests to see that this area thrives. By having a government close by I anticipate the downtown core of White Center begin to fill up with new business run by the residents. As you pointed out there is a vibrancy in the area you don’t often see. That needs to be nurtured. Check into the B&O taxes Seattle charges, as well as space taxes, head tax, business license fees etc. These are a burden to beginning/small businesses. Burien doesn’t charge as much in B&O nor do we have any of those other ancillary taxes. We are a business friendly city and value the leadership and ideas they contribute to our community.
Again, I invite you back to the area, come on down to Burien some Monday evening and see our Council in action, walk around our downtown core and see what we have done – it was not done in a vacuum – the residents of Burien were very actively involved. This is the way we do business here – with the involvement and support of our residents. This is the power we offer to the remainder of the unincorporated area. Doubts? Come watch us as we begin this process with the area that will become part of Burien in April. I admit it will take some time; these folks have been ignored, neglected, abused, and dictated to for too many years. They aren’t quite sure of their voice yet, but given time they will gain confidence and bring a new vibrancy to our city…. we will all be a better place. I look forward to including the remainder of the area – what a great city we will be!
Thank you for your time,
Kathy Keene—– Original Message —–
From: Jerry Large
To: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 1:25 PM
Subject: RE: Article on White CenterDear Kathy,
Thanks for the note. I’d love to visit with you about White Center and Burien. I’ll be away next week, but I can come down after that. I have deadlines on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you let me know a couple of times that would work with your schedule, we can find one that works.
Jerry
Jerry Large
Columnist
The Seattle Times
Also, Thursday morning Crosscut published another editorial about why White Center should join Seattle, this one penned by Jordan Royer. And yes, he’s the son of former Seattle Mayor Charlie Royer – read it here.
So…what do YOU think of this issue? Should Seattle be allowed to annex White Center? Or should Burien go for it? Please take our Poll below, or leave a Comment…
Loading ...[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are re-posting this column (originally run Nov. 2, 2008) in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, whose life and work we celebrate today:]
“When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King,
from a speech delivered in 1967
by Mark Neuman
Contemplating the Giant Triplets
I am embarrassed to admit that, at age nine, I knew more about Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch and a TV situation comedy called “F Troop” than I did about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I know this because I was watching a syndicated repeat of that silly show on the afternoon of April 4, 1968, when a news bulletin cut into regular programming to announce that Dr. King had been shot and killed earlier that day.
I did not know who he was.
I quickly got to know, in part, on the strength of my third and fourth grade teachers at Holy Rosary Elementary School in West Seattle, and then I never forgot.
Our recent handful of years
With an over half-trillion dollar burden set firmly on the backs of Americans not yet born, the powers-that-be recently bailed out the powerful who failed us.
And some number of millions of everyday Americans participated as well, in the pursuit of a piece of the glittering illusion: unbelievably rapidly appreciating equity.
Any number of common desk working brokers and agents just “did what the boss told us” to earn fast, fat commissions.
Regulators, overseers are somewhat difficult to blame. They, too, like the profits, were largely imaginary, nonexistent. Those who existed sat by, quite silent.
Today, a Senator from Illinois engenders, through no fault of his own, racist sentiments from various pockets all about our country.
And this is seven score and three years after the end of the Civil War.
And meanwhile another chunk of trillion has been thrown at a conflagration, a quagmire, in the Middle East that, inarguably, Dr. King would have opposed.
A great speech
And so I bring to you today words earnestly delivered by Dr. King, less than a year before he died. Officially it is titled: “Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam.”
It could quite well be subtitled: “The Giant Triplets Speech.”
It could also be called: “Please Don’t Make Our Country Look Like This in the First Decade of the 21st Century.”
If only all we Americans had recited or read, daily, his powerful words, spoken forty-one years ago:
“When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.”
In our modest blog offices it was suggested: Should we post and highlight this speech two days before Election Day?
We “Woodwarded and Bernsteined and Bradleed” this about. Would some be offended? Might some misunderstand?
Perhaps some will.
Some always do.
Any complaints? Send them to me.
Any credit or compliments? They go to Dr. King.
Here is a recording of, in my opinion, a stunning and timeless speech from the greatest and most courageous leader of my lifetime.
When you hear Dr. King’s words, spoken less than a year before he passed, does your heart beat fast?
I should expect and hope it would.
Perhaps your eyes water at certain points.
You’re in good company if they do, I assure.
Never heard this speech before? You are not to blame. We live in a “forget the past” society. Additionally, Dr. King’s other stunning and courageous works, including “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” happen to overshadow his own genius, literary and oratory greatness and prescience displayed at other times in his life.
Does the speech seem familiar? Please give it a listen again, in the relative stillness of this, the day most often set aside for meaningful thought, then send a note to that Social Studies teacher from grade six, your History professor from college, your Speech Coach and thank her or him for the initial introduction.
Send the links to your nephew in the Navy, your sisters from the old sorority, your Aunt in Auburn or Alabama, your boss in Bellevue, your kid in college.
Move it along the internet line to your favorite State Rep or least favorite Congressman, the most ethical attorney you know, or maybe even the least trustworthy scumbag Wall Street suit you are glad you never met, or, perhaps, are sorry you ever did.
Print out Dr. King’s words (we’ll get that link to you soon), fold it up and send them along with warmth in your Holiday greetings later this Autumn.
And so, on this Contemplative Holiday
Let us all, now and in these crucial near years, stare down those Giant and Ugly Triplets and knock them off their high perch for good.
Thanks.
–Mark Neuman
mark@b-townblog.com
And in case you haven’t heard it in a while, here’s Dr. King’s classic “I Have A Dream” speech:
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by Set in the familiar location of Snoqualmie Pass, an unlikely group of travelers find themselves trapped by the snow-closed passes in “Snowbound,” which opens Friday, Jan. 15th at BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery.
In the solitude of a quaint local inn, each guest is faced with conflicting personal struggles, not only with themselves but with the other guests as well. Learning that the local sheriff (a guy reminiscent of Barney Fife, played by Scott Green) is looking for an escaped convict only adds to their heightened sense of self preservation and sends each person seeking answers about who they can trust and what they are really looking for.
The cast of this Breeders Theater production showcases an array of experienced talent, all of whom holds your attention and keeps you guessing. Each actor brings a unique perspective to their role, including:
- Binky (played by Brenan Grant) the “emo” young man who relishes in his own misery.
- Lovely (played by Teresa Widner) whose out of control hormones seem to be too much for even her to handle at times let alone her trail of conquests.
- Ike (played by Martin J. Mackenzie) the innkeeper who had such a convincing of role of the friendly small town fellow whose trustworthy and friendly nature draws people to him.
- Glenda (played by Kelly Johnson), Binky’s mother, shows hints of a 50s sitcom housewife whose traditional values are challenged by raising a rebellious young man.
- Hank Thompson (played by Andrew Smith) the seemingly sincere, reliable and at times dryly sarcastic chef finds himself thrown into uncomfortable positions of his fellow traveler’s dilemmas.
- The young couple “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (played by Stephen Scheide and Laura Smith) who find themselves in a suspicious bind that even they are unsure of how to resolve.
Each guest is presented with the overwhelming concern of not only wanting to avoid an encounter with the escaped convict, they have to question; could the convict be among them? Distracted by only their own egotistical veils, each person reveals humorous and deeper struggles among each other.
While I found each performance to be well played, I struggled with the level of general air-headedness that most of the women and at times the men possessed. Being confused is one thing, but as the script rolled along the naivety prevailed leaving me to question the characters’ intended intelligence.
The lack of an actual set was at first distracting for me; however the actors/characters got and kept my attention quickly enough for me to get past it. The theater in the round, or more like “audience as bookends,” might be new for some viewers, but brings a complete perspective to the show and allows you to see each scene as if you were actually there.
All in all this TM Sell play directed by Michael Brunk was humorous, charming and engaging while bringing a level of the traditional whodunnit to an unsuspecting ending that I can only say was jarringly layered and thought-provoking.
I would recommend not missing this performance of “Snowbound,” especially for Alfred Hitchcock and Twilight Zone fans, as the references are abundant…just be sure to bring a coat.
No, seriously – it can get a little chilly at E.B. Foote Winery this time of year.
Tickets are $20, and include the play, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting by E.B. Foote.
You can purchase them at the winery (127-B SW 153rd in Burien; 206-242-3852), at CorkyCellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462) or online here.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Non-Reviewer Doesn’t Review Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”
- PHOTOS: Behind-The-Scenes Peak At Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”
- The Pass May Be Closed, But Tickets Are Now On Sale For Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Happy Holidays to each and every one of our fine bookworms out there!
Can you believe it’s almost 2010? (and isn’t that the “Year We Make Contact“?)
Please note that all King County Libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th for the Christmas Holidays.
Also, all King County Libraries will also close at 5pm on Thursday, December 31st for New Year’s Eve and remain closed on Friday, January 1st 2010, New Year’s Day.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild is now sponsoring the ongoing book sale at the Boulevard Park Library. Bring your donations of gently used books to the Boulevard Park Library, all sales collected from this book sale will be used to sponsor programs at the Boulevard Park Library.
The Burien Library Guild continues to sell used books in their ongoing sale at the Burien Library as well.
The Guild is also selling ‘Book Lover’s Calendar’ 2010 for $8 each at the Burien Library – a great bargain and a wonderful gift!
The King County Library System selection department has put together a list of the Best Books of 2009 - check it out here.
PROGRAMS:
Burien Library:
- Opera Preview : Verdi’s ‘ll Trovatore’ presented by Norm Hollingshead
- Wednesday December 23th beginning at 7pm
- Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
Visit http://www.kcls.org/events/opera.cfm for a complete list of Opera Preview times and locations.
- Holiday Magic, for children ages 5 and older.
Thursday December 31st beginning at 11am
Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
White Center Library:
- Fiestas – Early Literacy Parties in Spanish
December 10th & 17th 6:30pm-8pm
The ‘Fiestas’ are workshops designed for Spanish-speaking families to prepare their children for Kindergarten. Las ‘Fiestas’ son talleres disenadow para los padres hispanos que preparan a sus hijos para el Kindergartern
Sponsored by the KCLS Foundation
Visit http://www.kcls.org/programs/ for a complete list of programs throughout the library system.
BRANCH LOCATIONS:
- Burien Library – 400 SW 152nd St Burien (206.243.3490)
- White Center Library – 11220 16th SW (206.243.0233)
- Boulevard Park Library- 12015 Roseberg Ave S (206.242.8662)
- Greenbridge Library -9720 8th Ave SW (206.762.1682)
BOOK REVIEW:
“My Dream of You” by Nuala O’Faolain
When middle aged travel writer Kathleen de Burca returns to her native Ireland to research a scandalous love affair between a landlord’s wife and an Irish peasant during the potato famine she finds herself examining her own desires and needs as passion comes to her in the form of a married man.
The story is both an historical account of Irish history and a contemporary novel.
Wonderful, sad, uplifting.
Fiction.
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
Word travels fast here in B-Town.
I was just gathering my courage to call my dentist to make an appointment for a tooth scrubbing when Margi, the receptionist at Dr. Abolofia’s office phoned me—for the third time.
“Shawn, so glad I finally caught you at home, how are you? Have you heard of ‘Eat Local’? I bought the Chicken Pot Pie, and it was to die for! By the way, you are way overdue for your six-month check up!” She said all of this in pretty much one breath.
“Yeah, I have been meaning to go there, isn’t it right next to the bike shop?” I said.
Maybe if I kept the conversation away from overdue appointments she would forget why she called . . . It could happen. But it didn’t. However, I did visit ‘Eat Local.’
The first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was the Thundering Hooves sign on the wall. That sign alone gave me the feeling that a cow could be grazing out back. The store feels homey and it should because everything is prepared right on site. There are a wide variety of choices from, appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts and wine. A fair amount of the hand-made entrees were packaged in reusable glass containers, which can be bought and returned through deposit as you would a milk bottle.
Greg Conner, Eat Local owner and extremely affable fellow took me on a tour of the store. All of the ready-to-serve items are produced from ingredients procured locally from nearby farms that specialize in organic produce. I was amazed to find such specialties as Pork Cassoulet, made with pork, beans and sausage and then slow cooked in a wine sauce. I haven’t eaten cassoulet since I lived in France seven years ago. Thundering Hooves beef and poultry is pasture raised and hormone-free. I wonder if the cows and chickens are having menopausal issues—being hormone-free and all.
Speaking of local—Greg’s a homeboy. He grew up in B-Town and attended Kennedy High School. He opened his first Eat Local store in Queen Anne and is excited to be back in his hometown, and frankly I for one am very glad to have a place to pick up a quick ‘made from scratch’ meal for my peeps. I was just contemplating another cooking strike—just for the heck of it.
So, give yourself a break and visit the friendly folk at ‘Eat Local.’ It’s not to be missed.
Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.
All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.
Or something like that.
Read more of her humor at her website here.
On this Thanksgiving 2009, we here at The B-Town Blog are ever-so-thankful for all our Readers, Advertisers and Contributors, and we send our heartiest, cranberry-soakiest, stuffingist, yammiest, Tofurkeyturdukenist wishes to everyone!
Unless something big happens, we’re all taking the day off to engorge ourselves with our dysfunctional families and friends.
Here are some of the things us B-Town Bloggers are thankful for this year:
“I’m thankful for the diverse range of people who call this area their home. I’m thankful for the smiling faces I see at local businesses that I frequent. I’m thankful for the gorgeous views and beaches of Three Tree Point. I’m thankful for the eagles I see circling in the skies above and that osprey I saw dive and catch a fish this summer. I’m thankful that there’s always something going on here, which means we’re never at a loss for content. I’m thankful for everyone who helps with this blog, which is growing every day. And last but not least, I am thankful for my family and friends!” – Scott Schaefer
Thankful that the farmer’s market is finally in its new home; and back where it started at when Lamont’s was sitting there empty. Thankful that there were only two beavers that had to be euthanized. Thankful for the new library, city hall & town square park and the vision that business and government leaders had way back when. Thankful that Discover Burien got a new exec director. Thankful that Scat the cat lived through his attack by the deranged man. Thankful for our customers at BTB. Thankful for our readers at BTB. - Janet Grella
“I am thankful we live in a nation with a free economy and a strong and indefatigable First Amendment, where an upstart neighborhood blog such as The B-Town Blog can birth itself, thrive and grow. This simply is not the case in many other parts of the world.” - Mark Neuman
The stuff I am thankful for are the people and staff that contribute to the blog and their genuine care and involvement in our communities.
The growth and progress of the amazing small business owners we have. We are lucky they are here. The readers!!! I couldn’t be more excited to hear of our numbers and see that people really care about the stories we are able to provide. I am thankful for the growth Burien has seen over the last year.. agree with the direction or not… the progress has been well achieved. - Gina Bourdage
I am thankful for family and pets, for good friends, for good health, and for work even in this recession. And for a suburban city like Burien that fosters a sense of community, and looks to the future with optimism. And for the men and women of the King County Sheriff’s Office/Burien Police Department and our firefighters who help protect us. And for the men and women from the Highline area who serve in America’s armed forces. And for the B-Town Blog, which provides a real source of news and information for the community. And for all the little things in life that matter a lot. - Ralph Nichols
“I’m thankful for all of the parks and beautiful trees (especially during the fall) that make Burien so very pretty and easy to enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving!!” – Amy Bouska
“I am thankful for everybody who contributed to our food bank fundraisers, knowing that everything they did will help the less fortunate in the area. I hope to see everyone at our next one at Tin Cellars on Tuesday, Dec. 8th!” - Bart Bryan
“I’m thankful for the ability to do whatever the hell I want – I’m going backpacking in Costa Rica soon! I’m also thankful for my youth and my irresponsibility! – Danielle Burton
Here’s some Turkeyday artwork to enjoy from our youthful, irresponsible artist Danielle Burton:
Click image to see larger version.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
What are YOU thankful for? Please leave a Comment below…
King County apparently wants to sell Puget Sound Park without public comment or notice. They had proposed selling it for low income housing during the summer. This was stopped (?) by public outrage over the sale of a park.
Now the word is that they have a sale pending.. This is wrong on so many levels. The worst part is that a park should NEVER be sold without public comment and debate.
If this sale was not pending the Burien City Council would have approved annexation of this area on March 2, 2010. That approval is now on hold. Many people of the community welcome any holding up of the annexation of North Highline. Could these people be behind the sale of this park? I hope not and I think not.
In the election to be annexed into Burien the control over their area as an issue by the voters, this sale is an example of the high handed tactics of King County Government, without regard for the people effected.
I recognize that the purchase of land by a government from a private party needs to negotiate in private or the cost will go up. But the disposal of government land needs to be transparent and open or people will wonder about undue enrichment of a government official.
If another government agency is the purchaser then this backroom dealing is terrible, and such behavior by two levels of government should not be tolerated.
- Ed Dacy
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
All King County Libraries will be Closed Thursday, Nov. 26th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
DID YOU KNOW?
The King County Library System offers a variety of databases to help you with everything from business information and directories to homework help. See our featured database at http://www.kcls.org/databases/
Testing & Education Reference Center:
Get ready for the big tests in your life – AP, SAT, GED, MCAT, and civil service – with practice tests, ebooks, and planning advice from #1 names in college and vocational prep, Peterson’s and ARCO.
BOOKS & READING:
Visit http://www.kcls.org/booksandreading/index.cfm for a list of books we recommend, new books, and book club resources.
PROGRAMS:
Literary Feast
LOCAL AUTHORS Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will be at the Burien Library Saturday, Nov. 21st from 2pm- 4pm.
Northwest authors Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will visit the Burien library on Saturday Nov. 21, for a book-reading and signing event. The best-selling local authors are featured in the book, “Literary Feast, The Famous Authors Cookbook,” which is a compilation of 100 food, drink and dessert recipes from scores of well-known authors and writers.
Singing Thanksgiving at the Burien Library Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 10:30am! Presented by Harmonica Pocket . All ages welcome. Celebrate the holidays with American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and This Little Light of Mine. This dynamic musical duo will have everyone singing and dancing along.
Rock! Rock! Rock! at the White Center Library Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 6:30pm! Presented by Rowbes. Ages 2 and older welcome. This original children’s rock concert is performed by some crazy puppet musicians. Rowbes is better known as Dewy the Dog from Story Time with Dewey and Sketch: Season 2.
Visit http://www.kcls.org/season/ for a complete list of all upcoming library programs!
Why Can’t You Behave? Ideas for Handling Misbehavior at the Greenbridge Library Saturday, Nov. 21st at 1pm
Presented by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed., Priceless Parenting, LLC – Learn ways to set effective limits, deal with adult-child control issues and use positive techniques for dealing with issues like tantrums, tattling, begging at the store and bedtime. Provides 2 hours STARS credit in Child Guidance.
BOOK REVIEW:
‘Wild Swans; Three Daughters of China’ by Jung Chang.
From turn of the century China through the 1980s Chang traces 3 generations of women.
Her grandmother, born in 1907, was a concubine as a young girl, her mother was a Communist party member and official, and she was a member of the Red Guards in the late 60s.
China’s evolution from a feudal society to present day told through the experiences of one family brings to life the incredible hardships and successes that have shaped the country.
Non-fiction, and definitely worth a read!
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
I’m a procrastinator.
I won’t ask for a show of hands from people who have the same problem because, well first of all I can’t see your hands because I’m here in my son’s room—recently converted to an office until said son returns from college and all Hell breaks loose, because I’m using his room.
As I was saying before I started going off track with the converted office bit—I have no doubt there would be a sea of procrastinating hands, too numerous to count.
For instance, who has yet to take down their Halloween decorations?
Today as I drove around the neighborhood (putting off writing yet another revision for my editor of a ‘grabber’ beginning for my book), I noticed numerous pumpkins with barely recognizable faces, long overdue for the yard recycle or where ever dead pumpkins go after the holidays. Strings of orange Halloween twinkle lights festooned some trees and even some Jack o’ Lantern pumpkin lights still dangled on a charming white fence.
Some people still have Halloween decorations up, including these jack-o-lantern lights spotted on a Burien picket fence. You know who you are!
You know who you are!
A picture says a thousand words but my daughter, Leslie said. “Mom, I don’t think everyone else thinks leftover Halloween displays are as funny as you do. I don’t think you should take a picture. What if something happened in the family and they haven’t had time to take down the displays or what if they are on vacation?” Her list went on and on until even I felt guilty for my paparazzi-like behavior. So no pics but like I said—you know who you are!
It’s possible orange twinkly lights can linger through Thanksgiving but the pumpkin lights have got to go—pronto. Now I’ve got to go trash my own pumpkins which still sit on my porch, and then of course there’s the scarecrows . . .
On a final note. I can’t resist a cupcake. Have a look:
Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.
All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.
Or something like that.
Read more of her humor at her website here.
On October 29, 2009; The Seattle Times ran a story on the $25 Burien Vehicle Tax/Proposition 1 that is currently on the November ballot. When the reporter asked why a vehicle tax was being used, the mayor of Burien (McGilton) said that “A property tax wasn’t considered out of respect for Burien’s relatively conservative voters, less affluent than in levy happy Seattle”. However, eight days prior to that story, McGilton and the city had done the opposite and sent a news release to the local newspapers and the B-town Blog announcing a Public Hearing on Nov. 9th to solicit public comments on a proposed, increased property tax (of up to 1%) for Burien. Before voting on Tuesday, November 3rd, every citizen in Burien should question what the heck is really going on.
When I attended the July City of Burien Council Meeting/Public Hearing on the $25 Burien Vehicle Tax/Proposition 1 (for sidewalks and bike paths), I didn’t plan on writing the statement against the $25 Burien Vehicle Tax/Proposition 1. However when no information was presented to the public about: the project costs, the amount to be collected from this tax, what other grants/sources could help with the projects, how much these project streets were actually used, I was frustrated. There were no sketches/diagrams of what the finished work might look like. The City quoted statistics from a 2008 Burien Citizen Survey that were inaccurate.
Citizens asked questions. The City didn’t answer. After the Public Hearing, the Council immediately voted to put the Vehicle Tax on the November ballot. In depressed economic times, the City was asking citizens to rubber stamp a new tax.
The City stated at the Hearing the tax will last two years. That is not true. Under the rules for Transportation Benefit Districts, the tax remains in place until the project is completed and paid for. The City does not have the authority to promise otherwise.
The City had not surveyed the use patterns of the project areas. Both 8th Ave and South 136th have light use by both pedestrians and bikes. Only 13% of the respondents to the 2008 Burien Citizen Survey who live in these areas thought there was a need to improve sidewalks and bike paths.
Some of the endorsers/supporters of the tax can’t answer basic questions about the tax. Many of the endorsers do not live in Burien and will not be paying the tax. The campaign signs are being funded by a legislator from Vashon Island and her aide. In the Seattle Times article, McGilton referred to this vehicle tax as a “good test case”. So, what’s up?
Joe Fitzgibbons suggested on the Transportation Choices Coalition website that this is a trial balloon to see if Burien can get residents to vote for this type of a tax. Other cities in the state are watching to see if they can use the same strategy to get new taxes from their residents. I’m not happy to be part of this trial balloon experiment. What am I being tested for? Is it to see if the City of Burien can get a $25 Vehicle Tax and then impose a property tax increase as well on its citizens?
Burien is one of the highest taxed cities in King County. I strongly urge the citizens of Burien to vote “NO” against Proposition 1/$25 Burien Vehicle Tax or other new taxes until Burien improves how it presents the need for new taxes to its citizens.
- Chestine Edgar
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review (for libel, etc.), we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following Letter to the Editor was received via email from K. Scott Kimerer, Chairman of King County Police Chiefs on Wednesday Oct. 21st:]
In King County, there are over 35 police departments, the Sheriff, plus our state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Together, we are collectively sworn to protect over 1.8 million citizens. We meet monthly as partners in this effort to address the most pressing public safety issues facing our communities. At our October meeting, the King County Police Chiefs Association discussed the impacts that Initiative 1033 could have on our ability to provide basic police services.
Current economic conditions have already created serious budget cuts to police departments and diminished our ability to serve. The financial analysis of Initiative 1033 presents the real possibility that police protection could be significantly impacted as cities and counties address significant cuts in the funds to provide basic services. We are already seeing a reduction in police officer hiring. The Washington Criminal Justice Training Center has had a 30% reduction in enrollment this year at the academy.
82% of the cities in King County have a population of fewer than 50,000. It is likely that they will be hit the hardest as these cities must carefully manage precious financial resources to provide all of the needed services.
Like any service, police protection and access to justice in general has a threshold where further budget reductions will have measurable, negative impacts on the citizens. The King County Police Chief’s Association feels it is our responsibility to inform and to offer our perspective on the potential impact to public safety that I-1033 may have. We encourage citizens to be informed and ask their city governments, review their City Council meetings, or go to their city website to see what is being said regarding the effect I-1033 would have on their ability to provide police and other critical services that create our quality of life and safety.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review (for libel, etc.), we'll most likely post it.]
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We're now publishing "Letters to the Editor," and encourage all Readers to email us their opinions or thoughts (another option of course is to Comment below each story). Below is a letter from longtime Burien-area resident and former city councilmember Stephen Lamphear:]
Dear Editor –
The city of Burien is proposing a new $25 yearly vehicle license fee. Looking at your Voters Pamphlet, you won’t find this proposal connected to the city of Burien. In fact, you have to thumb all the way to page 100 — end of the Voters Pamphlet — to find it. You will not find the word Burien anywhere in the ballot title. Instead, you will find Transportation Benefit District No.1, Proposition No.1 — yet this is strictly a city revenue proposal. A stealth move if ever I saw one.
For two reasons I cannot support this measure.
First of all, the $25 license fee is a regressive tax that, like utility taxes, hits our working families and lower income people the hardest. Since this is a “fee” — not an excise tax — it is not even deductible on federal income taxes.
If these bicycle and sidewalk improvements are necessary at a time of broad personal economic hardship, there are fairer ways to raise the money. The most obvious, fairer way to raise public money is a voter-approved special property tax levy. At least property taxes are deductible on federal income taxes and more directly affect people of means — also, it calls a duck a duck.
Secondly, having the Transit Benefit District boardmembers the same as the city council is merely “left pocket, right pocket”. I might support a TBD if we were also electing independent commissioners, as is being done for the proposed Des Moines Pool District. I’d rather have independent input on special projects and taxes. However, the interlocking board of directors/councilmembers makes this little more than a work-around for the city council to raise taxes without their name on the price tag: “The council didn’t raise taxes, the TBD did it.”
While, I can afford the $25 for this ill-conceived proposal to improve the community, the working family down the street with 4 cars (everyone works) will have to pony up $100 — money they can ill-afford and not deduct on income taxes. Businesses will also pay this fee and pass it on in higher prices.
Yes, we totally need safe streets: safe for children to walk to school, safe for bicycles. This is not the way to do it. Vote NO on Transportation Benefit District No.1, Proposition No.1. When doing the right thing, you also have to do the thing right.
Stephen Lamphear
North Shorewood
(Stephen Lamphear is a longtime Burien resident, former City Councilmember and frequent Contributor to The B-Town Blog. Read more of his writing here.)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us a Letter to the Editor by clicking here, and pending our review (for libel, etc.), we'll most likely post it.]
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a Guest Editorial by Joe Fitzgibbon, Planning Commissioner for the City of Burien:]
by The residents of Burien will have the opportunity this November to vote YES for investments in bicycle and pedestrian facilities. For the price of a half tank of gas, we can make our city safer for our kids and families walking and biking.
As The B-Town Blog has previously reported, a YES vote on the Transportation Benefit District and the proposed $25 vehicle license fee will enable the City of Burien build bicycle lanes, provide safer connections to schools, and repair inadequate sidewalks to increase the mobility of our seniors. I hope you will join me in voting YES to approve this levy to make our city safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Over 400 Burien residents helped shape what we want our city to look like through the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plans. All agreed that our city would be a better place if people could easily get around on two feet or two wheels. Since then, the city has completed some projects, but our progress has slowed because of the competing demands on the city budget — roads, parks, and public safety.
A YES vote on the Sidewalks and Bikes Levy will enable the city to keep moving ahead with some of the highest priority projects from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Master Plan–specifically, improvements to S and SW 136th St and 8th Ave S.
This is a great time for us to tackle these improvements. Construction projects are coming in under budget because demand for residential construction has declined. It is likely that we won’t ever be able to build these projects more cheaply than we are able to right now.
The benefits of better pedestrian and bike infrastructure are numerous and include improved home value, making students safer, and saving school districts money that can instead be used for teaching. It can save you money too. It reduces emissions and makes our air cleaner. It encourages healthy and active lifestyles.
Opponents suggest the cost of improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety is too high and this is not the right time to make our streets safer for walkers and bikers like students at Kennedy High School and Cedarhurst Elementary.
I disagree. The cost of this investment is less than seven cents a day, per vehicle. We must not sacrifice the safety of our children and our quality of life here in Burien.
And our community partners all agree; organizations including the American Heart Association, Washington Conservation Voters, and the 34th District Democrats have all endorsed the Sidewalks and Bikes Levy.
If you have any questions, please email me at safesidewalksnow@gmail.com. Let’s vote YES for a healthier and safer Burien!
(Joe Fitzgibbon is helping lead the Safe Sidewalks Now campaign and is the chair of the Burien Planning Commission).
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome all viewpoints, and will print those that do not contain libel and that pass our standards. All we ask is that Contributors use their real names, not lie or libel/slander anyone. Please email your opinion/letter to the editor by clicking here.]
by Jim Branson
Despite the city’s own ordinance against graffiti, the graffiti on this “Welcome to Burien” sign located in Olde Burien has been there for nearly three months.
Here’s a photo that was posted on The B-town Blog on July 19th:
Here’s another photo of the same sign, taken just last week:
Ironically, Burien’s own ordinance (see below or download the PDF here) says it saves money and effort by cleaning up graffiti quickly, before it attracts more graffiti and makes more work.
Why, then, is the City of Burien inviting more vandalism and crime by leaving this graffiti up on its very own sign, in violation of its very own ordinance, which stipulates removal “within 5 days”?
From the City’s municipal code:
CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO. 488
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF GRAFFITI; AMENDING CHAPTER 8.55 OF THE BURIEN MUNICIPAL CODE; AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF GRAFFITI AND SHORTENING THE TIME PERIOD FOR GRAFFITI REMOV AL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, in 1999 the City Council of the City of Burien adopted Ordinance No. 270 (codified at Chapter 8.55 BMC) establishing new requirements for removal of graffiti found upon public and private property in the City of Burien, and
WHEREAS, the graffiti removal regulations currently provide that all graffiti upon public or private property that is visible from a public road or right of way shall be removed by the property within ten five days of notice given by the City, and
WHREAS, the graffiti removal regulations do not specifically prohibit the use of very hard and sharp objects to etch words, designs, and other markings on glass or other surfaces which is a relatively new type of graffiti, and
WHEREAS, the City finds that, graffiti on fences, walls, glass, buildings and other structures attracts more graffiti and invites additional vandalism and crime; unabated graffiti sends a message that the community is not concerned about the appearance of its business districts and neighborhoods; the presence of graffiti generates neighborhood fear and instability, signals an increase in crime, lowers property values, hurts business revenue, is economically detrimental to the City, and is a sign of urban decay; the National Crime Prevention Council reports that studies have determined that if vandalism and graffiti is repaired or removed within 24 – 48 hours, there is little recurrence; by covering graffiti as soon as possible, the vandal is deprived of the effort and time it took to vandalize or tag property; that expeditious graffiti removal is the best deterrent to future incidents; that a quick removal response by property owners is the key to successfully combating graffiti; unless the City acts to remove graffiti from public and private property, the graffiti tends to remain and other properties then become the target of graffiti; and, entire neighborhoods are affected and become less desirable places in which to be, all to the detriment of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its residents, and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that graffiti is a public nuisance, and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that amending Chapter 8.55 BMC to establish a shorter period to remove graffiti and to prohibit the etching as a form of graffiti will help prevent the spread of graffiti vandalism and will support the City’s program for the prevention and removal of graffiti, and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends, through the adoption of this Ordinance, to provide additional enforcement tools to protect public and private property from acts of graffiti vandalism and defacement, all in support of the general health, safety and welfare of the City and its residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Amendment of BMC 8.55.010 (Definitions). Section 8.55.010 of the Burien Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.55.010 Definitions.(1) “Graffiti” means the defacing, damaging or destroying by etching, spraying of paint or marking of ink, chalk, dye or other similar substances on public or private buildings, structures, places and properties.
2) “Graffiti abatement procedure” means the abatement procedure which identifies graffiti, issues notice to the landowner to abate the graffiti, and cures in absence of response.
(3) “Private contractor” means any person with whom the city shall have duly contracted to remove graffiti.
Section 2. Amendment of Section 8.55.040 (Graffiti – Notice of removal). Section 8.55.040 of the Burien Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.55.040Graffiti – Notice of removal.
(1) Whenever the city manager, or designee, determines that graffiti exists on any public or private buildings, structures, and places which are visible to any person utilizing any public road, parkway, alley, sidewalk or other right-of-way within the city and when weather conditions permit the painting of exterior surfaces, the city manager or designee shall cause a notice to be issued to abate such nuisance. The property owner shall have 10 5 business days after the date of the notice to remove the graffiti or the same will be subject to abatement by the city.
(2) The notice to abate graffiti pursuant to this section shall cause a written notice to be served upon the owner(s) of the affected premises, as such owners’ name and address appears on the last property tax assessment rolls of King County, Washington. If there is no known address for the owner, the notice shall be sent in care of the property address. The notice required by this section may be served in any one of the following manners:
(a) By personal service on the owner, occupant or manager of the property;
(b) By U.S. first class mail, or registered or certified mail addressed to the owner at the last known address of said owner. If this address is unknown, the notice will be sent to the property address.
If notice is served by U.S. first class mail, notice shall be deemed to have been received three (3) days after depositing such notice, postage prepaid, in the United States mail in a properly address envelope.
Section 3. Severability. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, be declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid for any reason, or should any portion of this ordinance be pre-empted by state or federal law or regulation, such decision or pre-emption shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five (5) days after the date of publication.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT A REGULAR MEETING THEREOF ON THE 21ST DAY OF JULY, 2008, AND SIGNED IN AUTHENTICATION OF ITS PASSAGE THIS 21ST DAY OF JULY, 2008.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
______________________________
Monica Lusk, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
______________________________ Christopher Bacha, Kenyon Disend, PLLC Interim City Attorney
So then…WHEREAS, the City of Burien has chosen to ignore its very own ordinance on its very own property…
THEREFORE whatever shall we, as its residents, do…?
Please take our Poll or Comment below…
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Danielle Burton is an Artist who recently relocated to Burien from Bellingham, where she attained a degree in Illustration and Creative Writing from Western Washington University.
Danielle will be roaming around B-Town, creating illustrations, comics and stories for us (and oftentimes a combination of all three), and today we’re proud to introduce her first work, which is her take on how the Burien Interim Art Space’s “The Passage” sculpture will be leaving soon:
Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department sent us the following article Friday afternoon (Oct. 2nd), where he attempts to clarify budget cuts that will affect police officers, as proposed on Monday (Sept. 28th) by current King County Executive Kurt Triplett.
Here’s Sgt. Urquhart’s rebuttal to Triplett’s announcement:
The King County budget is incredibly complicated…some might even say convoluted! Attached is my effort to clarify one aspect: the cuts contemplated by the Exec’s Office to the Sheriff’s Office as a result of the North Highline annexation to Burien.
John
Budget 101: The Cuts to Cops on the Streets
There has been some confusion over budget numbers released by the Sheriff’s Office Wednesday (Sept. 30th), and statements made by the Executive’s Budget Office. This should clear up at least some of the confusion.
Burien residents voted on August 25th 18th to annex a relatively small area into their city. It’s officially called “North Highline”. The annexation officially occurs about March 1, 2010.
Here’s a map of the area:
It is 1,700 acres (about 2.6 square miles) and includes 14,100 people.
The Sheriff’s Office already provides police service to the area since it is in unincorporated King County. For 24/7 365 day coverage, it takes seven officers, as well as a part-time detective for investigations and a part-time sergeant for supervision. Call it eight police officers.
With the area soon to be part of Burien, the eight officers are no longer needed so their costs for King County go away because the city will take over police duties in North Highline in March.
The average cost for a Sheriff’s Office employee is $100,000 a year, including salary, benefits, and equipment. Remember, that’s an average……some are higher and some are lower.
Therefore the “avoided cost” to King County due to the North Highline annexation, if annualized, is about $800,000 (eight deputies X $100,000 each). However the since the annexation doesn’t take place until March 1st, the 2010 avoided cost is $666,666 (10 months of $800,000). Pretty simple.
It would be entirely appropriate to take that amount out of the Sheriff’s Office budget for 2010, since that is the savings when deputies won’t be providing police service in the area.
However, rather than $666,666, the Executive’s Office is removing nearly $3.5 million from the Sheriff’s Office budget in 2010. The amount is specifically labeled as a result of the “North Highline Annexation” in several budget documents. (Those documents are available for review in the Sheriff’s Office, or are certainly available from the Executive’s Budget Office.)
So that forces a reduction in Sheriff’s Office staff of 35 positions specifically because of the North Highline Annexation ($100,000 X 35 = $3.5 million).
However it is likely that eight of those positions will be hired by the city of Burien, (one of our contract cities) for police duties in North Highline beginning March 1st.
That means the number of lost positions (35) can be reduced by eight, leaving a net loss to unincorporated King County of 27 deputies.
Note that 27 deputies is exactly the number listed in Communications Director Carolyn Duncan’s press release on Monday, Sept. 28th (link here).
However the lost positions are not listed anywhere in budget documents. This masks the cuts to cops on the street.
So the obvious question: If the cost savings to King County is $666,666 due to the North Highline annexation, why cut the Sheriff’s Office by $3.5 million…more than five times higher than it should be?
Good question. We’ve asked. So far, the Sheriff’s Office has not been provided the documentation behind the cuts.
by On Tuesday (Sept. 29th), I saw my first “Reject 71″ yard sign in Burien at First Ave South and SW 148th. In addition to the racial/cultural hate that runs just under the surface in most suburban communities, we have the religious/lifestyle haters coming out of the closet.
When I moved to this community in 1991, the big local news story was Nazi skinheads targeting Jews in the neighborhood I’d chosen. Oh, great — not only am I gay, but Jewish, too!
Burien incorporated in 1993 and we lost all the equal rights protections we’d had as part of unincorporated King County. When I was elected to the city council in 1997 (openly gay), I protested that I could be fired from a job in a town where I made the laws. I was not going to take that as fact.
So, I set a goal of equal rights and equality in my town. In 2001, Burien became the first suburban city to provide domestic partnership benefits to all partnered city employees (only str8s signed up). Then in 2004, Burien adopted a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance that is stronger than state law. No one can be discriminated against, for no reason — period.
After all that work to bring equal rights and fairness to my city, it angers me to see haters plant their flag in my town. Treat your neighbors like family, because they are — Approve R-71.
For those of you unfamiliar with this issue, here’s the language that will be used on the Nov. 3rd ballot:
The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill.
This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.
Should this bill be:
[ ] Approved
[ ] Rejected
(Stephen Lamphear is a longtime Burien resident and former City Councilmember. Read more of his writing here.)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome all opinions, and publish pertinent ones at our discretion. As always, all Readers are encouraged to either email us their thoughts, or Comment below. What do YOU think of "Referendum 71"?]
by Ralph Nichols
Burien’s new public works director was introduced to city council members at their meeting on Monday, Sept. 14th, with high praise from City Manager Mike Martin.
Larry R. Blanchard, who will step into that role full-time in mid-October, has been public works director for the City of Kent. Until then, he is working one day a week in Burien.
Blanchard will hit the ground running with the task of expanding department services into the North Highline annexation area at the top of his agenda.
He replaces Steven Clarke, who left Burien in March to take a similar position with Maple Valley. Since then, Doug Lamothe in Burien’s Public Works Department has served as interim director.
“It is indeed a pleasure to be selected as public works director,” Blanchard told the council members. “I will form a relationship that I hope lasts a long time.”
Martin said one of the “many persuasive things about Larry” is that “he knows his way around Olympia,” which should help him to obtain grants for city projects.
Blanchard replied, “I will do my best to get as much money as I can.”
Martin, who worked with Blanchard in Kent for several years, later told The B-Town Blog, “I really look at him to take our already good public works department to the next level. And there is a lot of work to do in North Highline and he has the skills” to do that.
Describing Blanchard as “a very talented, very respected public works director,” Martin added, “He is very well respected among his colleagues in the public works field. He is a superb organizational leader and knows the issues in Olympia.
“I’m very happy to be working with him again. It’s seldom that you get to hire the same person twice.”
Martin said Blanchard was selected from a “very strong pool” of well-qualified candidates and that “he rose quickly to the top. He will be a good fit for the community.”
Blanchard brings to Burien more than 30 years’ experience in the management of the maintenance, replacement and construction of public works infrastructure systems. He has worked for Kent since 1999. Prior to becoming public works director, he was operations manager for the department and before that was utilities superintendent.
His salary range as Buren’s public works director is $8,407 to $10,218 a month.
by Burien’s own Hi-Liners’ fall production of the family-friendly “Thoroughly Modern Millie” wraps up this weekend (Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:30pm) at the Highline Performing Arts Center, and we’d like to encourage all our Readers who haven’t been to go see it.
Not just to support the Hi-Liners, a great non-profit that helps kids channel their passions into pure talent (which you’ll definitely see on display, as this show is professionally produced and is hilarious!), but also because the Hi-Liners need your help.
If you don’t believe our endorsement, here are some others:
“The kids were absolutely AMAZING and I can’t wait to see it again next weekend!”, said one audience member.
“I laughed so hard that I nearly fell out of my seat!” said another.
“It was the most professional student production I’ve ever seen!” raved another audience member.
But don’t just rely on what you hear…go see the show and experience it first hand on its closing weekend – good seats are still available – to purchase a ticket, please visit their website at www.hi-liners.org or by calling 206-617-2152
Kathleen Edwards, our Artistic Director, has said it very well:
“We are not in existence to create professional actors and actresses. The Hi-Liners exist to help produce quality people who become assets to our community and our society in general.”
So far over 4,500 young people have experienced our program since 1994 and I am proud of each one. If our program sounds like a worthwhile addition to our community and you have enjoyed our shows, I hope you will take the time now to insure that we are doing this next year and for many years to come.
The Hi-Liners is a 501 (C) 3 Corporation and all donations are tax deductible. If you would like to make a donation to the Hi-Liners organization, please visit our website at www.hi-liners.org/support.
Thank You so much for your support and I hope to see you at the show!
- Gerry Gilbert
President
The Hi-Liners Inc.
We saw the show last weekend, and we were thoroughly impressed by the acting (especially Alexzandra Gorski as Millie, Kate Moyer as Mrs. Meers, Max Seifert as Mr. Graydon and Taylor Moury as Miss Flannery), the outstanding dancing/choreography, music (there’s a live orchestra in the pit), singing, and of course the hilarious script which includes some knock-out numbers done by local youths.
You should know that we saw this the day after returning from Vegas, where we saw some shows (including Cheap Trick doing Sgt. Peppers!), and we gotta say, this Hi-Liners production rivaled what we saw there.
That my friends is a thorough endorsement from The B-Town Blog, not only of our own Hi-Liners, but of the entire cast as well as Director Kathleen Edwards, Music Director Mara Ostrand, Choreographer Taryn Darr and every single other person involved!
Buy your tickets online, right now, right here (or by calling 206-617-2152) and support local arts and local youth!
by Dennis Clark
Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
On Monday (Sept. 21st), a merry band of men who never lost their childhood sense of joy in playing in streams set off down Miller Creek in Burien and Normandy Park. Their grown up mission was to carefully assess and, where necessary, remove debris jams that block upstream salmon passage. With coho salmon due to return next month, now was the time to do this work.
Stream steward Dennis Clark, assisted by enthusiastic volunteers Andy Batcho, Jim Buchman, and Dave Evans, organized the project. Accompanying them was a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, the aptly named Larry Fisher. The B-Town Blog’s own Michael Brunk, who thought he came along merely to take photos, also ended up helping to move the largest logs.
Click below to view his Photo Slideshow:
Salmon are persistent and agile fish and often can swim under, through, and over what appear to be complete blockages. However, in smaller streams such as Miller and Walker Creeks, some jams are complete blockages that would limit the ability of the fish to reach the upper parts of the stream where they would lay their eggs (spawn). At the same time, tree trunks and limbs in the stream provide an important role in creating pools where young salmon rear. Wood also provides shelter where young fish can hide from predators such as great blue herons. Consequently, the team carefully assessed each log/debris jam before deciding to take action. Larry provided the expertise and authority to determine which jams should be removed. Removal of jams in the stream – and most activities affecting the stream channel – require state approval. Based on their evaluation, the team disassembled two blockages. A third was too big for the equipment they had and they’ll return later this week to disassemble a part of that.
The debris jams on Miller Creek were on private property and the team thanks the various property owners who graciously granted property access.
This work complements ongoing efforts to improve streamside habitat, both by private property owners and through organized volunteer projects stretching from the Cove in Normandy Park to the restoration site on Miller Creek at S. 144th St. in Burien. October offers volunteer restoration opportunities on Miller and Walker Creeks on three Saturdays:
- Oct. 3rd
- Oct. 10th
- Oct. 17th
Learn more at the volunteer webpage here.
If you’re interested in volunteering on future stream blockage removals, contact Dennis at 206-296-1909, or via email: dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov.
As a recognized news organization, we here at The B-Town Blog get emails and press releases from all over the place, including a daily one called “What happened at the council?” (link here) from the King County Council.
Here’s an actual sentence that was included in Tuesday’s (Sept. 8th) update:
“Approved an ordinance implementing the District Court Redistricting Committee’s amendment to the districting plan implementing provisions to increase the number of judges in the District Court. (Ordinance 2009-0453)”
We’ve never been one to particularly enjoy politicspeak, and this here sentence will now go down as Exhibit A in our prosecution of the abuse of technical, wonky jargon usage.
Your witness.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Have you visited the new Burien Library yet? Do you have a group who would like to meet at the Library? Did you know you can book a meeting room online? Click here to do it: www.kcls.org/meetingrooms/index.cfm. Library tours are also available for groups upon advance request – call 206-243-3490 for more information.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild needs your help! We are seeking donations of used books in good condition for adults and children. Please remember us when cleaning out your closets! Your donations support the wonderful programs we are able to have at the Burien Library including our ‘Opera Previews’ and ‘Sing Into Reading’ listed below.
You can now follow the King County Library System on Twitter! Check it out at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/widgets/ for all the details and linkage.
We have made it easy for you to keep track of your library materials, track what’s due, what’s overdue, and what items are ready for you to pick up using this new feature called ‘Library Elf’ – find out how to sign up at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/catalog_help/library_elf.cfm.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:
- Opera Preview: Wednesday, Sept. 16th beginning at 7pm – “La Traviata’ by Verdi, presented by Norm Hollingshead, sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Burien Book Group: Wednesday Sept. 16th – “Omnivore’s Dilemma: Search for a Perfect Meal in a Fast-food World” by Michael Pollan. The book group meets in the conference room on the second floor of the Burien Library beginning at 2pm…everyone is welcome
- ‘Barking Buddha: Yoga for You and Your Dog’ demonstration presented by author Brenda Bryan in conjunction with the City of Burien’s ‘Wellness Fair’ Saturday, Sept. 19th at 1pm in the Burien Library.
PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & CHILDREN:
- SAT Prep: Five FREE sessions to help you prepare for the SAT. Practice exams will be scored. Participants must attend all five sessions and will receive an official SAT Study Guide. Registration is Required beginning September 5th; Saturdays Sept 26th, Oct 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10AM; Presented by Sandwiess Test Prep.
- ‘Sing Into Reading’: Saturday Sept 12th, 10:30AM & 11:30AM; Presented by Nancy Stewart. Ages 5 and younger with a parent. Registration begins Saturday August 29th. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
For a complete list of programs and story time events at our libraries visit the KCLS homepage at www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm.
BOOK REVIEW:
“The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seekers Guide To Making Travel Sacred” by Phil Cousineau.
This beautiful little book will make you look at the way you travel in a whole new way. Every journey you take, be it long or short, can become a part of your personal spiritual development. If you are looking for a more focused or deeper meaning to your travels this lovely book will instruct and inspire.
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
This is NOT Kathy's x-ray.
The saga continues…last January, Dr. Clark replaced my left shoulder. It was such a success and such a blessing to be pain free on the left side that I, once again, entrusted myself into his brilliant hands and the wonderful surgical nurses of Highline Hospital. They did their magic while I slept, and I am now the proud, PAIN FREE, owner of two bionic shoulders.
Kathy Keene is ready to arm wrestle you.
After they finished, they passed me off to the ICU staff, and then I was taken to my lovely room on the 4th floor. It was like old home week; I was re-acquainted w/ the great nurses and the CNA’s that help me last time and, I made some new friends. Their professionalism, sense of humor, and willingness to see to my comfort was superlative! I especially appreciated the night shift staff that tippy toed in and took my vitals without turning on that horrible bright light and barely waking me up – Thanks guys.
My favorite Reiki person came by and treated me; sadly, the young lady from Highline High School, who serenaded us with her lovely violin music last time, seems to be on summer vacation.
Our community is so blessed to have such a fantastic hospital, staffed with such professionals in our community! Thank you all for making my stay, not only safe, and healing, but fun as well.
P. S. Keep the candle burning in the window, the chicken stroganoff looked so good on the room service menu I may have to come back. Now if you could just get down pillows and beds a wee bit more comfy…
(Kathy Keene moved to the Burien area in 1987 and worked for Boeing for 17 years. Kathy opted for an early retirement in 2005 to pursue her new love of designing and selling jewelry as well as becoming more involved with the community.)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome guest columns from all area residents – do YOU have a story you'd like to tell? Email us!]
I know I have written about swim meets previously, but the swim meet parents provide such incredible fodder that I simply cannot pass up this opportunity.
After my friends and I suffered through a very loooong swim meet at Normandy Park, our friendly announcer said we were in for a treat. What? It’s almost 10pm, and I’m about to turn into a frosty pumpkin. Swim meets really take it out of me.
The parents from Gregory Seahurst pool and the parents from the Normandy Park pool actually want to have their own college-daze swim relay. I simply can’t believe that any grownup with a lick of common sense would want to squeeze into a skin-tight Speedo, and jump into a barely-tepid pool. A humiliating event to be sure. Well, for me it would be mortifying, maybe not for these studly parents.
Men and women dashed about looking for swimsuits and goggles from the older kids. Believe it or not, a total of six relay teams quickly assembled. Twenty-four adults dawned tight-fitting swimsuits and just as quickly wrapped towels about themselves. As I watched a few floundering adults, I mentally prepared myself for a possible water rescue. The stroke and turn judge from Gregory Seahurst and his wife said they were actually looking forward to the race. So much so that, “the judge” squeezed into my sons size 28 speed suit. I am not kidding. The judge is a fit man, but my son’s suit is stinkin’ small!
As the teams begin to line up, the announcer from the other pool blusters through the microphone. “Wait, hold on, we have a ringer in lane three.” I guess he doesn’t abide by the rule we always tell our young children. “No one’s keeping score Kipper, the race is just for fun.”
While this is not a photo from the impromptu "swim meet," it is not dissimilar to what may have happened.
BANG— the starter gun begins the race. The belly flops commenced, along with some expert dives. The sides of the pool can’t hold the immense overflow created from the tidal wave of dives. We are witness to a water-follies of sorts, and by far the best physical humor ever. I’m just glad it wasn’t me in the pool.
Tonight there are some story-worthy swimmers. One fellow in particular appears to be in need of rescue. He has that peculiar style I’ve observed with beginner swimmers. Stroke, glub, stroke, cough, stroke. He holds his head above the water as he makes a valiant effort at the freestyle stroke — and then he tried to do a flip turn. In my opinion, flip turns require acrobat-like skill. Claps for him. His flip turn looks very similar to mine — the body in a crooked position with legs kicking water all over the place. Sort of like an upside down fountain. My friend Susie, can’t contain her laughter, I myself am simply speechless. This swim-challenged participant is remarkable, and such a good sport. He was the “anchor” for his team — in hindsight, perhaps not a suitable position for his abilitites. I really feel for him, that could be me, if I were brave enough to participate and if the side-stroke was an option.
What ever happened to the old swim style of the “side-stroke?” Now that was a winner stroke. Effortless, you could keep your face out of the water as your legs preformed the scissor kick practically on their own.
Ahhhh, the good old days.
Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.
All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.
Or something like that.
Read more of her humor at her website here.
by Mark Neuman
Picture a small boy in India, in the early 1940’s, his family’s home being personally visited by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru themselves.
Imagine that same boy, just a few years later, on August 15, 1947, being held lovingly by his family atop the hood of a car as they and millions of others celebrate India’s independence from British rule.
Visualize a young graduate student in Amherst, Massachusetts, being utterly moved by the words and visions of a young U.S. President, “full of energy, strong in his views and personality,” delivering a 1962 commencement speech, a mere fifteen rows away.
See a trim and vibrant gentleman recently sipping decaffeinated coffee in Olde Burien, who keeps in shape by swimming several laps every day, and tending to his garden at the same house he and his wife have lived in for almost forty years.
Conjure all of that, and you will see Dr. Arun Jhaveri, the first mayor of Burien.
“Our whole family crammed into our little car, including all the kids,” he said with a smile during an interview last week with the B-Town Blog, referring to that August 1947, day. “They put me on top because I was the youngest and I remember going around the city the whole evening, fireworks going. People were just jubilant.”
When asked if politics was part of his upbringing, Dr. Jhaveri’s answer is more than a mere Yes.
“My uncle was a very active member of the Congress Party, before the independence, against the British Crown,” Dr. Jhaveri said. The Congress Party was the political party of Mahatma Gandhi and future Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“My uncle looked very much like Nehru in his personality. He wore the white cap and the long white coat and everything. My grandfather, my father and my uncle had just gone to a political rally in Bombay. And after the rally they were coming back in a horse-drawn carriage. A fanatic saw my uncle and mistook him for Nehru. The fanatic came from behind and killed my uncle with a dagger.”
The Jhaveri family was soon visited by Gandhi and Nehru, who came to express their condolences.
Young Jhaveri eventually moved to the U.S., earning his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Washington, before moving on to earn his Masters in Physics from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
On that “beautiful day” forty-six years ago “President Kennedy was such a charismatic leader, the way he spoke to the students. I was extremely inspired,” Dr. Jhaveri recalled. “It was an excellent opportunity for me to see a real president just a few feet from me speak about educational and political issues.”
Dr. Jhaveri, a physicist and mechanical engineer, earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University, and, early on, worked for Boeing on the development of the 727, 737 and 747 aircrafts prior to their FAA certification.
Dr. Jhaveri worked in 1992 to help earn Burien a little independence of its own, so to speak. The voters said Yes that year to Burien becoming a city in its own right, and the new City Council elected him Mayor. He served from 1992 to 1998.
In 1997, Dr. Jhaveri was one of eleven mayors from the United States to participate in the Global Climate Conference in Kyoto, Japan.
Jhaveri is co-authoring a book, titled “Carbon Reduction – Policies, Strategies and Technologies.” It is scheduled for release later this year.
He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Argosy University, teaching two Doctoral courses, one on Educational Leadership and the other on Program Evaluation.
“I am an eternal optimist,” Dr. Jhaveri says. “The key is to educate the young people of today” about the care of the world’s environment.
“The earth’s future is truly in their hands.”
Mark Neuman is a Writer as well as Marketing Dude for The B-Town (Burien) Blog.
He has interviewed two US Presidents, cops, cooks and cartoonists, authors and artists, senators, scholars and senior citizens, and the B-Town Blog is proud to have him on our team.
Mark can be reached at mark@b-townblog.com.
Following in the steps of the likes of Seattle City Attorney Tom Carr, the city of Burien is preparing to reduce its responsiveness to public records requests.
Here’s a screenshot of “Ordinance 517” on pages 121 – 123 of the last week’s council packet (from http://burienwa.gov/archives/30/081709a.pdf):
(click here to see full version of Ordinance 517)
The proposed change will eliminate:
- The requirement to respond within 5 days by providing or denying requests
- The requirement to state a timeframe for response
- The requirement to provide partially discloseable documents by redacting exempt portions
- The requirement to seek clarification if request is unclear
- The requirement to provide a statement why a request is denied
The city’s proposal addresses internal processes while totally eliminating responsiveness to the public. The proposed ordinance is totally outside the spirit of the public records access law – a law that was enacted by an initiative of the people.
Where is that “transparency” we so often hear from the likes of Rose Clark and Joan McGilton?
We need to loudly oppose the city’s retrenchment into secrecy.
– Stephen
(Stephen Lamphear is a longtime Burien resident and former City Councilmember.)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome all opinions, and publish pertinent ones at our discretion. As always, all Readers are encouraged to either email us their thoughts, or Comment below. What do YOU think of "Ordinance 517"?]
Story by Ralph Nichols
Photos & Video by Oran Viriyincy
With Sound Transit’s Link light rail trains running at last between Tukwila and downtown Seattle, it was time to experience this new commuter option. So with my girlfriend, I boarded a train for a round trip from the South 154th Street station late on a busy Seafair Saturday afternoon.
With lots happening downtown, we weren’t surprised to find the station’s main parking lot full. (Tukwila has Link’s only free park-and-ride lot, like those at several Metro bus stops around King County, although there is private paid parking near the Beacon Hill station.) But there were a number of empty spaces at the overflow parking lot across the street.
Five minutes after parking, we bought our tickets – $5 per person for the round trip – and one minute later boarded a train that had just come in. With trains running from Tukwila every 10 minutes at that hour, this gave us 9 minutes to look around on the inside before our journey north.
Each $4 million electric-powered car, with electricity from overhead wires, is 95 feet long – three times longer than one of Metro’s articulated buses. Each car can seat 74 passengers and accommodate a total of 200 riders with standing room only, and each train consists of two cars. The trains travel at a maximum speed of 55 mph on the elevated track near Tukwila and at 35 mph on the ground.
The train doors closed – rather quickly it seemed – at 5:50 p.m. Soon it pulled out of the station, right on time. Less than half a mile down the track, we agreed the ride was not as smooth as expected; still, the vibration isn’t bad at all. And the train moves along at a steady clip without delays for vehicles when streets intersect with the tracks.
Station stops took far less time than I expected. Passengers got on and off with ease and without delay, and we moved right along. Here is how our station stops went:
5:59 p.m. – Arrived at the Rainier Beach station.
6:00 – Depart.
6:02 – Othello station.
6:03 – Depart.
6:06 – Columbia City station.
6:07 – Depart.
6.10 – Mount Baker station.
6:10 – Depart … and head into the tunnel under Beacon Hill.
6:12 – Beacon Hill (tunnel) station.
6:13 – Depart … and back into daylight.
6:15 – SODO station.
6:15 – Depart.
6:17 – Stadium station.
6:18 – Depart … and enter the downtown bus tunnel.
6:20 – International District/Chinatown station.
6:21 – Depart.
6:23 – Pioneer Square station.
6:23 – Depart.
6:24 – University Street station.
6:25 – Depart.
6:26 – Westlake station, the end of the line.
Twenty-six minutes from Tukwila to midtown Seattle via the Rainier Valley. Not bad.
When we left Tukwila, there were about 12 riders in our car including us. Picking up more riders at most stations along the route (none at a couple), usually ranging from an additional 6 to 12 at each stop, our car was almost full of seated riders by the time we reached Westlake. No one had to stand. As we stepped off the train, it looked like its other car had carried about the same number.
Getting from the train to street level – at Pine Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues just below Nordstrom – is easy, as is returning to the train, which we did about an hour later. On the return trip, which took the same time, only 16 people were riding in both cars and only 8 beyond the Mount Baker station. It is logical to assume, given the number of cars still in the parking lot when we got back to Tukwila, that southbound ridership was much higher after events wrapped up downtown and people headed home.
Above ground, the view from a train car ranges from interesting, even scenic, along the elevated track north of the Tukwila station to very drab through part of Rainier Valley not far up the line.
A trip on Link light rail is comparable to a ride on Portland’s MAX, although a good stretch of that line parallels Interstate 84 – the major highway into that city – rather than winding through nearby neighborhoods along the way.
Sound Transit has reported that Link light rail carried an average of 12,000 riders per weekday in its first five days of regular paid service, and 16,900 riders on July 25 and 15,100 on July 26 during the first big Seafair weekend, when both the Mariners and Sounders also were in town.
With service on to Sea-Tac International Airport scheduled to begin in December, Sound Transit projects 26,600 one-way trips daily (13,300 round trips) along its 16-mile light-rail route by the end of 2010. The current trip from Tukwila to Seattle is 14 miles.
A footnote about our trip: While the actual travel time from Tukwila to Westlake was a reasonable 26 minutes, it took another 9 minutes to drive from my home and park, then another 14 minutes to get into the station, buy tickets, board a train and wait for it to depart. Riders who take light rail from other stations must walk, ride a bicycle or take a bus to get there since they have no park and ride lots.
Convenience, including time and destination, may be the determining factor for riding light rail for many commuters. I might take light rail from Tukwila to a Mariners game or dinner in the International District, but would not do so from, say, Columbia City due to lack of parking. At the same time, I probably would drive to SODO to shop or the Othello community to go to the park.
Regardless, once you’re moving on a light rail train, it’s a comfortable trip in good time to your stop. Still, at $2.3 billion for this line, it’s one expensive commute for the convenience it affords.
If you haven’t yet ridden Link light rail, here’s a video by Oran Viriyincy:
This section, approaching Tukwila Intl. Blvd., has the steepest grade in the system. You can hear the motors as the train climbs.
So…have YOU ridden Link light rail yet? Please take our poll or Comment below…
Loading ...Attention North Highline Annexation Voters: your Voters Pamphlet contains a steamy, smelly pile of bovine fecal matter about annexation to Burien. Here are some of the dung piles dropped by opponent Mark Ufkes:
Pile #1 — Mr. Ufkes does not live in the voting area – he is not affected by the annexation vote. [full disclosure: I, too, do not live in the voting area, but as a Burien resident will be affected by your vote.]
Pile #2 — The Westwood Village and White Center areas are not included in the voting area, but I’m sure you can find a particular home in N. Burien that is valued lower than a particular home in Westwood. So? Truth is: the homes in unincorporated North Shorewood, Salmon Creek and Boulevard Park (neighborhoods within the voting area) are similar to their long-time N. Burien neighbors’ homes.
Pile #3 — Mr. Ufkes has been a vocal critic of the North Highline Fire Department. That despite the huge satisfaction level of residents. The city of Burien does not provide fire services. All of Burien and North Highline are served by independent Fire Districts — you elect Commissioners who set policies and standards. You will continue to be served by Fire Commissioners you elect, and control taxes for fire services.
Above is Mark Ufkes' "Statement Against" Annexation from the Voter's Pamphlet.
Pile #4 — Burien has no plans to hire more police officers AT THIS TIME because it’s not necessary. Burien and North Highline share police services provided by King County. That will continue after annexation. The size of Burien’s police force will always depend on need.
Pile #5 — Burien has no budget deficit — in the state of Washington, all governments are required by law to have balanced budgets; Burien always has. What Burien doesn’t have is debt – it has operated as a cash basis city.
Pile #6 — If Burien decides to build a new community center with a new tax, the law requires voters to approve any such new tax. There is no new tax on the horizon.
Pile #7 — The is no such thing as a Burien downtown fire department tax for Town Square. Town Square is a private development. No taxes have been or will be used for this private project. There is also no massive property tax giveaway to potential Town Square residents.
Pile #8 — There is no factual evidence that property values have any relationship to your address. Property values are simply the value of your property compared to similar properties in a similar neighborhood. Fire services are also not related to your property value — a mansion gets the same fire truck, the same emergency medical team, as does a modest bungalow. Voters set the level of taxes for fire services.
An 8-year former Burien City Councilmember, I live 4 blocks from the proposed annexation area. I’m anxious to re-unite with my neighbors under one government that promotes strong single family neighborhoods rather than the rampant multifamily projects favored by King County and Seattle. Vote ‘YES’ on annexation.
Stephen Lamphear
North Shorewood
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome all opinions, and publish pertinent ones at our discretion. We advise all residents in the North Highline area to read as much as they can about the upcoming Aug. 18th Annexation vote, and decide for themselves whether they want to become a part of Burien or not. As always, Readers are encouraged to either email us their thoughts, or Comment below...]
