April 2008

The city of Seattle has requested that the Coast Guard restrict openings of the Lower Spokane Street swing bridge during rush hours to facilitate traffic coming into and leaving West Seattle.

Councilman Tom Rasmussen, an Alki resident who commutes over the low bridge to work and back most business days, initiated the issue.

"I noticed some long delays and some unnecessary delays during the rush hours," Rasmussen said.

Dr. Herbert and Hazel Carroll celebrated 64 years of marriage on February 8, 2008. They are long-time West Seattle residents. Dr. Carroll is a well-loved retired pediatrician, who has known generations of West Seattle families. We want to acknowledge their generosity, kindness, affection and support: their love for each other has overflowed to all of us, including grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Thanks Mom and Dad! You are the best!

Your Family

In a secular (public) school miracles happen. Maybe it was the recent Christmas-like snowfall that spurred this realization.

I'm talking about genuine acts of faith and spirituality, and they have for years. We might think that public school is fueled by public servants and funds; a non-religious environment where overt acts of faith are scorned.

Human beings working together

By Georgie Bright Kunkel

What is a hero? I decided to look it up in my dictionary, copyright 1975. The following definition was stated: A hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

Evidently lexicographers, even three years after the state of Washington passed its own equal rights amendment, were still using sexist definitions. Even the alumni (Latin male plural) associations connected with prestigious universities and members of Congress will not shed sexist titles.

Direct experience in nature is critical and decreasing. Nature is important to children's development in every major way - intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically. City parks offer a sense of place, opportunity for daily experience with nature, experiences that improve school achievement, and alleviate isolation.

The citizens of Seattle were treated to another act in the political theatre directed by our amazing mayor, Greg Nickels. Over his tenure he has mastered the grand announcement with press releases, press conferences packed with bravado, and quiet orders to his bureaucratic underlings to toe the line or get out of his city government.

Many of his acts would be hilarious if they didn't stand to cost us citizens another bundle.

Editor's Note: This letter was addressed to Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin and Sally Clark, chair of the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee, with a copy to this newspaper.

Ballard, where I have lived ever since returning home to Seattle from college over 30 years ago, continues to undergo relentless change.

Foam ban, bag fee pushed

By Richard Conlin

On Wednesday, April 2, Mayor Greg Nickels and I announced a joint proposal for a 20-cent "green fee" on all disposable shopping bags at the city's grocery, drug and convenience stores, along with a ban on foam containers in the food service industry. Legislation to implement this program will be considered by the council this spring, and these waste prevention measures will take effect Jan.

Business is good for many of Ballard's manufacturing and industrial businesses, and some are expanding - just not here.

The area's lacks of large warehouse space, coupled with rising land costs, make it difficult for a thriving industrial business to grow.

A $14 million redevelopment of the Olympic Athletic Club and new four-star hotel on historic Ballard Avenue has been put on hold while the owners seek funding.

Early last year, the city of Seattle and the Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board approved the demolition of two buildings located just south of the health club at 5212 and 5214 Ballard Avenue.