Well, 2009 was a year wasn’t it? And now that it’s over, it’s time for us to find another way to reflect on it – this time courtesy Photographer Michael Brunk, who put together a special SoundSlideshow of what he considers the best B-Town Blog photos of the year, as shot by himself, Scott Schaefer, Francis Zera, Maureen Hoffmann, Janet Grella and Gregory Rehmke:
Click to Play Michael Brunk’s SoundSlideshow
by Scott Schaefer
Publisher/Editor
As 2009 (and the first decade of the 21st century) winds to a close, we’re taking a few moments to reflect on a very interesting year, full of new beginnings, tragic endings, a drunk city manager, record-setting temps, an innovative art installation, a fake news issue, an expanding city and much much more.
Not only was 2009 a very exciting year for the area, it was also an outstanding year for The B-Town Blog, as our Readership rocketed from around 10,000 per month to nearly 50,000 in November (THANKS EVERYONE!).
Herewith, we proudly present what we consider to be the Top 11 Burien Stories of 2009 (Top 10 lists are soooo 2008), in reverse order:
11. The B-Town Blog’s Fake April Fool’s Day Issue: You can blame this idea entirely on me – as a former comedy Writer who has loved “fake news” since the 1980s (anyone out there remember HBO’s “Not Necessarily the News“?), I thought it might be kinda fun to do our own hyperlocal version on April Fool’s Day.
Who knew that it’d really fool people into believing that a new nightclub with Strippers on Segways was moving into the old Office Depot space?
Oops.
The most rewarding aspect of this online prank was the slew of Comments, emails and yes, even a couple of inquisitive voicemails – one from a local businessperson asking for more info on the “new strip club,” another from a man whose business monitors the internet for “terrorist news” (he was very interested in the interview with the laser pointing culprit, and he found the story through searching the keywords “laser” and “airport”).
Here’s a short collection of some of the best gags & comments:
BREAKING: Ex-Office Depot Space To House Strip Club
Dona Forrester: “I hope this is an April Fools Joke also? This would be terrible for Burien!”
Christine: “Gosh I hope this is an April Fools joke too…yikes….empty space beats a strip joint any day.”
BREAKING: King County To Fence In North Highline Area
too embarassed 2 say: “I didn’t fall for Google’s, or UW Daily’s, but then I saw this title in the RSS feeds, and for a second I was totally wondering…”
Several blogs linked to our “Strippers on Segways” story, including Nerve.com out of New York City:
10. Is The New Nude Female Sculpture At B/IAS Too Explicit? Take Our Poll…: After reading a Comment left in one of our Forums about a new, “naked female statue” at Burien’s Interim Art Space, we took some pics, posted a story and a poll, then sat back and watched as 140 people Commented (read ‘em here) on this “controversial” sculpture called “Paradigm Shift” by artist Mike Magrath. Soon, even mainstream media picked this story up, including a blog at the LA Times and a right-wing “news” source called Breitbart.
Soon, our own Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan were out interviewing people, asking “Whaddaya Think?” Of Burien’s Controversial Nude Female Sculpture? in this video that was viewed by nearly 2,400 people:
9. Burien’s Interim Art Space’s Fiery One-Year Life: The innovative Burien Interim Art Space, conjured up and co-curated by residents Kathy Justin and Dane Johnson, brought a taste of “Burning Man” to the city, with unique art pieces ranging from Dan Das Mann’s iconic “The Passage” to a way-cool (or rather, hot) computer-controlled “Fire Pod” sculpture that shot fire out to techno music, and sadly, was only lit up once (on opening night) due to fire regulations.
Like many residents, we were sad to see B/ IAS dismantled, but luckily we have lots of media to re-live its short but interesting and inspiring life in B-Town:
Here’s Photographer Francis Zera’s time-lapse of the installation of “The Passage”:
Here’s our photo slideshow recap of that opening night (w/pics by Maureen Hoffmann and Scott Schaefer):
And here’s a video of opening night shot by Steven Bradford:
And finally, here’s Photographer Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow of the B/ IAS “de-installations”:
8. HOTPOCALYPSE ‘09: Burien Has Its “Hottest Day” In Recorded History: the mercury hit 104-degrees in Burien on July 29th, and it was all anyone could talk about. The city turned on sprinklers to help people cool off, while some creative residents like Carrie Rasmussen baked cookies (yes, cookies) in the back window of her Nanny Gloria’s car:
That's right...on Burien's hottest day, chocolate chip cookies were baked in the rear window of a car.
From Reader Candice Packer came this pic of a truly-retro Honeywell thermostat showing that the day’s temp was totally off the chart:
Our own Mini Cooper Blogmobile recorded the following 104-degree temp whilst overheating in downtown Burien:
BTB Photographer Francis Zera won the “hottest place” contest with this shot of his thermometer hitting 106.2!:
7. Burien Man Stabbed To Death Outside Good Time Ernie’s: Tragedy struck Burien when Mark. K. Ebinger (25, pictured left) was stabbed to death outside Good Time Ernie’s in an “ambush” that also injured his brother Peter, 24.
The incident occurred around 1:40am on Nov. 12th. Sheriff’s detectives interviewed bar patrons and witnesses, but no one has yet been arrested, the investigation is ongoing, and a $5,000 reward has been offered.
If anyone has any information on this case, they should call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-274-6313.
Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the crime scene taken the morning after the incident:
6. King County’s Stealth Attempts To Sell Puget Sound Park May Postpone Official Annexation: King County stealthily attempted to sell Puget Sound Park to the King County Library System out from under Burien.
Puget Sound Park is located in the unincorporated area of North Highline that is to be annexed by Burien early next year.
This is an ongoing story, and we’re proud to have been the ones to break this news, including publishing numerous letters from new King County Exec Dow Constantine showing his support for keeping the park, to our upcoming coverage of Burien City Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak’s role in the issue (she serves on our city council as well as the board of the King County Library System, and our records show she never informed the council on this possible deal nor recused herself – more to come on this soon).
5. Burien City Manager Mike Martin Arrested For DUI: City Manager Mike Martin was arrested for a DUI on April 19th after his vehicle left the road and struck a ceramic pot in the yard of a house.
According to King County Sheriff’s records, Martin was found outside his car, “leaning forward and swaying side to side.” His breath allegedly smelled strongly of alcohol, his speech was slurred and he admitted to drinking a couple glasses of wine and two beers.
This was not Martin’s first run-in with the law – previously he resigned as Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Kent after a 2005 hit-and-run incident. Martin has been city manager since November 2006, and his yearly salary is $135,180.
We took a poll of our Readers, and of 223 responses, 53% thought Martin should “Resign immediately, get treatment and move on.“
However, Martin entered a “Not Guilty” plea, and remains in his position, with an amended contract:
(click to view PDF of entire contract)
4. Over 1,000 Witness Burien Town Square Grand Opening: On June 13th, Burien’s brand-spankin’ new Town Square opened, including a new City Hall, Library and Condos which, sadly, sits mostly empty some six months later.
The Highline High School Pirates marching band kicked off the grand opening ceremonies by marching (and boisterously playing) down SW 152nd to the main podium at the Town Square where numerous local and state dignitaries spoke to a crowd estimated by local police as “well over 1,000.”
The day’s celebration served as the culmination of over 12 years of the city’s planning for the $193 million “town square as the central focal point for the downtown core” as first approved in 1997, then developed and built beginning in 1999 until construction began in 2004 to Saturday’s festive ribbon cutting ceremony.
3. Sound Transit Opens Light Link Rail Line July 18th: Although the nearest stations are located in Tukwila and SeaTac, the fact that South King County is now part of the northwest’s first mass transit system is huge news.
For just $2.50, riders can get to downtown Seattle from this area in around 35 minutes and not have to worry about parking or traffic.
Reporter Ralph Nichols wrote I Rode Link Light Rail & Lived To Write About It. Have You?
2. Burien Nissan Loses Entire Inventory, Closes: Over a few nights in March, several large 18-wheeler haulers pulled up and took away all of Burien Nissan’s new car inventory.
After the business’s “flooring” (financing) fell through, at least 100 new cars were removed, with an estimated value between $2 and $3 million, leaving the once-bustling car lot looking like a ghost town:
At the time, Sales Manager John Antonelli said:
“it’s business as usual – we’re still open for business in service, parts and sales. When we get our new financing we’ll re-open in a couple of weeks.”
Because the flooring could not be re-established, at least 35 employees were laid off, and in May, the business closed for good despite a recent $5 million remodel.
After one false attempt to re-open the dealership by a new owner, nothing materialized and the lot still stands empty, a beacon to 2009’s weak economy.
Because auto dealers account for a significant portion of tax revenue for Burien, Dick Loman, Economic Development Director for the city, said:
“This sorry economic downturn is just hurting everybody.”
1. Voters Decide To Approve Burien’s Annexation of Southern North Highline: On Aug. 18th, voters in the southern portion of North Highline voted by a 56% to 44% margin to approve Burien’s annexation of that area.
With this annexation (once set for March 2, 2010, but now delayed pending to the above-mentioned Puget Sound Park issue with King County), Burien will become the 21st largest city in Washington – just above Olympia – with a population of about 45,000.
Currently Burien ranks 31st in the state, but look out Richland – you’re next!
So…what do YOU think the Top Story of 2009 was? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…
Loading ...[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]
The first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5K Run (despite the sign, and us earlier, calling it “Clove to Clover”), a benefit for the Highline Area Food Bank, will take place this Sunday morning, March 15 2009, starting at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ending at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, and here are some important notes:
- The entire race course will close at different times during the race, so check out the map below and plan accordingly if you’re driving anywhere between The Cove and Mick Kelly’s Sunday morning:
<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>
If you’re planning on registering for the race, there’s still time to do so online at the Clove to Clover website – but the deadline is 11pm Friday March 13th, and 5K entrants will be limited to 250.
RACE DETAILS:
- Race-day packets can be picked up at race start area (for the Kid’s Race at St. Francis, for 5K at the Cove).
- RACE-DAY REGISTRATION WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED AT THE 5K START LINE AND WILL BE CLOSED AT 10:45 AM.
- KID’S RACE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO RACE DAY.
- Kids, you can now look forward to your very own “Root Beer Garden,” sponsored by Goody Gumdrops and featuring FREE root beer.
- 5K Start Line @ The Cove (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):
Normandy Park Community Club
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166
- Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10am (line up behind the 5K runners). The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground! Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.
- Family Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):
St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166
- Awards for 12 and under only in the Kid’s Race. However, parents are encouraged to run with their kids and all entries are welcomed.
- Finish Line (and Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden):
Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
435 SW 152nd Avenue
Burien, WA 98166
- Award Ceremony to follow the race at the finish line ASAP.
Here’s a map of the starting line near the Normandy Park Cove:
And as if that isn’t enough info for ya, here’s a video of the entire course, from start to finish (minus the doubling over from “Snake Hill” and drinking at Mick Kelly’s afterwards) shot by resident Francis Doniego:
More information available at the Clove to Clover website.
The City of Burien is looking for Vendors and Entertainers for its 2009 Strawberry Festival, which will be Saturday June 20th and Sunday, June 21st at the Burien Community Center.
Deadlines are:
- Entertainer: March 15th
- Vendors: April 17th
Here are the details, courtesy Gina Kallman, Cultural Arts Supervisor at Burien Parks:
“Expect the unexpected at the Burien Strawberry & Arts Festival!”
- Strolling Surprises
- Hot Music and Entertainment
- Kids Hands-On Area
- Inflatables
- Skateboard Competition
- 5K Run
- A great Selection of Food and Snacks
- Hot New Arts, Craft and Import Vendors
2009 APPLICATIONS
Click on the category you want to apply to for a PDF application:
- Entertainer
- Food Vendor
- Arts, Crafts, Gift Food or Import Vendor
- Non-profit Information Vendor (Highline Area Non-profit or services Burien residents)
- Fresh Produce or Flowers Vendor
- Organic & Sustainable Vendor
- Activity Vendor (Henna Art, Face Painting, etc)
Or go to http://www.burienwa.gov/index.asp?NID=773
The City is also looking for Sponsors for the Strawberry & Art Festival – for information please contact Casey Stanley at (206) 988-3700.
| Mar ’09 |
| 15 |
| 11:00 am |
[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]
NOTE: Results of Sunday’s “Cove to Clover” race, as well as photos, are available here.
A “brand spankin’ new” St. Patrick’s Day run called “Cove to Clover” is coming up Sunday, March 15th, starting at the Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”) and finishing at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (complete with a beer garden to quench those thirsty legs).
There will also be a mile long kid’s race beginning at “The Bean” espresso stand St. Francis of Assisi Church and ending at Mick Kelly’s. Please note that registration for the Kid’s Race will take place at The Cove in Normandy Park.
The race will be held on Sunday, March 15 @ 11 am on the same day as Seattle’s massive Patty’s Day Dash. This race will be a refreshingly smaller alternative to what the Paddy’s Day Dash has become. Beware though, this annual race will surely become infamous because the first mile is all uphill and attains 800 vertical feet; locals know it as “Snake Hill”.
Here are the details:
WHAT: “Cove to Clover” 5K Run & Kids’ Race
WHEN: Sunday, March 15th starting at 11am
WHERE: Starts at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ends at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (see actual route map below).
INFO: You can get more information and register online at www.covetoclover.com, or contact John Nelson (jonelson@adobe.com) the race director for more info about the race if you’d like.
All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.
If you’re not into that much suffering a “hill shuttle” option will be offered when you register.
5K Start Line (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):
Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”)
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166
Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10 am (line up behind the 5K runners):
The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders (registration option) should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground!
Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.
1-Mile Kids Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):
St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166
The organizers promise bag piping on the course to boot, so come out and support the community (or at least quaff a pint and pretend you ran the entire race).
<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>
by Josh Hart
Hello people of Burien, this is your city here – I want to talk with you a little about what I want to happen in 2009.
In 2009 there are many resolutions I want – no, need – from you, the people of Burien:
- I want to see my streets clean. If you have walked around my streets you know they are very dirty. There is litter everywhere and it makes me upset that you treat me like that. If you stop littering the return will be great for you. I, as your city, will be healthier for you.
- Another thing I want you to do for me is ride the bus. There are so many cars on my roads, if you take the bus it will pollute my air less and also be better for you. The bus is also cost efficient if you get a yearly pass, it saves you a lot on gas money.
- I also want you to strive to do good for your fellow citizen. Help someone in need. Give to a food bank. Open a door for one of my little old ladies. Smile at each other. Buy some dude a brewski at Elmer’s for cryin’ out loud…
- The last thing I want from you is to help fight crime. There is so much crime around on my streets. Especially around the park and ride. If everyone helps by not just ignoring crime, it will make me a better place.
So please help me become better and you will be better off for it.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.
You can read more of his writing here...]
Wishing everyone in the Burien area a very Happy New Year!
Please either email us your New Year’s pics or add ‘em to our Flickr Group so we can share them.
