December 2007

This man and his large white dog were seen waiting for the bus on Market Street last week.

Gary and Laura Leeman, of Ballard, hold their napping son, Victor, 2, at the Soulumination Foundation Gallery during their holiday art sale. The Leeman's are a "Soulumination family" and participate in the non-profit foundation. The Ballard-based foundation celebrates the lives of children facing life-threatening illness. Their mission is to compose a photographic record of these children and help counter misconceptions about death in childhood and to celebrate the value of these children's lives.

How about a tax cut?

By Paul Guppy

"On the surface it sounds good." That was one lawmaker's first reaction to a law signed last week by Governor Gregoire that lets some taxpayers defer up to half of their yearly property tax bill. This lawmaker voted for the bill, but her initial skepticism was well placed.

Seattle City Councilman Tom Rasmussen has released a revised version of Mayor Greg Nickels plan to expand an existing program that gives developers a break on property taxes in exchange for providing some "affordable" housing.

Rasmussen's plan lowers the mayor's income level requirement for the multi-family tax exemption program, "Seattle Homes Within Reach."

Nickels' proposal would give developers a 12-year property tax break for new rental and condominium developments in which 20 percent to 25 percent of the units are set aside for individuals or families earning betwee

An $80 million renovation of the Shilshole Bay Marina, one of the region's largest recreational-boating marinas is nearly finished and the slips are 85 percent full with slips ranging in size from 40 to 50 feet are still available. Boaters who apply now will receive their slip assignment by early spring 2008. The extensive project replaced 22 docks and piers, expanded dry moorage and created an enhanced small boat and sailing center at the north end of the marina.

About 60 area residents attended the Crown Hill Project community meeting to hear three speakers spell out the preliminary financial realities of the purchase and maintenance of that 3.4-acre lot, proposed playground, and school buildings.

Financial data was broken down in an "acquisition/restoration study" handed out to the audience.

Until a few years ago, Peggy Cook had never really thought much about her role in helping further women's rights.

She's one of millions of U.S. women who began work in industrial and trade jobs during World War II - a Rosie the Riveter who helped change the way women - and men - think about traditional women's roles.

"I think I've always worked but just didn't realize it was unusual," said Cook, who turned 83 this month.

Born in 1924, Cook comes from modest beginnings, growing up on "a shack" near the Cowlitz River in southwest Washington.

Seattle City Light is urging its customers to be on guard against telephone con artists posing as utility bill collectors.

A City Light customer reportedly received a phone call from people claiming to be a City Light employee.

Team has respect and a chance

By Dean Wong

The Ballard Beavers wrestling team is earning the respect of the KingCo League and several athletes have a shot at going to state this year.

Despite a home court loss to Lake Washington 68-12 last Thursday, the Beavers are optimistic about their post-season chances.

The Ballard Chili Peppers, a team from the Ballard Youth Soccer Club won the Dairy Farmers of Washington President's Cup in the BU-13 division on Dec. 9 in Olympia.

Despite playing on a snow covered field, the Chili Peppers managed to beat the Puyallup Hurricanes 2-1. Referees scraped as much snow as the could to reveal the lines and the game went on as planned.

The Hurricanes dominated in the first half when they scored their only goal. In the second half, Ballard stormed back with a header by Max Smithgall.