UPDATE FRI. 3/19 2pm: Just got word from Sgt John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the suspect vehicle, “probably a white Honda Civic,” was found parked at a Burien apartment complex; no arrests have yet been made:
“Suspect vehicle (probably a white Honda Civic) struck a parked car(s), mailbox, wall etc. in the 3300 block of S. 172nd.
Car kept going.
We did find the unoccupied suspect car at a Burien apartment complex, but so far have made no arrests.”
PREVIOUSLY: A hit and run accident around dusk Thursday night (March 18) on SW 172nd in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood caused extensive damage to a parked Toyota Corolla as well as destroying a protective wall outside a house.
“We were eating dinner and we heard this incredibly loud noise,” said Rachel, who lives in the house where the wall was damaged. “I was honestly afraid that someone was driving through the wall of our home.”
In addition to damaging the parked car and retaining wall, the suspect vehicle struck a mailbox before driving off. Witnesses reportedly took down a license plate number, and the police were called. Rachel said that it took Burien Police at least two hours to respond to the scene.
“I thought our neighbors were putting their garbage out,” said Terry Haigh, another neighbor. “But then I thought ‘man, they’ve sure got a lot of garbage’ because it was really loud.”
Debris was scattered throughout the street, and a trail could be seen where the suspect car, which was allegedly driving south, struck the parked Toyota, bounced off, hit a mailbox across the street, then drove off.
This isn’t the first accident for this neighborhood, according to Rachel. About a year and a half ago, a protective wall on the other side of their property was hit and destroyed in a similar accident. The street (SW 172nd) is narrower than most, as it is an historic beachfront road that dates back to the very early days of the neighborhood.
“We’ve lived here a couple of years, and cars frequently speed down this street,” Rachel added. “And there are usually kids, joggers, pets, families and people walking around. I’m concerned for the safety of the residents here.”
Here are some pics of the scene as shot by Scott Schaefer Friday morning:
This parked blue Toyota was hit first, and according to residents, would've ended up "going into" the house if it wasn't for the protective wall.
While we were on the scene, the owner of the damaged vehicle appeared to be on the phone talking with his insurance company.
Three Tree Point's SW 172nd is a narrow beachfront street with no sidewalks, and it's very popular for joggers, families, bikers and children.
This mailbox was the last thing hit before the suspect vehicle took off.
The Seattle Times is reporting that a couple from Normandy Park is suing Toyota in federal court, demanding that the company either take back the vehicle they just bought or reimburse them for its loss in value since the automaker’s sudden-acceleration troubles became news.
According to The Times:
The lawsuit alleges that the issues plaguing Toyota violate the state’s Consumer Protection Act and amount to a breach of contract. The lawsuit is a proposed class action and, if certified by a federal judge, could apply to other Toyota owners in Washington with similar issues.
Read the full story here.
| Mar |
| 18 |
| 7:00 pm |
BTB Advertiser Burien Toyota wants our Readers to know that they’re holding a “New Owner Clinic” on Thursday, March 18th beginning at 7pm at their location at 15025 1st Avenue South.
This event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank, so if you can, you are invited to bring a non-perishable food donation (although this is not required).
There will also be some giveaways, including:
- Free oil change certificate just for attending
- Free car wash the night of the event
- Raffle drawing for prizes
Here are the details:
WHAT: “New Owner Clinic” at Burien Toyota
WHEN: Thursday, March 18th at 7pm
WHERE: Burien Toyota, located at 15025 First Ave South.
RSVP: Please RSVP to Sharon Daniels at 206.243.0700
INFO: More info available here; from a flier:
Toyota owners are welcome to share in the evening with Burien Toyota Seattle representatives & service advisers.
Product demonstartions, food & entertainment will make for a fun and informative evening.
Welcome back BTB Advertiser Burien Honda, which is having a birthday party and inviting everyone to come on in to check out the special green tag savings hanging from the rear view mirrors of all their cars.
They’ve been around Burien for 47 years and counting. In 1963, owner Jack Enderson opened a Honda Cycle dealership on SW 153rd and First Ave South, where “Mr. Auto” used to be (now Horizon Pets). He eventually added Triumph, BSA and Harley bikes to his inventory. In 1972, they needed more room and moved to their current location at 15026 First Avenue South.
This original 1970 N600 Honda has just 628 miles on it; its MSRP new was just $1,995!
In addition to an international reputation for its high mileage, Honda is leading the automotive industry in the Green and Hybrid Movement in automotive efficiencies. “Green” cars include the FIT Hatchback, Civic Sedan and “Hybrids” include Civic, Insight and Accord. They also have all of Honda’s conventional models. On the horizon is the FCX Clarity – a hydrogen and electric car available right now in California – and the CRV Diesel SUV sold in Europe and Japan.
Right now you can enjoy great 47 Anniversary savings on all Honda’s in stock! So stop on by and start enjoying your new Honda today.
Here’s a flashback pic of Burien Honda, circa 1972 – they’ve come a long way!:
So you own a Toyota that you may have seen in the news lately…now what?
Don’t panic just yet – we spoke with the General Manager of BTB Advertiser Burien Toyota Scion, Pat Dillon, about what Toyota owners can look for and expect with issues surrounding the recent accelerator malfunctions.
We asked:
“What exactly should I look for if I have one of the models mentioned in the recall?”
Dillon said:
“The condition is rare, but can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position. Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy.”
“In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.” (we would like to note that this statement can also be found on Toyota’s Corporate Website).
Toyota initially only listed eight models with a potential connection to this issue and later expanded the list to include additional models with accelerators manufactured by the CTS Company which produces the part. The malfunction has caused one of the largest recalls in recent history, stirring concern and confusion among owners worldwide. There continues to be discussions around including the Prius models on the recall list as reports begin to roll in about similar issues and possibly a glitch in the cars’ software.
Models affected as of February 3rd, 2010 include:
- Avalon
- Camry
- Corolla
- Corporate
- Highlander
- Matrix
- RAV4
- Sequoia
- Toyota Tundra
“Our message to Toyota owners is this – if you experience any issues with your accelerator pedal, please contact your dealer without delay. If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive.” – Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.
“We encourage owners to make an appointment or contact us to address repair questions and concerns.” said Dillon.
Should you find your car needing service, you will not be without a vehicle at Burien Toyota Scion as we have a rental car service department that can assist in placing you in a temporary vehicle until yours is repaired.
Additional information and updates on the recall can be found here.
More info on Burien Toyota available here.
Burien Toyota Scion
15025 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148
Service: 888-468-0481
| Dec ’09 |
| 12 |
| 6:00 pm |
| Dec ’09 |
| 13 |
| 6:00 pm |
We swear that this isn’t a joke – the 8th annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story will be this weekend, Dec. 12th and 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm in the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church in Des Moines.
From what we can tell, not only are there live actors involved, but also live animals, and you can experience the entire story in just 10 minutes!
We’re not quite sure if the baby Jesus is a real child though, but there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?
Here are the details:
WHAT: The 8th Annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12th and Sunday, Dec. 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm
WHERE: Parking lot of the Normandy Christian Church, located at 908 South 200th Street in Des Moines.
INFO: Here’s a blurb from the church’s website:
Normandy Christian Church invites you to the 8th Annual DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY December 12-13, 6:00-8:30pm.
For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church.
^Now that’s a great marketing line isn’t it?^
Here’s a video promo that will make you want to jump in your car, drive on thru and get your 10-minute Christmas fix:
More information available at the church’s website here.
UPDATE 3pm 10/27/09: Just received word from the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the victim of the pedestrian/car accident Tuesday morning was a 72 year-old SeaTac man, who was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.
The incident occurred about 7:15 AM Tuesday morning at S. 136th and 8th Avenue South.
The victim was walking eastbound on South 136th and crossing 8th Ave South with the green light. The vehicle, a 1996 Ford Windstar driven by a 17 year-old Seattle teenager, made a right turn onto southbound 8th Ave S. from 136th. He apparently did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk and stuck him.
There were no signs of drugs or alcohol on either driver or pedestrian.
Detectives believe fogged windows on the van may have contributed to the accident.
The investigation is continuing and there have been no arrests or citations.
Here’s a photo of the intersection where the incident occurred, taken by Scott Schaefer around 11am (EDITOR’S NOTE: despite looking around carefully, we saw no visible evidence at the scene):
UPDATE 11:30am 10/27/09: The King County Sheriff’s Department has re-opened the intersection of S. 136th and 8th Ave S. after a “serious car vs. pedestrian accident” occurred around 7:15am Tuesday morning.
According to Sgt. John Urquhart, the victim is an adult male, and roads will be closed for several hours we went to the scene and the roads and intersection have been re-opened.
No further details available now, but we’re expecting an update later this afternoon.
| Oct ’09 |
| 26 |
| Oct ’09 |
| 27 |
| Nov ’09 |
| 7 |
| Nov ’09 |
| 11 |
| Nov ’09 |
| 14 |
It’s not quite as controversial as drive-thru “sexpresso” stands with bikin-clad baristas, but members of Group Health can now get flu shots in their vehicles as their Burien Medical Center is providing drive-thru flu shots!
The Burien Group Health Center is located at 140 SW 146th Street, just north of the Safeway shopping complex.
Please note that these shots are just for seasonal influenza, not H1N1. While the drive-thru clinic is meant for G.H. members, they will not turn residents away; however, there is a fee for non-members.
Here’s the schedule for the remaining drive-thru shots:
- Monday, Oct. 26
- Tuesday, Oct. 27
- Saturday, Nov. 7
- Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Saturday, Nov. 14
For more information, visit their website here, or call 206-901-2400.
We got an email tip from BTB Reader Jennifer about a Job Ad posted Monday (Aug. 31st) on Craigslist that implies that the closed/empty Burien Nissan may be re-opening in mid-September under new management from CarPros, which appears to own several dealerships in Tacoma, Seattle and Carson, CA.
Here’s the Ad:
Re-Opening Auburn & Burien Nissan (Auburn & Burien)
Date: 2009-08-31, 3:07PM PDT
Reply to: jobs@carpros.com
Automotive Parts or Service experience? Opportunity knocks!!!Nissan Dealerships are gearing up for mid September opening, we are seeking qualified applicants for all Dealership positions.Bring your Parts or Service experience and join an award winning Puget Sound Automotive Dealer Group.
We set the standard for professionally managed Parts & Service, our environment encourages personal and professional growth and includes rewarding pay plans with superior benefits.E mail jobs@carpros.com
Fax (563) 405-8144, experienced professionals feel free to direct dial Bradley Wolf @ (253) 222-4836Applicants must be 18 years of age, possess a valid drivers license and be drug free. Car Pros is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Burien Nissan (their former website is still down and no new one could be found), located in a shiny lot at 16042 First Ave South, closed for business in May under ownership of the Rainier Automotive Group, which lost “flooring” (aka financing) and had their entire inventory reclaimed by Nissan in a 24-hour period in March.
Since then, the lot has stood empty, like a recently-remodeled $5 million, modern ghost town car lot in Burien.
We’re investigating this developing story further, and will have more in-depth coverage soon, so be sure to check back often, or subscribe to our free RSS Feed or receive updates via email.
- BREAKING NEWS: Burien Nissan Is Now Officially Closed
- Burien Nissan Expecting New Financing In “A Few Weeks”
- UPDATE: More Information On Burien Nissan’s Inventory
- Burien Nissan Loses Entire Stock, Now An Empty Lot
If you own or drive a Chevy Camaro, Papa John’s Pizza will give you a FREE pizza today (Wed., Aug. 25th) if you drive it in.
There are two Papa John’s locations nearby, with the nearest in Normandy Park (see map below):
- 19893 1st Ave S # 207, Normandy Park, WA – (206) 248-3333
- 1421 S 192nd St, Seatac, WA – (206) 824-3700
According to the New York Daily News, Papa John’s owner John Schnatter loves Camaros so much that he paid $250,000 to buy his original 1971 Z28 back, which he sold for $2,800 in 1983 to fund his pizza chain, which he started in a broom closet at his Dad’s bar.
Apparently the dude still really digs his car:
“The Camaro represents what I gave up to start Papa John’s,” said Schnatter. “Words cannot capture the emotions I am feeling….I never gave up hope that someday I would get that car back.”
[EDITOR'S NOTES: Special tip of the anchovies to BTB Reader David Feist, who emailed us that his wife got a free pizza this morning with her 1970 Camaro. Also, while this may appear to be a paid Ad, it isn't - we just appreciate clever marketing and our Readers love FREE food! (and we also know how to brown-nose national PR agencies monitoring blog feeds...)]
View Larger Map
Saturday night (6/20) around 6:15pm, BTB Reader John Montoya reports that there was a rollover accident at the intersection of SW 128th & 4th Ave South between a silver Honda vehicle and a black SUV Tiberon.
Police and aid cars on the scene reported minor injuries.
The male driver of the SUV suffered two broken wrists related to air bag deployment. He was transported to Highline Hospital for treatment.
All passengers involved were wearing seatbelts.
UPDATE 9/1/09: An email tip leads us to believe that Burien Nissan will be re-opening in mid-September – read the latest here.
Story by Janet Grella
Photos by Michael Brunk
UPDATE 8pm 5/12/09: According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, a company called MD Johnson is advising Burien Nissan’s owner, Rainier Automotive, on the sale of this as well as the Auburn Nissan dealership.
PREVIOUSLY: It’s official – Burien Nissan is now closed.
When we attempted to reach John Antonelli, Sales Manager, he actually hung up on us!
That’s right – rather than talk with us about what’s going on, he hung up the phone. The last time we spoke with Mr. Antonelli (March 30th), he claimed “It’s still business as usual. Should have some good news on financing in a few weeks…”
We then called the dealership’s number and received the following recorded message – listen closely as the woman’s voice cracks on the last sentence (“…and wish you all well.”):
[display_podcast]
“Thank you for calling Burien Nissan. At this time our dealership is closed. We have enjoyed being a part of your lives and a part of the Burien community. We appreciate your business over the years and wish you all well.”
According to manta.com, Burien Nissan employed 40 people and had estimated sales of $14.3 million in 2008.
Burien Nissan was part of the Rainier Automotive Group that included Auburn Nissan, along with Eastide Subaru and Eastside Hyandai, both in Kirkland.
At Auburn Nissan the phone rang so long it went to busy (they are closed for business also). At Eastside Subaru we were told that “parts and service are still open and we’re going through a change of ownership and should be open for sales in the next couple of weeks.”
At Eastside Hyandai we got only a voicemail box.
Here’s a photo slideshow of what Burien Nissan looks like now, shot Tuesday afternoon by Photographer Michael Brunk, who says that while he was there, a locksmith was changing the locks on the doors:
All the associated websites are still functioning, with no mention of any closings, as if it’s “business as usual,” when in reality, it’s not.
Previously, we broke the news that Burien Nissan lost its entire inventory when their “flooring” fell through and the financing company basically repossessed their entire car lot over a 24-hour period around March 13th.
No word yet on what will become of this business, nor of the large lot it sits on.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Burien Nissan Expecting New Financing In “A Few Weeks”
- UPDATE: More Information On Burien Nissan’s Inventory
- Burien Nissan Loses Entire Stock, Now An Empty Lot
UPDATE 9/1/09: An email tip leads us to believe that Burien Nissan will be re-opening in mid-September – read the latest here.
As we first reported last Friday (March 13th), longtime auto dealer Burien Nissan had its entire lot of new cars (around 100) hauled away within the span of two days.
It may appear that the dealership has, or is, going out of business – but it’s not, according to Sales Manager John Antonelli:
“There are 1,900 Nissan Dealerships in the United States. 900 of them are in the same situation that Burien Nissan is in.
There are also around four other Nissan Dealerships in the State of Washington in the same situation.
Any Nissan Dealership that has a dual franchise like a Ford,Chevy,Dodge ect and that is Floored and collateralised with NMAC. NMAC will pull your flooring and make you find a New flooring bank for all of your New and Used Cars that are 2004 or newer without enough ample time to do so.
We are open for business as usual for Sales,Parts, and Service.
This could take days or even weeks to get a new flooring bank.
We would like to say thank you very much to our customers and the businesses in our surrounding area for all your support and phone calls.
This means alot to us that we have a great community that really cares about Burien Nissan and our employees.”
We will continue to follow this story as it develops, and will bring you more updates as they happen.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
by Josh Hart
Duane Quande, the owner of Burien City Garage, has been involved in collecting and fixing cars since he was seven or eight years old.
Back then it was just something people did.
Duane is also the proud owner of a ‘57 Chevy museum. His museum contains pretty much anything and everything to do with Chevys and Coca-Cola.
The museum is centered around Duane’s prized ‘57 Chevy, a car that is very special to him.
He had stripped down said Chevy back in 1989 (when gas was just 65 cents per gallon) and finished rebuilding it in June of last year – a total of 18 years of work. When he first got it, the car had a lot of rust and he and his buddies (Dennis Biggerly, John Zimmerman and Mike Mintern) decided to strip it down, take the body off the frame, and rebuild or repair all the parts.
This cost him a lot of money and time so he will most likely not try re-building another one (unless of course it belongs to a customer).
Duane’s other belongings in the museum include:
- Old Coca-Cola products
- Models of Chevys
- Old auto parts
- Old ads
- Old gas cans
Duane Quande is also a businessman.
In his younger days he went to junior college, and then technical college to become a mechanic (somehow, mechanics are now called “technicians”). After college he worked at a job for ten years before buying Burien City Garage from John Cabela Jr., whose dad, John Cabela, started the business in 1942.
Burien City Garage does general auto repair, which means they do everything on the car except body work.
Drop on by, check out Duane’s cool ‘57 Chevy, and tell him The B-Town Blog sent you.
[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...]
1/6/09 9pm UPDATE: We just communicated with Faraz Lakhani, the victim of Tuesday afternoon’s hit and run, who reports that the suspect was captured within the hour by police (it doesn’t help to have your license plate fall off).
Faraz, who works at the Subway sandwich shop on 16th SW, sent us the following first-hand report:
I am really thankful to have walked out from the sunroof of my car unscathed except for a minuscule cut on my hand. It sure was my lucky day today – ‘cos the accident looks like the driver would have been hurt much worse.
The police did find the hit and run driver within the hour. He was a 72 year old man with a suspended drivers license and no insurance
I decided not to prosecute and they will just be charging him for driving without a license.
I was just really shaken as my car flew and rolled before it landed on its side.
The car is going to be a total loss but I have reason to be thankful I came away unhurt!
I really appreciate your efforts to help get the hit and run driver.
PREVIOUSLY: From our sister site The White Center Blog comes this breaking news report:
At approximately 2:25pm Tuesday afternoon (1/6/09), our intrepid “on-the-street” Reporters Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan witnessed the immediate aftermath of a hit and run accident at the intersection of SW 104th and 16th Ave SW in White Center.
The BMW on its side above was headed northbound on 16th when it was t-boned on the driver’s side by a black Hyndai Accent, knocking it onto its side.
The license plate of the suspect hit and run vehicle is Washington plate #735 VJT (see photo below).
Below are more pictures taken at the scene, including the dented license plate, which fell off the suspect’s vehicle and was discovered by Neuman and Bryan.
The suspect remains at large, so if you have any information on this car or its owner, you are encouraged to call the King County Sheriff’s office immediately at (206) 296-3333 or 296-3323.
Jason Sanders, 42, of Burien’s “The Bean,” an espresso stand across the street from BTB Advertiser Howard & Marge, as well as the Seahurst Post Office (see map below), was “moderately” injured in a head-on car collision last Saturday, Dec. 26th.
According to the folks at The Bean, Jason was apparently driving from his Mother’s home in Mendocino, CA on Highway 101 when a vehicle crossed the center line and hit the passenger side of his car. While not a direct head-on collision, it was so serious that a passenger in the other vehicle had to be extricated by fire fighters.
Jason suffered a broken pelvis, some lacerations, but otherwise no head trauma. He is currently recovering at the University of California, Davis Hospital in Sacramento.
Co-workers at The Bean say he’ll probably be back on the job, in crutches, within a few weeks. They also say that since he’s a veteran, it’s likely that he has health insurance.
Here’s a snippet from the Ukiah Daily Journal, a local paper that reported on the accident:
A south-bound motorist on a northern Mendocino County stretch of Highway 101 collided head-on with an oncoming car about 2:56 p.m. Saturday.
A woman and two men involved in the collision wore seat belts and alcohol is believed to have not been a factor, a report from California Highway Patrol’s Garberville office stated.
Adam T. Wyndham, 29, of Albany, drove just north of Bridges Creek when he crossed the yellow center lines and collided with 42-year-old Jason Reno Sanders of Burien, Wash., CHP stated.
According to CHP, driving conditions that afternoon were wet and raining.
Wyndham’s passenger, Sherrezada Kent, 29, of Albany, sustained major injuries. CHP stated Kent was pinned in the front passenger seat of a 2005 Ford driven by Wyndham. Then a lengthy extrication, CHP stated, was needed to get her out of the vehicle.
Wyndham sustained minor injuries and Sanders sustained moderate injuries in Saturday’s accident. No arrests were made.
Wyndham, Kent and Sanders all were taken to Jerold Phelps Hospital across the Mendocino and Humboldt County line in Garberville.
Everyone here at The B-Town Blog sends their sincere “best wishes for a speedy recovery” to Jason, his family, friends and co-workers.
We’ll update this story as we receive more information.
As we ring out the old year and drive into the new, we welcome The B-Town Blog’s latest Advertiser: Burien Honda!
They’ve been around Burien for 45 years and counting. In 1963, owner Jack Enderson opened a Honda Cycle dealership on SW 153rd and First Ave South, where “Mr. Auto” used to be (now Horizon Pets). He eventually added Triumph, BSA and Harley bikes to his inventory. In 1972, they needed more room and moved to their current location at 15026 First Avenue South.
This original 1970 N600 Honda has just 628 miles on it; its MSRP new was just $1,995!
Burien Honda was the first Honda Dealership in the Northwest and the 22nd dealer in the country. General Manager Mark Minium is proud to show off their 1970 N600 Honda that has 628 actual miles on it. This particular model boasts the ‘complete package,’ which includes a radio and heater and cost $1,995; without the ‘package’ it cost $1,795.
Since this time, we’ve seen many changes in Honda Automobiles. In addition to an international reputation for its high mileage, Honda is leading the automotive industry in the Green and Hybrid Movement in automotive efficiencies. “Green” cars include the FIT Hatchback, Civic Sedan and “Hybrids” include Civic, Insight and Accord. They also have all of Honda’s conventional models. On the horizon is the FCX Clarity – a hydrogen and electric car available right now in California – and the CRV Diesel SUV sold in Europe and Japan.
Twelve years ago, Burien Honda opened a body shop, making it the only full service Honda dealer in the Greater Seattle area. They work on any make or model of cars and deal with most insurance companies on repairs. Plus you’ll get a loaner when they work on your vehicle. And one great thing to know is that you’ll get a complimentary hand car wash when you come in for anything in their shop, including an express oil change!
Burien Honda in 1972.
Burien Honda’s current building, which includes a Body Shop.
As with many of our Burien Car Dealers, GM Mark Minium has been involved in the development of our community from sitting on economic boards to the planning and development of the Town Square, to First Avenue renovation and supporting of the arts in Burien. He also was recruited to be an auctioneer at Mick Kelly’s many successful fundraisers (including the fundraiser we co-sponsored for the fire victims which raised over $10,500!).
What’s next for Burien Honda?
“We need a bigger footprint” says Mark – this means more space. And: “we have high hopes for Burien as Town Square evolves.”
Plus right now they’ve got the best selection and lowest interest rates in three years.
So, click on Burien Honda’s Ad in the right sidebar, check out their latest models and low rates, and tell ‘em the B-Town Blog sent you!
View Larger Map
At the corner of 10th SW and SW 152nd, the snow makes the Masonic Temple look even more stately, while 10th SW looks treacherous in the rear-view mirror.
We’ve been out running errands (as in: taking a kid to a birthday party), and we’re proud to say that we’re not stuck in a ditch.
Yet.
Here’s our first-hand bullet-point review from driving around Burien Sunday morning/afternoon, when we dared travel down to Tukwila and back:
- All back roads are slick and dangerous. Really.
- Bridges are even slicker and more dangerous since they’re colder.
- When driving on icy roads, keep it in low gear, and keep moving; once stopped on ice, you’re in deep doo-doo.
- If you do get stuck on ice and can’t move – as we saw a Ford truck do on First Ave South at SW 160th – DON’T JUST STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR! Put it in first gear and slowly try to move towards something that has some traction – snow near the side of the road, a sandy patch, whatever…but please folks NO FLOORING THE GAS ON ICE!
- All freeways are relatively dry but with some patches so don’t speed around (and you know who you are, tailgating Lady in the red SUV!).
- STOP TAILGATING, LADY IN THE RED SUV!
- You’re going to get sand and road salt all over your windshield today, so make sure your windshield washer thingy is full of freeze-proof washing liquid; otherwise you’re going to have to pull over and clean your windshield, and since it’s around 29 degrees outside, most gas station windshield washing devices are frozen in their water!
As we asked before, please either email your snow photos to us or add it to our Flickr Group so we can share them.
Here’s one from BTB Reader Grace Woods, entitled “A Three Tree Sunday Morning“:
“Venus de Burien” as photographed in January 2007 by Flickr Photog Crocidillicus.
Checking the roads and DOT webcams this morning shows that overall, most main Freeway roads are clear of snow and possibly passable – IF you have to get somewhere.
However, it looks like there’s plenty of black ice, so if you can, play it safe and stay home, make a snowman, and either email a photo to us or add it to our Flickr Group.
But, as usual, drive slowly, in low gears while on the slick stuff, and try to remember your Driver’s Ed lessons of how to steer into a slide when your car starts careening out of control.
Here are a few webcams worth checking out:
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We at the at the B-Town Blog offer a horn-honking and ding and dent-free welcome to our newest Advertiser: Vision Collision Auto Body Repair!
They are located at 803 SW 154th Street, just west of Ambaum and a little south of Olde Burien.
Vision Collision is quite a family-based business, from longtime Burien area stock, on land that goes way, way back in the area of auto body repair.
Husband and wife team Michael and Amy Driscoll, recently purchased the former BBC Dodge Body Shop. There has been an auto body repair shop on that space going back many decades.
Robert scrubs yet another Vision Collision dent-free gem.
Doug McLester, who for thirty years served as BBC Dodge Body Shop Manager before retiring this past summer, recently said:
“Amy entered into the auto body industry right after high school and is thrilled to be working in her hometown doing what she loves! Michael has always had a passion for cars and has been restoring them since the age of fourteen. I have complete confidence that Amy and Michael will provide the quality service you have come to expect over the years.”
“From door dings to collisions, we fix it all,” Michael and Amy point out. “We help reduce stress by assisting with insurance claims, too.”
“And we offer detailing,” Amy adds.
Amy and Michael were born and raised in Burien and attended Highline High School.
“My mom, Cathy Low, and her whole family grew up in Seahurst,” Amy informs us. Cathy helps out now and again at Vision Collision’s office when Amy needs to run the occasional errand.
“And my uncle is none other than Jim Hughes of Sal’s Deli, just off 152nd. I worked there for years,” Amy said.
Lucy is Vision Collision's official mascot.
Amy and Michael’s Border Collie, Lucy, can often be seen running around the office.
“Lucy loves to come to work.”
Lucy isn’t the only pet in Amy and Michael’s household. On their land southeast of Burien “we also have two horses, three goats, and a cat.”
So anyway, we at the Blog think you’ll enjoy yourself so much at Vision Collision that, even if your vehicle is already ding-free, you should just take a hammer to your hood and bang it up a bit so you’ll have an excuse to stop by (uh…just kidding on that part, but stop by anyway!).
But seriously, click on Vision Collision’s Ad in the right sidebar, check out their stuff, call or drop by and see what they can do to fix your dinged and dented vehicle up.
Vision Collision Auto Body Repair
“See? You’re dent free!”
Service shop:
803 SW 154th St
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: (206) 244-2758
www.visioncollision.net
Email: info@visioncollision.net
Mail:
Vision Collision
PO Box 66110
Burien, WA 98166
According to the Kitsap Sun, an 18-year old Burien man lost control of his Ford Taurus on Highway 16 around 1am Tuesday morning and crashed into a manufactured home display building.
The man and his two passengers, 22 and 17, were all hospitalized at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, and the Burien driver, whose identity has yet to be released, is believed to have been driving under the influence.
Full story here.
We’re happy to introduce onto our blog, like high octane injected into a finely tuned engine, our milestone 20th Advertiser: Mark’s Expert Auto Service!
It’s a family affair at Mark’s: Mark and Lisa Headley and son Nate. They know what they’re doing and are quite community involved.
Mark’s Expert Auto Service is located just around the corner from Olde Burien at 15418 Ambaum Blvd SW (see map below).
With 25 years of automotive work under his belt, Mark Headley has fully earned his slogan: “Experience. Not Experiments.”
Planning to drive to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving? Bring your vehicle in to Mark’s for an all-out winterization, or just a heater inspection and service.
Businesspeople and entrepreneurs: Mark’s happily handles fleet work. Call for details: 206-246-5232
Maybe there’s a shimmy or a “not-quite-right” sensation while coasting down the road. Could mean a wheel or two needs alignment.
Well, when we sent our B-Town Blog writer, Scoop, to write the story you are reading right now, he was stunned by the high-tech modernness of Mark’s new state-of-the-art Wheel Alignment laser equipment.
“Can I just call it ‘amazing futuristic Star Trek-like equipment for the benefit of all your customers, now and in the future?’” Scoop asked Mark Headley.
“That’d be just fine,” Mark replied, thus simplifying Scoop’s journalistic assignment.
When your tabs are about to expire, keep in mind that Mark’s is an Authorized Emission Repair Facility.
Mark Headley believes in Experience, not experiments.
The Headleys have worked for years with local schools in mentoring young people on their way to becoming fully-trained and ready technicians in their own right.
Foreign or domestic, repair or preventative maintenance, us B-Town Bloggers recommend Mark’s Expert Auto Service.
They’re just south of 152nd on the east side of Ambaum.
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Appointments welcomed.
Call 206-246-5232, or click on their Ad and check out their offerings – you’ll thank us later!
The Seattle P-I reports that a 59-year old Burien woman was killed Saturday night after being struck by an SUV near Renton.
The accident occurred just before 9pm on SR-169 near 196th Avenue Southeast, which is between Renton and Maple Valley.
The driver of the SUV is a 52-year old Lynnwood woman.
No identity has been released, and the case remains under investigation.
SOURCE:
A Renton man was struck and killed by a minivan late Wednesday in the Boulevard Park neighborhood, and the suspected driver was later arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, the King County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The 22-year-old victim died at the scene of the hit-and-run crash in the 9700 block of Des Moines Memorial Drive about 11:30 p.m. He had been walking in the roadway, deputies reported.
Investigators recognized the victim from a disturbance call less than a half hour earlier at the nearby Rascal’s Casino, 9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive.
Deputies worked with casino security officers to identify the suspect and went to his home in a Tukwila trailer park. They found the suspected hit-and-run vehicle, a 1991 Toyota Previa minivan, which had body damage consistent with hitting a pedestrian, deputies reported.
The suspected driver, a 29-year-old man, was located and booked into King County Jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide.
The incident remained under investigation.
SOURCE:
| Jun ’08 |
| 28 |
| 4:00 pm |
If arts and music festivals aren’t your cup of strawberries, or you’re an autoholic (make that Audiholic) and you need to get your car fix, get your chassis over to the Annual Audi Expo.
This is the Northwest’s largest display of privately owned new and retro Audis, and it happens Saturday June 28th from 4pm to 10pm on SW 153rd in downtown Burien.
Two city blocks are closed to display stock and modified Audis from as far away as Alaska and California, plus many exciting product and service exhibitors, and, venue admission is FREE.
- ALL YOU CAN EAT for $12.50 courtesy of Bison Creek Pizza!
- FREE Giveaways and Great Door Prizes!
- “Best Of” Contest!
- High Visibility Reserved Parking for Privately Owned Audis For Sale!
- Music courtesy of the DADDY-O’S!
- Special Audi Expo Souvenirs to the First 200 Attendees!
If you are planning on bringing your Audi or registering, please RSVP here.
For full details and more info, go to http://www.audiexpo.com.
View Larger Map
BURIEN – The driver of a truck lost control, crashed and was trapped until being freed near the intersection of Ambaum Blvd. and 117th around 1 am this morning.
The truck lost control on Ambaum, rolled over a fence, struck a cement wall then hit two parked (and unoccupied) cars.
The driver had to be cut away from the car and rushed to the hospital, but he is expected to recover.
There is no official word on what caused this crash, but police are looking into reports that racing may be involved, and are investigating whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
SOURCE:
Driving west on SW 152nd this afternoon and just had to pull over to see the Seafair Pirates’ official (and quite historic) amphibious vehicle, the Moby Duck, parked quietly (and legally?!!) on the side of road, nary a pirate or wench in sight:
From the Seafair Pirates website:
Starting her life as a 1946 vintage amphibian landing craft or DUKW, the Moby Duck came to the Seafair Pirates in 1954, permanently replacing a DUKW that had been loaned to the Pirates by the US Coast Guard.
Adorned with a writhing Chinese dragon painted by the late Weaver Dial, the Moby Duck made her debut in the 1954 Seafair celebrations.
Over the years Weaver often changed the paintwork. Variant schemes were tried but always the Duck returned to a “Spanish galleon” design, the better to announce to the world that it was indeed a genuine ship.
The first major refit for the Duck was in 1970, just before the Seafair Pirates traveled to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It was this refit that saw the platform built on her stern transformed in the the first real “poop deck.”
With the passing of years, Moby’s stern grew in scale until reaching her maximum size during the 1991 refit by Captain Gary Kuhn. With only an occasional daub paint this version of the Duck made it through the 90s, but by and by the massive stern begun to sag and another major refit was desperately needed.
Recently, the Moby Duck was stripped down to the bare metal, exposing the extent of time’s damage. Rust was slowly eating her away. The first order of business was to remove fifty years (layers) of paint. Only then all the damage in the coachwork was repaired. Rusted metal was cut away and new plates were welded in, work continued until every dent and hole repaired. Meanwhile, a new poop deck was being fabricated of steel. Smaller and lighter , the steel quarter deck was then trimmed out in wood and fitted on the stern of the Duck.
Finally, painted in the red. gold and black of the 17th century ships of the line, the Moby Duck was ready to again sail forth with the crew of bloodthirsty Seafair Pirate.
And at least for one afternoon, it sits alone, quietly parked on SW 152nd.
Perhaps it’s longing for the nearby waters of Lake Burien?
Or perhaps the driver lives there?
Or (gulp), maybe it was duck-jacked and left behind? (last year someone stole some gold-plated cannons off it, so it’s feasible, matey…)
From what we can tell, the closest event this schooner on wheels will be attending is the West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade on July 19th or the Renton River Days July 26th.
So…does anyone know (or have any ideas) why said ship was in B-Town today?
Please email us, or risk walkin’ the plank ya scurvy dog!
UPDATE: Avast, it appears that all of B-Town is under a ful-fledged pirate attack!
We just found this listing on Craigslist today:
Small Pirate Devil Duck – $4 (Burien)
Small black rubber pirate devil duck
$4.00 cash only please.
Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > cars & trucks:
stripped car / make and offer / come and get it – $1 (burien / seattle)
Make and offer and come and get this car!!!!
needs to be towed
can be towed to you ( for extra)
A Burien woman pleaded guilty today of driving drunk the wrong way down I-5 before slamming into a pickup truck, killing an 18-year-old woman and badly injuring her boyfriend.
Cerrissa Christensen will likely face 6 1/2 years in prison when she is sentenced April 25 in King County Superior Court.
The 27-year-old woman pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault for the Oct. 9 crash, which killed Bawny McQuistin, who was riding in the passenger seat as her boyfriend, Eric Hillstrom, 19, drove toward downtown Seattle.
Hillstrom suffered broken bones in his legs and back and was left with serious brain injuries.
Christensen had been drinking at a Seattle bar before the crash. Several of her friends told her she was too drunk to drive and offered to give her a ride, but she managed to sneak away and get behind the wheel, Deputy Prosecutor Amy Freedheim said.
She entered the freeway’s northbound lanes headed south. She was speeding — 100 mph at times — in the car pool lane when she saw a state trooper and slowed down, “not even comprehending that she was going the wrong way,” Freedheim said.
The trooper and others tried, unsuccessfully, to get her to stop.
Her blood-alcohol level was 0.25 percent — more than three times the legal limit — according to court documents.
Christensen would have faced roughly 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years for the charges, but she had a previous drunken-driving conviction that added two years to her sentence range. Prosecutors and her lawyer agreed to the top end of that range.
She also has a previous drug charge and various driving tickets and convictions, including ones for reckless driving and hit-and-run.
SOURCE:
Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > tacoma > rants & raves:
My wife was visiting her dad up in burien at the hospital. She stupidly left her keys in the truck along with a $2000 camara and her cell phone. Please dont post how stupid she is, she doesnt read this and i already KNOW how stupid she was.
Anyway she calls me up and says somebody broke into the truck and stole her keys, camara ect And a bill with our address on it.
Now i was not always the dogooder i am today so i know how these aholes think. I closed up the blinds and went about my business.
About an hour later i was sitting in the office and i see someone come up to the door. Nothing unusuall about that but i wait and see anyway. Sure enough, after i dont answer he pops the key into the door and opens it. I give him a couple of seconds to get in then i spring from my chair and grab him and put my ball point pen up to his neck and tell him dont f*@king move or i am gonna stab you. (this is where i made my mistake. I should have just f*@king stabbed him and been done with it. I urge anybody in the same situation to not threaten but just to do it.
Anyway he wriggled out of my grasp (i only had ahold of his coat) and got away. I am too fat to chase his skinny ass down.
At least i got a cheap costco coat for my trouble. No ID inside just a couple of starbucks giftcards and a key chain with one key. The keychain is a little tiny level.
If you know someone with a black costco coat and a keychain made out of a tiny level let me know. I would like to return them to him
Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > rants & raves:
When you stole my wifes 94 dodge 4 door with an empty gas tank and the locking gas cap this morning you thought you were stylin, you could have left the grandchildrens car seats, the car is a piece of sh*t but she cant haul the grandkids around without car seats and i am sure that you had 2 small children with you at 2 am so you needed the seats worse than she does, if i were stealing cars i would be sure to steal 1 with a custom plate licence # HEDAKE so if anybody sees a white 4 door 1994 dodge spirit dent drivers rear door cheap mags plate HEDAKE please email me would like the car seats back
View Larger Map1/11/08 update from KCPQ:
An 18 year-old woman was injured in a car-vs.-pedestrian accident this morning about 6:45 AM.
It happened in Burien at the 17700 block of Ambaum Blvd South (previously it was reported at 177th & Des Moines Memorial Way).
She was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.
It was dark and raining at the time of the collision. The victim was crossing an Ambaum crosswalk. According to witnesses, the pedestrian was crossing against a red light, and was wearing all dark clothing.
The vehicle involved was a 2004 Honda Civic, driven by a 58 year-old man from University Place. There was no indication of drugs, alcohol, or speed as contributing factors in the accident.
The accident remains under investigation.
————————————————–
AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:
According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, a female pedestrian was hit by a car Friday morning (1/11/08) around 6:45 a.m. at 177th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive.
The condition or age of the victim is not known.
A witness claims she saw shoes and a backpack on the roadway.
More info to come as we learn the victim’s condition.
Video story here.
SOURCES:
Interesting video taken at the Pink Elephant Carwash in B-Town:
