October 2006

The Seattle School Board erased the proposed merger of Pathfinder K-8 School with Cooper Elementary School as well as the recommended closure of Roxhill Elementary last week by a vote of 5 to 2.

Several West Seattle schools then participated in a Saturday morning parade with Roxhill Elementary thanking the powers that be for sparing their school, but several others joined in not because of the flap, but spontaneous.

"The purpose of the parade is to celebrate our focus on literacy and the many wonderful things happening in our schools," said Jeff Clark, Denny Middle School

There was an accidental shooting that occurred at a house on Occidental Ave near 120th. In that case a teenager was playing with a gun in the house. The gun went off and killed another teen who was also in the house. The teenagers were step brothers. The shooting was determined to be an accident and very unfortunate. The teen who did the shooting has been charged with manslaughter. Our sympathies go to the family.

We had three robberies in September. In one case, a shoplifter tried to steal some items from Bartells. The store security officers tried to stop him.

Now White Center residents have cars available for hourly rental just as West Seattleites have had for several years but now there's a cut rate for people who are low income, looking for a job or training for one.

Flexcar has been in use in West Seattle since 2002. After paying a membership fee, members can reserve and rent a car for $8 to $10 per hour.

When the resident signed the Department of Defense Authorization legislation this week, he signed into law an amendment authored and introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., ordering a comprehensive study on possible adverse health effects on soldiers from the military's use of depleted uranium.

McDermott called it, "A victory years in the making," and he went on to say that, "It is our duty and responsibility to protect and defend the soldiers who protect and defend America."

Depleted uranium is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process.

A new restaurant called Kokoras Greek Grill recently opened in Morgan Junction offering lunch and dinner. Specifically, the cuisine is from Corfu Island.

"Kokoras" is Greek for "rooster," said Demetra Rouvas, who owns the new eatery along with husband Spiros.

"My husband is kind of cocky," she said.

The Rouvases moved to Renton after immigrating from Greece and hoped to open a restaurant in either the Proctor District in north Tacoma or in West Seattle.

"West Seattle was our getaway," Demetra said.

Former Highline Public Schools Superintendent Robert Sealey, 79, died of cancer Oct. 15 in his Lake Burien home.

Dr. Sealey served as superintendent from 1972 through 1981.

"Bob guided the district through the difficult times of enrollment decline," said Marsha Spreier, current co-director of elementary education.

Kenyon Hall, one of West Seattle's first performance venues, has often been labeled the place to go for vaudeville and old-fashioned entertainment. But manager Lou Magor would characterize his unusual venue another way.

"We are a community hall," he said. "And as that, we just want to provide a place where people can come and enjoy themselves."

And that has been the case since 1916 when the building was constructed.

Homecoming games are special and the Ballard Beavers did not disappoint their fans last Friday beating the Garfield Bulldogs 29 to 7.

Junior Joey Bolinger, back from a dislocated shoulder which sidelined him for several games, overcame two early interceptions to throw for four touchdowns.

"He's throwing fine. It (injury to his non-throwing left shoulder) does not seem to bother him," said Head Coach Alex Barashkoff.

The Beavers were at nearly at full strength for the game.

It is clear that many Ballard businesses are not happy wih the state of affairs when it comes to housing development and amenities such as bike trails and vehicle transportation.

A few weeks ago, we headlined a story that development of condos and apartments is hot in the downtown area of Ballard. Many businesses told us that it is easlier to get a permit to build residental housing on land zoned for industrial uses than it is to build an industrial facility. The paperwork and permits are daunting, these folks say.

King County needs transit now

By Larry Phillips

We are fortunate in King County to have one of the largest and best regional bus systems in the nation. In fact, the only complaint I hear about Metro Transit is that citizens want more of it. On Nov. 7th, voters will have the opportunity to expand our bus system by approving Proposition 2, known as Transit Now.

Traffic congestion is a quality of life issue that we all deal with on a daily basis.