What could possibly be the connection between school desegregation and the mystifying phrase "Bong Hits 4 Jesus?" Something critically important, it turns out. Both have spurred legal battles that have risen to the U.S.
Today, we are witnessing yet another genocide unfold. In Sudan, the Islamist government based in Khartoum has slaughtered nearly 400,000 black Africans in the country's western Darfur region. Over 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes. In hastily assembled refugee camps, food rations have been cut in half due to shortages. Even in the camps, militias hired by the government are still marauding, raping, and killing the refugees.
Like so many genocides before this, the world's response has been pitiful.
The lights went out for five to six days in much of West Seattle and White Center after high winds flattened trees, which tore down electrical power lines as they fell during a Dec. 15 storm.
With thousands of Westsiders cold and in the dark, the Delridge and Southwest community centers turned into temporary shelters. Seattle Parks and Recreation set up cots in meeting rooms and some even served food.
Five people spent the night on cots in a meeting room at the Southwest Community Center Dec. 16.
It will take more than a curb bulb to safeguard the crosswalk on Admiral Way at 47th Avenue Southwest, Admiral District residents told city transportation officials.
The crosswalk is at a five-way intersection on a descending curve. The painted crosswalk has long had warning signs posted along Admiral Way and a "crosswalk" sign hanging above.
Seattle followed Burien's lead and voted to designate North Highline as a potential annexation area, meaning it will take a closer look at annexing White Center and Boulevard Park.
The Seattle City Council voted 6-3 last week to study the issue of annexation more closely. After the expected approval of Mayor Greg Nickels, Seattle city planners will refine cost estimates.
The U.S. Coast Guard strongly encourages mariners to properly secure their boats while in moorage, anchorage or on the beach.
Due to recent high winds, rain and rough waters, many vessels have been found adrift or washed up on the beach.
Since November 6, the Coast Guard has responded to 56 such cases and invested 60 hours due to improperly secured vessels reported adrift.
Coast Guard crews respond to reports of drifting vessels to determine if someone is aboard the boat and in need of help.
Residents and city park planners are working up ideas for West Seattle's newest park but, as is the trend lately, Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking to citizens to come up with some of the money for the project.
There's a vacant lot at the intersection of Alaska Street and 48th Avenue Southwest where the Ercolini family used to have a house and a big vegetable garden.
Seattle residents may drop off their Christmas trees and greens for free at Seattle Public Utilities' North and South Recycling and Disposal stations between Dec. 26 and Jan. 14.
The South Recycling and Disposal Station is located at 2nd Avenue South and South Kenyon Street. The North Recycling and Disposal Station is located at North 34th Street and Carr Place North. The stations are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
South Seattle Community College has taken the next step in its plan to offer its own four-year degree - a bachelor's of applied science in hospitality management.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the college's regional accrediting body, granted the college informal candidacy to offer the four-year hospitality management degree.
Just before sunrise Saturday, while other West Seattle residents were gearing up for holiday shopping, Pamela Staeheli stood near Alki Beach with five paper plates filled with Costco cat food in one hand and a jug of water in the other.
While her neighbors slept, Staeheli settled into her early-morning ritual of leaving food and water for this group of more than 30 cats that she has fed for almost four years. She also manages a nearby colony of approximately 15 cats.
The cats are wild and have no names.
