November 2009

On Nov. 12, the Seattle City Council passed a 13.8 percent City Light rate increase for the next two years that will go into effect in 2010.

The increase closes a $140 million gap between City Light revenues and spending plan.

City Light has relied heavily on selling its excess power, but the unpredictability and volatility of the current market has resulted in City Light burning through cash reserves that will be depleted by mid-2010 without a reasonable rate increase.

Due to the slumping economy and decreased demand, City Light will fall well below revenue projections from selling surplus energy.

“This rate increase will help maintain City Light’s financial stability while protecting our strong bond ratings,” said Councilmember Jean Godden. “We’ve worked hard over the past eight years to put City Light on a solid financial footing – now is not the time to reverse that course. It’s a question of paying a few dollars now or a whole lot more later.”

The package passed by Council includes $1 million in energy efficiency investments that the Mayor’s proposal did not include. The Mayor's proposal included an 8.8 percent rate increase.

Any one who wants a status check on their memory can take advantage of a free, confidential screening on Nov. 17th at Elder and Adult Day Services (EADS) as part of National Memory Screening Day -- an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) designed to promote proper detection of the memory problems and strategies for successful aging.

The local screening will be held at the campus of Wesley Homes, 816 S. 216th St., Suite 1, Des Moines from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

To make Appointment an appointment, contact Chris Plyman at 206-859-5731 or cplyman@eadscares.org.

"Providing free memory screenings fits perfectly into the EADS mission of working to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for each person served", says Jan Nestler, founder and executive director of Elder and Adult Day Services. "A s early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's can delay the progression of the disease," Nestler continues, "the therapy and structured activities provided at EADS' Centers help adults in the community maintain optimum health and functional independence."

The next Highline Forum will be on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 2:30- 4:30 p.m. at the Cove in Normandy Park, 1500 S.W. Shorebrook Dr.

John Sibold, from the state Department of Transportation's Aviation division, will report on the long-term air transportation study while the Port of Seattle's Stan Shepard will present an update on the Part 150 noise study for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Burien City Manager Mike Martin will discuss Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033, which was soundly defeated by voters at the Nov. 3 election.

Representatives from Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way meet periodically with Port officials to discuss issues of mutual interest. The Port operates Sea-Tac International Airport.

The meetings are open to the public.

On Monday, Burien city council members held the first of two public hearings about a proposed one percent increase to property taxes.

Citizens who participated in the public comment and public hearing session were consistent in their feedback.

Cathy Parker urged the city to follow the example of other municipalities and shelve, furlough or otherwise put off any projects requiring additional taxes.

Citing the drop in South King County home and condominium sales, realtor Robbie Howell told the city to "give its citizens a break" and avoid "speculative ventures and unpredictable projects that are doing poorly."

And Roger Dolorme noted the recent failure of the $25 license tab fee and said all he hears the city talk about is downtown, never the suburbs of Burien where "there's no code enforcement and no one gets anything done."

Mayor Joan McGilton said she gets "very distressed" when she hears citizens accuse the city government of being irresponsible in how it uses its money.

The Highline Food Bank is hosting a spaghetti feed and auction Nov. 19 to raise funds to feed local families this Thanksgiving.

Pre-sale tickets are available at 5 Corners Albertsons, 15840 1st Ave. S. Albertsons is sponsoring the event.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for young people 12 and under.

November 11th is a day to remember all the people who have served the United States in the armed services.

The Des Moines Memorial Drive Advisory Committee held an event Wednesday to commemorate a specific group of veterans who have not always received the recognition they deserve--women.

Representatives from SeaTac, Burien, Normandy Park and Des Moines were present at the event, along with U.S. Rep. Adam Smith.

A former trauma nurse in Vietnam, and current member of the Intertribal Warrior Society, Peggy Caudill said women have not always recognized as veterans.

"I always celebrate all veterans on Veterans Day, but I have to admit there was a time when I wasn't accepted as a veteran," Caudill said. "I have come a long way,"

She said there is no way to really describe what it was like to be a nurse in Vietnam, because she can't take you there. Caudill added part of her is glad people don't know.

Caudill noted that at her first opportunity she jumped at a chance to serve her country. After a year of training in the states she went over to Vietnam in 1967, working as nurse in a MASH unit.

On Nov. 12, city officials unveiled results from citywide surveys taken this summer to reflect Neighborhood Plan updates.

Transportation issues and public safety appealed to many people as an area where changes could be made to the new Ballard and Crown Hill plan.

For one resident living in Crown Hill, it was the simple things that matter the most.

“I told my wife I almost wore a t-shirt that said give me sidewalks or give me death,” said Patrick Trainor, a Crown Hill resident. “There’s kids walking to school and they have to walk in peoples’ yards.”

Since the last Neighborhood Plan, Ballard and Crown Hill residents reported progress on several fronts.

Respondents generally appreciated redevelopment in downtown Ballard, the new library and the Farmer’s Market.

City planners said they will use the “likes” and “dislikes” culled from the populace to determine goals for the next Neighborhood Plans.

BRING THIS VOUCHER TO ANY BARNES AND NOBLE THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING - and November 28th and 29th too. WSHS PTSA (Grad Night 2010) will get FREE MONEY!!! Yes, even the smallest purchase counts…get your Christmas shopping “done in one” stop and support PTSA Grad Night 2010 at the same time.
THEN – take your receipt to Giannoni’s Pizza showing your purchase (no minimum required) with the voucher and you get a FREE slice of CHEESE PIZZA!!! (one per receipt)

Giannoni's Pizzeria
2600 SW Barton St Ste C3, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 935-1800

Two dogs took advantage of the open car windows and a break in our rainy November weather during a ride through the West Seattle Junction to "Run without moving their legs".

On Oct. 26, the Ballard News-Tribune reported that the Bit Saloon, "Ballard's Quirky Quality Dive Bar Since 1947," was closing its doors. That is no longer the case, at least for the moment.

According to the bar's Web site, its final day was supposed to be Nov. 1, but the Bit remains open as of Nov. 12.

The bartender on shift said he is new and does not know anything about the supposed closure.

Ownership at the Bit did not return messages for the Oct. 26 story.

The Bit Saloon is located at 4818 17th Ave. N.W.

More information coming soon.