June 2009

Mayor Greg Nickels has announced the findings of two economic impact studies that show the manufacturing and maritime industries pump about $17.3 billion into the local economy.

The industries contribute about $93 million in tax revenues - nearly 30 percent of all revenue generated by Seattle businesses - and employ more than 90,400 Seattle workers.

“Manufacturing and maritime industries are the backbone of Seattle’s diverse economy, and we must keep them strong,” said Nickels in a statement. “Especially in tough economic times, these industries provide good-paying jobs and steady growth.”

Commissioned by the city’s Office of Economic Development, the studies found that manufacturing jobs in Seattle grew by 10 percent from 2005 to 2008, while the nation lost nearly 5 percent of its manufacturing jobs during the same time period.

Hard hitting and superlative pitching teamed up to give the West Seattle (WS) D-Rays a 15-0 four-inning victory against the South Highline National (SHN) Angels in the championship game of the 2009 District 7 Little League baseball Majors Tournament of Champions Monday, June 22.

"We can win games this way or win close games," stated WS manager John Mackenzie of his all-around and talented contingent. "We won three one-run games in a row to win our league."

In regular season play, West Seattle played to a 15-0-1 record before going 4-1 in the league tournament. Following an Anthony Coats 1-0 shutout of Rainier, the D-Rays sidelined South Highline American 10-0 in four innings en route to the defeat of South Highline to finish at 22-1-1.

On Monday night West Seattle forged four runs on two hits, two walks and an error to grab the lead before SHN came to bat.

Cameron Slader's two-run homer keyed a four-run WS uprising in the second inning before WS stormed for another quartet of runs in the third inning. David Meehan blasted a solo home run as part of the attack.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has begun the second round of soil testing for the proposed bored tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The soil samples and other geotechnical information gathered by crews will inform the design of the tunnel and boring machine. When testing is finished this fall, tunnel engineers will have soil samples every 100 to 400 feet along the alignment, to depths of 100 to 300 feet below the surface.

“These samples will help us plan where ground stabilization should take place prior to the start of construction and where monitoring equipment can be installed,” said Ron Paananen, Alaskan Way Viaduct Program Administrator. “It will also provide important data to the tunnel designers and contractors so they can complete their work.” 
 

For the first time in three years, Woodland Park Zoo is home to the Matschie's tree kangaroo, an endangered species from Papua New Guinea and known for its bear-like head, bushy tail and marsupial's pouch.

An 8-year-old male named Huen arrived from Singapore Zoo in March and can now be found living in the Day Exhibit.

As one of the newest conservation ambassadors at the zoo, Huen represents the international work of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, founded and based at the Woodland Park Zoo.

The arrival of Huen marks the latest step in Woodland Park Zoo's efforts to conserve this endangered species.

Huen will be joined by a mate in the near future.

This summer, Camp Long, located at 5200 35th Ave. S.W., will offer numerous opportunities for kids to discover what they can do to help the planet.  

Yoga in Nature
Instructor Sarah teaches with enthusiasm for personal growth and expression.  She has studied Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga styles and from these roots, creates a unique blend of her own.  She lives for her time outdoors; whether climbing, skiing, cycling, practicing yoga, or just being; she feels communion with nature is essential to contentment. 

“It is a very special opportunity to teach in such a beautiful setting as Camp Long.  It is like escaping from the city, and treating yourself with the gift of mindfulness.”  Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
 
July 8 and July 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Activity Fee $12
 
Water Calling: Mater Matrix Mother and Medium                

A crazed bird was seen parked in Bergen Place enjoying the afternoon sun June 29.

The float, powered by two bicycles, appears to have been part of a kickball-themed portion of the Fremont Solstice Parade by the Westcoast Kickball League.

There was no one around to give any details as to what the bird is doing in Ballard. Anyone with information regarding the bird should email tips@robinsonnews.com.

A decision by Seattle city planners last week has opened up the possibilities for filling Viewlands Elementary, which was closed by the Seattle School District in summer 2007.

City planners informed the district that a Seattle Municipal Code governing single-family zones takes precedent over another municipal code covering the formation of advisory committees to fill vacant school buildings.

This means that Viewlands, as well as seven other closed and closing schools, can be filled by certain uses without going through a possibly lengthy committee process.

According to Section F of Seattle Municipal Code 23.44.006, the following uses are permitted outright for a vacant school building in a single-family zone: child care centers, public or private schools, educational and vocational training for the disabled, adult evening education classes, nonprofit libraries, community centers and community programs for the elderly or similar uses.

"The reason we want to have those options is because it helps reduce vandalism and keep those buildings viable," school district spokesperson David Tucker said.

Project organizers for a new Delridge Playground are asking for volunteers to help build the project in just one day.

Ideally, the playground, designed by KaBOOM!, and with significant input from the community, could use 130 volunteers, said organizers. Community members do not need to be skilled, trained or have any special tools to help out. All that's requested of volunteers is that they be enthusiastic, energetic, a team player, willing to work, and willing to have fun along the way.

The new playscape will be completely built on July 17, beginning at 8 a.m. Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be provided and music should keep volunteers entertained along the way.

Project organizers are also looking for Build Captains during the July 17 build. These leaders will be asked to attend a 45-minute orientation on Prep Day, July 15.

Volunteers are asked to register by July 3.

To register or for more information please email helpdelridgeplay@gmail.com or call Chris at (206) 499-3733.

The new Delridge Playground is sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and KaBOOM!

Highland Park will be hosting a community dance where attendees can learn swing dancing, the waltz, the foxtrot and more.

Both beginning and experienced dancers are invited to attend.

The dance will be held on July 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Puget Ridge Cohousing, 7020 18th Ave. S.W.

Pre-dance lessons in swing will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Mini-dance lessons throughout the evening in will teach Waltz, Blues, and Foxtrot.

Attendees are asked to bring snacks and beverages to share. Alcohol is welcome with responsible drinking.

For more information please contact Lisa Kauffman by calling (206) 764-9330.

By Guest writer Malia Buskirk

Malia Buskirk is a graduate student at Northwest University in Kirkland and is working on her masters degree in a program called International Care and Community Development. I received an email from her a short while ago: “ … for one of our classes we are studying environmental justice, and for the entire quarter we were asked to take on 'acts of justice,' meaning making changes in our lives that reflect green living and green choices.” This article is the result of that project.

We find ourselves living during a time of a green revolution, a time when people are shopping locally, driving their cars less, and simply being more environmentally conscious. But what does it actually mean to go “green?"

What does it look like to make socially conscious choices in regards to the way we live our lives and the choices we make?