BTB Contributor Gregory Rehmke sent us this photo of Tuesday’s (Mar. 16th) impressive double rainbow that struck late in the afternoon over Lake Burien.
A nice image to just stare at and imagine the science of moisture particles being struck by sunbeams causing a wonderful prism of colors that delight the human eye, thus causing various chemicals in the brain to react, sometimes creating a sense of wonderment and oftentimes, happiness.
Or…on this St. Patrick’s Day, this’ll make you think of Leprechauns and pots o’gold in B-Town.
Did you see this yesterday?
Click image to see larger version.
On Friday (March 12), we received the following email from BTB Reader Jessica, who was concerned about what she thought was a S.W.A.T. team busting down the door of a Burien house on SW 143rd:
On my way home today at approximately 4:30 I saw about 12 swat team members marching up SW 143rd st. from 4th Ave.
With guns drawn and a battering ram they broke down the front door at XXX SW 143rd Street (ED. NOTE: address removed).
I snapped a photo from my phone and you can vaguely make out the swat team entering the house (see photo below).
As a resident of the neighborhood I am hoping you can find the reason behind this type of police work.
Thank you,
Jessica
Here’s Jessica’s cell phone pic – it’s hard to see clearly, but it appears that something’s going on at the front door:
We contacted Sgt. John Urquhart, Public Information Office of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who sent us this reply:
Not the SWAT team.
One of our neighborhood narcotics units.
The search warrant was for drugs and some cocaine was found.
The resident, age 43, was booked on felony drug charges.
That’s about it.
So, there ya go – it was just another major drug bust, not the S.W.A.T. team.
Just another day in Burien, huh?
Story and Photos by Michael Brunk
When most people think of Goodwill, the first thing that likely comes to mind is that it is a great place to donate clothing and other items that you no longer need.
Or perhaps that it is a wonderful store to find bargains on those same household goods.
Few probably realize that both of those things are just an outgrowth of Goodwill’s primary purpose – to provide employment training and basic education to people that otherwise might not have those opportunities.
To educate the community about these programs, the Burien Goodwill Job Training & Education Center located on 128th Street held an open house on Thursday, March 11. Approximately 30 people attended representing local government, community colleges, area businesses and social outreach organizations.
The evening’s program focused on meeting students and instructors from the Goodwill training program and learning more about their classes and facility. The keynote speaker for the night was Jesus Argueta, an adult student who has taken advantage of the free classes provided by the training center. Mr. Argueta spoke at length about the needs that Goodwill meets and the benefits of his education.
The Burien training center consists of a classroom used for teaching English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) and a computer lab that offers courses in basic computer operation and software such as Microsoft Word. The facility has been in operation for just over a year and is already at full capacity, with waiting lists for space in the classes offered.
The evening ended with a Q&A session that answered questions about opportunities for the community to get involved. Beyond donations of clothes and household goods and financial contributions, there is always a need for volunteers and Goodwill welcomes partnering opportunities with local businesses. For more information on how you can help, visit seattlegoodwill.org/getinvolved.
Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the event:
During Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, we had two Photographers shooting throughout the entire race, with Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer manning the starting line, Snake Hill and St. Francis, and Michael Brunk stationed at the finish line.
Overall, we shot 2,461 photos (but who’s counting?) many of which included some of the more than 1,000 runners who ran the race.
In a perfect world of internet goodness, we’d be able to email your pic to you instantly and automatically based on your registration number. This online utopia would instantly send a high-res image of YOU taken during the race, or perhaps even print it and have it waiting in a nice frame on your porch as you returned home.
But, alas, we do not yet live in this perfect online utopia now do we? So, get your worn-out feet back to the real world, and wake up to the best we can do right now – as of 9:30pm Sunday night (Mar. 14), we are currently still uploading images to this “2010 Cove to Clover 5k Run” Group Pool on Flickr (it only lets us upload 500 at a time):
http://www.flickr.com/groups/2010covetoclover5krun/pool/
Now if you’ve never used Flickr before, it’s pretty easy – click on the link above and you’ll go the the Group Pool’s page. Once there, you’ll see a bunch of images. Hundreds, if not 2,461 of ‘em, but who’s counting?
Here’s what to do:
- In the upper right of the page, you’ll see a “Slideshow” icon.
- If you click on that it’ll start a slideshow of the pics.
- You can move through the show faster using your > key.
- Go through the pics until you see yours.
- Click on your pic. The slideshow should stop.
- Now, in the upper right corner you’ll see the file name of the image. Click on that.
- Now you should be on a page that shows just that image.
- Click on “All Sizes” which is located above the pic, kind of in the middle.
- Then click on “Original Size,” and right-click on
Download the Original size and “Save As” the pic to your computer. - The “original size” image can be printed, emailed, etc.
DISCLAIMER: Hopefully we took a pic of you and posted it. If not, we apologize – it’s quite a challenge! This is our first time shooting so many people at one event, and surely we can do better. Also, note that not all images have been uploaded yet, so be sure to check back Monday, as our magic photo elves are working as fast as they can.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Unfortunately, we do not have the full race results ready to post yet – please check back for that Monday as well!
And now, here’s round #1 of our choice pics from the day:
Wearing the honorary #1 race number at the starting line is Cove to Clover Organizer John Nelson.
The starting line was a sea of mostly-green bodies ready to run.
Normandy Park Mayor George Hadley gave a brief speech at the starting line. The snake remained silent.
John Timeus, front, leads the pack up Snake Hill, including 3rd place runner Paul Huynh, 2nd place runner Ray Prentice and 4th place runner Matt Parker (shirtless).
Matt Parker, 25, keeps pace ahead of eventual 2nd place winner Ray Prentice, 50.
Elsa Natal, the #1 woman runner, was the leading female on Snake Hill.
Carmen Storer, 25, grimaces as she makes it up Snake Hill. She was the 2nd fastest woman.
Residents of Normandy Park Assisted Living (BTB Advertiser) cheered runners on Snake Hill.
On a day when even a 6′4″ “Snake” couldn’t stop them, over 1,000 runners ran the second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank on Sunday afternoon, March 14.
The race started at the Normandy Park Community Club at 1pm sharp when King County Councilmember Jan Drago fired a starting pistol. Soon, the front-runners encountered Snake Hill, which separated the wheat from the chaff.
It was on Snake Hill when John Timeus, 25, of Kent, the overall winner, took control and never looked back. He crossed the finish line at Burien Town Square in an impressive 18 minutes and 55 seconds.
Second place went to 50-year Normandy Park runner Ray Prentice, who clocked in at 20:38. Not bad for a 50-year old.
The top female runner was Elsa Natal, 31, of Seattle with a 22:58 time.
Here are the overall winners as posted at the finish line:
- John Timeus, Kent, 25/M 18:55
- Ray Preintice, Normandy Park, 50/M 20:38
- Paul Huynh Normandy Park, 18/M 20:49
- Matt Parker, Burien 30/M 21:17
- Nicholas Deisler, Seattle 26/M 21:56
- Garrick Hughes Normandy Park, 26/M 22:02
- Jason Ireland, Langley, 36/M 22:18
- A.Z. Satterfield Normandy Park, 17/M 22:23
- Mike Fosberg, Burien, 45/M 22:31
- Joe Baisch, Seattle, 27/M 22:39
WOMEN:
- Elsa Natal, Seattle, 31/F 22:58
- Carmen Storer, Des Moines, 25/F 23:27
- Cassie Marino, Des Moines , 25/F 24:44
- Natalie D’Amico, Burien, 23/F 25:15
- Cindy Sagmoen, Burien, 42/F 26:00
- Dini Peneda, Seattle, 31/F 26:05
- Robin Donocan, Seattle, 28/F 26:10
- Donna Sullivan-Dyrdal, Burien, 54/F 26:21
- Gina Mutter, Normandy Park, 43/F 26:34
- Sandi Rowden, Burien, 45/F 26:34
Here’s our first batch of pics, shot by Michael Brunk at the finish line:
Overall Cove to Clover Race winner John Timeus crosses the finish line Sunday, Mar. 14th.
Second-place finisher Ray Prentice, 50, finished in 20:38.
Third-place went to Paul Hyunh, 18, of Normandy Park.
Burien's Matt Parker is all smiles as he crosses the finish line for 4th place.
Elsa Natal, of Seattle, was the top female runner with a time of 22:58.
We’ll be posting more photos, results and stories throughout the day (and most likely over the next few days), so be sure to check back often.
Within a few days we’ll also post a link to a photo “pool” with every single pic we shot at the race – there’s a good chance you’re in there if you ran the race, and you’ll be able to download high-res, printable pics for no charge, as a gift from The B-Town Blog!
It’s Friday, which means it’s “Photo Friday” here at The B-Town Blog, and today we’re featuring Photographer Michael Brunk’s mid-week excursion to the Woodland Park Zoo, where he captured numerous exotic animals on pixels.
As some animals awakened from their mild winter hibernation, Michael was there, telephoto lens and monopod at the ready, to get these great shots:
PREVIOUS PHOTO FRIDAYS:
- “Springtime In Burien” Nature Photos By Francis Zera
- SoundSlideshow Of Jason Smith’s Photos At Vino Bello
- Art Clock Sign Reflection, Cherry Blossoms & More…
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo Friday is a new weekly feature here at The B-Town Blog. Are you a local Photographer? Have some pics shot in Burien you think we should showcase? Or just some amazing photos worth sharing with our Readers? Please email us a link and explanation and we'll consider posting yours!]
The days are getting longer, the sky brighter, flowers are starting to bloom, bugs are coming out and its Photo Friday – what better way to celebrate the coming days of Spring than by celebrating with a stunning “Springtime In Burien” photo slideshow by area Pro Photographer Francis Zera?
This set of amazing macro nature photos is Exhibit A in why we love Photography – through the eye of a talented artist like Francis, one can see things that you normally might not notice, and see it in a beautiful new way.
According to Francis, who shot these pics Wednesday:
Today’s brief spell of late-afternoon sunshine got me thinking about spring, and I had an opportunity to wander around a private garden on the east side of Burien.
The plants and trees were just starting to bloom, and I found some pretty interesting stuff, including this insect that was swimming around in a dewdrop that was poised on a new tulip leaf.
This little guy appears to be a Hypera zoilus Kaldari, aka Clover Leaf Weevil, swimming in a dewdrop. According to the Wikipedia entry, they seem to prefer dry places to wet, so I’m thinking it might have been simply unlucky enough to have been nailed by a big raindrop and subsequently trapped inside the droplet by the surface tension.
It was still alive when I photographed it, and was moving around within the confines of the droplet.
For those technically inclined, I was using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 180mm f/3.2 macro lens.
Here’s Francis’ stunning spring slideshow:
Francis Zera is a professional architectural and commercial photographer, as well as Co-president, Seattle/Northwest chapter, American Society of Media Photographers. See his portfolio at http://www.zeraphoto.com or follow him on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/zeraphoto. Francis can be reached at 206-659-ZERA.
| Mar |
| 12 |
| 3:00 pm |
As we previously reported, “Images of America: Three Tree Point,” a locally-written book about one of Burien’s historic waterfront neighborhoods, is being released Monday (March 8th), and its authors will be holding a book-signing party at The Tin Room on Friday, March 12th beginning at 3pm.
Longtime residents-turned-authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper will be autographing and selling these rich, historical books full of unique and rare photos at the 3pm+ signing for just $20 (Amazon charges $21.99). Visitors will also be able to ask questions or share anecdotes about this neighborhood with these folks, who have a passion for and incredibly deep knowledge about the entire area.
Fittingly, the authors will be stationed in the back of the Tin Room (located at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; 242-8040), at a historic table made from the old wooden sign from the Three Tree Point store – how perfect is that?
This new book includes more than 200 vintage photographs chronicling the history of Burien’s unique beachfront community, and these good creative folks have been working hard on this project for well over a year, so this will be a big day for them – reason enough we say to drop by and show your support! Also, we’re lucky enough to have read an advance copy of it, and we think it’s just fantastic – chock full of great, never-before-seen photos (at least to us) with informative and incredibly interesting captions that make it a local “must read.”
They’ve also been kind enough (along with Arcadia Publishing) to allow us to excerpt some “sneak peek” photos and captions from the book, which we present below (we’ll be posting more excerpts soon, so check back often) – did you know that two large saltwater lagoons once filled an area at the point?:
High tides and storms filed two saltwater lagoons in a low area just inside the point. The larger of the two had a circumference of 1,800 feet. Looking across the lagoon from the south, one can see a mound that Native Americans may have used as a burial ground. The prominent trees could be the ones that gave the point its name.
Beyond this view of the lagoon is a road going along the north side of the point, and by 1905 it was 20 feet wide. The lagoon was later filled with sand from a quarry at the east end of 171st Street. This part of the street is high above the point, and the sand was moved down the hill by means of a metal flume.
“Images of America: Three Tree Point” is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
“Getting the pictures you meant to take” is the slogan for the latest advertiser to The B-Town Blog – The Photo Junkie Project. Self-proclaimed photo junkie and local mom, Heather Mathias, created The Photo Junkie Project, an online photo retouch service.
Heather is a photographic artist with over 10 years experience in graphic design, digital photo manipulation, and traditional photography, including photo exhibition and darkroom/photo lab work. Not only does Heather love pictures, she also loves to help people.
The Photojunkie Project's Heather Mathias and family.
After becoming a mom, Heather thanked her lucky stars she knew Photoshop. She could turn that “perfect” picture into a “masterpiece” by eliminating the toy-ridden living room in the background. She could brighten up the “cutest picture ever”, that was unfortunately taken on the day the camera flash decided not to work. She could even be creative in the way she sent pictures to family. For example, one Christmas, everyone in Heather’s family received a refrigerator magnet depicting her one-year old as a DJ grooving on a toy music station.
Heather’s love of photography has allowed her to turn her archive of pictures into fun projects for family, friends…and herself. “It has become an obsession that only grandparents can truly appreciate,” jokes Heather. But in all seriousness, Heather feels her photo projects have been the best way, and the most fun way, to keep her family that lives in the Mid-West involved in her daughter’s life here in Burien.
Now Heather would like to help other people with their photo projects. Whatever the subject may be…family pictures, vacation shots, random snapshots of interesting and unique things, eBay/Craigslist items…and whatever the project may be, Heather would like to help you get the pictures you meant to take.
Heather’s online retouch service, The Photo Junkie Project, offers a range of services from simple touch-ups to complex manipulations. Pictures can be cropped, color corrected, and brightened or darkened. Items can even be added or subtracted from a picture; and entire photographs can be manipulated.
How about a refrigerator magnet depicting your kid as a DJ?
The Photo Junkie Project also offers a resize service, which can open the window to different ways of displaying your favorite pictures; for instance, in a locket, a wallet sleeve, or a circular photo frame – or transformed into a refrigerator magnet!
Prices are well below professional photo lab standards, which can be upwards of $75/hour; but the quality is not.
Heather is constantly developing ways to help other people with their photo projects. So if there is a service you are interested in, but you do not see it listed on the website, just email in a request. The Photo Junkie Project is here to help.
The Photo Junkie Project
www.photojunkieproject.com
Heather Mathias
heather@photojunkieproject.com
206.431.3001
[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
Story and Photos by Michael Brunk
Something a little different happened this past Friday (Feb. 26th) at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien. As the end of the school day approached, students and faculty gathered in the gymnasium.
That part isn’t so unusual for a high school.
It’s not often though, that they assemble to see a teacher get tattooed. At school. During the assembly!
The event was an outgrowth of the school’s recent “Every Lancer Against Cancer” awareness week. Part of the activities included raising money for several cancer-related funds. To spur the students on, American Government teacher Walt Kostecka issued a challenge (as we first reported here):
Raise $10,000 and he’d get inked.
The students threw themselves into the fundraising effort and Walt put himself in the hands of tattoo artist Bryan Kachel from Emerald City Tattoo & Supply – here’s a Photo Slideshow I shot at the event:
That the students met their goal shouldn’t surprise anyone. As Principal Michael Prato noted, it’s difficult to find a family that hasn’t been touched by cancer in one way or another. Their enthusiasm for learning about cancer and its affects, and collecting donations, carried over into the assembly. As Walt sat onstage with Bryan and his buzzing tattoo needle, the students conducted a pep rally around him. Complete with the school’s band, shouting cheerleaders and plenty of spirited applause.
Asked afterward how it felt getting his first tattoo, Walt replied:
“It felt like being stuck in a blackberry bush… for an hour!”
Walt shared that the real experience was watching his students get involved and raise the $10,000. He’s already thinking about next year and kicking around the idea of sky diving. Based on the response of his family members in attendance, Walt may have a challenge himself meeting that goal!
Since it’s Photo Friday here at The B-Town Blog, what better way to continue our exploration of one of our favorite arts than by showcasing an interview done by one Photographer (Francis Zera) with another (Jason Smith)?
Seattle photographer Jason Smith recently opened a show of his work at Burien’s Vino Bello (636 SW 152nd St.). Jason works as a photographic printer, as in, the old-school method of making prints using darkrooms, enlargers, vats of stinky chemicals, and fiber-based archival papers. There’s nothing digital about the work in this show, but that doesn’t make it anachronistic, rather, the prints offer a timeless look at ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) objects and situations.
Professional Photographer Francis Zera was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with Jason as he hung the art at Vino Bello, as well as during the show’s opening night, where he took some time to talk about his inspiration for the show, which we now present in this SoundSlideshow:
Click to Play Francis Zera’s SoundSlideshow
by On Friday afternoon (Feb. 19th), it was such a spring-like winter’s day that I decided to take a long walk around downtown Burien and go on a “photo safari.”
Armed with my trusty yet tres’ portable Olympus DSLR E-450, with my fave 50mm prime lens mounted, I set off and started shooting.
Some of you may have even seen me out and about, as I recall being honked at by at least two cars (hopefully they were both friendly honks and not “get the flip out of the way” ones).
After returning to our office and unloading the camera (I took 126 pics in about 1.5 hours’ time) and reviewing the shots, one kept popping up at me – of Kim David Hall’s “Art Clock” on SW 152nd, with the reflection of Vino Bello’s sign from across the street in the face:
While the reflection may look superimposed, it’s not – and if you look closely you can see how the clock body itself is out of focus and overexposed. That’s because the camera’s metering system latched onto the reflection, and both focused and set the exposure for that. Pretty cool.
For all you photo nerds out there, here’s some of the pic data:
- Camera: Olympus E-450
- Exposure: 1/4000 sec
- Aperture: f/2.0
- Focal Length: 50 mm
- ISO Speed: 400
(and BTW, yes Michele…you have my permission to display this print in your wine bar! Oh, and be sure to go to the Animals First Foundation fundraiser and see Woodrish there tonight!)
Okay, since I’m in a photo mood, here are some others I shot today around downtown B-Town – click on images to see larger versions:
Cherry blossoms bloom at the NE corner of SW 151st and Ambaum Blvd.
Why are there directions printed below a fire alarm?
The loading dock behind Bartell's Drugs, looking creepy after some Photoshopping.
Obviously there's something very important stored behind this fence. And a serious razor wire fence requires black & white, doncha think?
So…do YOU have any interesting photos you’d like to share with our readers on “Photo Friday”? If so, either email them to us here, or upload them to our Flickr Group here.
| Feb |
| 21 |
| 3:00 pm |
Burien Photographer Jennifer Leone’s first public showing of her work will start this Sunday, Feb. 21st and run for seven weeks at the Fireside Cafe and Gallery in Kent.
The showing kicks off with an open house this Sunday from 3pm to 6pm at the cafe and gallery, which is located at 12010 SE 240th Street on Kent’s East Hill (adjoining Kent Covenant Church). A number of mounted and framed large-format prints will be on display, as well as a selection of matted prints.
Jennifer’s photos will be on display through April 9th.
The Fireside is open Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm, and Sundays 8:30am – Noon. Baristas are on hand Monday through Thursday, from 9am – 11am.
Samples of Jennifer’s work can be found online at http://jennslens.zenfolio.com/.
Through the end of February, online orders are eligible for 10% off the entire order in celebration of the Fireside opening – use coupon code FIRESIDE221 at checkout.
Here’s Jenn’s “artist statement” from her website:
My photography has been an on-and-off thing until this past year, when my life was uprooted and I was left to dig myself out of my own dirt. It’s taken on a life of its own, as I learn more and practice more it yields me better results. I’m hoping to fill out my skeletal portfolio with more than just scenic and personal-interest shots (my two tabby/torbie kitty sisters, Grynne and Bearrett, butterflies, flora, and light capture) with people and abstract/action shots… In short, something more than personal eye candy.
Here’s a sample of Jenn’s work:
Life Among Death, © Jennifer Leone.
| Mar |
| 8 |
Longtime Burien residents Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper have written a historical book about Three Tree Point, which is being released March 8th by Arcadia Publishing.
This new book, which is priced at $21.99, includes more than 200 vintage photographs chronicling the history of Burien’s beachfront community, and these good creative folks have been working on this project for well over a year.
We hope to be doing in-depth interviews with the authors soon, along with publishing some excerpts and photos from the book.
There will most certainly be a local book signing soon, so stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for updates.
Books may be purchased directly from the Authors, and will be autographed. Interested parties should call the Harpers at (206) 242-4144 for an early delivery. You can also click below to pre-order the book online through Amazon.com:
Here’s the press release, sent out by Arcadia Publishing on Tuesday, Feb. 16th:
Discover the History of Three Tree Point
New Book Traces the History of the Point Through Vintage ImagesNew from Arcadia Publishing and local authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper, is Three Tree Point. This latest volume of the Images of America series is filled with more than 200 vintage images chronicling the history of Three Tree Point.
Three Tree Point is a prominent peninsula on the eastern shore of Puget Sound about 14 miles south of Seattle. Its name came from three massive fir trees that stood on the north side of the point at the beginning of the 20th century. The area remained largely undeveloped until 1903 when the Three Tree Point Company began marketing the community as a place to build summer homes. Seattle’s business elite built houses at the point to take advantage of the beach lifestyle for which it has become known. Over the years, Three Tree Point and its 2.5 miles of waterfront emerged as one of the Northwest’s most unique residential communities. Its history is a diverse mixture of family life, unusual characters, Fourth of July celebrations, shipwrecks, fishing derbies, and storytelling.
Highlights of Three Tree Point:
- Includes a Pulitzer Prize winning photo.
- Features never before published images including some from Asahel Curtis.
- Tells stories of the Point from shacks to mansions and residents past and present.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
And here’s Amazon’s description (Click here to order: “Three Tree Point (Images of America)”
Product Description
Three Tree Point is a prominent peninsula on the eastern shore of Puget Sound about 14 miles south of Seattle. Its name came from three massive fir trees that stood on the north side of the point at the beginning of the 20th century. The area remained largely undeveloped until 1903 when the Three Tree Point Company began marketing the community as a place to build summer homes. Seattle’s business elite built houses at the point to take advantage of the beach lifestyle for which it has become known. Over the years, Three Tree Point and its 2.5 miles of waterfront emerged as one of the Northwest’s most unique residential communities. Its history is a diverse mixture of family life, unusual characters, Fourth of July celebrations, shipwrecks, fishing derbies, and storytelling.About the Author
Pam and Guy Harper’s families have been residents of Three Tree Point for generations, and the couple has an intimate knowledge of the history, culture, and lifestyles of the people who have lived there. Doug Shadel is also a resident of Three Tree Point and an author of five previous books on a variety of topics. Numerous residents of the point generously contributed to this book by donating pictures from their personal collections.
| Feb |
| 12 |
| 6:00 pm |
We’re huge fans of Photography here at The B-Town Blog, and while we are only rarely able to achieve it, we always appreciate it, honor it, and encourage others to experience it.
I mean, have you ever really thought about Photography? How it’s almost a kind of magic that can capture a moment in time and turn it into beautiful art? And how cool it is that in this nascent digital age that more and more magical moments are being captured by more people than ever before?
Nah…neither did we.
But seriously, that’s why we’re promoting a show opening Friday night, Feb. 12th, at Vino Bello, featuring Jason Smith, a Seattle-based photographic printer. This guy’s done tons of work for other artists, much of which has been exhibited internationally, and now it’s his turn to display his own hand-processed and hand-printed true black-and-white images right here in Burien.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Jason Smith Photographic Exhibit.
WHEN: Open reception is Friday night, Feb. 12th from 6pm – 9pm.
WHERE: Vino Bello, located at 636 SW 152nd in downtown Burien.
Story & Photos by Gina Bourdage
Community members and local business owners stepped up to raise $1,675 for the completion of Highline Medical Center’s new ER at the “Red Wine & Decadent Dessert” event Wednesday night, Feb. 10th.
This event was the brainchild of local business owners from Mark Restaurant, BTB Advertiser E.B Foote Winery and OptiMark Eye Care. This event allowed attendees to sample some of the great things our community has to offer as well as enjoy an evening among friends.
“We are glad to see such a great turn out, especially in this economy.” said Renee Klein, Executive Director, Highline Medical Center Foundation. “There is really something to be said about the energy in this room and seeing people enjoying themselves. This event speaks to the character and uniqueness of our community to see people come together, showing that this community is truly unlike any other.”
Amongst the warm candlelit setting of the Mark Restaurant, the evening highlighted a raffle drawing for a table full of generous community items including everything from baskets of gardening supplies, a romantic valentine inspired package and art work and more. Guests also were treated to a number of wines from the E.B. Foote Winery and a plate of indulgent sweet treats brought by Mark Restaurant and OptiMark Eye Care.
Originally built to serve 12,000 patients per year, Highline’s Main Campus ER now serves nearly 47,000 –– making it one of the busiest in the state. According to their website:
When a health emergency strikes, you need advanced care. And you need it fast, which is why a new ER is so critical. While we have made significant investments in expert staff and advanced technology over the years, there are simply too few treatment rooms for the number of patients. Ambulances are sometimes diverted to other hospitals farther away, because we simply don’t have enough capacity, according to www. lifedependsonit.org.
“…Highline Medical Center receives no tax support, i.e., we are not publicly funded. Yet, we are a not-for-profit hospital. The new Emergency Room and Patient Care Unit is a $60 million project, most of which is funded through bonds and reserves. But a $10 million capital campaign is needed to help complete the funding. The community has responded, and to date we have raised $5.4 million. But we still need more to reach our goal, and are so thankful for those individuals and businesses who have stepped up!” – Renee Klein
“We are truly grateful for the Mark Restaurant, OptiMark and EB Foote Winery. This was truly all their idea,” added Klein.
In addition to the three businesses that planned the event, many others donated time, products and/or gift certificates, and those businesses include:
- Market Place Salon (BTB Advertiser)
- Levich Agency
- Archery Bistro
- Bison Creek Pizza (BTB Advertiser)
- La Costa
- Purple Café’ & Wine Bar
- Artist Warren Knapp
Here are some photos shot at the event by Gina:
Monday morning (Feb. 8th) around 9:30am, two cars collided at the intersection of SW 150th and Ambaum Blvd. in Burien, and since it occurred near The B-Town Blog’s offices, Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer was on the scene shortly afterward.
From what we could glean while on scene, an elderly woman in a silver car ended up ramming into a telephone pole in front of B&E Meats. She was treated on the scene, for “non-accident” related health reasons, according to a Burien Police Officer.
Here are photos taken on the scene:
On Thursday morning (Feb. 4th), workers from Seattle-based Western Neon installed a brand spankin’ new neon sign at the soon-to-be-opened Tin Theater in Olde Burien.
Proprietor Dan House was there, along with many of his staff, watching as two workers carefully unloaded the sign from a flatbed truck, hitched it to a crane and hoisted it up into position.
House says that the sign will likely be lit up late this afternoon, so if you’re near the area you might want to drop by and check it out – it’s a classic, new “old looking” neon sign based on the shape and style of the old Burien Beauty Salon sign.
The Tin Theater is still under construction in the spot formerly occupied by the Dan the Sausageman retail store behind what is now The Tin Cellars, with plush chairs and a big screen and assorted audiovisual stuff on order and a projected opening in about two months. Stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for full details.
And if you’re wondering where the classic red “Dan the Sausageman” neon sign has gone, House reassures us that it’s packed away safely in storage.
Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer was on the scene and he took these pics:
A major three-car, high speed accident closed the intersection of First Ave South and SW 112th early Wednesday morning (Feb. 3rd).
According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, the accident occurred around 6:45am when two cars (a Kia and a white Toyota pickup truck) were stopped at a red light in front of The Barrel Tavern.
Soon, a red Chevrolet pickup barreled into both of them, nearly destroying the small Kia (see photo slideshow below). The Chevy truck ended up over an embankment in a neighboring house’s backyard.
The driver of the Kia was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. It appeared that the airbags in the Kia had deployed, and scattered amongst the crash debris was a hat and an iron.
The other two drivers and a passenger from the Kia were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries, or for observation.
Scott Schaefer was on scene around 8:45am to take these photos, as Investigators worked amidst the strewn crash debris at the closed intersection:
Here’s a video report from KING5.com:
Burien’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank was a smash hit Friday (Jan. 29th), setting records in both attendance (964 diners) and total amount of money raised (over $13,000).
“We had 477 people attend during lunch and 487 who came out for dinner,” said Mike Werle, Highline Food Bank Executive Director. “The amount of money raised was a little over $13,000.”
Werle added, “There must have been over 40 people who volunteered at the event, many of who were probably not counted because they didn’t come through the front door. Therefore I think we had over 1,000 people who contributed to the dollar total.”
“Do me a favor and put a big plug in for all the work that Gina Kallman and Debra George put in to make this event happen. They are awesome!”
Here’s a Photo Slideshow shot during the dinner serving by Scott Schaefer:
Also, as previously reported, BTB Photographer Michael Brunk took these shots during the lunch hour:
On Friday afternoon (Jan. 29th), the first of two rounds of Burien’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank was served.
For just $10, visitors received a full meal of soup made by various local restaurants and served in one-of-a-kind bowls handcrafted by area Potters, along with bread, cookies and a drink. There was also a dinner served between 4pm and 8pm.
When we visited for dinner, Highline Food Bank Executive Director Mike Werle told us that the lunch crowd was “a record,” in the neighborhood of 470 or so guests. As the dinner crowds wandered in, Werle assured us that the evening group would be another record.
BTB Photographer Michael Brunk dropped by for lunch and captured these photos:
We’ll be posting the total numbers from this fundraiser, along with more photos soon, so stay tuned to The B-Town Blog!
Story by Gina Bourdage
Photos by Michael Brunk
Being what has been described to me as “entertainingly scared of needles,” you might not assume that I would be a likely volunteer for a blood drive.
However my friends, you’d be wrong.
Ignoring my phobia and doing something for the greater good, I made the decision a year ago to donate blood to help overcome my fear of shots, needles, and the general gagging at the sight of blood. When I heard the city of Burien was holding a blood drive I stepped up again (against a nagging fear) and showed up to donate Monday, Jan. 25th.
Now for anyone who knows what the fear of needles is like, it is far less about the idea it might be painful and more focused on a needle protruding from your arm extracting the inner workings of your circulatory system for any given amount of time. Taking a deep breath and suppressing that image is the first step in getting past that disturbing thought. I would suggest chatting with the staff or bringing an iPod to relax your mind. The blood center guys (and gals) know what they are doing and are very reassuring if you just let them know that you are not a fan of needles.
The process starts with a general questionnaire, a short interview and a small finger prick before it’s off to the donation table. While lying down on a cot like bed you will be walked through the process and instructed where to hold your arm, given a squeezy stress toy (I believe that’s the medical term for that piece of equipment) and then poked with the extremely small needle. (Us ‘scarredie cats’ pictured this needle to be at least eight inches and the girth of a drinking straw… whew, this is one instance I am ecstatic to be wrong.)
Once the actual donation process started I was informed it would only take about ten minutes or so. Let the countdown to cookies and juice begin! It’s over quicker than it started and I barely felt a thing. Not only did I get some sweet snacks I got a bragging sticker that I donated blood, which I wore with pride.
I feel that I can safely say that most of us know someone or will be in need ourselves one day of blood. Wouldn’t you like to know that a total stranger had the compassion enough to spend their lunch break making sure the supply would be available? Statistics show that every minute of every day someone needs blood. Donation is the only answer. Currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America Donate blood, according to the Red Cross’ website.
If I can do it anyone can donate blood. To learn more or to make an appointment visit the Puget Sound Blood Center Website at www.psbc.org or call 800-398-7888.
Here’s Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow of Gina’s brave experience:
Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow
| Apr | Apr |
| 9 | 10 |
by A few years ago, when I worked as a volunteer in the Emergency Department at Highline Medical Center, the waiting area usually was filled with patients and family members well into the evening.
Patients waited, as they still do, for their turn to be screened in a single triage room, then waited longer for a treatment room to become available. That’s not surprising since the crowded Highline Emergency Department, designed to handle 12,000 patients a year 50 years ago, now provides care for nearly 50,000 patients annually.
But all this will change soon. Construction of a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department that will triple the size of the current facility is nearing completion – on time and on budget. When its doors open to patients on April 13, waiting times for triage and treatment will decrease dramatically.
The new patient-friendly facility also will improve exponentially the convenience and efficiency of the working environment for physicians, nurses, radiology and lab technicians, and everyone else who contributes to the care of Highline’s emergency patients.
B-Town Blog photographer Michael Brunk and I joined a tour of the new Emergency Department on Jan. 19 – shortly after the end of major construction activity as the finishing process got underway. No equipment or furnishings had yet been installed.
Even at this incomplete stage, however, one thing was immediately apparent – the new Emergency Department is a magnificently awesome improvement over the current emergency facility.
Highline Medical Center CEO Mark Benedum described it well: “a facility that’s up to the care the staff’s been providing.”
Benedum said planning for the new Emergency Department began in 2005, with the start of construction on the $60 million project (which includes a new 31 bed Patient Care Unit) getting underway in 2008.
Highline Medical Center’s service area extends from West Seattle to Federal Way and from Tukwila to Vashon Island, and most of its emergency patients come from this region – as well as persons driving along Interstate 5 and both passengers and employees at Sea-Tac International Airport.
Combine the size of this service area with its population growth in the last two decades and it’s easy to see why the aging emergency facility is overcrowded, noted Renée Klein, Executive Director of the Highline Medical Center Foundation.
The differences between the current facility and the new Emergency Department are strikingly apparent the moment one walks into its main entrance, which is on the west side of the medical center not far from the current emergency entrance.
The interior is bright and airy, with large windows that provide ample natural light, as well as spacious – 27,000 square feet compared with the current 9,000 square feet. In fact, the main nurses station area, well inside the Emergency Department, looks as if it could hold the entire existing facility.
Just beyond the reception desk are three private triage rooms, which will speed evaluation of patients, reducing their time in the general waiting area. Patients then will be taken to any of the 32 large, private treatment rooms, where admitting can be done at bedside.
Every room is universally equipped – “hardwired” – to handle any emergency. Two of the rooms are dedicated for pediatric care. The current facility has 19 beds, only eight of which are hardwired.
The ambulance entrance – with an ambulance bay that can accommodate about a dozen emergency vehicles including police cars – is on the north side of the Emergency Department. Two trauma bays for serious emergencies such as heart attacks are immediately inside. Each is designed to handle two patients if necessary.
Two diagnostic imaging rooms – one x-ray, the other CT, both dedicated for emergency patients – and a separate diagnostic imaging waiting room are located just beyond the triage rooms.
In addition, there are two seclusion rooms for psychiatric and other patients who require additional security, an isolation room for highly contagious patients, a decontamination room with an outside entrance for disasters and contact with hazardous materials, a separate area for first responders – emergency medical and law enforcement personnel – to write their reports, and a private family consultation room.
Designed byNAC Architecture, the Emergency Department was planned “from the physicians’ and nurses’ point of view” to provide “rapid treatment,” Klein said. The general contractor is GLY Construction .
One floor above the new Emergency Department is a 31-bed Patient Care Unit for medical and cancer patients. (Look for a report on this unit on the B-Town Blog soon.) Beneath it is a parking garage for those going to the Emergency Department.
The grand opening of the Emergency Department is set for April 9-10, and will include an open house for the public.
Klein noted that while most of the cost of the new facility was paid through bonds and capital reserves, only $5.4 million of a $10 million capital campaign has come in or been pledged. “I’m optimistic that the community will help us with that last amount,” she said.
Highline Medical Center receives no tax dollars for capital expenses and general operations, and relies largely on grants and pledges. If you would like to learn more about how to support Highline’s Campaign for a New ER, log on to www.LifeDependsOnIt.org or call the Foundation office at 206.901.8500.
Here’s Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow of the facility:
Story & Photos by Michael Brunk
Tucked away in one corner of the Southwest Suburban Sewer District facility in Normandy Park is a small, unassuming building. It is here, just yards away from Miller Creek, that the Duwamish-Green Chapter of Trout Unlimited has their hatchery operation. On Saturday, January 23rd, members of Trout Unlimited and volunteers from across the community gathered here. Their purpose: to transport and release 110,000 young Coho Salmon fry into various creeks in the local area.
According to chapter member and local conservationist Andy Batcho, the Coho fry have been raised from eggs acquired from the Soos Creek Hatchery in early January. The fry are born with a yolk sac that provides nourishment at first, but soon the sac is consumed and it’s time for them to be released into the wild.
“It’s a balancing act,” says Dennis Clark, King County Steward of the Miller and Walker Creek basins. Despite the fact a wild Coho female will lay around 3,000 eggs, only 10% of those will hatch. This, combined with other factors, such as unexplained deaths of adult salmon before they can spawn, means that very few native fish are able to successfully reproduce.
Clark explained that hatchery operations are a useful piece of the overall strategy to bolster fish populations, but that it’s important that the newly planted fry not overwhelm the native fish. Timing and release location are two critical elements in ensuring that the hatchery-raised salmon are forced to compete and become healthy adult fish as a result.
In talking to the people at the hatchery and out in the field planting the young salmon, it is clear that this is an effort that attracts a broad swath of people from across the community – families with young children, retired engineers, doctors, local politicians, scientists, sportsmen and others. Despite the cold, gray weather, they come together with a desire to contribute something back to the environment.
By itself this volunteer-run effort is quite literally just a drop in the ocean, but combined with the hard work of many others in our region it adds to the incremental improvements in the overall health of the habitat in which we all live.
There are far worse ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the event:
Story & Photos by Michael Brunk
Perched on the hillside overlooking the Shorewood area is the Salmon Creek Ravine Park. This unimproved wilderness area spreads across 88 acres of mature forest. A network of primitive trails leads you through a lush landscape dotted with sword ferns, broad leaf maples, red cedar, hemlocks and other native plant life.
Unfortunately, all is not well in the forest. Like many of the area’s parks, invasive species are crowding out the natural vegetation and taking over. The effects of this struggle ripple through the ecosystem of our natural spaces, affecting not only the native plants but the wild life that feed on them.
To address the problem, Burien Parks, in conjunction with Shorewood on the Sound and the Environmental Science Center, organizes regular volunteer work parties to go into our local parks to conduct cleanup activities and remove non-native vegetation.
On Saturday, January 16, a group of 14 volunteers – including students from St. Francis of Assisi – led by naturalist Jean Spohn of the Environment Science Center, gathered for a two hour work party. Their main goal was to attack outgrowths of English ivy that cover the ground and grow up the trunks of trees in park.
Kevin Alexander from Sustainable Burien pointed out a tree near the entrance to the park that had cracked near the base and toppled over from the weight of the ivy growing on it. This vertical growth of ivy is considered the highest priority as it will bloom and produce berries that are consumed and scattered by wildlife, starting new growths of ivy in the process.
Volunteers cleared 35 trees of ivy, using a technique that involves cutting and removing roughly five feet of ivy vines from around the base of each tree. The remaining ivy growing higher on the trunk will eventually wilt and die over the next several months. While attacking the ivy, they also gathered and carried out any garbage found.
Despite all of the hard work by volunteers at the event, this is just the beginning of the reclamation process at Salmon Creek Ravine Park. Additional work parties are scheduled with the next one taking place on Saturday, March 13.
For complete details on work parties at this and other local parks, visit http://seahurstpark.org/volunteer.html.
Here are photos from Saturday’s event:
On a drizzly Thursday morning (Jan. 14th), officials from Sea-Tac Airport demonstrated some brand new toys – a new, advanced bird tracking system with real-time displays of bird activity on and around the airport – and Photographer Francis Zera got lucky and was invited onto the actual runway.
In partnership with University of Illinois researchers and the Federal Aviation Administration, Sea-Tac is the first airport in the country to begin the use of this technology, which will allow wildlife management staff to access live data as they patrol the airfield to minimize bird hazards.
Sea-Tac Airport has been the demonstration site for avian radar research since 2007, and in fact currently has three avian radars installed, two on the top of the airport’s office building and one in the middle of the airfield between two runways (see photos below for details).
“Sea-Tac is a leader in the evaluation of this technology,” said Dr. Edwin Herricks, the leader of the University of Illinois research program, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I don’t know where this program would be without the input and real-life evaluation efforts by the staff and support from the Port of Seattle.”
Through the FAA-designated Center of Excellence for Airport Technology (CEAT) at the University of Illinois, the latest milestone in the research program builds on equipment from Accipiter Radar Inc. that provides geographic displays of bird activity on Google Earth™ maps.
“This technology will give us situational awareness of the entire airfield day or night – it will be like wearing a huge pair of binoculars,” said Steve Osmek, Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife biologist. “Rather than depending only on what we can see from our particular location, we’ll be able to know if there are bird issues anywhere around the airfield so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”
Here’s Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow:
Last Saturday (Jan. 9th), the Three Tree Point Yacht Club (TTPYC) held its “Duwamish Head Race” from the Des Moines Marina to Duwamish Head in West Seattle, which of course required their passage along the shores of Burien.
This was the second race of the Southern Sound series, and the yacht club’s biggest race of the year, with up to 100 boats participating.
Des Moines City Councilmember Carmen Scott sent us this report, along with the great Photos below:
The weather was mild and dry, with a thin cloud cover, but it lacked a main ingredient for these kinds of events – there was no wind!
The heats were scheduled to begin at 9:30am, but at that time, no one appeared to be going anywhere.
The boats stayed at the Des Moines Marina all morning. When the sun began to break through, it created wonderful reflections on the smooth-as-glass water. I ran out of memory in my camera at about noon, just as the first class of boats began to head up the Sound. However, I think I got my cover shot for next year’s Des Moines calendar.
Anyone who would like more information can go to the yacht club’s website at www.ttpcy.org it’s an interesting site, and lists their race, cruise and social events.
Here’s Carmen’s Photo Slideshow:
Here’s a link to the race results (PDF file).
| Jan |
| 13 |
| 6:30 pm |
The American Cancer Society (ACS) will be holding its kick-off for the 5th Annual Relay For Life celebration Wednesday, Jan. 13th, from 6:30pm – 8pm, at Somers Auditorium in Highline Medical Center.
Last year, The B-Town Blog was proud to be a sponsor, and this year will be no different, as several members of our staff have been personally touched by cancer, and we’re committed to doing whatever we can to help defeat it.
This year’s event will be held June 12th & 13th at Highline Stadium.
Relay For Life was founded 26 years ago by Tacoma physician Dr. Gordy Klatt, and has grown to be the most recognized fundraising event for cancer nationwide, held in more than 5,000 communities and raising more than $3 billion toward cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services.
Over the past four years, the Relay For Life of Highline has brought over 600 people together from the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and SeaTac participating on 86 teams, and raising over $272,000 total for the fight against cancer.
The Kickoff Celebration will provide information about Relay For Life and how volunteers can get involved in the fight against cancer. Attendees will enjoy food from Sal’s Deli, music, and coffee provided by Starbucks as they visit with volunteers, sharing stories of hope.
Relay For Life is a family-oriented event in which teams will walk or run in shifts around the track for 19 hours. Participants traditionally camp out on the field, and, when they are not taking their turn walking, enjoy a variety of entertainment activities.
The Relay For Life of Highline will be held on June 12th & 13th at Highline Stadium in Burien. For more information, please call Kelly Cochran at 206-674-4103, or visit www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa.
Here’s a slideshow by Photographer Michael Brunk of last summer’s event:
Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer
On the busy 12400 block of Ambaum Blvd., a quiet, makeshift memorial stands as a tribute to Mikarah Nasabreo Sanders, the 15-year old girl who was shot and killed by her 16-year old boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, who later shot himself.
Sadly, Sanders died from her wounds and the male suspect is still being treated (and guarded) at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle (read our previous coverage here). King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has said that the suspect will likely be charged as an adult with murder in connection with Sanders’ death.
The most recent reports we’ve heard are that the suspect was upset with something he read on Sanders’ MySpace page. Other reports say that the couple argued frequently.
Like most temporary memorials, this one’s got photos protected by plastic sleeves, melted candles and notes, as well as some odd and ironic items like a mysterious, open, black umbrella (we’re not sure of its significance – anyone know? UPDATE: Occam’s Razor called and told us that it was probably placed there to protect the shrine from rain), and an empty peach vodka bottle lying next to stuffed animals – all as a tribute to a life lost way too early.
Scott Schaefer stopped by Thursday morning (Jan. 7th) and shot this Photo Slideshow:
On a personal note, we’re getting kinda tired of seeing these memorials all around the Burien area. Let’s get along peeps!
Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer
1/6/10 UPDATE: We were on the scene at the English Garden Apartments (515 South 152nd, near Highline High School) this morning around 9am, where we spoke to a few of the 20 or so residents who were displaced by a fire that began on a third floor balcony and burned up through the attic (see our pics below).
“The first thing I heard were two very loud cracking sounds,” said Marcus Pitre, who lives in an adjoining building. “Then the fire alarm went off, which luckily was very loud. Everyone got out okay, and at first I didn’t see any flames. But by the time the Fire Department showed up, flames were shooting up all over the roof.”
“There’s this much water in my apartment,” said a female resident as she held her hands apart by about a foot. “I live on the first floor, and all the water from the sprinklers and firefighters ended up in my unit.”
Doug Leudeman of the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department said that 13 residents have been displaced by smoke and water damage, and that investigators and firefighters would be on the scene most of the day today. The cause of the fire has not been determined, although a resident who lives in the unit where the fire started claimed she left a candle burning on her balcony.
Leudeman added that the unit where the damage occurred will likely be uninhabitable for a month or two. He also speculated that the estimated loss will be “around $200,000.
Metro Transit provided a bus as a sort of temporary shelter for displaced residents, and we found out that Burien Fire has a deal where they can call Metro for a bus from any fire if one is needed (we think that’s pretty cool…).
The Seattle Red Cross was also on the scene while we were there, working to help those displaced by the blaze to find temporary housing as well as other essentials like food or clothing. According to Media Relations Officer Katherine Boury:
“I just wanted to let you know that the Red Cross has been responding to this morning’s fire at 515 S. 152nd Street.
The Red Cross will provide assistance such as housing, clothing and food to six units (13 individuals).”
Here are some photos we took this morning:
Metro Transit provided a bus on the scene for displaced residents.
The fire, which started on a third floor balcony, burned entirely through the attic.
Remnants of fire-fighting foam were still in the parking lot as firefighters and investigators talked.
The team from Seattle Red Cross was on the scene, ready to help.
PREVIOUSLY:
Twenty residents were evacuated around 5am Wednesday morning (Jan. 6th) from a fire at the 12-unit English Garden Apartments at 515 South 152nd in Burien.
The fire apparently began on a third floor balcony and burned up into the attic and roof.
No injuries were reported.
According to a KING-TV report:
A woman who lives in the apartment unit that caught fire told KING 5 she had fallen asleep and left a candle burning. She thinks that’s how the fire may have started. She awoke to hear crackling and saw the fire starting. She went into the hallway and grabbed a fire extinguisher, but when she re-entered her apartment, there was too much smoke and heat. She called 911.
Approximately 20 people were evacuated from the 12-unit building. About six units had water damage. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Here’a KING’s video:
| Jan |
| 22 |
| 7:00 pm |
Seattleite Julia Bolz will be presenting a photo essay of her work educating boys and girls in Afghanistan at St. Francis’ Parish Hall on Friday, Jan 22nd.
Last May, Julia spoke at St. Francis about “Alternative Strategies to War” (see our previous coverage here), and according to the Ayni Education website:
If you had met Julia in 1998, she was a partner in a downtown Seattle law firm. Her story of going from a lawyer to a social justice advocate is a story in itself; but, she was greatly affected by the illness of one of her sister’s who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her illness really affected Julia, who found herself saying, “If I only had 6 months to live, do I like what I’m doing? Do I like the legacy I’m leaving behind?” After a great deal of soul searching, Julia decided to take a two-year sabbatical and moved to Africa. She decided to do something that tugged at her heart-strings – human rights and social justice issues affecting women and children.
Here are the details:
WHAT: “The Peaceful Surge” – Julia Bolz’ photos about her journey building Afghan schools
WHEN: Friday, January 22, from 7-9 pm
WHERE: St. Francis Church, Parish Hall 15226 21st Ave, Burien 98166; enter parking lot from 20th Ave.
INFO: Refreshments will be served and there will also be a bake sale. Please bring ball-point pens to send to the students. Learn more about Julia’s work and how you can help: (donations are tax-deductible) www.aynieducation.org
CONTACT: For more information, contact Annie Phillips at 206-275-1393; St. Francis of Assisi Parish Social Justice contact: Frances Davis • 206-242-4575 ext. 29
From a press release:
Seattleite Mounts Peaceful Surge
Is military escalation the path to peace? What would victory in Afghanistan, look like?
Come find out why one brave woman is stepping up her work educating Afghan boys and girls. Find out what she thinks of the troop surge.
Julia Bolz will update us and show slides of the schools she’s built, the charming kids who attend them, and the village elders who work with her in rural Afghanistan. Friday evening at 7, January 22, at Saint Francis Parish Hall, on 152nd Street and 21st Avenue in Burien. Enter parking lot from 20th Ave.
Refreshments will be served, and there’ll be a bake sale. More items for bake sale are welcome! (come early)…and bring ball-point pens, which are hard to get in Afghanistan, for us to mail to students there.
Learn more about Julia’s work and how you can get involved: www.aynieducation.org Donations are tax-deductible.
Contact: Annie Phillips, 206-275-1393
Sponsored by Southend Neighbors for Peace, and St Francis of Assisi Parish Social Justice.
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
Sure, we’ve already posted a video of the wacky event (see it here), but that won’t stop us from posting this outstanding Photo Slideshow of the annual Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, as shot by Photographer Michael Brunk:
[NOTE: If you happen to see yourself in one of these pics and want to download it (for FREE of course, courtesy the BTB), just click here and you'll be taken to the Flickr page where the photos live. Once there, click through the shots, and when you see one you want, click on "All Sizes" above it, then download the "Large" or "Original" image, which are suitable for printing!]
Burien Parks has released photos of the remodeling of the former Burien Library, which will be the new home for the Burien Community Center.
The re-purposed facility is scheduled to open in late April of 2010, with a total cost of just under $1.5 million.
Here’s what the friendly Parksfolks say:
This collection of photos will document the remodel of the former Burien Library as the new home for the Burien Community Center.
The repurposed facility will open in late April 2010.
The general contractor on the project is McKinstry Essention; architectural design services provided by James Cary, Architect pc.
Here’s a Photo Slideshow courtesy Burien Parks:
The Burien / Normandy Park Fire Department has done a holiday outreach program for over 25 years, and Tuesday morning (Dec. 22nd), they set out with Santa in their shiny fire trucks to make their annual delivery to 59 local families in need.
Local firefighters receive family names from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services office, then provide each one with a nice turkey dinner as well as stuffing, pies and other assorted food.
Each family also receives several toys and gifts for each child, as well as gift cards to Fred Meyer for each teenager 13-17.
One hundred percent of all donations are returned to the community and all donations are distributed locally.
“Contributions were down a bit this year,” said Doug Leudeman of Fire District #2. “And while we had enough gifts to give out, we could certainly use more cash donations to help offset some of the costs.”
Cash donations are still being accepted at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department Headquarters Station, located at 15100 8th Ave SW; phone: (206) 242-2040; website: www.burienfire.org.
Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
On Saturday morning (Dec. 19th) at 10am, Sound Transit opened its Link light rail service to SeaTac with lots of ceremony, local dignitaries, curious passengers, and of course, functioning trains that now link the airport to downtown Seattle.
The first 14 miles of light rail opened from downtown Seattle to Tukwila in July. This final segment from Tukwila to SeaTac / Airport Station, built under a close partnership with the Port of Seattle, connects the airport from downtown with 13 stops serving the SeaTac, Tukwila, Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, SODO to the final stop at Westlake.
“It’s been a heck of a journey, but we delivered on what we promised: light rail from downtown Seattle to the airport in 2009,” said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Chair Greg Nickels. “This opens an entirely new option for travelers and commuters, and represents the first steps of a truly regional network.”
Service on the 1.7-mile extension line kicked off with an inaugural ribbon cutting at the SeaTac / Airport Station before the station and trains opened for regular passenger service at 10am, and Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
“Opening the doors to Sound Transit’s airport line in time for the holidays is great gift to residents of the Puget Sound region,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. “This new line will provide fast and easy connections to downtown Seattle and a low-cost way to get around. This is just the latest in environmentally friendly transportation that will help ensure our region’s long-term economic growth.”
Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop.
“With more than 30 million passengers through Sea-Tac every year, and 15,000 airport employees, we anticipate light rail will be a welcome “green” alternative for travel to and from the airport,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. “Using light rail will reduce air emissions and traffic congestion. It’s good for the airport and it’s good for our region.”
The next light rail extension is scheduled to open in 2016 with service from downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. Construction is underway on that segment while Sound Transit plans for 36 more miles of light rail extensions to Lynnwood, Bellevue, Redmond, Mercer Island and Federal Way by 2023.
Link’s normal Saturday schedule will be from 5 a.m. – 1 a.m. with regular fares required. On weekdays, the first train from the airport to downtown will depart at 5:16 a.m. and the last one to downtown will leave at 12:07 a.m. The last train to Mt. Baker Station in the Rainier Valley departs at 12:46 a.m.
More detailed schedule and fare information is here: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- PHOTOS: Scenes From Sound Transit’s Airport Station Sneak Peek Ride
- Sound Transit’s New Airport Station To Open Dec. 19th
- I Rode Link Light Rail & Lived To Write About It. Have You?
- Ride Sound Transit’s New Link Light Rail All Weekend For FREE
- First It Was The Third Runway – Now Sound Transit’s Light Link Rail Is Too Loud? Take Our Poll…
- Sound Transit Begins Intensive Testing Of Light Rail
- Tukwila Link Light Rail Station To Open July 18th
- It’s Going To Cost $2.50 To Take Link Rail Downtown
Story by Scott Schaefer
Photos by Michael Brunk
On Thursday (Dec. 17th), “The Passage,” the large, two-piece Mother/Daughter sculpture by Dan Das Mann that anchored Burien’s Interim Art Space, was de-installed, hoisted by crane, lowered and secured on a flatbed truck in preparation to be carted away, en route back to its “home” in California after spending a year as the centerpiece to an innovated and sometimes controversial experiment in community art.
Co-Curators Dane Johnson and Kathy Justin were there, along with volunteers and hired workers who, over the course of the last two weeks, have removed all pieces from B/ IAS, the one-year art project in a space on SW 150th that once housed Bartells Drugs and its parking lot.
Now devoid of all art, the place will return to its empty parking lot-like self, the chunks of asphalt no longer representing anyone’s artistic vision, but rather an uncertain future for this lot. There will be no more controversial “naked lady statue” (“Paradigm Shift” by Mike McGrath), no more worries by the Fire Department about the use of fire as “art,” no more loud dance music blasting out of speakers, no more smashing pumpkins, and no more “art” here.
Will it house a new cinema? Another section of Town Square? A park of some sort?
Or perhaps…another, new art installation?
Only time will tell, and we here at The B-Town Blog would like to tip our collective hats to all the artists, volunteers, workers, students, community activists, city officials, gardeners, developers, visitors and observers who were all brought together by this idea, and who shared numerous joyous, fun events over the last year.
It seems like it was just yesterday that Photographer Francis Zera captured this time-lapse of the installation of “The Passage”:
Yet here we are repeating that scene, only in reverse – Photographer Michael Brunk stopped by over the last two days and documented the “de-installations” with this Photo Slideshow:
Also, as our salute to the ending of B/ IAS and the exiting of “The Passage,” we present an encore of our artist Danielle Burton’s vision of this sad ending:
And because we enjoyed covering the arts and events at this place, here are other Photo Slideshows and Videos we’ve posted about B/ IAS:
Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow
Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow
Click to Play Michael Brunk’s SoundSlideshow
Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow
On April Fool's Day, we showed off how much we suck at Photoshop with this lame doctored image of "vandalism" to The Passage. Everyone of course was fooled.
Read our previous coverage of B/ IAS here.
Thursday morning (Dec. 17th), Sound Transit held a “sneak peek” ride for the press on the section of the Link Light Rail between the Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport stations (which opens this Saturday), and Photographer Michael Brunk was able to stowaway on board, where he took these pics:
From Sound Transit’s website:
The extension of the popular light rail service means holiday travelers will have a reliable, one-seat ride between downtown Seattle, the city of SeaTac and the airport, taking only 36 minutes. This new station provides a smooth, green travel option for the 20,000 people who work at the airport and the 30 million who travel in and out of it every year.
The SeaTac/Airport Station is connected to the fourth floor of the airport’s main parking garage. A covered, level walkway separated from the main parking area will lead passengers to the main terminal. Station amenities include boarding pass kiosks, and in the near future, a flight time information display.
The first 13.9 miles of Link opened in July with service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila. Link service runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
SeaTac/ Airport Station opens just in time for the holidays: Sound Transit is the official transportation sponsor for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes.
For Central Link light rail service info, visit http://www.soundtransit.org/linkschedule
Artworks at the station
The new Sea-Tac Airport Station features four art installations. “Flying Sails,” by artist Werner Klotz, spans the mezzanine and platform levels of the station. The plates feature the names of First Nation tribes from Washington state and cities from around the world that share the latitude or longitude of Seattle.Other works include Fernanda D’Agostino’s “Celestial Navigation” at the International Blvd. plaza; Christian Moeller’s “Restless” along the International Blvd. pedestrian bridge; and an exhibit on Northwest tribal culture on the mezzanine’s north end. The interpretive exhibit by Pacific Studios showcases a cast concrete canoe, and a display explaining the history of the Native American presence in the Puget Sound region.
Less than a year ago (Jan. 24, 2009), Burien’s Interim Art Space burst onto the city with a chilly nighttime grand opening celebration of fire, music, dancing, art, artists and more, and on Saturday (Dec. 12th) the dismantling of the temporary art pieces continued, supervised by Co-Curators Dane Johnson and Kathy Justin, with numerous volunteers and artists on hand.
Word is that the largest remaining pieces, the mother-daughter sculpture “The Passage,” will be removed this Wednesday, Dec. 16th, returning the space to what it once was – an empty parking lot.
Photographer Michael Brunk was on hand to capture this Photo Slideshow:
