August 2007

Construction on the extension of the Burke Gilman Trail from Northwest 60th Street to Golden Gardens Park hit another snag recently when the Seattle Department of Transportation realized it didn't have a necessary storm water permit.

The $2.1 million project had previously been delayed by two months, from June 1 to the end of July, due to a longer than expected technical review by the Federal Highway Administration.

It's expected to take about three weeks to obtain the permit from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, but the project should remain on schedule,

At Large in Ballard by Peggy Sturdivant

A lifetime ago my world seemed to be no bigger than the office where I worked, the house where I lived, the park at the end of the street and one restaurant. Someone asked why all of my writing was set at home; except for one story set at the school bus stop. Clearly they didn't understand life as a single parent.

A few weeks ago I bicycled over to the little business district that exists on Northwest 70th just east of 15th.

Seattle Public Schools' principals were the students last week as the new superintendent, who pulled out names on Popsicle sticks, quizzed them on best practices at the Summer Leadership Institute, a two week professional development session.

Maria Goodloe-Johnson began her tenure as Seattle's new superintendent of public schools last month and has been moving forward with her entry plan, which includes sharing her "strategic vision" with district staff and faculty.

"Our work is about teaching and learning. Bottom line.

In an attempt to encourage developers to build more affordable housing for middle-income workers, Mayor Greg Nickels has released a revamped version of Seattle's tax exemption program, which builders say has never "penciled out."

The current program wasn't scheduled to sunset until 2009, but the rental market has changed drastically enough to render it practically useless, said Rick Hooper, policy director for the city's Office of Housing.

On Friday, Aug. 31, King County Councilman Larry Phillips is hosting the first of a series of neighborhood walks in his district, which includes Ballard. On that day he will be at Carkeek Park and the Carkeek Environmental Learning Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road.

Phillips and his staff say they are exploring the district to get a first hand looks at areas of significance to citizens such as salmon habitat restoration projects at Carkeek Park, proposed changes to Seattle Center, development in South Lake Union, and the planned Capitol Hill light rail station.

Ballard resident, John P. Backes has been appointed to the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Shoreline Community College.

Transitional dining on Ballard Avenue

Volterra

5411 Ballard Avenue

789-5100

Dinner: Monday - Thursday 5 - 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 - 11 p.m., Sunday 5 - 9 p.m.

Brunch: Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Three Crown Hill residents volunteered to paint over graffiti affixed to Ballard businesses, houses, and cement walls, Saturday, as part of the sixth annual "Clean and Green Seattle" initiative.

The Ballard effort was sponsored by the Crown Hill Business Association. The association's former president, Jack Seifert, a massage therapist, led the charge in his older red Suburu station wagon. It was stocked with city-supplied "Seattle-Grey" latex, paint rollers, and cloth.

The Washington State Little League Baseball All Star Championship was held at Badger Mountain Park, Richland, WA. July 21-28th. Our very own West Seattle Little League All Stars (11-12year old boys) won 3rd place in this prestigious State Tournament with the winner going on to the Regional Tournament in San Bernardino and possibly the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.