February 2009

Metropolitan King County Council Chair Dow Constantine praised the efforts of state lawmakers seeking to grant King County the flexibility it needs to address financial challenges while assisting in the reform of King County government.

“I appreciate the efforts of legislators in Olympia to address King County's funding crisis,” said Constantine. “With a tax base narrowed by years of statewide initiatives, and responsibilities broadened by decades of federal and state mandates, we need new approaches to protect major public health and safety programs for the nearly two million Washingtonians who call King County home.”

House Bill 2249 would allow existing County funds to be used for the highest priority needs, and add provisions to encourage the long-sought annexation of unincorporated urban areas into cities. It would also provide some temporary funding sources for King County services during the current economic downturn and require that future reforms be evaluated through a state performance audit of county government.

The bill was introduced by State Rep. Ross Hunter of Medina; a similar bill has been introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Debbie Regala.

Metropolitan King County Council member Larry Phillips recently joined representatives of Climate Communities in pressing the case to President Obama and Congress for local climate funds to be included in the federal stimulus package.

The result of that effort is $3.2 billion in energy grants nationwide that will make it possible for King County and other cities and counties to invest in local actions that create immediate jobs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Securing federal support for empowering local climate action has been the goal of a coalition of local officials who have joined together in an organization called Climate Communities, of which Phillips is a founding member and national co-chair.

“These hard economic times bring an opportunity to invest in a greener way of life that will bring new jobs to our economy and preserve our environment for future generations,” said Phillips. “With these grant funds, King County can show that we are a responsible and innovative partner with the federal government and can lead the way in finding climate solutions.”

When her boyfriend came home drunk, a woman grabbed his car keys so that he couldn't drive off again. She then locked him out of the house. Officers were called when he began kicking at the back door and throwing things around the yard. He agreed to go to a motel for the night to “rest his head.”

Around 11 a.m. , near the 7000 block of California Ave. S.W, a man tried to steal a woman's purse from her shoulder. When she resisted and yelled for help, he punched her in the neck and fled. The suspect was a white male in his twenties, about 6 feet 2 inches.

A man reports that while he sat using a public computer at the West Seattle Library, someone rifled through the pockets of his coat (which was lying nearby on the floor with some groceries) and stole his checks, VISA card, and bus pass.

A 20-year-old was cited for DUI after he was caught speeding down California Ave. at nearly 65 miles per hour early Sunday.

On Friday, Feb. 20, L.A. Fitness opened a 55,000 square foot Signature Sports Club in Ballard Blocks, it's 16th club in the Puget Sound.

The Irvine, Calif. based chain is one of several new franchise businesses coming to the new Ballard Blocks development, including a Trader Joe's, reported to open March 6, and a Chipotle Mexican Grill.

L.A. Fitness currently operates more than 285 clubs in 25 states and Canada, according to the company.

The club will feature full court basketball, a three-lane lap pool, a whirlpool, locker rooms, with separate studios for aerobic and stationary bike classes. It will also have 100 pieces of cardio equipment, 80 circuit training machines and free weight areas.

Yoga and aerobics classes will be offered and child-care is available.

At a Feb. 17 meeting of the East Ballard Community Association, some potential projects were discussed for possible funding from the upcoming Neighborhood Improvement Fund.

Applications are due Feb. 27 and approved projects would be implemented in 2010.

Here are some projects being discussed among community members:

- 14th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 60th
There are concerns of poor visibility for crossing and that the intersection is dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles crossing due to large vehicles parked in the median too close to the intersection. Vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists cross 14th Avenue Northwest to get to the light on 15th Avenue Northwest. This intersection will become a major walking route to Ballard Corners Park on 17th and 62nd when it opens, since this will be the closest park families living east of 15th and south of Northwest 65th.

- 8th Avenue Northwest, south of Market

Every week I notice familiar faces from the Norse Home Retirement Community sitting in straight back chairs by the sliding exit doors at Bartell Drugs, their distinctive bus parked nearby. Weather willing, each Wednesday, Molly Holscher, the activities director, helps residents on-board, then drives down into Ballard, eventually parking on 22nd Avenue Northwest, as close to Bartell’s as she can manage.

“Wednesdays in Ballard are sacred,” Molly told me straightaway when I asked if I could ride with them. Residents sign up for one of the 18 seats; shortly after their 3:15 p.m. return she puts out a sign-up sheet for the following week. About 1 p.m. the riders for the week begin to gather in the Norse Home lobby, checking the thermometer by the garden and picking up their copies of the newly delivered Ballard News-Tribune.

Every New Year – more accurately every day – we tell ourselves to eat less and exercise more. We sign up for gym memberships and buy new workout gear. Months pass by, you never go, you feel guilty, and then cancel membership. Sound familiar?

Well, ladies, it’s time to head on over to your local Curves.

Founded in 1992 by Texan couple Gary and Diane Heavin, Curves is noted as being the fastest growing franchise in history, and the world’s largest fitness franchise. With over 10,000 locations worldwide, there are two to choose from right in your neighborhood.

Curves is a fitness and weight-loss facility designed for women.

Here’s the skinny: 30-minute workout, three times a week for maximum results. There’s no food deprivation; no need to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by bulky machines, big bodybuilders, and beautifully toned people who look like fitness models.

The best part about Curves is the fun, encouraging and completely non-threatening atmosphere. These are women with different body types, ages ranging from teens to 80s. You’re not being judged for how you look, how much weight you can lift, or how long you can run.

The City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods recently awarded young artists from Ballard at a recent celebration at Rainier Community Center.

Area winners included, Samara Haq, 3rd grader, West Woodland, Maia Sebek, 9th grader, a home schooled Greenwood resident, Elise Morris, 3rd grader, West Woodland, and Ellery Haak, also a 3rd grader at West Woodland.

Mayor Greg Nickels presented during the 15th annual “Neighborhood Appreciation Day’ contest.

Dana and Danny Imori are the owners of Sophie, a pure bred Shih Tzu and Lola, a poodle and Shih Tzu mix.

Lola, now 2 years old, is laid back. So laid back that she "knows when it's nap time," said Dana. All it takes is for someone to say 'Nap time' and she dashes to the bedroom. Lola on the other hand is "sort of a terror," said Dan.

Dana added, "She's a typical second child." They have three cats too and Lola will "chase them and pester them but they all still seem to get along." They call her the 'Jail Breaker'. Dana and Danny put up temporary barriers in the kitchen for the dogs when they leave the house but Lola is often at the door when they come home, having broken down the barrier.

They found Sophie from a pet store in Seattle and Lola from A Place For Pets in Burien on 152nd.

How to nominate your pet:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.