November 2006

The holiday season is in full swing and the upcoming Phinney Neighborhood Association 28th Annual Winter Festival and Crafts Fair features a variety of artists and entertainers.

"This huge fundraiser includes 115 juried booths," said Ann Bowden, development director of the Phinney Neighborhood Association.

The association organizes a jury each year that reviews vendor applications. Bowden says the jury looks for a mix of quality, variety, range of prices and appropriateness for their venue.

"We always have more (applicants) than we can take.

Sales tax exemption is a must

By Don C. Brunell

Before Congress adjourns this year, it needs to renew the federal tax deduction for Washington state sales taxes. Our delegation should insist on it.

If they fail to do so . . . they will be guilty of discriminating against the citizens of Washington and seven other states.

Most states have a state income tax, which residents can deduct from their federal taxes.

The letter signed by State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles and King County Councilman Larry Phillips (News-Tribune, Nov. 22) regarding their preference for a tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct was full of nonsense and misinformation.

They wrote, "We are committed to approaching every transportation infrastructure decision with the objective of reducing green house gas emissions." What does this have to do with a tunnel? There would be just as many green house gas emissions from vehicles in a tunnel as from vehicles on a viaduct.

The No Tunnel Alliance is composed of representatives of Seattle industry, business and voters who oppose a Seattle waterfront tunnel.

According to a recent Elway poll, 75 percent of Seattle voters desire a solution other than a tunnel.

We believe the tunnel would be fiscally irresponsible and would not be in the greater public interest. We think the viaduct replacement should meet the State's criteria for preserving roadway capacity - the very genesis of the Alaskan Way project funding. Honest adherence to state criteria suggests:

1.

The Seattle Department of Transportation says "skinnying" up a portion of 24th Avenue Northwest could reduce the risk of crashes and increase traffic flow, making it safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

The city introduced a draft proposal in September that calls for removing one lane of traffic in each direction and adding bicycle lanes and a center turn lane on the arterial between Northwest 56th and 65th streets.

For over 20 years, Marcia Brunner volunteered her time with the Phinney Neighorhood Association, Greenwood Senior Center and the Greenwood Seafair Parade, while spending ten hours a week tutoring children at Adams Elementary School.

Now Brunner, 59, is fighting an expensive battle with leukemia and the community is paying her back, rallying behind her to raise money for medical expenses.

The family's medical insurance will pay for 90 percent of the stem cell transplant.

The fruition of a new pocket park will depend largely on direct donations and neighbors are hoping the community will pitch in.

Ballard Corners Park will be built along the west side of 17th Avenue Northwest between Northwest 62nd and 63rd streets and cost about $420,000 to complete, said David Folweiler, co-chair of Friends of Ballard Corners Park.

Some money is already nailed down. A $15,000 small and simple grant was acquired in January from the Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods to design and develop a plan for the 22-acre park space.

For over two years, Ballard resident Linda Smith waited to face the man who robbed and assaulted her aunt Irma, causing injuries that would eventually lead to her death.

Smith finally saw Tony Dale Green up close when he recently pleaded guilty to eight charges in a series of crimes against multiple victims and was found guilty of two additional charges.

Green avoided a murder charge.

Andrews was 90 years old when the incident occurred on June 9, 2005. She died on Aug.

Ballard's industrial area has been ravaged by thieves stealing metal products recently because of the high prices paid by recyclers.

During the weekend of Oct. 28th, someone climbed a fence at a local business and stole aluminum parts made for all terrain vehicles.

The owner of the business filed a police report indicating that he had lost over $200 in the burglary.

Quick prep not fast food

By Annette Herrick

Don't feel like preparing a meal after work? Buy quick prep packages during the week and make a healthy nosh. Trader Jo's and QFC have pre-made meatloaf you can microwave for a few minutes. Isn't that better than grazing your way through the night on crackers, cheese, and cereal?

There are some great new organic soups available. Serve with iced tea, cheese, and organic blue corn chips. Pre-cut salads and veggies also decrease prep time.