December 2008

A team of history mavens, volunteers, and sharp technical minds collaborated to launch a Web site that is something of a virtual "board game."

Clear, historic sepia toned photos of the original Youngstown-Cooper School, Pigeon Point, Riverside, steel factory area, and trolley tracks serve as the "board," sprinkled with small circles to click to hear interviews of 28 longtime and former Delridge residents who reminisce.

Mayor Greg Nickels says more than 900 mayors have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, a significant milestone in the national campaign of cities to reduce global warming.

"Our determination to reduce carbon emissions will open new opportunities for clean energy and green jobs," said Nickels, who launched the effort three years ago.

Along with other programs throughout the city, Lowell Elementary School on Capitol Hill has been recommended to close as the school district assesses a $24 million deficit in its 2009 budget. As a result, the 29 students in Lowell's special education curriculum could be transitioned into new programs closer to their homes.

The district's reasoning behind their recommendation is two-fold.

The Municipal League of King County says Metro bus riders are frustrated with current service.

"Riders are frustrated because of overcrowded buses and poor schedule performance," said Municipal League Chair Brad Meacham.

The West Seattle Food Bank has named four new members to its board of directors.

The historic Alki Homestead restaurant could soon be sold, owners said last week.

Co-owner Tom Lin said if the sale goes through, the new owners, husband and wife chefs, will take over the restaurant early next year and possibly close it down for remodeling for several months. But, said Lin, the name and the tradition of the Homestead will not change.

"It has been very challenging for me the past few years as I am not a restaurateur," Lin said.

Metro bus fares are going up next year and again the year after.

The Metropolitan King County Council adopted an ordinance Nov. 17 that will raise the cost of Metro fares to cope with a projected $90 million budget shortfall.

The ordinance splits King County Executive Ron Sims' proposed 50-cent increase into two 25-cent increases - one that will go into effect Feb. 1, 2009 followed by a second increase on Jan. 1, 2010.

The first fare increase will affect adult rates and those using Metro's Access van services.

Ama Ama Oyster Bar and Grill

4752 California Ave. S.W.

937-1514

Happy Hour: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to Midnight daily.

http://www.ama-amaseattle.com/

Thursdays, 9 p.m.

Live Music (jazz, blues, funk)

Bamboo Bar and Grill

2806 Alki Ave. S.W.

937-3023

Bob Whittaker, of the iconic Seattle Whittaker family (his father was the first American to climb Mt.Everest), got Abigail about a year ago as a rescue dog. "When I first got her, she was a mess. She was terrified of people and very shy. In the last year she has really blossomed," he said.

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced a $5,000 gift to Des Moines to help fund the city's 50th birthday events next year, becoming the first corporate sponsor of this year-long celebration.

Des Moines, with origins as a logging and fishing community more than a century ago, incorporated as a city on June 17, 1959.

Mayor Bob Sheckler thanked PSE for its grant, expressing "gratitude to Puget Sound Energy not only as a long-time business anchor in Washington but also as a good neighbor in the communities it serves.

"Even at a time of economic upheaval, Puget