September 2006

Viaduct costs overly optimistic

An independent review panel chastised and applauded the Washington State Department of Transportation for its plans for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The panel determined there is enough money to build a basic tunnel or a basic new viaduct but warned officials they're being overly optimistic about construction costs and how much money to expect the federal government to contribute to rebuild not only the Alaskan Way Viaduct, but also the 520 Bridge and its connections to I-5 and I-405.

Afterward Governor Christine Gregoire called on state transportation planners to u

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Some Metro stops removed

In the past few months, King County Metro Transit has closed some bus stops in West Seattle and has plans to relocate others that the Seattle Department of Transportation says pose safety concerns.

Most recently, the bus stop located at California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Hinds Street was closed in early August after the Department of Transportation informed Metro that buses were blocking a crosswalk when picking up and dropping off passengers, said Sharon Slebodnick, supervisor for Metro's transit route facilities.

Neighborhood
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Residents pay to slow traffic

Citizens ponied up $6,000 to help pay for "traffic-calming" devices on 59th Avenue Southwest, the street that goes by Alki Elementary School and Alki Playfield, with tennis courts, Whale Tail Park and the Alki Community Center a soccer kick away.

Rubber bumps are now anchored to the pavement at four places on 59th Avenue between Admiral Way and Alki Avenue. The bumps extend across both lanes at two points by the school.

Neighborhood
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Alki Council deeply involved

Alki Community Council (ACC) members may be confused by the flurry of negative letters to the editor of the West Seattle Herald with allegations directed at their executive board. We are concerned the letter writers don't understand the council or the many things the ACC has accomplished over the years that make Alki such a wonderful community.

The ACC reflects and articulates concerns of its membership, contrary to statements of some letter writers.

Rezone Alki business district

I read with interest last week's letters to the editor. Dick Nelson expressed his opinion on the present uproar in the Alki Beach neighborhood. Mr. Nelson's opinions do not reflect mine.

The Alki business district is loosely referred to as a "neighborhood business district." It occupies a thin strip of land on one side of Alki Avenue, running between 57th Avenue SW and 63rd Avenue SW. The area zoned for business use is comprised only of the lots immediately facing Alki Avenue.

Neighborhood

Trainer's Corner - Aerobic chores

Merging your indoor and outdoor workouts into one week can be very rewarding, awakening your mind and body.

Mix beautiful surroundings with the indoors by running, playing sports, performing vigorous household chores, strength training, and yoga. Monday through Sunday workouts could look something like this:

Monday: Long run along the waterfront

Tuesday: Yoga

Wednesday: Interval run at the track or hills with weights

Thursday: Off

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What's in a name?

Now, let's get this clear. When you see or hear an ad for Bellevue lawyer John Groen you hear that "Change Pac" pays for it.

Groen is running against Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the state's Supreme Court. Alexander's campaign says the ads are deceptive because they are actually paid for by the Building Industry Association of Washington, known as BIAW. Both Change Pac and the association have the exact same post office box. The chief justice's campaign staff says this is "a clear attempt by the BIAW to hide the fact that it is the primary supporter for Mr.

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Avril M. Lore

Avril M. Lore, nationally and internationally respected Girl Scout for over 63 years and a member of the Friends of Our Cabana in Mexico died unexpectedly September 6th . Avril was instrumental in securing funds for the Our Cabana (Our House) in Mexico. She also helped in finding funds for Girl Scout troops to travel internationally. She was proud to be a Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts.

Avril was also well-known and loved as a Life Guard and swimming instructor at Evergreen Pool, a career she began at age 58.

Dorothy L. Mangan

Dorothy L. Mangan Healy passed away after a long battle with cancer. Dorothy and her children would like to thank everyone for all their help, love and support over the years. She leaves behind her son Bryan Mangan, wife Colleen and grandchildren Caitlin of South Bend, Indiana. Also daughters Susan and Laurel Mangan and granddaughter Shantel Fashaw of Seattle. We would like to thank Dr. Bonnie Takasuki and her wonderful staff and a special thanks to Barbara Briggs and her staff at Highline Hospice. Per her request no services will be held.