January 2011

Weather forecasters predict a tough winter. Sound Transit riders can prepare by taking proactive steps to increase their "snow-how" for riding Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, and ST Express regional buses.

The best way for Sound Transit riders to plan ahead for snow is by signing up to receive rider alert e-mails and/or text messages. Rider alerts offer a great way to stay informed since weather impacts vary by transit service and riders have the option of choosing what updates they want to receive, including alerts for specific bus routes, Sounder north line, Sounder south line, or Link light rail. Sound Transit posts updates as information becomes available. To sign up, visit www.soundtransit.org and go to the Rider Alerts section at the top right of the page.

During snow events, Sound Transit keeps current rider alerts posted at www.soundtransit.org at the top right of the page. Riders without internet access can get up-to-date information by calling 1-888-889-6368.

The National Weather Service has issued a Short Term Forecast. They still predict 1 to 3 inches of snow with heavier accumulations further inland and in the mountains. The snow will likely change to rain after midnight.

In a revised forecast the NWS now says "snow is falling in every zone,"

9:07 PM PST TUE JAN 11 2011

SNOW IS FALLING IN NEARLY EVERY ZONE. SNOW WILL LIKELY CHANGE TO
RAIN ON THE COAST AROUND 10 PM. OTHER ZONES WILL CHANGE TO RAIN...
FROM SOUTH TO NORTH...AS THE NIGHT GOES ON.

For ten years I have been driving down a narrow street to our house and almost every day I have been confronted by a plug ugly little spitfire of a dog who challenges me to a duel in the sun, rain or snow.

He is standing in the road, staring at my car, his brow as furrowed as a farmer's field, his dark brown eyeballs and pug nose daring me to move past him.

I never have known his name so I call him Tom Tirebiter.

Lately I have not seen him, but the other day I spotted his owner, the famous former Highline school board member and now an instructor at Highline's Aviation High, Julie Burr Spani.

I asked her husband, attorney Marco Spani, where the pugnacious pooch was nowadays and he said Julie gave it away. The Pug was just too unruly so she gave the perp away to the mayor of Burien, Joan McGilton.

Joan lives in a snootier Gregory Heights neighborhood and her new dog will likely be challenging drivers at the top of the hill.

The feisty redoubtable canine will now look forward to silently scowl at the mayor's neighbors seeking to pass by. As far as I know he has never tried to chomp on any one's leg. But he may try to stare you down.

When the 2011 legislative session began Jan. 10, the gavel for the House committee that oversees the budgets of many state agencies and programs was handed over to State Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila), beginning his fifth term in the House of Representatives. Hudgins steps down from his previous role as the Majority Floor Leader in the Democratic caucus to take on his new role.

The House General Government Appropriations & Oversight Committee manages the funding and oversight of general government, natural resources, and corrections programs and agencies, and makes funding recommendations to the final fiscal committee, the Ways and Means Committee.

As a veteran member of the committee, Hudgins championed several government-efficiency improvements, including a new print management system for several state agencies. The change will ultimately save taxpayers millions of dollars, according to Hudgins.

As the chairman, he is now in charge of leading reform efforts through one of the most serious economic downturns in state history.

Shots fired from vehicle leads to 2 pursuits

The Sheriff's office received a 9-1-1 call about a black Acura chasing a red SUV in the White Center area at speeds up to 80 mph. Reports stated that the driver of the Acura was leaning out the window shooting a handgun at the SUV. Ten minutes later a deputy found the Acura in the Top Hat neighborhood. A short pursuit ensued, but the suspect vehicle got away. A few minutes later a deputy found the car again, this time on SR 599. Another pursuit began on southbound I-5 but ended when the deputy lost sight of the car at the Kent-Des Moines Road. Shortly after the chase a White Center woman called 9-1-1 to report her 1997 Acura Integra stolen. Deputies believe this was the Acura involved in the shooting and the chase. So far there are no reported injuries and no one is in custody. Anyone with information is asked to call the King County Sheriff's Office at (206) 296-3311 or 9-1-1.

Drunk driver causes accident

For the first time, the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac is unveiling a new brand strategy to increase understanding of its cause-- strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Through its new brand strategy and framework, Y staffers sayy they will emphasize how the YMCA nurtures the potential of youth and teens, improves health and well-being and provides opportunities to support our neighbors and give back to our community.

The revitalized brand was introduced on Jan. 3 at 12 Ys throughout the Greater Seattle area. The most visible change is the Y's new logo, which points forward and is used in five different colors to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the organization.

Along with more than 2,600 Ys nationwide, the nonprofit will refer to itself collectively as "the Y." Most importantly, the new brand strategy will help clarify public understanding of the Y's impact and inspire involvement in the Y as a cause.

By Carol Davis

One of the more heartening examples of dedicated service ever to have occurred in King County is the account of Herman M. and Annie Draper, known affectionately as "Daddy" and "Mother." Their genius and devotion to the care of children created and sustained the widely known and respected Children's Industrial Home in Des Moines for two decades.

"Daddy" Draper was born Aug. 30, 1858 in Canada. He was the son of Reverend and Mrs. Elisha Draper and the middle child of eight brothers and sisters. He grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan. He received his musical education under the celebrated Professor B. A. Robbin of the Boston Conservatory of Music and held certificates from the English College of Tonic Sol-Fa of London and the American College of Brooklyn.

In 1879 he married Miss Annie Pacey of Port Stanley, Canada, who was to share his lifelong work of child care and musical education. Annie was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Pacey. Annie Pacey had been born in 1860.

By Gertrude Finney

(Editor's Note: These are the final two diary entries to be printed in the Times/News. Mrs. Finney died last week at the age of 100.)

Diary 7

Seattle Public Library had a station in Rossner's Grocery at 16th and Barton in '24. Country borrowers paid a fee and were limited to 6 books a week. It was closed in 1930.

Families missed the service so with donated books opened the first White Center Library in Leigh Freg's home. Not enough books and circulation forced closing in 1930.

In 1946, the Library Guild was formed and space was given by the County in the White Center Fieldhouse space-- 10 1/2 x 49. Circulation grew. But it still needed more space.

Then with much work and efforts of many people and businesses a building from Century 21 area was purchased (Lela Pinson found it) and moved to leased space on White Center Fieldhouse grounds. Again, volunteers made it into a serviceable and popular library until a new building (16th and 112th) was dedicated Sept. 1, 1976.

A good portion of funding came from the Auto Rescue Sales held at Bob Beyer's Hardware at Top Hat for many years.

Four men charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the West Seattle shooting death of 26-year-old Steve Bushaw appeared in King County court on Jan. 10 for pre-trial motions. One of the men plead guilty.

Bushaw was gunned down in front of Talarico’s Lounge on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009.

According to Dan Donohoe with the prosecuting attorney’s office it was revealed in court that Danny O’Neal, 28, (identified in charging documents as one of two alleged gunmen) recently plead guilty to second degree murder with a firearm enhancement in a plea deal.

O’Neal faces 15 to 23 years in prison.

The trial for the remaining three suspects Bryce Huber, 27; Brandon Chaney, 30; and John Sylve, 32, will resume next Wednesday, Jan. 19.

To read more about the shooting and memories of Steve Bushaw, please check out the Herald story from 2009, Remembering Steve Bushaw … Suspects are charged.

As more information on the trial becomes available, this story will be updated.

When Ronni Peterson and her two children lost their home to fire on December 9, things looked bleak. She did not have renters insurance and nearly everything she owned was destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
But things began to turn around once a Paypal account and support account at Wells Fargo bank were set up to take donations. Those accounts are still open if you would like to donate any amount to help the family.

A short time later she got word that a home was being made available to her for the holidays by Lisa Davidson. That arrangement was temporary but has since become more permanent.

Peterson contacted the West Seattle Herald after we inquired how she is doing now. Here's her report: