April 2010

A court order allowed officers to assist mental health professionals in taking a 43-year-old Highland Park man who is “prone to violence” into custody. Probably a good thing, considering it took two officers, two applications of a taser, a nightstick, and—according to the report, “our combined weight and a well-timed shove”—to get the man to the ground. The patient was placed on a gurney, in four-point restraints—and turned over to the mental health pro's.

While on patrol in the Admiral area, an officer spotted a fellow acting nervously at a bus stop. The 51-year-old Aurora Avenue resident had also made threatening gestures at passersby. Nearly in tears, he admitted that he regularly saw mental health professionals but was vague about drug use. Feeling that the man was having a mental episode, the officer called for ambulance transport to Harborview. When medics wanted to take the man's blood pressure, the fellow refused to remove his sweatshirt, claiming it “protected him from radiation.”

Inconsistencies on offense and on the mound cost Thomas Jefferson in a 9-3 home girls fastpitch loss to Kentridge on Thursday, April 22.

After this make up game resulted in a loss, the Raiders fell to 7-3 SPSL South and 9-4 overall. The problems on Thursday were very basic.

"Our pitcher has to hit the right spots," said Jefferson head coach Chad Fahnlander. "Their pitcher showed us something, today. We could not put hits together."

For six innings, Charger hurler Danielle Orvella limited Jefferson to three hits and one run.

The winning margin for Kentridge was recorded in the second inning. Knocking out four hits, the Chargers poured five runs across the plate.

In the fourth inning, the Raiders struck back. Christi Bruin lofted a deep double to left field from the leadoff spot. After pinch runner Cyrena Bui replaced Bruin at second base, Lexi Goranson singled to set up runners on first base and third base. Goransan lit out for second base on the next pitch and drew the throw to second. On the delayed steal, Bui dashed home and slid under the attempted tag that the catcher failed to hold.

It took a reversal of a previous doubles match up to keep the Thomas Jefferson girls tennis team unbeaten in a 3-2 defeat of visiting cross-district Todd Beamer. The Raiders' SPSL 4A Central record improved to 6-0 while the Titans fell to a deceiving 1-5.

On Thursday, April 22, the squads split the singles matches. Sophomore Breanna Ziccarrelli of Jefferson controlled the corners and alleys to stroke past sophomore Taylor Lunka, 6-1, 6-1, in the No. 1 spot.

In a duel of freshmen newcomers, the Titans' Kiele Bowman emerged with a hard fought, 6-4, 7-5, No. 2 victory against Michelle Lee.

As the battleground switched to doubles, Jefferson featured normal No. 1 singles player Averi Kitsch teaming with fellow senior Mackenzie Qualls with Caroline Min visiting a prospective college. The Jefferson duo clicked well to defeat the talented pair of senior Jessica Sutcliff and freshman Jenny Hoefel, 6-1, 6-2, for the No. 1.

"For me, it seems I'm learning a lot," said Hoefel. "This year is the first time I've been in high school competition. It's fun."

The Ballard High School boys track team placed seventh out of 12 teams at the April 24 Westling Invitational. The girls team placed eighth.

Click here for full results from the April 24 Westling Invitational.

Chocolate, and decadent desserts were on display at Bridgepark Retirement Community in High Point on Sunday April 25th. Led by award winning chef Colleen Steele the event featured french confections, and hundreds of treats, topped by her artistic interpretation of the Space Needle in dark chocolate. Attendees were asked to guess the weight of the sweet creation to win it. Steele, who is european trained, said, "I didn't even add up the hours. I was in that chocolate room for four days." Her regional manager gave her the idea to put on the event. "Because of the fact that he knew my strong background in desserts, he wanted to to do a dessert extravaganza around some of the talents I can do and I was more than happy," Steele said.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

There were tours given of the facility and for some lucky people, special chocolates covered in real gold dust that entitled them to win door prizes. Those given a tour were also entered in a drawing to win free rent for life from Holiday Retirement, Bridgepark's parent company.

The City of Federal Way Diversity Commission is hosting a community forum on the needs and desires of the senior population on April 30.

The forum will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St., just before the City’s regular Senior Lunch.

Lunch will be available free of charge for all who attend.

The diversity commission is interested in all aspects of the City’s aging population, said Lynnette Hynden, the City’s Human Services Division Manager and liaison to the commission.

“We really want to celebrate our aging population, their strengths and accomplishments. At the same time we’d like to know what’s going on with them. What’s working well? What’s not working so well? What do they need? What would they like?” she said.

The City of Federal Way is offering $68,000 in matching funds to local businesses, groups and organizations to better prepare for emergencies and major disasters.

The money comes from the $1.5 million allocated by the 2007 City Council for new emergency management activities in the wake of the crippling December 2006 windstorm.

Last year the City awarded $100,000 to three organizations to conduct five preparedness projects.

Eligible groups include: Businesses, faith-based groups, and non-profit organizations that are located out of or operate within city limits.

Eligible projects include: Applicants should explain how their proposed project will enhance emergency preparedness in their organization as well as the community as a whole. Grant funding is split into three categories:

1. Funding for emergency shelters is a priority at $30,000. Priority will be given to projects aimed at aiding vulnerable populations in an emergency by providing shelter facilities, warming/cooling centers or developing or enhancing the applicant’s ability to shelter in
place (thereby freeing up more resources for others).

The Seattle Sports Commission, King County and the City of Federal Way are proud to announce the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Diving will be hosted June 18-24, 2012 at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

“This is great news for Federal Way and the entire Seattle metro area,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “It means increased tourism for our region. It puts a spotlight on our corner of the world. And, after the state being such a great partner with the Vancouver Olympics, we’ll be part of the success of the 2012 London games as well.”

Over 100 of the country’s best divers will compete for a spot on the United States Olympic Team - Diving to represent the U.S. in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Trials include men’s and women’s individual events in three- and 10-meter competitions, plus men’s
and women’s synchronized events in three- and 10-meter competitions.

“We’re delighted to come back to Seattle, and we look forward to a great partnership with the community, fans and sponsors.” said Debbie Hesse, President and CEO of USA Diving.

About four months late, SeaTac lawmakers approved recently 2009 comprehensive plan amendments that pave the way for a 750-stall surface parking lot on unused cemetery land.
The Master Park lot would be on six acres in the north end of Washington Memorial Park Bonney Watson. The land would revert back to Bonney Watson in 25 years.
Washington Park general manager Cameron Smock told lawmakers that the land will be "left fallow for decades to come."

Smock said Washington has the highest cremation rate in the country. Washington Park's study of future "placements" needs shows the cemetery will not run out of room in the next century.

Temporary use of the "raw acreage" as a parking lot would bring tax revenue to the city and cut down on illegal activity in an isolated spot, according to Smock.

The rezoning was part of last year's comprehensive plan amendments but James and Doris Cassan of Dollar parking appealed the proposed amendment.

The city's hearing examiner denied the appeal, clearing the way for the belated approval.

Want to laugh your way through two acts of a hilarious comedy? Go see "Bleacher Bums" at Burien Little Theatre.

The Chicago Cubs are playing the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field (my hometown, my home team!) The diehard Cubbie fans are occupying their usual bleacher seats-swigging a beer, betting against the Cards, rooting for the home team and, in general, giving one another a hard time.

It's a classic! The acting and directing are terrific.

Do yourself a favor-get your tickets now. The play ends May 9th. You'll thank me for cluing you in to a really good time. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Florence McMullin
Des Moines