February 2010

With their jackets stuffed with $300 worth of lotions, a man and a woman managed to slip through security at a Junction pharmacy last week as a clerk called 911.

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, a would-be burglar was surprised when he entered a Morgan Junction-area bedroom and found the homeowner in bed. Muttering that he thought it was his own house, the suspect made a hasty retreat through a rear door—followed by the victim, who called 911 as the suspect darted across 35th SW. Officers tracked the suspect and took him into custody. Before being patted down, he denied carrying any objects that might harm the officer—yet in his jacket pocket they found a loaded syringe (likely containing heroin). The 46-year-old West Seattle man—who was also wanted on a felony escape warrant—was booked into King County Jail for the warrant and for investigation of burglary and on drug charges.

On Monday, a mail carrier alerted a neighbor after he found a 104-year-old woman slumped over on her front doorstep. Medics arrived and pronounced her deceased.

I really like to walk. I do it mostly because I have two dogs that like to walk even more than I do.

There’s something about “just walking” that feels good and gets the blood flowing. I love seeing different gardens and what folks do to them.

Walking in the rain? Great! Walking at night? Well, that’s a treat only city-dwellers can do.

I had a conversation with someone recently that makes my little jaunts look like a walk in the park.

Brian Kern, co-owner of Dandelion Botanical, an herbal apothecary located in downtown Ballard, likes to walk, too.

He and local author and friend Tom Trimbath go for all-day walks, 10 or even 20 miles at a time.

He calls it “vacilando," a quote from Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley."

Steinbeck writes: "In Spanish there is a word for which I can't find a counterword in English. It is the verb vacilar, present participle vacilando. It does not mean vacillating at all. If one is vacilando, he is going somewhere, but does not greatly care whether or not he gets there, although he has direction."

The family of Mark Ebinger, stabbed to death last November, has increased the reward offered to $10,000 in hopes of generating tips that will lead to an arrest.

Mark and his brother Peter were attacked outside a Burien bar on November 12, 2009. Mark died from stab wounds at the scene. Peter was stabbed numerous times, but survived.

Mark was 25 at the time of his death. Peter is 24.

Detectives believe there were several witnesses to the attack, and these witnesses might have information that could solve the case.

The homicide occurred outside Good Time Ernie’s Pub, 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien.

Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1000 for information on the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or the King County Sheriff's Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours), or 9-1-1.

Egan's Ballard Jam House, known for its jazz performances, will do a bit of hocus-pocus Feb. 2, as it offers "That's Impossible!" a magic/comedy show.

Rick Anderson and Louie Foxx join Ballard performer Tony Comito for an evening of close-up magic with audience participation.

"Louie Foxx does a trick whip-cracking act which is probably something you would not see on stage in Omaha," said Comito. "You can't go wrong with whip-cracking."

Foxx also does unusual hand shadows.

"Things you’ve never seen before, not a crocodile or rabbit, but quite phenomenal things," said Comito. "That’s true of everything you're going to see."

Anderson will involve the audience with his close-up, slight-of-hand.

"This is a great venue for performing magic," said Comito. "With seating for 45, the magicians have the attention of the audience. Often we perform at parties, walking around and performing to small groups of guests that can become easily distracted."

Reservations are encouraged. There is a $10 cover. Egan's, located at 1707 N.W. Market St., will be open for dinner and they offer a full bar.

Basketball Free Throw Contest
Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s Lanigan Gym
206-935-2558
Saturday, Feb. 6, 6:00 p.m.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a basketball free throw contest for boys and girls ages 10 - 14 (proof of age required). Winners are eligible to advance to district, state and national competition.

Continuing Education
South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Ave. S.W.
206-764-5339
Tuesday, Feb 2 - Feb 23,
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.,
The U.S. Civil War - Beyond the Battles: failed attempts that could have avoided war. Cost $65.
Wednesday, Feb 3 - Feb 10, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.,
Stained Glass Mosaic Mirror Art, Cost $49 + $20 materials fee.

Drop-in Dog Training Classes
9629 17th Ave. S.W.
206-935-0289
Must attend orientation held Saturdays, 2 p.m. Dog training for all levels. Move through the levels at your own pace and convenience. No charge for orientation. www.puppyperfectors.com or nancy@puppyperfectors.com

Luncheon honoring Scott Laveille
White Center Spaghetti and Pizza House
10231 16th Ave. S.W. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 12 p.m.