November 2007

Mike Nelson has predicted a "photovoltaic revolution" as solar power is on the verge of becoming a leading competitor in the world's top energy sources. But it all depends on consumer demand.

While the cost of solar power still has a ways to go, Washington State has made some strides in boosting its accessibility among residential users.

Ballot measure Initiative 937 that passed last fall requires utilities to get at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2020.

For the first time in the program's 28-year history, there are more than 1,000 vans in operation, supporting a record ridership of 1.9 million passenger trips during the first nine months of 2007.

Although the van programs have shown steady growth over the years, recently a couple of factors combined caused local commuters to seek more alternatives to driving alone.

"Rising gas prices are definitely driving an interest in commute options," said King County Director of Transportation Harold Taniguchi.

Reward offered to locate local BB gun assailants

November 14-Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward and two bicycle clubs are offering another $7,500 to find the person or persons responsible for shooting bicycle riders and pedestrians with BB a gun.

The random attacks, which by Friday involved at least eight victims, one seriously, occurred in Burien, White Center, South Park and West Seattle.

Detectives said they believe two teenagers are responsible for the attacks.

Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1.

King Count

Volleyball

State 3A tournament

Kennedy 3, Mount Vernon 0

The Lancers opened state 3A action in Kennewick by dealing Mount Vernon a 28-26, 25-13, 27-25 defeat.

Marissa Bittenc had 12 digs for JFK as Ashley Eneliko scored 17 kills and three aces. Bianca McCluskey had 36 assists and three aces and Paula Miles had five kills with Amanda Zilke contributiing 12 kills.

Kamiakin 3, Kennedy 0

Bellevue High School's bit into five of the last seven girls 3A swim meets. Holy Names nipped one for first in 2005 and Mercer Island has also jawed into a couple championships in the past decade.

But this year a new name snuck in like a shark, out of nowhere.

Duh-du-duh-du. Duh-du-duh-du-duh-duh...

Kennedy!

Well, not out of nowhere.

As your readers know, King County Water District 54 is working with the City of Des Moines, South King Fire and Rescue, and developers to upgrade our delivery system to meet their needs for redevelopment of existing properties.

The District stands firm that "Growth should pay for Growth," not the existing ratepayers where about a third of them are over age 65.

The water from District 54 comes directly from wells and is uniquely free of additives.

I keep hoping that this will be over, but Ralph Nichols and Ivan Weiss have teamed up to smear me in the Times/News and attempt to discount the evidence supporting my exposure of Stephen Lamphear's public record.

In response to their comments, and letters recently published by the Times/News, I repeat, again, that every referenced item in the letter is backed by copies of the originals, including PDC complaints, lawsuits, the State Auditor report, attorney briefs, newspaper articles and signed letters by Lamphear which I freely offered to anyone.

I would like to thank all of the people who supported me in the election last week. I am so very grateful for your faith and trust.

I also would like to thank and praise my opponent, Ed Dacy, for the way he ran his campaign. Ed and I agreed at the very beginning of this campaign that we were going to run our races on issues, not personalities.

We were both saddened and disgusted at the vicious personal attack piece sent out by Ron Seale. Mud slinging like that diminishes us all. Our city deserves better.

Kathy Keene

Burien

Jerry Robinson is able to glimpse into the lives of the people who live in Burien through his column. He is able to personalize our stories and let others know who we are and what we have been doing. I wish to thank him for these stories of those around us.

However, I wonder how many readers of the Times/News know that Jerry creates a fancy breakfast plate for his wife every morning.