Maggie Larrick, left, and Eric Dickman, will do just about anything to promote Burien Little Theatre, like walking the 4th of July parade route in heels, passing out fliers. Photo by Scott Schaefer.

by Ralph Nichols

Maggie Larrick and Eric Dickman were voted recipients of the 2011 Burien community leaders award by the city council on Feb. 7.

For the past six seasons, Larrick and Dickman have been the driving force behind the Burien Little Theatre to create a strong, viable theatrical organization.

They are working as volunteers to bring quality live theater to Burien and the surrounding Highline area.

Larrick, the managing director of the BLT, is a former editor and writer for community newspapers in Seattle and earlier in Burien. An attorney who practices maritime law, Dickman is artistic director of the theatre.

Beyond the stage lights, they are married in real life.

They also provide light and sound support for other staged events in Burien, train Highline School District students to work as interns with the BLT, use local choreographers to stage their shows, helped bring Shakespeare-in-the-Park to Burien, partner with Theatro – a local Latino drama group, and lead efforts to raise funds and donate BLT proceeds for Hospitality House, Transform Burien and local food banks.

Debra George, right, with Jeff Kearney.

Voted business leader of the year was Debra George, who was the first executive director of Discover Burien. She currently manages Burien’s Farmers Market and plans and produces other special events for the downtown organization.

George is also involved in other efforts to market Burien and business opportunities in the city beyond the Highline area, and is co-owner of the Mark Restaurant in Olde Burien.

Michael Stein-Ross, who teaches at St. Francis of Assisi School in Seahurst, is education leader of the year. He is currently teaching his students to build a rain garden in the school lawn facing SW 152nd St., and wants it to be a demonstration rain garden for Burien residents.

Environmental leader of the year is Brooks Stanfield, organizer of the Bike Rodeo at the 2010 Burien Wild Strawberry Festival. He is active in increasing awareness of bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation in Burien.

The recipients will be honored at Burien’s annual awards dinner on Friday, March 4, at 8:15 p.m. The event, which is organized by Discover Burien and will include a silent auction, will be at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. S.W.

Burien’s first citizen awards were presented in 2003 when the city commemorated 10 years of incorporation. They have been presented annually since then.

by Ralph Nichols

Opposition to any expression of interest by Burien in an eventual annexation of the remaining North Highline Unincorporated Area was strident at Monday’s (March 22) city council meeting.

“Why does Burien think it can afford White Center when Seattle can’t?” Kathy Parker demanded of council members. “I’m still holding hope that one of you will stem the tide … just because you can, don’t.”

She urged them “to choose not to wear the mantle of arrogance that can bankrupt our city.”

The council decided later in the meeting not to adopt at this time a resolution declaring the city’s interest in eventually annexing the remaining North Highline Unincorporated Area.

The southern unincorporated area in North Highline will officially be annexed by Burien on April 1.

On March 8, council members directed City Manager Mike Martin to draft a resolution clarifying Burien’s intentions regarding the remaining unincorporated area.

That resolution – proposed as a response to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s expressed support for the annexation by Seattle of the remaining unincorporated area – was intended to let north North Higline residents know they have an alternative.

But McGinn and the Seattle City Council backed away last Friday from considering the annexation until 2011 or 2010 because of the costs involved.

Although a majority of citizens addressing the lawmakers opposed any council consideration of an additional annexation by Burien, several speakers – most from North Highline – supported an eventual move to bring the remaining unincorporated area into the city.

Opposition based on concern over the cost of such an annexation was expressed by the first two persons to offer comment.

“You have a fiduciary responsibility,” said John Poitras, who added crime in White Center is “vastly higher” than it is in the surrounding area.

“There’s no financial responsibility to what we’re going to do,” declared Chestine Edgar. She asked for a delay to allow time for a “true financial analysis before actually considering annexation.”

Representatives of Burien’s Business and Economic Development Partnership, wary of the competition White Center could pose as a second retail core within the city, were firm in their opposition to any additional annexation in the foreseeable future.

Expressing the partnership’s “grave concern” about moving ahead the resolution at this time, Doug Moreland called it “absolutely premature. With the economic bite of the White Center area, it makes no sense. So why are we doing it at this time?”

For now at least, Burien's possible annexation of "Area Y" is on hold.

Annexing north North Highline would create “dueling commercial areas in Burien rather than a central downtown area.”

Partnership member Bob Ewing said “now is not a good time.”

And Jim Hughes added “it just doesn’t makes sense … emotionally I’d love to embrace it, but there’s just too much going on in this community. He encouraged the council to “focus on the job at hand” – annexing south North Highline.”

Mark Minium said he felt “blindsided” by the proposed resolution of interest in north North Highline.

“Why all of a sudden do you people think you can walk in here and decide what needs to be done without asking me?” he asked.

“Before you take another bite out of the apple, take care of Burien first. That’s what you’re elected for. Do not write a check that you can’t cash. If we lose any more car dealers, we’ll be sitting here without our tax base.”

“April 1 will be a historic day,” said Greg Duff, president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. “Now I ask for the same foresight” that lead to the annexation of south North Highline.

“Too many citizens of North Highline think they have only two choices – unincorporation or Seattle. All this resolution does is tell citizens of North Highline that that have a third option. Burien needs all of North Highline to make the city complete.”

Gil Loring told the lawmakers, “We just want to have an opportunity in the future to become part of the city. We don’t expect you to come in and rescue us. At the time annexation is required by the state or King County, please keep us in mind.”

Rachel Levine said, “In a few days, I will be officially a member of the city of Burien and I am very happy.” Calling White Center an asset, she added, “I know you have fiduciary responsibilities, but you also have a responsibility to look ahead.”

And Liz Giba urged, “Please don’t let stereotypes get in the way of common sense.”

Pat Price reminded council members that not only White Center but large parts of other neighborhoods, including Boulevard Park and Top Hat, are remain unincorporated.

“We are willing to wait until Burien has the success that it needs with annexation [of south North Highline] before you consider us,” he said, at which time “I hope you will consider us.”

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...]

Burien Councilmember Kathy Keane shows a resident part of the annexation area.

by Gina Bourdage

Tuesday night (Jan. 6th), the City of Burien held their third public “Open House” meeting to discuss the progress of the Projected Annexation Project at Shorewood Elementary School.

Residents of the affected neighborhoods turned out to express their concerns about various issues, including the potential change in coverage of fire and police services, surface maintenance and budget for the entire project.

“The most important thing is continuous and consistent safety services.” said Burien Councilmember Rose Clark.

King County Fire District 2 serves the Burien/Normandy Park areas, and the North Highline Fire Department covers the White Center and Burien neighborhoods. Burien City Manager Mike Martin and Fire Chief Mike Marrs assured the residents of a “seamless transition” in regard to fire services. Should Seattle annex the North Highline Station, Burien would continue to be covered until 2012 when a new station would be built and available. The details and location are still being addressed for a potential new fire station; residents were assured that public safety is at the forefront of every decision.

North Highline currently contracts police services through the King County Sheriff’s Office. The only change community members can look for will be the same familiar faces of officers in new Burien uniforms and police vehicles.

Response times for both fire and police will be equal to the current service levels, if not better, according to Mike Martin.

The roads and maintenance departments may very well see a facelift in the annexed area of Burien as smaller cities have a faster turnaround time and “…higher standards…” said Martin. When accessing the neighborhood’s current budget need for improvement the City of Seattle assessed the area as a $13 million dollar project where as the City of Burien assessed the same area as a $59 million dollar project.

Shorewood resident Cindy Traynor said “I am glad they are finally doing something. We moved to the area so that we would not be a part of Seattle, the taxes are much higher there.”

“We want to be a part of Burien.” said resident Shirley Leonard.

The worries about budget strains on the City of Burien for taking on an additional 14,350 new community members were put to rest by an independent review firm out of Portland. They found that the projected revenue from the annexed area would offset the cost of the City for the project.

Residents can expect to see two historically-linked communities reunited should the annexation pass. They will have direct access to their local government and officials by being part of a “smaller city.”

“Becoming part of Burien, your voice will be heard and have more power.” Said City official Karen Keane.

The final decision on the proposed annexation areas will be brought to the voters to residents to decide in a vote in the Summer/Fall of 2009.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'd like to welcome aboard Gina Bourdage, our newest Writer, who makes her B-Town Blog debut with this article. Gina is a Communications graduate from WSU, and is a longtime area resident who lives right on the cusp of the proposed annexation area. Look for more of her work here soon...and welcome Gina!]

Despite the fading away of the recent snowstorm and hectic holiday season, one thing is not fading away from the psyche of thousands of Burien residents in 2009:

THIRD RUNWAY NOISE

According to neighborhood activist Miriam Bearse, the next “Third Runway Complainers” (our moniker, not hers) meeting will be:

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 10th, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm

WHERE: SeaTac Community Center Banquet Room, located at 13735 24th Ave. South in SeaTac (see map below)

WHAT: For residents in the area affected by the increased noise caused by the newly-opened third runway. Goals of the meeting include discussing legal options against the Port of Seattle with lawyers, who will be present.

The last residents’ meeting was Friday, Dec. 19th, and here’s what’s went down that night:

• Despite the snow, 35-40 neighbors attended, which was held at a resident’s house just under the flightpath of the new runway.
• Resident activist Miriam Bearse led the meeting, encouraging everyone to introduce themselves and talk about their issues with both the increased noise and dealing with the Port of Seattle.
• Three lawyers were present to discuss the issue. These three have extensive experience in several major class action lawsuits, and all think that residents have a strong legal case. These lawyers will be present at this meeting as well.
• Everyone left knowing that this was only the first meeting and that many more would ensue.

Bearse recently moved into her new home, directly under the third runway flight path, and here’s a quote from a recent email she sent us:

We finally moved all our belongings in on Sunday, and have been enjoying the full experience of living under the third runway flight path, including diminished sleep, increased stress and inability to carry on a conversation of any length in the home.

I’ve been waking up every 45 minutes to an hour during the night…makes everything much more difficult.

You can read our previous coverage here and here, and here’s the scoop on the next meeting directly from Bearse:

If you are receiving this message, you either attended the meeting on the 19th to talk with neighbors about the impact of the third runway on our community, or you emailed me or others on this list to express your concern or interest in this issue.

At the meeting on the 19th, three lawyers attended who discussed possible legal options to address the impact of the flight path. They have scheduled a follow-up meeting on Saturday January 10th at the Seatac community center – located at 13735 24th Ave. S, SeaTac Washington 98168, in the banquet room, from 3:30 to 6:30pm.

This meeting is for all homeowners/renters who live in any community (including but not limited to S. Seattle, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines), who are concerned about the current and future potential impact of the third runway flight path on their families and communities.

This meeting is not for officials, the press, or other interested parties.

Please RSVP via email to miriambearse@yahoo.com

Also, as an FYI – if you’re affected by noise from the third runway, the best thing you can do is to call the Port of Seattle’s “Noise Hotline” whenever you feel that noise is too high.

The Port monitors the complaints it gets on these hotlines, so it is a vital tool to getting their attention:

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Or meet a bomb-sniffing dog?

Or see a real police helicopter?

Do you ever wonder how the King County Sheriff’s Office handled the Green River Killer case?

Would you like to learn how to shoot a gun?

Wait no longer!  The Citizen’s Police Academy is coming to a neighborhood near you!

The Burien and SeaTac Police Departments, in cooperation with the King County Sheriff’s Office, are bringing their popular Citizen’s Police Academy back.

This 13-week program starts Wednesday September 10th. It will be held at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien from 6-9pm.  A catered dinner is included at each class.

Graduates will be eligible for the Ride-Along Program, in which they can spend an entire shift riding with an officer. Participants will also take a field trip to the King County Jail!

This unforgettable experience is completely free for anyone who lives or works in Seatac or Burien. There are two sessions each year, and classes fill up fast. For more information or to register:

• Burien: CSO L.N. Maraulja
  206-296-3333
  Email: nicki.maraulja@metrokc.gov
• SeaTac: CSO E.A. Kruger
  206-973-4915
  Email: ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us

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Together with Burien and SeaTac Police Services, a program was designed to increase the understanding between residents and their Police Departments through citizens education.

Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy come away with a much better understanding of the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing Law Enforcement in today’s society. This understanding will help citizens better assist officers, and increase the safety in their neighborhoods and community.

Participants get an opportunity to see and experience first hand some very interesting and exciting presentations. They are given the chance to hear the Green River Task Force investigators, K-9 officers and their K-9, listen to the Major Crimes investigators (real life homicide Detectives), see the Guardian One Air Support Helicopter, learn Patrol Procedures, talk to the SWAT team and The King County Sheriff’s recruiter. Many of the specialized units will be on hand to show you how it all works and comes together. There is no other program like ours. We leave you wanting to hear and know more.

Class attendees are eligible for the Ride Along Program, where you are assigned to one of our officers for part of their shift. You will be right there as the Officers are taking the calls and making tough decisions.

This is an unforgettable experience and it’s completely free for anyone who lives or works in the cities of Burien and SeaTac.

The Citizens Academy is a 13-week catered session provided twice a year in the spring and fall. The class is conducted on Wednesday night from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The spring 2008 session begins March 12.

Print an application here or send for one from:

CSO Nicki Maraulja
14905 6^th Ave. SW
Burien , WA 98166