July 2007

AUBURN-- It was a week when only nature's rain could stop an All Star team's reign.

Federal Way National Little League unleashed its juggernaut of destruction on Sunday, July 15, to work over five opposing pitchers in a 22-5 stoppage of District 12 Selah National in five innings at Brannan Park.

In this 2007 Washington State Junior (ages 13-14) Baseball All Star tournament opening round game, FW National began its assault right off the bat in the first inning. Brian Moe hoisted a fly ball that dropped for a single in the outfield to load the bases.

A long-anticipated renovation of the Des Moines Marina, approved by the city council earlier this year, is getting underway.

The $32.75 million, 11-stage project is expected to take place over the next 20 years.

"The marina is almost 40 years old and it's time for us to start replacing some of the things that are starting to wear out," said Des Moines City Manager Tony Piasecki.

The many changes planned will be compatible with a passenger-only ferry if that service comes to Des Moines, Piasecki observed.

Among structures targeted for replacement

The Uniform Crime Reporting Program of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs released the 2006 preliminary annual crime statistics.

In 2006, statewide crime-reporting data indicates Washington experienced a 7.2 percent decrease in crime index offenses (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assaults, burglary, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft and arson) in comparison to 2005.

City of Federal Way crime-reporting data revealed a 14.8 percent decrease in index offenses compared to the previous year. (5,538 total crimes in 2006 vs.

Symphony strikes a chord with the Cty Council.

With a choice between two development teams who responded to a Request for Proposals for a key, 4.1-acre site in its redeveloping City Center, the Federal Way City Council voted last Tuesday to begin negotiations with United Properties of Vancouver, BC., which proposed "Symphony," a four tower, high-rise, mixed-use project that includes a one-acre public park.

After several councilmembers remarked on how fortunate the City was to have two compelling and competent proposals to consider, they selected United Properties "Symphon

You never know what sort of person you might meet in the course of normal, daily routines.

Last week I found myself on the big blue couch at Les Schwab, waiting on new tires for the van.

I sat quietly with my notebook, pondering what I might write about for this column when I noticed a lady sitting across from me reading a book.