August 2007

Since Sea Fair just was celebrated across the city a bit on history on Ballard's fishing history is in order.

Naturally, the early settlers enjoyed salmon and other fish from the time of their arrival on Puget Sound. However, the historical record suggests that in the early days they bought the fish from the native people more often than fishing themselves. Commercial fishing did not figure in Ballard's history until the end of the 19th century. Fishing became a major part of the local economy in the 1920s and 30s and continued throughout the 20th century.

The salmon are starting to travel through the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks, providing visitors with a close up view through its windows. The salmon run will peak this fall with the largest numbers of fish coming through the lock's 21 ladders in October. The salmon in this picture are most likely Chinook according to Army Corps of Engineeers spokesperson Dick Devlin.

Metro bus 2799 turns onto Market Street one day last week. The view is through the rear passenger side window of the number 18 bus arriving in Ballard from downtown.

Can flowers fit in a square hole? Of course they can as one Ballard residents demonstrates. Many Ballard homes are decorated with flowers this time of year.

A cook from India Bistro made fresh naan, to go along with the other dishes they were selling at SeafoodFest last weekend.

Zero Waste will save city $50 million tab

By Richard Conlin

On July 16, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 30990, establishing the parameters for a Zero Waste Strategy for Seattle.

The Zero Waste Strategy is based on a policy framework that treats waste as a resource. Under this program, the city will rebuild its existing transfer stations and not invest $50 million or more in a new waste transfer facility adjacent to the Georgetown neighborhood.

Ballard restaurant owner Vhanthip (Nancy) Bhokayasupatt has raised over $171,000 for charity through her annual Thai Siam Benefit Dinner, now in its 20th year.

"As a restaurant, we have the resources to do this kind of thing. To reach out to people is a great service," said Bhokayasupatt.

The next Thai Siam fundraiser is on Sunday, August 19 from 12:30-8:30 p.m. The event averages 700 to 800 people each year.

Some buses in the King County Metro fleet may be getting a makeover in the near future. Metro recently submitted a proposal to the King City Council to allow buses partially wrapped with advertisements. This is a reaction to the King City Council's directive that Metro stop selling full-wrap bus advertisement.

"The primary objections were to lack of visibility looking though the windows," said Sharron Shimbo, Metro's project manager. "Some customers also felt that it was dark.

Pedestrians may have an easier time getting around Ballard by early next year.

The Neighborhood Main Street Mapping Project recently unveiled its preliminary staff draft proposals for the Northwest Area. Downtown Ballard, Loyal Heights and Phinney Ridge are all designated as recommended recipients of Pedestrian Zone designations.

The Department of Planning and Development recommends a Pedestrian Zone along Northwest Market from 20th Avenue to 15th Avenue Northwest.

Accomplished female writers from around the region and waited excitedly, clasping glasses of white wine and lemon water, to hear journalist, author and women's rights activist Gloria Steinem read excerpts from her memoir that's been 10 years in the making.

Steinem has spent the summer working on her book at a women's writing retreat, Hedgebrook.