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Southcenter Parkway & Klickitat Drive Re-Open; But Be Wary Of U-Turn Frenzy

Scott Schaefer — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:58:22 +0000

Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer

Tukwila’s Southcenter Parkway and Klickitat Drive have reopened, making access to that part of the city much better, just in time for shopping season.

BUT…as this Reporter experienced first-hand, there have been some changes that Drivers should be aware of:

When turning right (heading south) from the very right lane from Klickitat Drive onto Southcenter Parkway, you will be funneled straight ahead. You cannot turn left onto Strander Blvd. as you could prior to the construction.
This “funneling” may confuse and upset some Drivers trying to get to the mall. This Reporter ended up turning left into the parking lot of Outback Steakhouse, then heading north and turning east on Strander.
Many Drivers have been seen performing u-turns in this area to access Strander Blvd. and the mall.
If you want to get to the mall, stay in the middle lane of Klickitat and turn right, or turn left and head towards Nordstrom!

UPDATE: Apologies to everyone – this appears to have been driver error – as many Commenters have noted, to turn left onto Strander from the Klickitat interchange, stay in the middle/left lane. However, it is still confusing if you’re used to the “old way” at this location.

Here are some pics of the re-opened interchange:

As you turn right from the very right lane, the new interchange looks nice and smooth...

...until you realize you're being funneled straight ahead. Be aware of a u-turn frenzy ahead!

Here’s more on the re-opening from the city’s website:

After the roads open, the contractor will continue to wrap up some of the final construction elements of the project. Please expect some temporary lane closures within the project limits as these final elements are completed. These temporary lane closures will occur on up to ten days spread over the next month, with as much work being completed at night as possible. During this time, depending on weather, some of the work that will continue after the roadway opening may include:

Paving of the final layer of asphalt.

Turning on the new traffic signal just south of Strander Boulevard.

Construction of concrete crosswalks in the Doubletree Hotel vicinity. The crosswalks will require a minimum of 24 hours of cure time before vehicular traffic can cross them. Consequently, both directions of traffic will be routed to one side of the parkway while the first half of the crosswalk is curing, followed by the reverse process to complete the second half. These lane shifts may occur on up to four days spread over the next month.

Installation of a large sign structure across southbound Southcenter Parkway near the new tunnel. This work will most likely occur at night during late October. The new sign structure will have signs with arrows indicating which lane to be in for accessing I-5/SR 518, Strander Boulevard and Southcenter Park way.

Continued landscape maintenance throughout October. The contractor will provide this service to ensure the plants are established throughout the coming year. Some slopes may be temporarily protected against erosion using plastic or special matting.

Replacing all temporary wood pedestrian railings with new steel railings.

Continued monitoring and optimizing of the new traffic signal timing.

Installation of permanent striping. Some striping materials require a minimum cure time on asphalt pavements before they are installed. Permanent striping is also weather dependent.

Painting of concrete retaining walls. This will be completed as weather permits.

Local Rotary Clubs Present $10,000 Check To YMCA

Michael Brunk — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:05:29 +0000

David Hawthorne, Treasurer Burien/Whitecenter Rotary, presents a check for $10,000 to Claudia Tanis, Executive Director of the Highline YMCA

The Rotary Clubs of SeaTac, Burien/White Center and Southcenter presented a $10,000 check to the YMCA last Thursday at a joint meeting of the three clubs held at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac.

Several years ago, these three clubs pledged $50,000 to the capitol campaign of the new Matt Griffin YMCA at 3595 S. 188th St in SeaTac. The funds to to be paid over five years. There was a matching $50,000 pledge from the Kresge Foundation.

The Rotary funds were raised with the Second Annual Rotary Golf Tournament sponsored by Cox Financial in Burien. This year’s tournament was held at Washington National Golf Course in Auburn. About 70 golfers attended.

Next year’s Third Annual Rotary Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday August 11 according the Southcenter rotarian Brian Frederick.

New Advertiser Emerald City Smoothie Offering 75Â¢ Off Coupon

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:51:18 +0000

The B-Town Blog welcomes our newest Advertiser, Emerald City Smoothie, which is offering a coupon good for 75Â¢ off a Smoothie at their Burien, Southcenter or new Starfire Sports location in Tukwila.

Owners Janel Stoneback and Dan Tamburelli just celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their Burien Emerald City Smoothie franchise, located just off SW 148th in the Burien Plaza.

Next month they will celebrate two years at their Southcenter Mall location (near Dukeâ€™s Chowderhouse) and this week are having the grand opening of their third location at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

Emerald City Smoothie also carries supplements, vitamins, energy bars and other items that promote a healthy body and mind.

Their Tukwila store is located inside the sports complex where the old arcade used to be. It will be open seven days a week: evenings Monday through Friday and all day on weekends.

If you havenâ€™t tried one of these delicious and healthy smoothies, Janel and Dan want you to know that they are made from northwest premium fruit and once you try one youâ€™ll want to try them all!

Emerald City Smoothie not only has these wonderful concoctions of health but they also carry supplements, vitamins, energy bars and other items that promote a healthy body and mind.

Go to www.emeraldcitysmoothie.com to see all they have to offer.

Janel is a board member of Discover Burien, and is also on the board for the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. She also serves as program chair for the Des Moines Rotary Club.

Janel Stonebeck of Emerald City Smoothie.

Dan spends his time in the Burien store managing their day-to-day operations. Both are Highline School District alumni and lifelong Burien area residents.

By clicking on the Emerald City Smoothie ad located on this page (or by clicking here), youâ€™ll find a special discount coupon you can print that is good through June at Janel and Danâ€™s three stores.

[Would you like to have a â€œBlogvertorialâ€ story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

OMG! Some Of The Stars From “Twilight” Will Be At Southcenter Nov. 12th!!!

Scott Schaefer — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:08:02 +0000

OMG! On Thursday, Nov. 12th, some cast members from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” will be appearing at Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter Mall!

And get this kids â€“ not only can you meet and listen to “some” of the cast members, but there will also be a live performance from one of the bands on the soundtrack. Any guesses as to which one? Perhaps one from this area?

OMFG!!!

To get in though, you’re going to have to spend $75 at Nordstrom this Saturday, Oct. 31st beginning at 8am; this will entitle you to a “VIP pass” (just 75 are available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Also, don’t expect the big stars to be there, since they’ll apparently be otherwise occupied.

WTF??? BUT OMFG!!!

Nordstrom is currently selling a special line of clothing based entirely on The Twilight Saga, so ‘rents, it’s time get the plastic out for the kids. Once the $75 is spent, your TwiFan will be given access to return to Southcenter on Nov. 12th to meet the cast and participate in the event.

According to Entertainment Tonight:

Fans can acquire limited-amount V.I.P. credentials on a first come, first-served basis at 8 a.m. this Saturday, October 31 at Hot Topic and select Nordstrom stores, given to those who make qualified purchases. They will be given access to return and meet select cast members at that same mall on the assigned scheduled date and time.

V.I.P. credentials are non-transferable.

Tukwila’s Backyard Wildlife Festival Is Saturday, May 9th

Scott Schaefer — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:06:51 +0000

Tukwila’s annual Backyard Wildlife Festival is a free all-day event on Saturday, May 9th, to educate and inspire people to welcome wildlife – such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife – into their backyards, gardens and communities.

Appropriately, coming up on Mother (Earth)’s Day weekend, and it’s a free, all-day event to educate and inspire people to welcome wildlife – such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife – into their backyards, gardens and communities.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 9th Annual Backyard Wildlife Festival

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th, from 9am to 3pm; Craft Vendors, Education, Workshops: 9am – 3pm; Certified Wildlife Garden Tour: 1pm – 5pm

WHERE: Tukwila Community Center, locted at 12424 42nd Ave. South in Tukwila (map below)

INFO: The event will host a variety of activities and educational opportunities on how to attract and support wildlife through garden and landscape practices, and creating and preserving wildlife habitat in our region.

Keynote Speaker Chris Heeter – Join wilderness guide, speaker, and poet Chris Heeter speak about how to reconnect with the natural world, right outside our windows. (11am and 2pm)
The Parrot Lady – Catch a peek at some live Parrots!
Guided Birding Walk on the Duwamish River by Carol Schulz of the Rainier Audubon Society (9:45am)
Procession of the Species Costume Parade â€“ a procession of children of all ages dancing and marching in costumes that mimic their favorite northwest wildlife (Workshop and sign-ups 9am-11:30am, parade at noon)
Native Plant Sales – Talk to the experts about what plants will thrive on your property, ask about drought-tolerant plants and have your questions answered while you purchase the plants that will make your property a wildlife-paradise. (9am â€“ 3pm)
Arts and Crafts Marketplace – Browse gardening and nature related product booths including plant sales, fresh produce, birdhouses and more. (9am â€“ 2pm)
Bird Show of North America – The musical group will be performing their trademark bird songs live while painting scenes of birds. (10:00am and 12:30pm)
Garden Tour – Take a self-guided tour or the shuttle to certified wildlife habitat gardens in the area. (1â€“5pm)
Recycled Art Show – A showcase of local art create by recycled materials. The Recycled Art Show even includes prizes for the best!

CONTACT: Event Hotline: Tukwila Community Center (206) 768-2822

More info at the Backyard Wildlife Festival website.

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Unemployed Can Get A Free Planner Saturday, March 14th

scottso — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:45:15 +0000

BTB Reader Theresa Frasch tells us that area unemployed can received a free “Franklin Planner” this coming Saturday, March 14th at the Franklin Covey Store at Southcenter Mall.

It appears that the only catch is that you have to physically go into the store and provide them with information about your last employer, thus giving them the chance to upsell you their other products.

But what do you expect for free?

Here are the details:

LOST YOUR JOB? GET A FREE FRANKLIN PLANNER FROM FRANKLIN COVEY

Unemployed Can Receive a Boost from Franklin Covey Product Stores Nationwide

WHO: Individuals who recently lost their jobs are invited to visit a FranklinCovey Products store nationwide this coming Saturday to receive a free 2009 Franklin Planner.

WHAT: FranklinCovey Products is giving those who have recently lost their job a leg up during these recessionary times. Individuals recently unemployed can receive one 2009 Franklin Planner for free by providing the names of their last employer and the date they were laid off.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:30 am – 9:00pm (In-store event only)

WHERE: Franklin Covey at SouthCenter Mall, located at 122 SouthCenter Mall in Tukwila; 206-431-0341

WHY: Getting organized for a job search can ultimately save much time and frustration. Having one place to track all information, contacts, appointments, job leads, and interview notes can make a job search less stressful and more productive. Planning and organization are an integral component of a job search. FranklinCovey products and tools can bring focus, direction, and a sense of purpose to an individualâ€™s daily decisions and can help lesson the panic that surrounds a job loss.

INFO: For more information, please visit www.franklinplanner.com

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Southcenter Shooting Suspect Arrested In Portland

scottso — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:13:42 +0000

Barry L. Saunders was arrested Wed. afternoon in Portland.

The Seattle P-I reports that Barry L. Saunders, the suspect in last Saturday’s deadly shooting at Southcenter Mall, was captured and arrested Wed. afternoon (Nov. 26th), apparently in Portland, Oregon.

Police say that Saunders is the gunman who shot 16-year-old Daiquan L. Jones to death on the first floor of the remodeled shopping center.

Jermaine D. McGowan, 16, was also shot. At last report, he was still in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center.

Full story is here.

Police Release Photo Of Southcenter Shooting Suspect

scottso — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:37:41 +0000

Barry L. Saunders, 21, is wanted in connection with the deadly Southcenter shooting Nov. 22nd.

According to KOMO News, the public is being asked to help find the suspect in last weekend’s fatal shooting at Tukwila’s Southcenter Mall.

Mike Murphy of the Tukwila Police said an arrest warrant has been issued for Barry L. Sanders, 21, for the fatal shooting of a teenager as well as the wounding of another on Saturday Nov. 22nd.

Police say that Saunders may still be armed, and anyone who sees, knows him or knows where he is should call 911 immediately.

Tips may also be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

VIDEOS Related To Nov. 22nd Southcenter Shooting

scottso — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:55:13 +0000

As you’ve probably heard by now, a shooting inside Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter Mall on Saturday Nov. 22nd left one young man dead and another seriously injured, the gunman still at large, and the mall locked down for a while before being evacuated.

Police are still searching for the suspect.

We’ve managed to gather several videos related to the shooting:

KOMO News:

KIRO-TV:

KING-TV:

Click here to view the embedded video.

CELL PHONE VIDEO NEAR VICTIM:

TWO YOUNG WOMEN STUCK IN PARKING GARAGE TRAFFIC:

Click here to view the embedded video.

KID’S YOUTUBE COMMENTARY VIDEO:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Southcenter Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, Gunman At Large

scottso — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:52:30 +0000

A shooting inside Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter Mall Saturday afternoon left one man dead and another seriously injured, the gunman still at large, and the mall locked down for a while before being evacuated.

We know you don’t read the B-Town Blog for this kind of news, but we had to post it anyways since Burien is less than five miles away.

Here are two videos related to the incident – the first taken on a cell phone by someone who walked up to and near the victim, and the second from two young women stuck in traffic trying to get to the mall:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For full coverage of this terrible incident, we recommend reading: