We stopped in the other day to say ‘Hi’ to Friend of the Blog and Advertiser Vision Collision Auto Body Repair, just south of Olde Burien.

What’s new: Two new babies are joining the Vision Collision family soon!

What’s not new: Vision Collision offers top-of-the-line auto body repair work.

Proprietors Amy and Michael Driscoll have years of experience in the auto body repair business, and they are happy to help you out in speedy fashion whatever your needs.

“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.

Well, Cathy will have a new grandchild soon. Amy and Michael are expecting their second child on Valentine’s Day, joining their firstborn, Isaiah.

And shop manager Craig Jewett will become a grandfather for the first time. When informed of this Craig responded: “I didn’t even know I was a father!” (He was joking on the father thing.)

Vision Collision is conveniently located just west of Ambaum at 803 SW 154th.

Click on Vision Collision’s ad on the right, check out their stuff, call or drop by and see what they can do to fix your dinged and dented vehicle.

And remember their slogan: “See? You’re Dent Free!”

Vision Collision
803 SW 154th Street (just west of Ambaum)
Burien WA  98166

Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

Phone: 206-244-2758

Email: info@visioncollision.net

Web: www.visioncollision.net

The “Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Experience” Tour is in the Seattle area until Sunday.

The tour allows attendees to experience and test drive the Mitsubishi i and learn about the vehicle from an on-site team of Mitsubishi i experts. The breakthrough Mitsubishi i is the most affordable 100% electric-powered mass-market production vehicle available in North America. Its starting MSRP IS $29,125 and the net MSRP* after federal tax credit is a very affordable $21,625 for the standard ES model and only $23,625 for the upgrade SE version, making the starting price for the all-new Mitsubishi i several thousand less than other mass produced electric vehicles available in the market.

The Mitsubishi i may be compact in its overall dimensions, but this EV’s clever packaging and design make for very roomy and comfortable accommodations for four adult-size passengers. With its relatively tall roofline, rear-mounted electric motor and battery pack placed safely and securely in a watertight, stainless-steel safety cell underneath the floor of the passenger compartment, even the rear passengers will experience an exceptionally satisfying degree of legroom. There’s even a small cargo area at the back of the vehicle that is more than capable of carrying numerous bags of groceries or purchases from the local mall. And with the 50/50 rear seats folded flat, the cargo capacity expands greatly, allowing the Mitsubishi i to become the preferred vehicle for weekend trips for bulkier items at a discount warehouse or home improvement retailer.

For more on the Mitsubishi i, visit http://i.mitsubishicars.com and www.facebook.com/imitsubishi.

Upcoming Seattle-area stops include:

• Wednesday, October 19
  Best Buy Bellingham
  11am – 7pm
  4281 Meridian Street
  Bellingham, WA 98226
• Thursday, October 20
  Best Buy Puyallup
  11am – 7pm
  4102 S. Meridian Ste. A
  Puyallup, WA 98373
• Friday, October 21
  Best Buy Bellevue
  11am – 7pm
  457 120th Avenue Northeast
  Bellevue, WA 98005
• Saturday, October 22
  Best Buy Issaquah
  11am – 7pm
  6000 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE,
  Issaquah, Washington 98029
• Sunday, October 23
  The Landing
  11am – 7pm
  828 North 10th Place
  Renton, WA 98057

Got speed? And if so, have you been ‘busted’ yet by the four brand new, solar-powered speed detectors recently installed on Ambaum Blvd. SW in Burien?

“The solar-powered speed detectors are at Ambaum and SW 134th Street, one in each direction,” said Steve Botkin from the city. [CORRECTION 5/12/11: after another drive-by, we counted a total four detectors.] “They cost about $6,000 each and are permanently placed there. They were paid for through a $71,000 state traffic safety grant the City received after the most recent pedestrian fatality there, a few years ago at about SW 136th St. While not a police department project, the grant request originated in the police department.”

These detectors are part of the Public Works project on Ambaum.

According to the city’s Public Works Department, radar speed detectors have been found to be effective in slowing down traffic, and after the overlay project is complete the City will do a before and after speed study on Ambaum to see if the detectors are making any difference.

We know from firsthand, personal experience that when these puppies start flashing at us, we react as if it’s some kind of scorecard or grading system, and immediately ease off the gas pedal.

Botkin adds:

The city has been waiting until the overlay project was done (or nearly done in this case) to install the detectors to prevent them from being damaged while the heavy sidewalk repair and preparation work on Ambaum was being done.

Also, the grant is paying for pedestrian-activated signaled crosswalk across Ambaum at SW 134th which will go in after the overlay work in that area is complete.

So…have YOU been caught yet by your new speed-conscious robot overlords? And if so, how did you react? Please leave a Comment below…

‘Angle of Attack, An Aerodynamic Kinship Between Exotic Automobiles & Aircraft,’ is coming to the Museum of Flight this Saturday, May 14th, from Noon – 3pm.

“An assortment of exotic automobiles will be on hand from noon until 3:00 in the Museum’s parking lot,” reads a press release. “The exhibition is free to the public; admission to the Museum of Flight is separate from this event. This event will not only showcase these incredible automobiles but it will also benefit area animal shelters and rescue groups. Representatives from Homeward Pet Rescue, Shelter, and Adoption and Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation will be on hand to give out information on their services and accept donations.”

The regional exotic car community will be displaying a large variety of exotic and rare automobiles at this event, including:

• Lamborghinis
• Ferraris
• Porsche
• Teslas
• Lotus
• Aston Martin
• Audi R8
• BMW M Series
• and more….plus the world’s fastest production supercar…the Ultimate Aero will be on display.

Here’s a promotional video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s more info:

There has always been a kinship between the aerodynamic designs of fast aircraft and fast automobiles. These characteristics often grow from one industry to the other. Exotic machines of the ground and sky also share a common beauty of design as well.

On the afternoon of May 14, 2011 these shared qualities will be on display at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

The Event…
This event will demonstrate the aerodynamic similarities between exotic cars and aircraft. Because of the uniqueness of the automobiles displayed, the event should draw a substantial attendance.

The Cause…
Too often dogs and cats are abandoned by their owners. Animal shelters and pet rescue groups work tirelessly to find hope and homes for these creatures. Many are volunteers who are working out of the kindness of their hearts. Representatives from Homeward Pet Rescue, Shelter, and Adoption and Animal Aid & Rescue Foundationcwill be on site to give out information and to accept donations.

Aviation High School (AHS) is the only college preparatory aviation- themed high school in the North- west. It is our goal to become the premier school of choice for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Pacific Northwest.

Although Highline Public Schools is the home of this unique learning community, students throughout the Puget Sound region may apply. This year about 65 percent were local students and the rest com- muted from surrounding districts, some as far away as Tacoma, Everett, and Bremerton. Many as- pire to become scientists, engi- neers, astronauts, pilots, aviation technicians, and CEOs in aviation/ aerospace fields. Many are drawn by the school’s focus on math, sci- ence and technology.

Mission
To prepare all students for college, career and citizenship through a personalized, rigorous and relevant learning experience that is facili- tated in the context of aviation and aerospace.

Senior Project Rationale
…to provide students an opportunity to test themselves—to see for themselves as well as to demonstrate and communicate to others that they can apply their knowl- edge and skills in important and practical situations to solve problems and achieve goals.

What makes an exotic car?
First , an “Exotic” is not generally in the same category as “mainstream” automobiles like Kia, Honda, or GM, etc. An exotic car is not a hot rod, typically seen at most car shows. Some brands which are labeled exotics are (but not limited to) Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Tesla, BMW M-Series, Audi R8, and Lotus. This group can also include rare brands such as Alfa Romeo. The far majority of exotic cars are European, however there some American and Japanese cars that fit the description as well. These automobiles are all “drivable art”.

About Me…..
“My name is Alex Bergler and I am in my senior year at Aviation High School. For my senior project I have planned an event that will combine three of my passions, aircraft, exotic cars, and animals. Since I was just a toddler I have always loved aircraft. Most of my childhood memories are filled with attending air shows and spending a lot of time at the Museum of Flight, I joke that the Museum became my second home. My plans and dreams have always involved flight. As I started high school I began to seriously pursue my dreams of flight by starting flight lessons at Boeing Field. As I studied aerodynamics and design I soon became enamored with another great pas- sion and beauty , exotic automobiles. Now the passing sound of a Ferrari evokes the same excitement and awe as that of a F/A-18 takeoff. From my earliest memories ani- mals have always been an important part of my life. My family and I have always been very animal friendly. So when I was selecting an endeavor to pursue for a senior pro- ject it really made sense to combine my passions into something which will positively contribute to my community .”

Located on the corner of Ambaum and SW 149th, our latest Advertiser CSL Auto Electronics is a professional and experienced company providing top of the line auto electrical repairs, installation and maintenance services at affordable prices.

They also offer a wide selection of accessories for your car, including the following:

• Car Audio, Video and Navigation
• Lights and Body Kits
• Car Alarm Systems
• Bluetooth Devices
• GPS Installation

Juan Barron and his team even install Smart Start Ignition Interlock products which are breath alcohol analyzers that keep drivers with DUIs from operating vehicles if their breath alcohol level is over a preset reading.

Juan’s passion for the industry started when he was a young boy in Mexico City, where his curious mind and entrepreneurial spirit led him to begin tinkering with cars at a young age.

His interests revolved around understanding car electronics and improving existing electronic systems in new cars.

He never lost site of his dream of starting his own business. After moving to the United States and excelling in several automotive training institutions and courses, he started CSL Auto Electronics in 2006 and began relaying his passion in the work he now offers you.

His work philosophy is “because it matters to us.”

CSL Auto Electronics is located at 14821 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien.

And because you matter to him, Juan and his team would be happy to assist you in any project you have.

CSL Auto Electronics
14821 Ambaum Blvd SW
Burien, WA 98166

Phone: 206-246-4811

Website: www.cslautoelectronics.com

Hours:

• Mon. – Fri.: 10am to 7pm
• Sat.: 10am to 6pm

View Larger Map

Amy and husband Michael have years of experience in the auto body repair business, and they are happy to help you out in speedy fashion whatever your needs.

“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.

Here’s a video we produced for them when they first signed on with us:

Click here to view the embedded video.

They are conveniently located just west of Ambaum at 803 SW 154th:

Vision Collision
803 SW 154th Street (just west of Ambaum)
Burien WA 98166

HOURS: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

PHONE: 206-244-2758

EMAIL: info@visioncollision.net

WEB: http://visioncollision.net/

And remember their slogan: “See? You’re Dent Free!”

From our sister site The Waterland Blog comes news that Advertiser Brown Bear Car Wash will be celebrating its 53rd anniversary by giving out FREE car washes thus Thursday, Aug. 26th.

Hours for the special one-day offer are 8am – 8pm, and yes, the Des Moines location at 22706 Marine View Drive will be participating, as will others in Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton and throughout Seattle.

Over the last four years, Brown Bear has washed 78,760 vehicles during its annual “free car wash day” to celebrate the company’s founding.

Several other area locations are also offering the free service, including:

• 814 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 22706 Marine View Dr, Des Moines
• 34017 Hoyt Rd. SW, Federal Way
• 800 S Grady Way, Renton
• 1202 W Meeker St., Kent
• 621 Rainier Ave. S, Renton
• 77 Rainier Ave. S, Renton

Here are more details from a press release:

Brown Bear Car Wash celebrates 53rd anniversary with free car washes on Thursday, August 26

Over the last four years, the Seattle-based company has washed 78,760 cars during its annual “free car wash day”

SEATTLE—Brown Bear Car Wash will add sparkle to thousands of cars and trucks August 26 as the Seattle-based, family-owned company offers free washes to celebrate its 53rd anniversary. Hours for the special one-day offer are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brown Bear will be giving away free “Bear Essential” car washes at all of their automated “tunnel wash” locations in the Puget Sound area. Over the last four years, Brown Bear has washed 78,760 vehicles during its annual “free car wash day” to celebrate the company’s founding.

“We’ve had an amazing response each year. It’s a fitting way to say ‘thank you’ to our customers who have supported us over the years. And hopefully we’ve introduced new customers to the kind of service and value we deliver year around,” said Brown Bear founder and owner Vic Odermat.

He said the event also reinforces the esprit de corps within the company.

“We blend hard work, pride and a lot of fun into an event that benefits our customers and the environment,” said Odermat.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location at 15th Ave West in Seattle. Through its parent company, Car Wash Enterprises, Inc., Brown Bear owns and operates a total of 41 car wash facilities in Washington State as well as a network of gas stations and convenience stores. It is one of the largest privately held car wash chains in the U.S. and is widely recognized within the car care industry as being a leader in the environmental movement.

For locations of Brown Bear’s automated “tunnel wash” locations in the Puget Sound area, please visit www.brownbear.com.

The lot has essentially sat vacant since spring of 2009, so this is evidence that new owner Car Pros is making progress (read our most recent coverage here):

Look closely and you can see new cars parked in the Burien Nissan lot, which has sat empty since spring of 2009.

Photographer Michael Brunk stopped by Burien Nissan on Monday and shot a few additional photos. Besides cars on the lot there are definite signs of activity in the showroom as well. We’ll update you with more details as they become available.

We stopped in the other day to say Hi to friend of the Blog (and renewing Advertiser) Vision Collision.

“You just missed Isaiah,” said Amy Driscoll, who, along with husband Michael are happy new parents and proprietors of Vision Collision, Burien’s premier auto body repair shop. “Isaiah is over at his grandmother’s right now.”

Darn. This is not the first time we missed Isaiah when stopping by with camera in hand. However, look closely amongst these paragraphs, and you’ll see the little cutie’s picture. No wonder Amy keeps his photographed mug within easy reach while running the office and overseeing their crew.

Vision Collision's Amy Driscoll is never far from her new baby Isaiah.

Speaking of the crew, Vision Collision is happy to announce the hiring of their newest employee, Craig Jewett, very experienced in the auto body repair business. He’ll help give new mom Amy a little more time off.

Our B-Town Blog reporter, thinking he’d be clever, said to Amy: “So, did you find Craig on … Craigslist?”

“That’s pretty funny, B-Town reporter,” she deadpanned. “Actually you could say an auto body repair shop … ran into … Craig on Craigslist.”

Touché.

“How about if we make the headline of this piece: ‘Isaiah Lot’s Happening at Vision Collision’,” our reporter suggested. “Get it? ‘I say a lot’s happening at Vision Collision.’ Get it?”

“Hmmmm. Listen, we’re pretty busy today … .”

Okay.

Anyway, new dad Michael happened not to be in the shop, either, when we stopped by. It’s understandable. Word is he is still proudly walking around town, passing out “It’s A Boy!” cigars, though his son is now fully six months of age.

Amy and Michael are also preparing to serve as judges at Discover Burien’s (newly-named) “Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show” this Saturday, Aug. 7th from 4pm – 10pm at Burien Town Square. The show will feature classic cars, live rock n’roll and much more.

Amy and the newest member of the Vision Collision family: Isaiah.

Isaiah will be at Grandma’s, presumably, during the event. He is, however, scheduled to serve as a judge at “Burien’s 18th Annual Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show” in the summer of 2028.

Vision Collision’s second anniversary in business is next month. We’ll keep you posted on any celebrations and announcements.

Meanwhile, we’ll work on our puns.

Vision Collision
803 SW 154th Street (just west of Ambaum)
Burien WA 98166

Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

Phone: 206-244-2758

Email: info@visioncollision.net

Web: http://visioncollision.net/

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Discover Burien announced Thursday (Aug. 5th) that they’re being forced to change the name of this weekend’s “Hot August Nights” to “Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show” due to pressure from an identically-named event in Reno, Nevada.

The newly-renamed event will still take place this Saturday, Aug. 7th from 4pm – 10pm at Burien Town Square, and will still feature classic cars, live rock n’roll and much more.

Discover Burien (and numerous lawyers from Nevada) wants everyone to know that this event is not in any way affiliated with or connected to Hot August Nights™ held in Reno every year.

Here’s the official statement from Discover Burien:

DISCOVER BURIEN CHANGES EVENT NAME TO “BURIEN’S SIZZLING SATURDAY NIGHT CAR SHOW”

BURIEN, WA, AUGUS 5, 2010: Effective immediately Discover Burien has changed the name of Saturday’s community event to “Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show. Formerly called “Hot August Nights”, the event is not in any way affiliated with or connected to the Hot August Nights™ event held in Reno, NV.

Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show will take place this Saturday, August 7, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm and be held downtown at Burien Town Square. We will feature classic cars and live music.

“It will be a great event for the whole family. I’m bringing my wife and two kids – so come on down and enjoy the festivities with us!” says Steve Gilbert, Discover Burien executive director.

“Take a day to discover all of the great things Burien has to offer – shopping, dining, relaxing and these great events. Burien is open on weekends.” Gilbert said.

Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show will also include a beer garden, 50/50 raffle and a multitude of magnificent machines, mostly from the ‘50s and ‘60s. After the event, classic cars will take a night cruise through Three Tree Point and Normandy Park.

Vehicles will compete for awards in the following categories:

• Mayor’s Choice
• Best Car to See the Stars In
• Best Headlights
• Most Likely To Go On A Date In
• People’s Choice
• Best Interior
• Auto Dealers’ Choice
• Best Night Cruiser
• Lowest Odometer

Vehicle owners may either register to participate in advance or on the day of the event. Registration forms and details can be found at www.discoverburien.com. Preregistration is $15. Registration on Aug. 7 is $20 and takes place beginning at 2 p.m. at SW 151st Street and 6 Avenue SW.