June 2008

Lombardi's knows new tricks

2200 NW Market Street

783-0055

http://www.lombardiscucina.com/

By Patricia Devine and Jim Anderson

The upper level at Ballard institution Lombardi's offers unique and scenic views of Ballard. Looking down Leary Way, diners can see all the way to Queen Anne, with the view framed like a painting by exterior trees. Unseen, diners spy on pedestrians below and enjoy the beautiful facades of the old brick buildings.

With a slight pause for details to an advisory committee, the state's department of transportation has said the Alaskan Way Viaduct must be torn down and replaced. It is not cost effective to fix it so it lasts another 25 years, says an independent project manager advising the state.

Now wait a minute, fellows.

taken the money?

Delightful story. Every reader is trying to decide whether he/she would have taken the million and other benefits. I know I would have been bought off. But how fast can you spend a million when you are in your eighties?

Florence Gerson

Seattle

I love stories that are unique and personal. Ballard is changing very fast but it's important to remember how it used to be. There is a lot of history that should be remembered.

Liz Sternberg

Seattle

"A warrior knows no gender," Edith told me. "Never forget that, lest you imprison yourself."

I wish to personally thank the Ballard News-Tribune and writer Steve Shay for sensitively portraying my friend Edith Macefield, and for giving our community an insider's view of an amazing local icon.

"Maybe all those damned reporters will all get re-assigned to the Mideast," she mused a few months before her passing. "In my day, overt rudeness got rewarded with a switch!"

Now, can the community put her to rest?

My wife died in 1994 from breast cancer. Her two sons were ages 11 and 7 years.

Even though it has been some time since she was taken from us whenever a news story (June 25, News-Tribune, Page 2) comes up about cancer my youngest is sure to say that "If Mom had gotten cancer now shed would have probably survived."

We have come a long way but it still is with us. Thank you for your efforts to find a cure.

Ed Macy

Ballard

I have been telling people for years we need to preserve that house where it is as it is. I am more than willing to get involved if such a movement takes hold. Let me know if any traction has been generated by your editorial. Let's get this thing going! Take care!

Jordan Gussin

Ballard

I read your article in the Ballard News-Tribune earlier this evening, and was touched by Edith Macefield's unwillingness to surrender to the powers that be.

It is people like her that put things into perspective in this fast-paced, booming society. I have the utmost respect for those who do things not because they want attention, but because they see the fundamental value in doing something just for the sake of doing it without any expectations of fame, fortune, or even a simple acknowledgment. Money has a greater chance at leading to delusion than it does happiness.

Restore government vision

By Jonathan Bechtle

Do you see any problem with our state's ban on smoking in public places? What about Seattle's prohibition on restaurants using trans fats? These laws may make us feel more comfortable or healthy, but is it the role of government to micro-manage our personal health choices?

Or what about the now-defunct Monorail's use of eminent domain to take a large parcel of property in Seattle's Pioneer Square, most of which it planned to sell for a profit?

Despite the constant drumbeat of housing doom and gloom reported nationally, Ballard's single-family home market is still rosy but has a few faded blooms.

Nationwide, home values have dropped nearly15 percent in one year.