July 2010

SDOT has released this information regarding the upcoming lane closure on the Spokane Street Viaduct:

The Seattle Department of Transportation’s contractor begins work to connect the new Fourth Avenue S off-ramp to the Spokane Street Viaduct the night of July 19, with crews closing both eastbound travel lanes for one night only to emplace temporary barriers.

The full closure of all eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct lanes (from east of the First Avenue S off-ramp to I-5) will last from 9:00 p.m. Monday until no later than 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 20. During the night traffic will be detoured to the lower roadway to access I-5, and motorists will still be able to connect to SR99 and First Avenue S. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on July 20 only the eastbound right-hand lane of the Spokane Street Viaduct will remain closed, for up to six weeks.

In a press event at Mayor McGinn's office a consultant, Dr. Thom L. Neff, hired by the Mayor, cited high risks for the Deep-Bore Tunnel project now being considered to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Seattle Department of Transportation Director Peter Hahn joined Mayor McGinn on the panel.

Dr. Neff said the project held more risk than the Boston "Big Dig" and pointed out the variety of soils the tunneling machine would bore through and added that this was one of the riskiest and most complicated projects he's ever been asked to evaluate, and one that guaranteed an "unknown outcome" regarding price, time, and geological challenges. He cited sticky clays, flowing sands, abrasive materials and boulders up to eight feet in diameter that stand in the way, the fact that the tunnel would be bored below sea level, and that the tunnel, at 54 feet in diameter, would be the world's largest of its kind.

In the wake of Dr. Neff's report Mayor McGiinn reiterated his position that he would acquiesce to the City Council's wishes and sign off on the tunnel project that they unanimously endorse, but only if the city is shielded from cost overruns.

Former SeaTac City Manager Craig Ward has been offered the city administrator's job in Troutdale, Oregon.
He is expected to be paid $120,000 and begin his new job in August.

The SeaTac City Council removed Ward from his duties as SeaTac city manager in October, just before voters decided on a proposition that would have replaced the city manager position with an elected mayor.

The resolution lost by nine votes but elected mayor proponents contend King County Elections did not count all eligible ballots. Proponents say they submitted valid signature cards for approximately 25 voters whose votes had been challenged by the Elections staff.
Ward was a focal point in the election as proposition supporters criticized him over cost overruns on fire station construction supervised by King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson's husband, a critical state auditor's report, a controversial tree retention ordinance and the condemnation of a private parking lot.

Ward was never terminated as SeaTac's city manager and his position was not eliminated in the Nov. 3 election.

Judson Park Retirement Community in Des Moines is offering monthly free health education classes for seniors.

July's class is "Motivate Me! Ways to Enjoy Exercise in the Golden Years." The class is July 23, from 3 - 4 p.m. in the Judson Park Health Center Rehab Gym.

For questions, and to reserve your spot, call Tammy at 206-878-6357.

Pedestrian crossing improvements at the intersection of Leary Avenue Northwest and 20th Avenue Northwest are the number-one priority for Ballard's share – approximately $90,000 – of the 2010 Neighborhood Projects Fund.

The Ballard District Council voted July 14 on its top four projects to be paid for through the $1.25 million fund, with that intersection topping the list. Rounding out the top four were pedestrian safety improvements at 14th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 59th Street and traffic circles at Northwest 67th Street and 18th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 83rd Street and 26th Avenue Northwest.

Every year, Seattle's 13 district councils are asked to review neighborhood proposals for improvements to parks or transportation through the Neighborhood Projects Fund.

A four-member Ballard District Council committee selected two new proposals and three proposals from the approximately 40 projects not funded last year to submit to the Seattle Department of Transportation for pricing and consideration.

Basic baseball buoyed unbeaten South Highline National Little League to a District 7 Majors (11-12 year-olds) baseball All-Star title in the first of two possible championship round games on Sunday, July 11.

Pounding away for six runs in the last two innings, the baseball boys from Normandy Park turned a tense struggle into a comfortable 8-3 decision against continually battling West Seattle.

National opens the District 3 hosted state tournament against the District 10 champion on Saturday, July 24, at Smith-Murrey Park in Elma. Start time is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

"We used the basic elements of success - pitching, defense and timely hitting," stated Highline manager Dave Galando. "Our slogan has been 11-4-1 which means 11 players, four games (to win) and number one."

Federal Way National put heart and effort into beating Chinook in the Little League Majors District 10 Fastpitch All Stars Tournament championship game, but they were beat, by one run, 3-2, to end their season at Brannon Park in Auburn Monday, June 28.

"What a game, huh," said Tom Magruder, the National manager. "Everyone deserved to win that one. We played a heck of a game. Both teams did."

The score was 3-0 Chinook entering the top of the sixth, signaling that National had but one at-bat to send this championship to the if-necessary game. And things looked like National was on its way to doing that, in the beginning and middle stages, even the final stages, of their sixth, starting off with a Tivana Tinsley hit-by-pitch leadoff at-bat.

Then, Alex Haven was hit by a pitch too. So, two runners on base, the second calmed down and comfortingly soothed by her dad, and coach, Gary, who works under manager Magruder, after 11-year old Alex took a fast pitch squarely on the lower leg. The next batter, Aleah Adams, drew a walk. Chinook did not likely want to face her, she was thrown four straight pitches out of the strike zone.

On the Friday before Independence Day commemorations, there was an American success story at Brannan Park.

Utilizing key contributions from the entire team, the Federal Way American Junior Little League All Stars defended their District 10 championship with an 8-2 verdict against Chinook/Auburn to also complete an unbeaten run through district.

Federal Way qualified for the state tournament, which is scheduled for July 17-25 at Medical lake High School in the Spokane area.

"The team played together and its defense was very good," said Americans manager Bob Clinton. "We've had very good pitching, especially from Andrew (Maertins) and Mitch (Stewart), plus good support from each other all year. Tonight, Mitch was efficient and able to keep the pitch count down with good control while we got key hits."

On July 2, Stewart pitched a masterful mound gem for the first five innings, allowing no runs on two hits through the first five innings. During this stretch, he also struck out 10 batters.

The Highline School District hired July 14 a former Northwest region athletic director of the year to take over its troubled athletic program.

The region covers a five-state area from Idaho to Alaska.

Terri McMahan received the award in 2009 following her retirement as athletic director in the Edmonds School District. According to the Seattle Times, McMahan's partner was diagnosed with advanced cancer and the Edmonds district granted a leave of absence through the end of the school year, when she retired and moved to Bellingham.

She worked 11 years in Edmonds and 19 years in the Ferndale School District as athletic director, a P.E. teacher and computer specialist.
McMahan has also been named the Washington State (WSSAAA) Athletic Director of the Year.

In addition to McMahan, the Highline district also hired Philip Willenbrock as athletic/campus director and Mark Becker as head football coach at the Evergreen High campus in White Center.

Ola Salon at 2942 S.W. Avalon Way is behind the Lunapark Block Party on Thursday, July 29. The event, designed to call attention to the businesses in the Luna Park neighborhood on Avalon Way will feature live music, entertainment, a raffle, free beverages, food by Luna Park cafe, and complimentary servides at Ola Salon.

Ola Salon, Luna Park Café, Java Bean Espresso, Avalon Glassworks, Café Revo and West Seattle produce will be hosting this event intended to breathe new life into this historic neighborhood in West Seattle. Originally an amusement park from 1907 to 1913, the neighborhood now boasts an eclectic collection of independent small businesses and strives to make a footprint in the Seattle area.

Ola Salon owner Rachel Karlin said, "The reason the party came together is because we feel like a lot of people don't know about us and we don't want to be a secret." The salon, set at the the back of their lot on Avalon Way, doesn't have the on street presence of the other businesses so her point is well taken. "We're a lot of fun to hang out with and in my mind we have some of the best stylists in the city."