The South King County Genealogical Society is presenting a spring mini-seminar called “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats” on Saturday, March 20th from 9am to Noon, at the First Baptist Church of Kent.

Here are the details:

WHAT: South King County Genealogical Society spring mini-seminar “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats”

WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

WHERE: The First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St., Kent, WA 98030

TICKETS:

• General Admission: $20.00
• SKCGS Members: $15.00
• Students (18 & under) $10.00
• Cash or Check at the door

SCHEDULE:

Session 1 – 9:00 – 10:00: “Patch-Work Pioneers,” Seattle’s First Bride, Louisa Boren Denny

Debbie Dimitre will be presenting Louisa Boren Denny, the Sweet Briar Bride of Seattle. In costume and in character and by the glow of her kerosene lamp, Debbie will bring to life the story of pioneer Seattle through the eyes of its first bride, who on January 23rd 1853, was married to one of Seattle’s founding fathers, David Denny.

Session 2 – 10:45 – 12:00: “They Called Them The Mercer Girls,” Washington Territory’s Cargo of Brides

Peri Lane Muhich: In 1864 Seattle’s ratio of men to marriageable women was nine to one. Asa Mercer had an idea to help correct the situation so he went east to appeal to New England’s single “ladies of refinement” to come west. Eleven responded to his call. Learn who these women were and what became of them.

INFO: Full details can be found on their website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waskcgs/.

The King Conservation District (King CD) will be holding a district-wide election for an open seat on its board of supervisors this coming Tuesday, March 16.

King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, will be providing seven polling locations throughout the district.

Candidates for the position include:

• Mary Embleton, Seattle
• Mara Heiman, Auburn
• Teri Herrera, Redmond
• Kirk Prindle, Seattle
• Max Prinsen, Renton

For a list of voting locations, hours of operation and candidate backgrounds, visit www.kingcd.org.

Registered voters who reside within the district, which encompasses most of King County, are eligible to vote in the election, with the exception of residents of cities that do not fall within the King CD’s boundaries (Federal Way, Enumclaw, Skykomish, Milton and Pacific). Voters must present proper identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate.

The all-volunteer, five member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provide guidance and
oversight to district staff.

The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries (most of King County) on a
voluntary, non-regulatory basis. The district provides grants for conservation-focused projects and programs, and initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.

As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission. The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.

Further information on conservation district elections and procedures throughout the state can be found at www.scc.wa.gov/index.php/Elections-and-Appointments.

For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.

The YMCA is now accepting applications through March 31st for their Teen Leadership Institute & Youth Exchange to Japan, which gives local teenagers a chance to experience Japanese culture through a trip this summer.

Teens currently in grades 8-12 will travel to Kobe, Hiroshima and Kyoto from July 22-Aug. 7, 2010.

There are 14 spots available, and group selection will take place in early April, so be sure to get your applications in before March 31st.

According to a press release:

Participants learn important leadership skills, cultural sensitivity, history and language through home stays, visiting historical places and interacting with teens their own age.  There are 14 spots available in the Annual YMCA Teen Leadership Institute, a 45–year-old international partnership between the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Kobe YMCA.

Michaella Rosner, a participant in last year’s Youth Exchange, feels that the experience was truly eye-opening. “Japan really made me understand how similar people are across cultures. You can hear all your life how much we all have in common, but it doesn’t really sink in until you’re high-fiving Japanese girls and talking about boys. It’s also incredible how willing my host family was to accept me into their family. They begin their emails to me ‘Dear our daughter Michaella.’ I get homesick for Japan sometimes,” she says.

YMCA of Greater Seattle is part of the World Alliance of YMCAs in 122 countries. The Teen Leadership program is one of a number of international programs the Seattle YMCA is offering for teens, young adults and families.

The subsidized cost for the program (including pre-trip training, airfare, transportation, food, lodging and activities) is $2,750. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible for those in need.

Parents and applicants can join one of following information meetings to learn more about the trip:

• Monday, March 21, 7:00 p.m. : Northshore Family YMCA, 11811 NE 195th Street, Bothell, WA 98011
• Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 p.m. : West Seattle High School Library, 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
• Thursday, March 24, 7:00 p.m.:
 Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, Newcastle, WA 98059

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is a charitable, non-profit organization serving King and south Snohomish counties since 1876. Reaching more than 140,700 people annually through 12 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites, the YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services in child care, youth development, education, foster care, family support, wellness and outdoor experiences.

More information may be found at seattleymca.org.

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:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

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!]

Our fave namesake women’s sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;

• Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
• Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.

The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:

This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were

1. Sockit Wenches
2. Grave Danger
3. Throttle Rockets
4. Derby Liberation Front

Here are the points:

• Period 1, 1st Players: TR 62, SW 97
• Period 1, 2nd Players: GD 88, DLF 51
• Period 2, Grudge Match: TR 97, DLF 43
• Period 2, Champs: GD 66, SW 70

On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.

The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.

Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).

RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.

Tukwila resident Serges Hakizimana (pictured, left) will be honored on Thursday, March 11th, by the American Red Cross at their 2010 Heroes Breakfast in downtown Seattle.

Hakizimana, originally from Burundi, has been serving as part of the Red Cross Language Bank in Seattle, where he learned how to bring people together and help them understand each other. From there he started organizing people in other ways, establishing community funds, cultural training and more.

Before Hakizimana was born, his parents fled the ethnic violence of Burundi. They educated their son in refugee camps, which was not an easy task. Although safe from the violence that drove them from their homes, Burundian refugees faced new challenges of confined living, being told where to live and what to eat. They were never required to pay for the things they were given, but nor were they permitted to have jobs or earn money.

In 2007, Serges was one of the first Burundians who relocated to the King County area. Recognizing his unique skill with language, his case worker directed him to the Red Cross Language Bank in Seattle, where Serges learned how to bring people together and help them understand each other. From there he started organizing people in other ways, establishing community funds, cultural training and more.

There are now 30 Burundian refugee families in the Seattle metro area who rely on Serges as their leader. He has taught some of them enough English to find work, and helped others get a small business loan to establish a farm in Kent. Through it all, he serves as a role model, balancing his time between work, volunteer, school and community.

Fifteen heroes will be honored at the 14th Annual Heroes Breakfast – sponsored by Costco Wholesale. Here are the details:

WHAT: 14th Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

WHEN: Thursday, March 11th from 7:30am – 9am

WHERE: Washington State Convention Center, located at 800 Convention Place in Downtown Seattle (Click here for directions)

INFO: All proceeds will support disaster relief efforts in King County. More information available here.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members agreed on Monday night (March 8th) to consider a resolution expressing to residents of northern North Highline the city’s interest in eventually annexing this unincorporated area.

The formal resolution will include wording that declares “the Burien City Council intends to advance annexation in [north North Highline] as soon as reasonably possible after successfully completing the annexation [of south North Highline].”

The green "Area Y" section is what Burien might go after.

This is the initial draft wording for the “Now therefore” conclusion of the proposed resolution that City Manager Mike Martin and council members agreed on during Monday night’s discussion of Burien’s possible annexation of the remaining North Highline unincorporated area.

Only Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak, who also opposed the annexation of south North Highline, demurred.

Burien council members will consider the resolution, which will be drafted by Martin, at their March 22 meeting.

Voters of south North Highline approved in August annexation by Burien. The annexation of that area becomes effective on April 1.

In the meantime, the city of Seattle has expressed renewed interest in annexing the north North Highline unincorporated area.

The proposed resolution is a response, in part, to requests by some north North Highline residents for a display of interest by Burien in their unincorporated area, to assure residents there that they have an alternative to annexation by Seattle.

Additional details will follow.

by Mark Neuman

The gavel came down hard last night (Thursday, March 4) in a spirited meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council in White Center.

The prospect of annexation with either Seattle or Burien focused the minds of the approximately 50 citizen attendees at the meeting, held at the headquarters station of the North Highline Fire District on SW 112th Street.

“You’ve had your chance to speak, and the public comment period is over,” council president Gregory Duff told one member of the audience as he hit the table twice with his gavel. That audience member at least three times tried to question invited speakers who were officially addressing the council.

Some attendees, almost all residents of North Highline, voiced dissatisfaction that the public comment portion of the meeting preceded the arrival of Kenny Pittman, Senior Policy Analyst for the City of Seattle.

Twenty citizens addressed the council during the comment period, all speaking about the annexation issue.

Fifteen spoke in favor of annexation with Seattle, three in favor of joining Burien, and two spoke in general terms without clearly stating a preference.

Barbara Dobkin favors annexation with Burien.

“I can call (King County Deputy Sheriff) Jeff Hancock on his cell phone, and he answers it,” Dobkin told the council. “There was a house fire a few doors down from me recently and the fire department was there in about two minutes. I see the high density of Seattle. I don’t want White Center to look like Delridge.”

Liz Giba, of a group called “People for Burien”, addressed the council.

“I would like to have an educated vote,” Giba said. “Seattle will focus on their affluent neighborhoods.”

The green portion of this map is the area of White Center that could be annexed by either Seattle or Burien.

Mercedes D’Antona has lived in White Center for about five years. She told the council:

“I get a little emotional about annexation. I am Hispanic. Seattle is a huge, humongous beast. Seattle has huge demand (on its services). We would not benefit. I like the laid back lifestyle we have here. I do not want to be suffocated.”

Brad Truesdell, a twelve-year resident of White Center said “Seattle is the best choice. They have three times the gang unit” than is currently available.

Truesdell, who envisions Ambaum Boulevard blossoming from time to time into a “multicultural open air mall,” said that White Center, once annexed with Seattle “could become the real International District of Seattle.”

Stephanie Dotson, who opposes annexation with Burien, told the council: “I have lived here forever. I find it extremely distressing that this council and audience have very few people of color.”

Mark Ufkes, who heads the White Center Homeowners Association, illustrated with placards that Seattle’s list of services to the public exceeds services provided by Burien.

“All we want is a chance to vote (on annexation),” Ufkes told the council.

One man who did not address the council was Gill Loring, a homeowner in White Center since 1998. He told The White Center Blog following the meeting that he favors annexation with Burien.

The newest member of the King County Council, Jan Drago, said at the meeting she will “not oppose” North Highline annexation. Drago recently completed four terms as a member of the Seattle City Council.

Pittman, of the City of Seattle, said North Highline District firefighters who might be temporarily displaced in the event of an annexation with Seattle would immediately go to the top of a re-hire list for firefighter jobs that open up at any fire station in Seattle.

King County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Hancock introduced nine members of the Sheriff’s gang unit. They reported that during 2009, the number of street gangs attempting to do business in and near North Highline was reduced from 21 to 15.

More information on the NHUAC is available at their website.

(Graphic courtesy North Highline Unincorporated Area Councils website)

The Museum of Flight is presenting An Evening with Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger on Monday, March 8th from 7pm to 9pm in its William M. Allen Theater.

As many Readers may recall, “Sully” Sulenberger is the heroic airline pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in January, 2009. He has over 40 years of flying experience in both commercial and military aviation.

Cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

Here are the details:

WHAT: An evening with “Sully” Sullenberger

WHEN: Monday, Mar 8, 2010: 7:00pm-9:00pm

WHERE: Museum of Flight’s William M. Allen Theater, located at 9404 East Marginal Way S. in Seattle; Phone: 206.764.5720. Located north of Burien and south of downtown Seattle, at the south end of Boeing Field / King County Airport; Exit 158 off Interstate 5. Free Parking adjacent to the museum and Airpark.

INFO: From the museum’s website:

Now a legendary pilot for the dramatic events and emergency landing on the Hudson River of US Airways Flight 1549 in January 2009, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III is a captain for US Airways, an author, and a lecturer. He has over 40 years of flying experience in both commercial and military aviation. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Sullenberger served as an instructor and Air Line Pilots Association safety chairman, accident investigator and national technical committee member. He has participated in several USAF and National Transportation Board accident investigations. He has a decades-long history of technical and academic contributions to the field of aviation safety.

Here’s a pretty cool video animation that utilizes the audio recording to re-construct the historic crash landing:

New B-Town Blog Advertiser The Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) is pleased to announce the completion and upcoming Grand Opening of Arrowhead Gardens, its newest and most impressive affordable senior living community, a one-of-a-kind senior living campus consisting of a Village Center community building and three residential apartment buildings designed specifically for seniors, all of which are now open and available for immediate occupancy

Arrowhead Gardens (phone #: 1-888-472-5155) will be hosting its official Grand Opening event over the upcoming weekend of Saturday, February 27th and Sunday, February 28th. The general public is invited, especially prospective senior residents and their families, with tours, prizes, food, refreshments and live music. Prospective senior residents and their families can tour the community during the Grand Opening event weekend, or at anytime by appointment. A $99 Move-In Special will be offered to any eligible applicant who leases an apartment home over the Grand Opening event weekend. Visit Arrowhead Gardens today, where the lifestyle is rich and the rents are affordable. And don’t miss the Grand Opening event! See what all the fuss is about.

Located in the Highland Park neighborhood of West Seattle at 9200 2nd Ave SW, Arrowhead Gardens is the latest of 28 affordable senior living communities operated by SHAG, the largest senior housing provider in the Puget Sound region. Arrowhead Gardens contains an aggregate of 449 dwelling units in three unique and architecturally distinctive residential apartment buildings situated on a lushly landscaped four acre campus and configured in a village-like setting around the Village Center community building which contains leasing and management offices and many of the community’s special amenities and facilities.

For over twenty years, SHAG has been the leader in providing affordable independent living opportunities to seniors in the Puget Sound region. As a non-profit operator, SHAG is able to offer quality housing to seniors at affordable rents that are typically as much as 15% to 30% below comparable market rents. With no entrance fees, buy-in fees, service charges, move-in fees, exorbitant security deposits or other mandatory charges at move-in, and with most utilities included in the monthly rent, SHAG’s affordable senior living communities are even more attractive to seniors with moderate incomes in today’s stagnant economy. Senior citizens with fixed incomes in particular have felt the financial pinch with declines in their home values, retirement savings and stock portfolios, amid the rising costs of living. SHAG is part of the solution.

Arrowhead Gardens provides affordable independent living opportunities designed specifically for active seniors with moderate incomes. Certain age and income restrictions apply. Eligible individuals must be at least 61 years of age or at least 55 years of age and disabled. Maximum incomes for eligible individuals and households are approximately $35,000 per year for singles and $40,000 per year for couples. Rents start as low as $680 per month. Most utilities are included. Small pets are welcome.

All of the buildings at Arrowhead Gardens are access-controlled for security, elevator-serviced for convenience and fully sprinklered, with audio and visual fire alarms and smoke detectors, for fire safety. Secure underground parking is also available. Sunrooms and outdoor roof decks on the top floor of each residential apartment building provide stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Rainier, and the Seattle cityscape. Each residential apartment building has a fully furnished main entry lobby with a fireplace. Trash chutes, common laundry rooms and resident lounges are provided on most residential floors.

View one of the model apartment homes or take a tour of any of the large selection of one- and two-bedroom rental apartment homes at Arrowhead Gardens, which are designed with seniors in mind and equipped with full bathrooms, full kitchens with full-sized appliances including dishwashers. Choose from among five attractive color décor packages. Apartment homes equipped with washer/dryer hookups are available. A selection of fully handicap-accessible apartments is also available. In addition to apartments with traditional bathrooms that have shower/tub surrounds, a selection of apartments are available with bathrooms that have roll-in showers or showers with transfer seats. Most ground floor apartments have outdoor patios and a number of upper floor apartments have outdoor balconies, decks or terraces.

In addition to the affordable rents are the beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyards, soothing water features and a wealth of other amazing amenities and facilities that have most new and prospective residents excited. Each residential building has a gated and beautifully landscaped semi-private outdoor garden and courtyard. Some pea-patch planter boxes are available for resident use and community gardening. The village campus includes several delightful and soothing water features, such as re-circulating fountains and rain gardens that make use of ambient water, channeling rain water through downspouts into garden troughs and streams. The sights and sounds of flowing water help make Arrowhead Gardens a pleasant and relaxing place for seniors.

Take a tour of the Village Center and see what all the fuss is about. The amenities include:

• A Great-Room with vaulted ceiling
• A fireplace and first-class décor and furnishings, with comfortable color-coordinated furniture, tasteful art work, and soft background music.
• A Computer Lab with a network of computers providing residents free internet access, including several touch-screen computers and wireless internet access.
• Media Room for a home theater experience with a large screen HDTV, a Blue-Ray DVD player, surround sound audio, and plush theater seating.
• Craft Room for water colors, origami, card making, knitting, crochet, or contribute to a community jigsaw puzzle.
• Community Room / Lounge with kitchen facilities and banquet tables and chairs for large or small gatherings or celebrations, formal catered events or informal potluck dinners.
• Fitness Center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, strength training equipment, and recumbent and upright exercise bikes, and with flat screen LCD TVs with built-in DVD players to watch the news or other programming while going through a workout or playing their favorite workout routine DVDs.
• Spacious outdoor decks and terraces surround the Village Center, along with outdoor patio furniture, umbrellas to ward off bright sun or rain, and a gas barbeque grill for impromptu cook-outs

Arrowhead Gardens is located immediately adjacent to a King County Metro transit center, conveniently located near freeway access, and also features a dedicated transit van for local transportation. Arrowhead Gardens is an affordable senior living community like no other, offering a rich lifestyle and affordable rents in a beautifully landscaped and environmentally-friendly garden setting.

[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!]

Our friend Shelli Park of White Center for the Arts tells us that their one-year anniversary is fast approaching, and they’ll be celebrating it at their Third Saturday Art walk on Saturday, Feb. 20th, from 6pm to 9pm in various businesses in White Center.

The photo at left was shot by Brian Barr, whose work will be on display at WCFTA’s new community gallery, DREAM.

Here are the details:

WHAT: WCFTA monthly Art Walk, celebrating their one-year anniversary.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20th, from 6pm to 9pm.

WHERE/FEATURING:

• Salvadorean Bakery: Chuck Northcutt – photography on canvas
• Café Rozella: Carole Ellis – photography
• Triangle Tavern: Chase Evans – Spoken Word @ 6:15 DJ sets @ 7:00
• Full Tilt Ice Cream: Julie Luke – Acrylic on Canvas
• Proletariat Pizza: Baso – photography
• Dzul Tattoo: Urban and Tattoo Art
• Dream Community Gallery: Fusion Dance Crew @ 6:30; Brian Barr – Portraits of White Center; Amanda Helmick – Mixed Media; Amanda Pickerel-Winer – paintings
• Big Al Brewing: Raina Anderson – photography
• DubSea Café: Hye Young Kim – dyed yarn and acrylic, Micheal Olson – DJ –reggae/dub plus more!

INFORMATION: More info available at www.whitecenterforthearts.org.

And here’s a letter regarding accomplishments made during WCFTA’s first year:

“Dear Lovers of Art in White Center,

White Center for the Arts (WCFTA) believes that the White Center community’s rich tapestry of culture and local arts should be shared with everyone. Our work to establish a permanent home for the arts in the neighborhood is off to a great start! In the past six months we:

• Established an after-school art program in the local Highline District Middle and High School
• Established the Third Saturday Art Walk, exhibiting more than 25 local artists in 9 months time.
• Are hosting Community Artists Meetings to open the lines of communication
• Established a working relationship with local, county, and state arts organizations and continue to identify and foster new partnerships within the community to create a web of services and support for artists and youth.
• Partnered with the YWCA at Greenbridge to showcase local artists in the lobby on a quarterly basis, and are working with Youth Media Institute and the Highline School District to implement non-violent extracurricular creative youth activities in the schools and in the White Center Downtown Business District.

But we have more work to do, and we are in urgent need of your support so that we can create the anchor of our vision and visiability, DREAM Community Gallery. We are asking for a small donation of $10.00 from 100 people, a $15.00 donation from 55 people, and 10 $100.00 donations. You will be supporting the entire White Center Cultural Community, helping to give visibility to local artists in all media, ages, and neighborhoods. A gift right now will assure that WCFTA can continue on our mission to be a catalyst for the coming together of the arts and cultural community of White Center. The time has come for a permanent home for the arts in White Center. Our current projects are:

• DREAM, a Community Gallery sustained by an in-house Coffee House, providing un-juried exhibition space for local artists and performers, and providing a safe gathering place, and empowering activities, for youth
• Development of our arts education programming
• Collection of oral histories and artifacts for a permanent local history collection
• Facilitating cross medium and cross cultural collaborations, and continuing to bring positive business to White Center through the Art Walk

We appreciate gifts of any amount, and in return WCFTA is working hard to promote art and culture in the daily life of White Center residents. We are to receive a $5,000 grant. We need more to open our Community Gallery by February 20^th, the first anniversary of White Center for the Arts. We have scheduled two dance performances, a musician, and two artists for the evening of February 20^th, and they are counting on your gift to help make this happen. When combined with the work of our dedicated volunteers, established, emerging, and students artists, the community as a whole will benefit from seeing our mission to bring art, and the celebration of culture and heritage to all of White Center and its neighbors, succeed.

To give a tax deductible donation, visit our website: http://www.whitecenterforthearts.org/

Sincerely,
Shelli Park
Chair, White Center for the Arts

P.S. You may be fortunate enough to have an employer that will match your gift. This is a great opportunity to give maximum impact with your gift to White Center for the Arts.

Even if you don’t live in White Center, but know that this is a worthy cause, please donate and know that you are supporting strong work in a beautiful community.”

(Photo by Brian Barr)

The Museum of Flight is holding an Engineering Fair this weekend, and the one event that stood out to us was the 15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, Feb. 13th from 8am to 5pm.

High School engineering students will be busy creating sturdy (and perhaps not-so-sturdy) bridges made entirely of Popsicle sticks and white glue, which to us sounds like a lot of fun (especially if they have to eat a lot of Popsicles beforehand to prepare).

Here are the details:

WHAT: Engineering Fair & the 15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 13th from 8:00am-5:00pm

WHERE: William M. Allen Theater at the Museum of Flight, located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Seattle; Phone: 206.764.5720

INFO: From the Museum of Flight’s website:

The Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers will put on a competition of bridges built using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. Each year teams of high school students from local schools build bridges that are strong, efficient, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The bridges will be judged and then tested to failure with a hydraulic press. Be sure to be in the room as each bridge snaps and broken Popsicle sticks fly everywhere. At 12:00 noon the winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded.

In the Museum’s Side Gallery, the Puget Sound Engineering Council will celebrate the annual National Engineers Week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day where those interested in engineering careers can learn more about the exciting opportunities available. Several university engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented.

Here’s a video about the Popsicle bridge competition:

Thursday’s update from King County Elections on Proposition 1 – the King County Library System “Library Levy,” has increased its “Yes” lead to 3.5%, up from 2.26% yesterday:

KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT”

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 224,563 / 647,133 • 34.70%

Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 115,269 • 51.75%
• NO: 107,477 • 48.25%

We’ll post further results as they are released (usually weekdays around 4pm), and the final tally won’t be official until Feb. 24th.

The language for Prop. 1, according to the Voter’s Pamphlet:

The Board of Directors of the King County Rural Library District adopted Resolution No. 2009-11 concerning an increase in the District’s regular property tax levy. In order to provide continued funding for the normal operation and maintenance of the King County library system, this proposition would authorize the District to restore regular property tax levy rate to $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value for collection in 2011, and to increase the levy in each year thereafter as allowed by chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved?

Last week (Wed., Feb. 3rd), Seattle Times Columnist Jerry Large wrote an editorial explaining why he thinks White Center would be a “good fit” for Seattle, and vice versa (link here) – an issue that has reared its head ever since new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said that he’d like to annex the area.

Of course, numerous folks around these parts think differently from both Large and McGinn (hey, weren’t they in a band together in the 60s?), including Burien City Councilmember Kathy Keene, who read Large’s column, then emailed us her response to him:

“Needless to say I do NOT agree and wrote the following letter to Mr. Large, to which he responded.”

Here’s the email dialogue she had with Mr. Large, which we print below with her permission:

From: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:21 AM
To: Jerry Large
Subject: Article on White Center

Dear Jerry,

I want to comment on your article last week on White Center.

Before I go any farther, let me introduce myself: I am a 23 year resident of the area (a veritable newcomer by most standards), and a 19 year Commissioner at Water District 20. We provide water to a very large portion of North Highline, in fact, the remaining unincorporated area east of 509 down to the Seattle city limits in South Park is in our service area. I also am in my first term on the Burien City Council.

As a small local government, Burien offers the residents in North Highline something Seattle will NEVER be able to: POWER TO THEIR VOICES! In Burien they will be 18,000 of 45 000, in Seattle they’ll be 18,000 of what? 600,000? Tell me how much power that gives them. In Burien we hold our Council meetings Monday at 7 PM, Seattle’s are 3:00, how many working folks can make those meetings? As an added bonus we’re a hop, skip and a jump from White Center, two jumps for Blvd Park, and the parking is FREE.

I would love to invite you to Burien and show you around. A Burien annexation of this entire area is a reuniting of a neighborhood that was one neighborhood for many many years. These folks are our brothers and sisters, our moms and dads, our cousins, our best friends. They shop in Burien. Like Burien, they are home owners and shop keepers, many have lived here for generations. I grew up in the little fishing village of Ballard. This area reminds me of my childhood – stable neighborhoods, generational families, extended families, a deep pride of community.

An annexation to Burien also ensures a continuation of the same services they now enjoy:

Libraries-currently the people of NH are part of the KCLS. If they become Seattle residents they lose that. The county may close down the White Center and Blvd Park libraries due to loss of tax revenue. It took Seattle 100 years to build a library in South Park, how long before they will build a replacement library in this area??? There are 8-10,000 people a month that use the White Center Library. I don’t have the figures for Blvd Park, but I do know it is also is the heart of their community. These facilities are a vital part of the human infrastructure of the area.

Speaking of infrastructure, the water distribution system in Water District 20’s boundaries are heads and shoulders above Seattle’s. Our system is almost totally rebuilt. We don’t wait for a pipe to break 3 times before we replace it; we are proactive. We don’t have the accidents like the Ravenna area has had recently. Approx. 35 years ago old WD 61 became a direct service customer of Seattle water; this area includes White Center, North Shorewood, Salmon Creek and the NW corner of Burien. A majority of that systems has not been touched since. The rate payers have no say in their rates and they pay a 10% out of service fee. (You pay, a 14% utility tax on your bill I believe) WD 20 and Burien have no utility taxes. By reuniting the entire area we can hopefully give all these folks back control of their water system and rates.

Another cost savings for the unincorporated area is their sewers. The western area is served by SW Suburban Sewer District (SWSSD), which has its own sewer treatment plants. We do NOT have to pay for Brightwater… look at your sewer bill, there is most likely a charge of $40 + to pay off the county bonds, which, I believe are 40 year bonds. I have been told that will probably go up to around $50/month. If this area becomes part of Seattle, I believe they will have to pay those rates because of the bond covenants, even if they remain in SWSSD.

Fire – Fire District 11 will go away and the entire area will be served by FD 2. The existing fire fighters will become FD 2 personnel. They know the area, which is helpful when every minute counts. When Burien was deciding on the boundaries of Phase 1 we included the fire station on 112th which serves this area now. Seattle was adamant that they needed that station to serve the area and parts of south Seattle. In a spirit of cooperation we honored their request. When the Seattle City Council was getting their briefing they were told this station isn’t adequate and White Center will be covered by the station in West Seattle…. I wonder how that will affect the response time? I wonder why we gave it up.

Police – If the area becomes part of Burien they will have the same police officers they have now, there will be a seamless transition. Our Sheriffs have been very effective dealing with crime in this area. So what happens to these officers if Seattle annexes? I realize they have the option to hire those that currently work there but there are issues of seniority, pay, benefits etc.

Debt-Burien has no debt, Seattle has many levy and bond measures that have to be paid. The new residents will be responsible for helping to pay for this debt since they now “enjoy the benefits”.

The focus of your article was on the social services and how the non profits could “help the people”. As you can see from what I’ve written there are many other aspects to consider. It is true Burien does not have the deep pockets of Seattle, but we do work well with the various support and non profit groups that work in our city. We look forward to working with the non profits you mentioned as well. Since these folks are receiving grant money from private agencies that money can also continue to flow into the area.

We are a small and nimble city, it is in our combined best interests to see that this area thrives. By having a government close by I anticipate the downtown core of White Center begin to fill up with new business run by the residents. As you pointed out there is a vibrancy in the area you don’t often see. That needs to be nurtured. Check into the B&O taxes Seattle charges, as well as space taxes, head tax, business license fees etc. These are a burden to beginning/small businesses. Burien doesn’t charge as much in B&O nor do we have any of those other ancillary taxes. We are a business friendly city and value the leadership and ideas they contribute to our community.

Again, I invite you back to the area, come on down to Burien some Monday evening and see our Council in action, walk around our downtown core and see what we have done – it was not done in a vacuum – the residents of Burien were very actively involved. This is the way we do business here – with the involvement  and support of our residents. This is the power we offer to the remainder of the unincorporated area. Doubts? Come watch us as we begin this process with the area that will become part of Burien in April. I admit it will take some time; these folks have been ignored, neglected, abused, and dictated to for too many years. They aren’t quite sure of their voice yet, but given time they will gain confidence and bring a new vibrancy to our city…. we will all be a better place. I look forward to including the remainder of the area – what a great city we will be!

Thank you for your time,
Kathy Keene

—– Original Message —–
From: Jerry Large
To: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 1:25 PM
Subject: RE: Article on White Center

Dear Kathy,

Thanks for the note. I’d love to visit with you about White Center and Burien. I’ll be away next week, but I can come down after that. I have deadlines on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you let me know a couple of times that would work with your schedule, we can find one that works.

Jerry

Jerry Large
Columnist
The Seattle Times

Also, Thursday morning Crosscut published another editorial about why White Center should join Seattle, this one penned by Jordan Royer. And yes, he’s the son of former Seattle Mayor Charlie Royer – read it here.

So…what do YOU think of this issue? Should Seattle be allowed to annex White Center? Or should Burien go for it? Please take our Poll below, or leave a Comment…

 Loading ...

Burien is losing more express Metro service to Downtown Seattle.

According to this new schedule, the last Burien Park and Ride express bus service into Seattle, leaves at 9:18 am. No express bus service will be offered again until 1:10 pm. This leaves a 4-hour commute time frame that gives riders the only options of going through West Seattle, or taking the Link. Both are very time consuming.

Contact the King County Department of Transportation and the Burien City Council with your concerns.

Metro Bus Route Changes – Service revisions begin this Saturday, February 6.

Some midday trip eliminations on the 121, but two new a.m. and two new p.m. peak-period trips have been added.

Northbound trips leaving the Burien Transit Center at 9:58 am, 10:26 am and 1:09 pm, southbound trips leaving 3rd Ave & Pike St at 9:17 am and 1:36 pm, and the southbound trip leaving 7th Ave & Blanchard St at 12:17 pm will be discontinued.

Northbound Route 121 to downtown Seattle will have two new peak-period trips arriving at 3rd Ave & Pike St about 7:35 and 8:30 am. Southbound Route 121 to Burien will also have two new peak-period trips leaving 7th Ave & Blanchard St about 3:39 and 4:27 pm. WSDOT is funding these additional peak-period trips on Route 121 to keep people, businesses and the economy moving during Alaskan Way Viaduct construction. Visit
www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct

More service change information: http://metro.kingcounty.gov/up/scvchange.html

- Meg Van Wyk
Burien Park and Ride patron

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

BTB Advertiser Pro Se University wants our Readers to know that Seattle Family Law Attorney and CEO Marie White will be offering FREE Attorney Support on Tuesdays, Feb. 16th and March 2nd, to help you with any family law issue.

Sign up for a free 30-minute appointment now, but keep in mind that there is a limited number of these free appointments available.

For more information, click here.

[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!]

The Port of Seattle Commission released a draft of its memorandum of agreement (download PDF here) with the State of Washington Monday (Feb. 1st) detailing its contribution to the proposed bored tunnel project that would replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Public testimony and comment are being sought by the commission prior to their vote.

The memorandum spells out the port’s intent to make an investment in this program, which is not to exceed $300 million during construction of the Viaduct Replacement Program. The port’s contribution will be linked to improvements that promote freight mobility and access to port facilities. Freight, cruise, agriculture, daily commuters and neighborhoods depend on this vital traffic corridor every day, and the corridor is essential to our regional economy.

The port commission is asking for your input before they make a decision on the MOA. There are several ways in which you can comment over the next two weeks:

• E-mail comments to Viaduct MOA Comments: viaduct@portseattle.org
• Mail comments must be received by close of business Monday, February 8, to:

Viaduct MOA Comments
Attn: Christine Lee, Regional Transportation
PO Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111

Public testimony can be provided at two upcoming Commission meetings:

• Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 1:00 p.m., (MOA item will come up around 2:30p.m.) at Aviation High School, 615 South 200th St. in Des Moines
• Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 1:00 p.m., Port Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way in Seattle
  

The commission is expected to make a decision on the MOA, following public comments, at their February 9th meeting.

King County Councilmember Julia Patterson donated a “retired” eight-passenger van to Sea Mar Community Health Centers Wednesday (Jan. 20th), in an effort to help South King County’s growing Latino community.

There are 50 non-profit, community Sea Mar locations in King County, with two in Burien, including a dental clinic at 18010 8th Avenue South and a medical clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd. SW. There are also two clinics in White Center, and recovery center in Des Moines.

Patterson was greeted by a crowd of grateful volunteers and staff who were eager to take a look inside the shiny, blue, van and welcome her to Sea Mar (see pic below).

“I am very touched by the work of Sea Mar Community Health Centers and their commitment to providing quality, comprehensive care to individuals and families across King County,” said Councilmember Patterson. “Their Des Moines location serves an incredibly diverse, low-income population, which will benefit greatly from having this new mode of transportation to and from much-needed medical and dental appointments.”

Sea Mar Community Health Centers was established in 1978 with a single medical clinic serving Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. Today, Sea Mar, a private, non-profit community health center, operates nearly 50 medical, dental and behavioral health clinics and centers in 10 western Washington counties.  Sea Mar is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive health and human services to diverse communities, including low income, underserved and uninsured populations. Sea Mar specializes in services to Latinos and is an innovative leader in the delivery of bilingual and culturally appropriate healthcare and social services. For more information, visit Sea Mar’s website here.

”We are pleased that the County has selected our inpatient, long-term treatment program as a beneficiary of its van distribution program,” said Rogelio Riojas, Sea Mar’s Chief Executive Officer. “We intend to make the van available to any resident or person who comes to the treatment center for care and services. It will be a great resource for our program.”

Since 1995, the King County Council has donated vans to nonprofit groups to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, elderly, youth, or people with disabilities in King County. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles. This is the eighth year that each member of the council has been able to donate vans.

The vans were donated through an annual application process.

For more information about applying for a van, contact Councilmember Patterson’s Office at (206) 296-1005.

Councilmember Julia Patterson (holding flowers) is joined by volunteers and staff at the Sea Mar Community Health Center after the delivery of a retired Metro Vanpool van to the agency Jan. 20.

In a down economy, it’s always reassuring to hear of successful fundraising efforts, and the Greater Seattle YMCA has some great news – their recent $40 million capital campaign has not only hit its goal, but has exceeded it by over $800,000.

Here’s more info from their press release:

The YMCA’s historic $40 million capital campaign has successfully concluded with a total of $40.86 million in contributions. This includes prestigious challenge grants of $950,000 from The Kresge Foundation for facility construction and $1.25 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to grow the YMCA’s endowment for camp scholarships. The campaign’s success is a remarkable achievement in the current economic environment.

The campaign has enabled:

• Construction of three new YMCA facilities in some of the fastest-growing parts of King County
• Remodeling and expansion of the Central District’s Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA
• Enhancements to the YMCA’s two overnight camps, Camp Orkila and Camp Colman
• Financial aid for 1,300 low-income youth annually to take part in overnight camping and outdoor environmental education programs

According to volunteer Campaign Chair Matt Griffin, “The impact of our investment in three new YMCAs, improvements to existing facilities, and an increased endowment will strengthen our entire community for generations to come.”

Already the three new YMCA facilities – Dale Turner Family YMCA in Shoreline, Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac, and Coal Creek Family YMCA in Newcastle – have attracted more than 18,000 new members, many of whom have not previously had access to the range of classes, programs and services the YMCA provides. These include youth enrichment and leadership programs, health and well-being activities, on-site child care, aquatics, gymnasiums, community kitchens, nutrition programs and public meeting spaces. In addition, the new facilities are creating programs specifically geared to the ethnic communities in their neighborhoods and hiring staff who speak the languages of those communities.

Approximately 150 volunteers and 900 contributors took part in the capital campaign. YMCA President and CEO Robert B. Gilbertson, Jr. credits them with its success.  “Our YMCA volunteer leaders and the hundreds of individuals and organizations they engaged as contributors are deeply committed to helping youth and families lead healthy, successful lives and building strong communities. That’s what this campaign was intended to do and the results have exceeded our expectations.”

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle:
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is a charitable, non-profit organization serving King and south Snohomish counties since 1876. Reaching more than 160,000 people annually through 12 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites, the YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services in child care, youth development, education, foster care, family support, wellness and outdoor experiences. More information may be found at seattleymca.org.

The third annual “UpChuck” memorial, named after the late Charles “UpChuck” Moore, will be Saturday, Feb. 20th at The Barrel Tavern, located at 11051 First Ave South.

This annual event serves as a fundraiser for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims.

Moore, also known as “UpChuck,” was tragically murdered by his stepson in 2005. He was a regular patron of The Barrel and a resident of the Top Hat neighborhood, and his picture hangs on the wall of the tavern. He is missed by all who knew and loved him.

Here’s the original (and gruesome) news story as printed in The Seattle P-I on 1/28/05:

BOULEVARD PARK — King County sheriff’s detectives believe a man who survived a stabbing acted in self-defense when he killed his half-brother.

Jason Moore, 24, was found bleeding from stab wounds outside his Boulevard Park home late Jan. 20. Inside were his father, Charles Moore, 48, and his half-brother, William Moore, 29, both dead from stab wounds.

Sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said it appears that William Moore attacked his sleeping stepfather by hitting him in the head with a heavy object and stabbing him repeatedly in the neck. When Jason Moore went to investigate, his older brother stabbed him, Urquhart said. The fight moved through the house, and the younger brother managed to grab a kitchen knife and fatally stab his older brother.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Apple Dumpling Gang Motorcycle Club and The Barrel Tavern present the 3rd Annual Charles Moore Benefit for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims

WHEN: Saturday, February 20th, starting at 2pm at the Auburn Eagles Hall.

WHERE:

• 2 p.m. Meet & leave from Auburn Eagles, located at 702 M Ste SE, Auburn, WA (253-833-2298)
• Ride through Tahoma National Cemetery, located at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Wa 98042
• Ending at: The Barrel, located at 11051 1st Ave S. Seattle, (206-244-7390)

INFO: The run leaves the Auburn Eagles at 2pm, with a ride through the Tahoma National Cemetery, then back to the Barrel around 3:30pm.

• Door prizes will start being given away around 4pm.
• There will be ribs, spaghetti, Caesar salad and garlic bread for $10 a plate.
• Silent auction until about 7pm.
• Then at or about 7pm we will draw the 50/50 winner, followed by a raffle for a trip to Reno.
• Music will begin at 8pm with The Billy Shew Band.
• All proceeds go to the charity.

Grand Prize will be a trip to Reno.

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday (Jan. 19th) that they have arrested two men they allege had committed numerous “takeover” robberies, including the Jan. 13th one of the Silver Dollar Casino in SeaTac.

The men were alleged to be involved in robberies of casinos, a bank, and a check cashing business in SeaTac, Renton, Shoreline, Lynnwood and Snohomish County.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart, during these takeover robberies, the men would typically wear masks and gloves, as well as often carrying shotguns in each hand. These types of crimes are dramatic, and are considered especially dangerous to victims, witnesses and bystanders.

The two bad guys were arrested Friday morning (Jan. 15th) around 1:45am, after a Shoreline patrol sergeant noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near two casinos on N. 167th. He pulled in behind the car and the driver quickly drove off. A short pursuit ensued until the sergeant used a PIT maneuver and the car was stopped near NE 163rd and Ashworth. The driver took off running and the passenger was taken into custody. The arrested man is 46 years old from Seattle.

The driver initially escaped, but evidence recovered led detectives to believe these two were involved in numerous armed robberies.

After further investigation, the second man was arrested at his home in Edmonds late Friday afternoon. He is 34 years old.

Detectives from at least four jurisdictions were looking for these two armed robbers who “takeover” the business being robbed.

Takeover-style robberies are considered especially dangerous to victims, witnesses, and bystanders. These robbers are considered armed and dangerous!

In some of the robberies one of the suspects carries a shotgun in one hand and a shotgun the other.

Robbery Details: Both robbers wore masks and gloves. A puffy black jacket was worn in several of the robberies. One of the robbers fires his gun into the air during two of the robberies.

Here’s the dates and locations of the robberies:

• October 26th 1:40pm. Check to Cash in Renton on Rainier Ave South. A shotgun and pistol were displayed.
• October 29th 3:00pm. Bank of America in Lynnwood along SW 196th. One suspect has guns in both hands, a shotgun and pistol. The other man is armed “only” with a pistol. A shot is fired as they exit the bank.
• November 13th 6:30am. Goldie’s Casino in Shoreline. Only one suspect inside the casino, armed with a shotgun and pistol. He robs the casino’s cash cage and gets into a waiting vehicle driven by another suspect. A shot is fired as he flees the area.
• December 2nd 7:00pm. Royal Casino, Snohomish County, along SR99. Lone robber armed with a shotgun and pistol.
• January 13th 5:00am. Silver Dollar Casino, City of SeaTac along International Blvd. Two suspects, one armed with a shotgun and pistol, the other with a pistol.

In addition, other area robberies may be related but have not yet been linked.

Formal charges are expected later this week.

Here’s surveillance video from Goldie’s Casino of these robbers in action:

We know there are no excuses for posting this video so late, as the event took place last Sunday (Jan. 10th), but, um…we left our Flip camera in our other pants, and since we weren’t wearing any to begin with…

Actually, we hate to just throw up lame raw video, and editing takes time, and um…there’s that whole “other pants” thing again.

But first, a little interesting behind-the-scenes backstory:

Two days before the pantsless prank, we received the following email from Emerald City Improv’s Kelsey Wildstone:

First, please remember that we’re trying to be inconspicuous here.

If you’d like to film the event with a motion camera, try to find a way to disguise your camera in a box or something to make it a sort of “hidden camera”.

Use some creativity here, but the point is that we’d like to avoid people seeing you openly point a camera around.

Considering that we respect the fine art of successful pranking, and that our Publisher used to work on a hidden camera TV show (“Totally Hidden Video,” Fox), we wanted to abide by this request (unlike some local TV news stations who just showed up and shot with their huge cameras and “Reporters”). The end result was that our shooter Mark Neuman went out of his way to “disguise” our Flip camera thusly:

Mark discovered that the Flip cam fit nicely inside an empty coffeecup. Just don't put it in a full one...

A little bit of cloth and tape secured the cam in tight.

...and with a hole cut in the side, it's hidden camera time!

Okay, so here it is (finally!)…with video shot by Neuman, featuring Bart Bryan, edited by Scott Schaefer and featuring the groovy public domain hit “Midnight Special” recorded by some long-dead dude named Bill Cox in 1933, ironically during the last Great Depression when not wearing pants wasn’t a prank, it was a way of life:

Also, we were very curious to find out what the MuckyMucks at SoundTransit thought of this pantsless prank, so we sent an email to Andrew Schmid, Sound Transit Media Relations director –here’s his response:

Q: Was ST aware beforehand that this was going to happen?
A: No, we were totally caught with our… (unless you lack internet access, it was almost impossible to not know about this event).

Q: Did ST security goes pantsless?
A: No.

Q: Was security worried about this prank at all?
A: Slightly – our security is worried about everything.

Q: Did this event increase ridership? if so, by how much? (have any estimate on the # of pantsless?)
A: Yes, but the infrared technology on Link’s Automatic Passenger Counting machines is not designed to distinguish between the pant-sed and the pants challenged.

Q: Will ST tolerate future events like this?
A: So long as folks follow our code of conduct (read it here).

Q: Will ST ever sponsor future events like this?
A: No.

Q: How about creating some ST underwear for folks to wear?
A: Sorta already been done – see this.

Q: Did you, or any other ST officials, attend?
A: NO COMMENT

And in case you haven’t seen the other videos, here they are:

Acting as your own lawyer – as a pro se party – may well be the most challenging thing a person ever does.

Our latest Advertiser, Pro Se University PS, offers webinars and seminars on specific family law issues. They walk people through the process of completing paperwork, filing their paperwork, getting ready for the courtroom, and understanding court courtesy. They also provide one-on-one attorney and paralegal support. They can help you through the confusing process of adjusting or modifying your child support if you cannot afford an attorney.

They know the problems, they understand the process and they know how to help you.

• Are you receiving too little child support?
• Are you paying too much child support?
• Do you need help with daycare or uninsured medical expenses?
• Are you still paying daycare expenses for a child no longer in daycare?
• Does your child need help paying for college?

These are just a few of the possible reasons that you might need to adjust your child support payment or modify your child support order. If you feel that you have a good reason to make a change, contact Pro Se University PS for help. You can give them a call at 877-776-7310 or email them at info@proseuniversity.com. Their services are a small fraction of the cost of full service legal representation.

As you move through each step of the complex and confusing court process, you can attend the one-hour Pro Se University PS Webinar or Seminar that addresses that step. Throughout the life of your case, you can continue to attend Webinars or Seminars specific to the phase of your case.

Coming up in the next few weeks will be webinars and seminars covering Drafting a Child Support Order, Motion to Adjust Child Support and Petition to Modify a Child Support Order (class schedule here). Over the next several months, this menu of Webinars and Seminars will be expanded to help you work through your other family law Issues. The one-hour webinars and seminars are $65 each. Paralegal support is $65 per hour and attorney support is $200 per hour.

Pro Se University PS works with people in either the Kent or Seattle superior court systems in King County. For more information visit their website – www.proseuniversity.com.

First go to school…then go to court – Pro Se University!

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, 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!]

by Theresa Frasch

I emailed the link from The B-Town blog to my friend Pam a few days ago and said, “You are the only one I know that would do this with me. Want to?” After a little cajoling and the promise of boxers, she and her daughter agreed.

We were in the first group to get on the light rail. Everybody was assigned different stops to “de-pant.” We were stop number two. There were two guys sitting in our section looking very nervous. One of them said to the other, “I don’t think I’m going to be able to do this.” I asked which stop they were and he said, “Two.” “Well, so are we – so we’ll all do it at the same time. Remember, when the doors close”

At stop number two we were prepared. Just as the doors were closing and we were preparing to de-pant we heard a lady walking toward us. She was saying, “That is highly inappropriate.” She walked through our car repeating that phrase as we were taking our pants off. Guy number two lost his nerve! He regained it at stop number three with a little help from his new found friends.

All five of us got off at the Beacon Hill stop to mix it up a little and wait for the next train. That was pretty safe – it was underground. Then we got off at Columbia City – out in the real world, but still pretty protected. The ultimate test was the Rainier Beach stop – right in the middle of the street, nowhere to hide, traffic coming from both directions.

The train was rolling to a stop. We girls said we were going to do it. The guys said they weren’t. I told them they’d regret it if they didn’t. “Next year,” they said. The doors opened. “Come on,” I said. They protested. Finally I grabbed one and just pulled him out the door with us and the other one followed. We had so much fun watching the passersby faces! When we got back on for our final destination our new friends thanked us for “making” them go with us.

Thanks to Emerald City Improv for giving us such a good laugh and a chance to have some fun.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of Sunday’s “No Pants!” pics, taken by various Flickr Photogs:

Click to View Photo Slideshow

Here’s a video from today’s “No Pants!” Subway ride in NYC:

Read our other coverage here.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of reports on Sunday's "No Pants! Link Light Rail Ride," where Reporter Gina Bourdage was brave (or foolish) enough to ride public transportation and drop trou. Look for more reports soon, including a first-hand video from Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman]

by Gina Bourdage

Most days being in your undies in public would be the nightmare we just woke up from.

Today is not that day.

After a frenzied Internet campaign via Facebook, the NYC group Improv Everywhere convinced people nationwide, myself included, to ride public transit today in their skivvies.

I have had that little voice in the back of my head ask me numerous times “What the heck are you thinking?!” and to be completely honest I have tried to talk myself out of participating.

In hindsight of the type of year 2009 turned out to be, most of us could use a little more light-hearted humor in 2010.

According to the Improv Everywhere website, “not taking life too seriously” is exactly the reason behind the nationwide “No Pants!” rides on buses, trains and subways all over the country today.

So relax, take a deep breath, drop trou and enjoy life…

Yep, actually getting out of the car and taking off the pants without the little voice telling me i am officially crazy was impossible. If it weren’t for the other twenty or so fellow pantsless participants I might turn and run. It is a little odd with children pointing “Hey mommy?!” but thank goodness everyone is “decent” and there’s nothing here you wouldn’t see on a beach.

After the first stop half the train is pants free. Who knew it was so easy to get people to rock their undies in public?

Oh boy this went to another level when i just saw a pantsless family.

I am impressed with the level that we, the pantsless mob, have pulled this off. Never have I seen so many strangers be so friendly with a smile and supportive silent acknowledgment that there really is something bigger going on here.

The confused and bewildered looks of the unsuspecting other riders is worth all the initial butterflies.

I encourage everyone to be a part of something that brings people together the way this has.

Here are some pics of the event (more to come so keep checking back, and if you participated and have some, please email us!):

Photo of pantsless women at Sea-Tac Airport courtesy Monica Guzman of SeattlePI.com.

Here are some pics sent in by Readers “xtina” and “hollywood,” who added:

“The ride was great…So much fun we got off and on at different spots … ending at Westlake and walked to Fox Sports Bar where we enjoyed a cold one in our undies… Way fun”

Read Report #2 here.

by Scott Schaefer

Scott Gifford was born and raised in Normandy Park, spent a lot of time in Burien, went to school and got his first job here and now works as an attorney in Seattle.

His passion now?

To “save the vampire bats!” (and other animals) which live in the Nocturnal House at Woodland Park Zoo.

Due to budget constraints, the Zoo is planning on shutting down this exhibit, which Gifford (and many others) consider to be its best. In fact, Gifford is so passionate about this cause that he’s spearheading a “Save the Nocturnal House” rally at the zoo this Sunday at 1pm (learn more about it at his Facebook page here, which has over 9,000 “Fans”).

“The Nocturnal House…is by far the best exhibit at the zoo and is pretty unique,” Gifford said. “While times are tough, we need to not lose the things that make the Zoo so great. For many this is their only chance to actually see the wonderful creatures that inhabit the nighttime world.”

The Nocturnal House contains many unique animals that are of course nocturnal, like bats, sloths, armadillos and others. If you’ve ever been through it, you know how unique it is – visitors must first stay in a darkened lobby to adjust their eyes, and are required to be very quiet as you meander through a winding hallway with glass enclosures on both sides. Once adjusted, you then enter a darkened, meandering hallway where you can watch bats hanging upside-down, sloths scampering around and much more on both sides. Its a favorite of children and adults, but was built in the 70s and is in a rundown building.

According to a press release from the zoo:

“The Night Exhibit is very expensive to operate. It is an older building with very high operating costs and its energy use is one of the highest in the zoo and inconsistent with our sustainability goals. We knew we could place some of the animals elsewhere in the zoo, and move others to other zoos.

Over the next two to three years, we will re-examine the building to come up with a long-term, sustainable operation.

Closing it will save about $300,000 in operating costs annually.”

Gifford is asking folks who are interested in saving this exhibit to show up at the zoo this Sunday at 1pm for a rally in front of it. If you can’t attend, Gifford adds:

“You could also make a donation to the zoo and state that it is for saving the Nocturnal House. A monthly one even that you will stop if they do shut it down. Show them that we not only love the Nocturnal House, but are willing to step up and help with the cost of maintaining it.”

To donate to the Zoo online, click here.

“Save the vampire bats!!!” says Gifford.

And he’s not joking.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Rat City Roller Girl (and really…who hasn’t?), now’s your chance – they’re looking for “fresh meat”! Beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9th, they’re inviting women who want to try out to come to their open practices, which continue on Saturday, Jan. 16th and Saturday, Feb. 6th at their training facility.

In order to qualify, you must be 21, have a “ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile” and be willing to devote time to practice.

According to a press release:

Wondering if you have what it takes? ….

Join us for practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays: January 9, 16 and February 6 at the Rat City training facility (“The Rat’s Nest”). Representatives from the Rat City Rollergirls Fresh Meat Committee will be on hand to answer any questions, and RCRG league members will skate along side you at practice to offer tons of tips and advice for the day of tryouts. This is your opportunity to come participate in an actual practice and drills with your future league mates. Saturday practices are open to all skaters who wish to try out, are ready to sign a liability waiver (attached) and pay a $10 (cash only) only drop in fee per session…..

Minimum requirements to be an RCRG league:

• Two to three 2-hour practices per week
• A minimum of 6 hours of committee work a month
• Timely payment of monthly dues – $35
• Timely payment of Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA)annual insurance – $5
• Proper safety gear (helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards)
• Read and understand the official WFTDA derby rules – ..http://wftda.com/rules .
• Purchase of team uniform and league jersey ..
• Current primary medical insurance
• You will willingly adhere to the RCRG Skater Code of Conduct
• 21 years of age
• A ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination and a nice smile ….

Have questions or ready to get signed up for tryouts? Please e-mail freshmeat@ratcityrollergirls.com to RSVP.

Additional details will be emailed upon completed registration.

For more info, check out their website here.

KING-TV is reporting Wednesday (Jan. 6th) that Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner agents raided a Burien business called Premier Auto Glass and Auto Glass Experts investigating for evidence of fraud and theft.

The companies serve as mobile car windshield replacement firms, and they’re suspected of cheating insurance companies and customers by billing for more expensive original equipment manufactured (OEM) glass but using cheaper aftermarket glass. Insurance companies are typically billed for the more expensive OEM windshields.

Agents collected boxes of business records, files and computers from the business during the raid, and it will apparently take weeks to sift through everything.

According to our initial research, Premier Auto Glass and Auto Glass Experts offices are located at 14612 20th Ave SW in Burien.

Here’s KING’s video report (read the full story here):

Burien resident Tom Nelligan will be channeling Elvis this Friday (Jan. 8th) when he returns to the 13th annual Seattle Invitationals, the contest to find the area’s best amateur Elvis tribute artist!

Tom has lived in Burien for years and is a local painting contractor – but on the side, in his heart-of-hearts, he’s a hip-swivelin’, pelvis-shakin’ Elvis Tribute Artist!

He’ll be “leaving the (Burien) building” this Friday night to perform at the Seattle Invitationals, hoping to take home the top prize by singing the crowd favorite “I Got A Woman.”

Here are the details:

Rockabilly Queen and Burien resident "SWEETPEA" poses with Tom Nelligan and Burien native Marlow Harris as Priscilla.

WHAT: Seattle Invitationals – The search for the new amateur King of Rock and Roll, featuring Burien’s own Tom Nelligan!

WHEN: Friday, January 8th at 8pm (Elvis’ 75th Birthday!)

WHERE: Club Motor, located at 1950 First Ave. S. in SODO, Seattle

COST: Tickets are $12.00 in advance & $15.00 at the door; buy tickets online here.

INFO: From their flier:

That’s right, the thirteen-year old “mother of all Seattle amateur musical contests” is back in style for 2010…

On The King’s Birthday, Friday January 8th 2009, this beloved Seattle institution returns to Seattle and TO beckon impersonators from near and far to represent just what “The King” really means to them!  There is only one place in Seattle each year where you can see thirty different impersonators in full hip-gyrating, fried Chicken-eating and swooning action… You’ll probably even see his wife Priscilla, manager Colonel Tom Parker and even Red West, The King’s alleged best friend in the crowd or on stage… it’s all at the Seattle Invitationals !

Each Amateur performer in attendance will tackle one of the Kings many personas: the innocent and magnetic country boy, the hip-swinging rockabilly superstar, Army Elvis, the Hollywood playboy, the devout gospel singer, or the diamond-studded, gold-sun glassed Vegas crooner. Each impersonator will get one chance to show what he (or she) is made of – a single shot to perform a song, in costume, backed by the fabulous Kentucky Rain band!

A panel of celebrity judges and an audience clap-o-meter decide on who will be crowned The King of the Seattle Invitationals…

Live Music!  Comedy!  Over 20 professional and amateur Elvis Tribute Artists!

Judges include VFTA (Vern Fonk Tribute Artist) Robert Thielke, Rockabilly Queen Sweetpea, Priscilla and The Colonel!

Hosted by Seattle comedian Nicole Lucas, with special Guest Appearance by Robert Washington, winner of Image of Elvis contest in Memphis!

Opening by THE KINGS, female-fronted Elvis tribute band.

Starring THE KENTUCKY RAIN BAND!

More information at http://www.SeattleInvitationals.com

And here’s the best video we could find from a previous Invitational, with KING-TV’s Jim Dever doing his Elvis:

Monday afternoon (Jan. 4th), the King County Council appointed former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the District 8 seat, taking over from when Dow Constantine became Executive.

Drago won by a unanimous vote after Rep. Joe McDermott’s election stalemated in a 4-4 tie and Councilman Larry Phillips suggested a vote for her.

There were four finalists for the position: McDermott; state Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila; Drago; and Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island.

Drago, who failed to make the general election for Seattle Mayor, claims that she will not run for re-election in November 2010.

At one time, four of the 11 original candidates for this vacancy were from the Burien area (Dr. Arun Jhaveri, Lucy Krakowiak; Kathleen Quong-Vermeire, and Shawn McEvoy), as well as two members of the original selection committee (Joan McGilton and Doug Osterman), but in the end none of our peeps got very far.

According to Drago’s Seattle City Council website bio:

Jan Drago has been a member of the Seattle City Council since January 1994, following her election in November 1993.

Prior to her election, she had been a small business owner (Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shoppes franchise owner, (1980-1991) and a school teacher (1973-1978).

She is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University (B.A., Psychology).

She and her husband Noel are the parents of four sons and two grandsons.

Here’s the council’s official press release:

The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy created in County Council District 8 when Dow Constantine was sworn in as County Executive.

“I am honored to be selected to serve the people of District 8,” said Drago shortly after her swearing-in by Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer. “I look forward to working with the Council and the communities and neighborhoods that make up the district on the challenges that we face this year.”

Drago will act as a caretaker in District 8, serving until the certification of the Nov 2010 general election when the new Councilmember for the district will be sworn in.

“Jan Drago is an experienced public official and policy-maker, and I look forward to working with her,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.

“Jan will make a wonderful addition to the King County Council,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “She knows the issues facing District 8 and will hit the ground running to serve her constituents well.”

“Jan Drago has a distinguished career serving our community, having been elected to serve Seattle residents four times,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I am confident she will represent the citizens of District 8 well until they have the chance to elect their permanent representative this fall.”

“The residents of King County will benefit from Jan’s experience, especially when it comes to addressing the 2010 budget,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Drago served on the Seattle City Council from 1994 through 2009, having served as Council President for four years and as Chair of the Council’s Budget Committee from 1999-2003. Drago, a graduate of Rutgers University, was a small business owner and school teacher prior to joining the Seattle City Council.

“I was looking for an independent minded person who could work with all of my colleagues,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “With Jan Drago we get that and a wealth of local government experience as well. I’m pleased to welcome her and look forward to working with her between now and November.”

“Jan Drago is an experienced local leader and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague on the King County Council,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson.

“I look forward to working with Jan Drago on the many complex issues facing King County, “ said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “I am sure that Jan will serve her constituents well over the next 11 months.”

“All the candidates we considered were very qualified,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We are fortunate to have such talented, informed leaders to choose from. After working with Councilmember Drago at the City of Seattle, I am confident that she can hit the ground running and offer her considerable government and business experience to the County. We appreciate her budget expertise and familiarity with the issues facing King County.”

Drago was selected out of the 11 applicants who applied to replace Constantine. All of the applicants were interviewed by a 12-member advisory committee of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8. The advisory committee sent the Council Drago as well as the names of three other candidates:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

The committee stressed Drago’s proven ability in budget, transportation and labor matters, her strong regional relationships and the potential to strengthen partnerships with the city of Seattle because of her time on the city Council.

UPDATE 5:45pm 1/4/10: Late this afternoon, Councilmember Larry Phillips released this statement, chock full of political irony:

“I made it clear on December 14th with my vote for Senator Joe McDermott that I strongly support him as the best representative to fill the District 8 vacancy. He has an impressive show of support from the people of District 8, has demonstrated leadership as a state senator tackling many of the most pressing issues for our community, and is a historic choice as the first openly gay person to serve of the County Council. I hope to have the opportunity to serve alongside Senator McDermott this fall.

“The council deliberated for many hours over Senator McDermott’s appointment, but—despite having my vote and the vote of three of my colleagues—Senator McDermott was unable to garner the five votes on the Council needed to secure the appointment. Councilmember Jan Drago, who along with Senator McDermott was endorsed by a group of District 8 citizens who vetted the potential candidates, was supported by four other Councilmembers on December 14th while I remained loyal in my support of Senator McDermott.

“The Council has remained at an impasse for the three weeks that followed, with no end in sight. The bottom line is that four votes plus four votes equals zero representation for District 8, and that is unacceptable. It’s is time to end the impasse and end the disenfranchisement of District 8 citizens. They deserve representation as the Council begins taking up business in 2010.

“Councilmember Drago has been elected by the citizens of this community four times, has strong Democratic credentials, and is willing to represent District 8 as a caretaker until the November election. So although Senator McDermott remains my first choice to represent District 8, today I joined my colleagues in supporting Jan Drago for the District 8 appointment.”

Sea-Tac Airport will be offering a special discount for Seahawks fans, with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the final home game on Sunday, Jan. 3rd versus the Tennessee Titans.

The idea is to allow affordable parking and encourage fans to take Sound Transit’s Link light rail from SeaTac to the “Stadium” stop near Qwest Field for just $2.50 each way.

According to a press release received Wed., Dec. 30th:

Sea-Tac Airport offers special parking rate for Hawks Fans

$2 per hour in Terminal Direct for football fans connecting with Link light rail

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invites fans to score a “TD” with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the Seahawks final home game Jan. 3 versus the Tennessee Titans.

Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link light rail’s new SeaTac/Airport Station. You’ll park on the 4th floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Link station.

On Jan. 3, customers parking in Terminal Direct will enjoy a $2 per hour rate if they arrive between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. – plenty of time to experience the quick, convenient ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to stations near Qwest Field. Terminal Direct tickets during that time period will automatically be credited with the discount rate when you exit the airport parking garage.

Hawks fans riding Link to the game can skip any post-game ticket lines by getting an ORCA card from any ticket vending machine before boarding. ORCA cards can be used like cash or as a transit pass on trains, buses or ferries throughout the region. For a limited time, cards are available with no card fee. Starting Feb. 1, a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. ORCA – One Regional Card for All – will replace about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single smart card. ORCA’s replacement of most paper transfer slips on Jan. 1 means ORCA can help riders avoid paying full price when they transfer. More information on ORCA is available at http://www.orcacard.com

The opening of SeaTac/Airport Station on Dec. 19 means easier access to ORCA and to Link light rail for thousands of visitors, commuters, and Sea-Tac Airport employees. 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. A ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station is 36 minutes and costs $2.50.

More information available at Sound Transit’s website here.

The B-Town Blog is pleased to welcome our newest Advertisers and the first for our all-new premiere “Page Peel” spot, which is located in the upper right hand corner and is sort of waving at you. Check it out, and while you’re at it, click through to the websites of our new friends Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet.

Remember, when buying a car…keep it local!

Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet have been family-owned and operated locally for over a quarter century. The Anderson family still takes a keen interest in the local community, actively participating in numerous charities and fundraisers.  Our people really do make the difference locally; and you know that when you do business at these local dealerships, you’re not just a faceless number on the computer of some publicly-traded corporation in a faraway place.

The people and employees of Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet have a stake in what happens here locally and they go all-out every day to ensure that your sales and service experience is top-notch. Winner of the prestigious President’s Award, Burien Toyota takes customer satisfaction very seriously. If you’re ever unhappy with your visit, feel free to ask for a manager by name: Ted, Tony, John, Kevin or Sharon. They will go the extra step to service your needs.

The motto at Burien Chevrolet is “Nobody Makes It Easier!”  As true today as it was a half century ago, when it was known as Glen Grant Chevrolet, this local dealership has been all about families taking care of families. To borrow a phrase, the experience you’ll have at Burien Chevrolet is one of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.”

This is not just some cold, anonymous car dealership – this is a place where you’ll feel welcomed. It’s a place where you’ll get a deal that you’ll feel good about!

We sometimes need to be reminded, too, that when we do business locally, our tax dollars go to work right here in our own community. Auto dealerships comprise the largest contributors to the tax base of the City of Burien. And it’s good to know that such fine businesses are not far from where you are! And if life should take an unexpected turn and you find an accident or crash has dented your fine automobile, they’ve got you covered, with the largest Collision Center in the area (call Victor at 206-243-0700).

So for top-notch automobile sales, service, body shop, rental cars, fleet vehicles & medium-duty trucks, remember Burien Toyota & Burien Chevrolet.

Burien Toyota
15025 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148

Sales: 888-436-1172
Service: 888-468-0481
Collision: 888-810-5057
Parts 888-814-3575

www.burientoyota.com

Burien Chevrolet
14400 1st Ave S
Seattle, WA 98168

Sales: 888.849.2946
Service: 888.843.4720

www.burienchevrolet.com

[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!]

Burien native and current University of Washington freshman Ellen Van Wyk was digging in the dirt to prepare for planting grapes at the campus greenhouse on Oct. 22nd when she uncovered something very unusual.

That “something” turned out to be a historic 4,000 to 7,000-year-old Native American spear tip, making this one of the most significant on-campus finds in 90 years.

Experts from the UW’s Burke Museum have since dug three test pits near the discovery site and have uncovered two more stone tool fragments. They will most likely display the historic spear tip and the other newly uncovered artifacts, but no date has been set.

According to her Mother, Meg:

Ellen has lived in Burien since she was 3 years old and attended Highline Public schools. She graduated in 2009 from MRHS. She is attending the honors college at U of W. She has a very strong interest in organic, sustainable farming, which is why she is active at the farm at the UW. At the time of discovery, the students were preparing the soil for planting a row of grapes. Ellen happened to be at the right spot at the right time and was able to determine she had something of interest.

Last year Ellen won 1st place in the state PTA Reflections contest for her art work. She placed as an honorable mention, nationally. She was also one of the local student artists featured in the 20/20 night event in Burien.

We caught up with Ellen, a freshman at the UW, and asked her some questions:

Ellen Van Wyk, left, shows the Native American spear tip she found to Laura Phillips of the Burke Museum. Photo by Mary Levin, University of Washington.

A: Correct. I went to Sunnydale, Shorewood, Sylvester and Mount Rainier High School.

Q: What are you studying at the UW? When do you graduate, etc.?

A: I’m not quite sure yet, but probably either art or plant biology.  I’m scheduled to graduate in 2013.

Q: Tell us what you found at the UW campus?

A: I found a spearhead that was created 4-7 thousand years ago..

Q: How did you find it? What specifically were you doing?

A: I was helping out at the farm, preparing the soil for grapes. This involves sorting through the soil for rocks.

Q: Have you dug around campus before? Ever find anything else?

A: haha no.

The 4,000 to 7,000-year-old Spear Tip found by Van Wyk. Photo courtesy The Ruke Museum.

A: I knew it was a projectile, but since it was under a foot of soil I didn’t think it had much significance.

Q: Have you ever found anything historic like this before?

A: No.

Q: When you found out what you had uncovered, what did you think?

A: It made me realize that our country is really a blip on the history of this land.

Q: Does finding this make you consider changing your major?

A: Although it’s been interesting, no.

For more information on Ellen’s historic find, read these articles:

• Pointing to the past (UW Daily)
  
• Student uncovers ancient Native American artifact on UW campus (UW News)

The National Weather Service has released an updated forecast for this weekend, and they’re saying we may, just possibly have a 30-40% chance of SNOW starting Friday night (Dec. 11th) continuing through Sunday.

Of course, weather prognosticators are never wrong, are they? We sure hope not.

Here’s their latest day-by-day predictions, as of 9pm Wednesday Dec. 9th, most certain to change as the clock ticks:

• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind.
• Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 6 mph.
• Saturday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Snow level 300 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 40.
• Saturday Night: A chance of snow. Snow level 300 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Sunday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 41.
• Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 36.
• Monday: A chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 42.
• Monday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 42.

Cliff Mass adds:

A lot of you are wondering about snow. I have been wondering too. The problem is that the models are not consistent for this weekend and early next week. This morning our local model forced by the GFS..the NWS’s best large scale forecast model, indicated a major snowstorm late Monday. But I don’t trust any of it at this point and you shouldn’t either. Thursday and Friday until dinnertime looks dry for western Washington…and cold. You can bank on that.

BTW, a record low of 18 was set at SeaTac Airport Wednesday morning (Dec. 9th). The previous low was 21, set in 1972.

The next Rat City Rummage Sale will be held from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, Dec. 19th at Big Als Brewing, which is located at 9832 14th Ave SW in White Center.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Rat City Rummage Sale

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 19th from 2pm to 6pm

WHERE: In the upstairs room at Big Als Brewing 9832 14th Ave SW in White Center.

INFO: From their website:

If you’d like to be a vendor at this art show please email us your web site info or 3 images of what you’d like to sell at the show. To avoid too many of the same type of vendors this is a juried show.

If accepted, you will recieve an email confirmation no later than December 12th with an application & paypal invoice. Booth space is limited to a 2×4 table, booth fee $10

Vending is open to handmade arts and crafts & baked goods.

General information on the event:

• No entry fee for shoppers or other “hidden” fees
• Vendor set up at 1:00pm take down no earlier than 6pm.
• You or a booth sitter must stay until 6pm, no early take down.
• Event runs 2pm to 6pm

This event is part of the monthly White Center art walk put on by White Center for the Arts. You are welcome to keep your booth open for the duration of the art walk which ends at 9:00pm, but only required to stay until 6pm.

Bring your own displays, plenty of change, tables, chairs, snacks and whatever else you may need for the day. This will be an indoor event, location: Big Als Brewing 9832 14th Avenue Southwest Seattle, WA 98106.

This is an all ages event.

White Center for the Arts is a group of artists with diverse backgrounds who have come together to form a non-profit organization focused on supporting the arts in White Center. Our desire is to offer space where local artists can show their work, and to provide a place to learn about art. We want to provide classes to young and old in many media, bringing out the rich diversity of culture that can be found in White Center.

And we want to have fun!

Thank you for your interest in Rat City Rummage.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run two weeks ago (original story here) in White Center.

According to Debra George, who brought him over a dozen gifts left by well-wishers for his 37th birthday last Saturday:

“He is breathing on his own, but still has pneumonia and is in ICU for that.

He opens his eyes more now and is tracking some, but does not take in any information. The nurses say that it could be years for him to recover and the extent of his recovery is still unknown.

The Nurses have given Jeff a very nice looking goatee shave.

Nothing yet as I know on the driver who did this to him.

Scott, a wonderful thing that happen last Wednesday when I was visiting Jeff – a box arrived from the Seattle Mariners, filled with all kinds of gift items and a signed card by no less than 25 Mariners employees – they all signed something personal as if they all knew him and were all rooting for him. This was not provoked by anyone I know of – just a wonderful thing they did!”

We checked in with Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the hit-and-run driver is still at large and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

There is still a $1,000 reward, so if you recognize the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Update On Hit & Run Victim Jeff Kearney; His Birthday Is Saturday & Suspect Is Still At Large
• UPDATE: Police Need Help Finding Vehicle In Hit-And-Run Of Jeff Kearney

by Ralph Nichols

When the United States eventually returns to space after the shuttle program is retired next year, “we can go back to the moon and on to other planets,” Apollo 8 astronaut William A. Anders said at the Museum of Flight in Tukwila recently.

Anders, a retired major general in the US Air Force Reserve, was keynote speaker at a private luncheon hosted by the museum and the Seattle Symphony honoring the Apollo missions. It was held on the 40th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 12 – the second mission to land men on the moon.

Astronaut William A. Anders was one of the first three persons to have left Earth orbit and travel to the Moon. Photo credit: NASA, 1967

In remarks given between symphonic works at the concert, Anders, the lunar module pilot on the Apollo 8 mission – the first manned lunar orbit mission, recalled that President Kennedy, determined “to demonstrate that America was not second rate … and would not lose the missile gap,” would land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.

“And that was done,” added Anders, whose reflection on the Apollo 8 mission, “We came all this way to explore the moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth,” has become a famous quote.

Even more famous are his pictures, the first taken of the earth from the moon, including “Earthrise,” which he took on Christmas Eve, 1968:

William A. Anders' "Earthrise" is the first photo taken of the Earth from the Moon.

“The space program today,” he said at the Museum of Flight, “has had some spectacular flights … and spectacular successes with the space shuttle. But the shuttle will be grounded next year.”

Now NASA is working on new space vehicles, and with the vision of companies like Boeing and leaders like Bill Allen, the long-time CEO of the aerospace giant, the United States “will go back into space.”

On Friday (Nov. 13th) Toan Le, 51, and Hang Ho, 41, of the Crystal Nails salon in Burien plead guilty in US District Court to charges of attempting to illegally import an unapproved skin treatment device as well as two counts of attempting to bribe a federal official.

Le pleaded guilty to bribing a public official, and could face up to two years in prison. Ho pleaded guilty to importing an unapproved medical device into the country, which could result in one year in the slammer.

According to court documents, Ho attempted to import a laser-type device called a”skin light machine,” which emits radiation and has not been approved by the FDA for use in the US.

Le and Ho also plead guilty to offering bribes of $500, then $800 to a federal FDA official to overlook the unapproved machinery.

Crystal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien.

According to the FDA, some consumers have suffered severe burns and infection, and others have actually died after being treated by the unapproved laser devices.

Crystal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien, in the strip mall behind McDonald’s and Roundtable Pizza, and across the parking lot from Page2 Books.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Burien Nail Salon Owners Accused Of Importing Illegal, Radioactive Skin Device, Bribery

Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department reported Monday (Nov. 9th) that Nicholas Francisco, a SeaTac man who went missing in Feb. 2008, has been found alive and well, living in another state, and under a new name.

Francisco, 28 at the time, told colleagues at a Seattle ad agency on Feb. 13, 2008 that he would be heading to a local Safeway and then the Southcenter/Tukwila Costco before going home to his pregnant wife and two children to bake cookies in SeaTac.

Francisco’s car was found a few days later abandoned at a condominium complex in Federal Way, and an extensive investigation was conducted to see if he had been a victim of foul play.

Nothing turned up, and subsequently his wife, Christine, filed for divorce, citing “willful abandonment that continues for a period of time” and a “history of acts of domestic violence … or an assault or sexual assault which causes grievous bodily harm or the fear of such harm” as her reasons.

Christine has a daughter, 4, and a son, 2, and was also pregnant at the time (meaning she has three kids now).

Last week detectives developed information that he was in fact alive, had changed his name and was living outside of Washington.

“Since he did nothing illegal and this case is basically closed, we won’t reveal where he was found,” Urquhart said to The B-Town Blog. “But let me tell you – there was something incredibly unique about this guy that made bloggers go crazy. In all my years, I have never seen such a reaction. I’m glad this case is closed.”

And yes, the King County Sheriff’s Department has indeed closed their investigation.

Obviously, Francisco’s incident caused a lot of people a lot of grief, and a lot of time and money was spent on his alleged “missing” case. We’re certain that today, while many are relieved to know that he’s still alive, many are not too happy with his decision to just up and leave like he did, abandon his wife and kids and start a new life elsewhere.

UPDATE 10pm 11/9/09: We just discovered the following post on a forum devoted to this case that appears to be be from Francisco’s ex-wife, Christine, who claims the former-Nicholas is now living in LA:

This is Christine Carter. I have a few things to say to the lot of you. On this board and other places as well I have been FALSELY accused of lying, adultery, slander, hypocrisy, and of course murder. I’m sure the list of false accusations is longer but this is the general list. First let me say that I have prayed for each one of you that your hearts would be softened, your tongues kinder and your eyes be opened to the truth. It seems that God has not answered that prayer, yet. I know what all of you think of me. Admittedly at first it bothered me until I realized that you don’t know me and you don’t know Nicholas. You only know the pictured that I painted of him. For me you saw blips here and there while I was surviving the biggest tragedy of my life. When I married Nicholas it was forever. We took vows before God to love each other unconditionally and honor each other until death. When I took that vow I meant it. When Nicholas took it I truly believed that he meant it as well. I loved Nicholas with all of my heart. No evil thing you say about me can change that. No matter what kind of woman I am or you think I am Nicholas took vows and he knew me for two years before he married me. He chose to marry me. No one held a gun to his head to make marry me and stay married to me for seven years and have three beautiful kids with me. Those were things that Nicholas and I chose to do and we chose together. Believe what you will. God knows the truth as does Nicholas and myself. When Nicholas disappeared I couldn’t imagine that he walked out on me and our kids. The reason I could not imagine it is because I would never do it and to me it was unthinkable and I truly believed that Nicholas felt the same way. Why would I think Nicholas felt that way? well it’s simple. He told me over and over and over how much he loved me, how glad he was he married me and that he would always be with me. So no that night and for weeks following I couldn’t imagine him walking out on me. Then his secret life was discovered and my whole world was shattered all over again. Everything I thought was true was a lie. Many of you believe you know everything about this case. Well i’m sorry to be the one to tell you this but honestly you all know very little. What you think you know are just things in your imagination built off of tiny details you chose to pick at and blow way out of proportion. There are many details that have not been shared with you and will not be shared with you. You simply don’t deserve it. People who love me and who have supported me and my kids through this know the details and they are all who need to know. Perhaps someday in a book you will read all those juicy details you hunger for. Until then you will just have to continue using your imaginations. So why did I come on here and make this post? I had a few things I wanted to say to you before I tell you that Nicholas is alive. Yes that is right Nicholas is alive and well. He was recently found living in Los Angeles California. I will not give you the details on how he was found because I don’t want to give other dead beat dads any ideas. I will say that his money was garnished and given to me in a child support check to which he fought to have at least 80% of it returned claiming a hardship. The check was not for a sum as to cause a man a hardship. I will say that for a man that runs out on his pregnant wife and two kids no hardship for him could be worse than what he put us through. A board discussed this hardship he claimed and they denied it. The board stated it was not a hardship and thus a check was sent to me. I know you all have many questions that I have the answers to but history says that no matter what I tell you none of you believe a word from me. At this point I believe that the lot of you owe me a huge apology for all of the nasty, untruthful, hateful, disgusting things that you have said about me not only on here but in every way and to every person you possibly could. I am also considering filing suit on many of you for defamation of character. Yes I have a very good lawyer and yes I have a good case. So how do you feel knowing that Nicholas is alive and well and living under an alias just to avoid supporting the three children he willingly and wantingly fathered? How do you feel? As a final thought: Nicholas chose to lead a double life behind my back to which he started long before he ever met me. He chose to commit adultery. He chose to lie. He chose to walk away that night and not look back. He chose to break my heart. He chose to financially kill me. He chose to steal from his children. He chose to break the hearts of his kids. He chose to not call and let anyone know he was okay for the last 21 months. He chose. He chose this. I did not choose this. My kids did not choose this. Nicholas chose for us and that is not okay. What Nicholas did is evil and dark to put it mildly. I know that all of my words here will be twisted. Oh well. I am not perfect and I never claimed to be. I did not ever do anything to drive Nicholas away. He chose to never talk to me. He chose to run and hide. He chose to be selfish. I am the one that chose to stay and love these amazing kids through everything. I may not be a dream wife but I am far from evil and dark.

__________________
__________________
Things are not always as they appear

Here are some videos that were produced and posted online:

Read our previous coverage of this story here.