February 2011

Probably the most consistent complaint State Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) hears about government is the long wait times at some Department of Licensing (DOL) offices.

The driver licensing office is one of the most visible "faces" of state government. Everyone has to go there and almost everyone has a horror story, according to Upthegrove. The service at the licensing office often shapes the public's perception of state government in general.

Upthegrove noted he has seen lines and backups form at DOL offices before they've even opened for business.

He said his brother once waited three and a half hours to get his license. He actually had to leave to pick up his daughter from school, and came back and still hadn't lost his place in line.

"We have endured long lines, crowding and wasted time for years but it doesn't have to be that way," Upthegrove declared.

He has introduced a bill (HB 1635) that, according to Department of Licensing officials, would instantly eliminate those long lines once and for all.

What has 22 Northwest wineries and two car shows plus numerous live music and food choices? It's the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, March 4-6 at the historic Landmark on the Sound in Des Moines, of course. In this photo from last year, a winemaker pours a tasting for an appreciative festivalgoer.

King County wants to honor the very best students, teachers, staff, school volunteers, programs and even entire schools that have contributed to both environmental protection and student environmental education, through the County's Earth Heroes at School awards program.

Nominations for the 2011 Earth Heroes at School are due March 4. Winners will be honored at King County's 10th-annual Earth Heroes at Schools recognition event in April.

"King County wants to recognize the schools and individuals at those institutions that play a vital role in teaching our youth about the importance of environmental stewardship," said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Recycling, restoring habitat, composting lunchroom waste, and growing pesticide-free gardens are among the many types of projects conducted by students, teachers and others in schools across the county.

Kent and Tanya Goodrich just returned from their third trip to Uganda, Africa to set up a free medical clinic.
The Goodrichs, who attend Prince of Peace Lutheran in Des Moines, have started a nonprofit organization called Reaching Out with Hope and plan to use all the proceeds from it to help the people in Uganda.

"We are very small -- our family and our friends, Sam and Samlie Sseba, who live in Tacoma and are from Uganda, make up the nonprofit," said Kent Goodrich.

According to Kent, Sam Sseba has government contacts in Uganda, even up to the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni. With Sam's help they have been able to do things locally and he cuts through the bureaucracy and helps things happen.

"We found when we went there last year that the big need for the Ugandan children is medical help, said Kent. "They can't afford the medications for malaria and other diseases."

"The clinic we built has affordable care," said Tanya. "In fact, it's free."

Tanya took a First Responders course here in Seattle that provided her with wilderness training and basic medical knowledge. In addition, for the past year their nonprofit organization has paid to train a nurse.

Riders witness construction at the parking garage for the Burien Park & Ride at S.W. 148th St. and 3rd Ave. S.W. Construction began in October of last year. For the time being, riders with cars must use a lot located on the east side of 1st Avenue S at S. 148th St.

Katheranne Reese of Aviation High School has been recognized as a 2010-2011 Discus Award winner for her achievements in the areas of arts, athletics and community service.

The Discus Awards is a national program that provides recognition and scholarship opportunities to all-around high school students who excel in three of ten key attributes.

Katheranne is now eligible for 2010-2011 Discus Awards scholarships. Also, Katheranne created a multimedia profile highlighting her achievements, which may be viewed in the Discus Awards Winners Gallery at www.DiscusAwards.com/winners.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding the cold air coming our way later this week. It was issued just after 10:00 pm on Sunday Feb. 20. They suggest that snow showers might happen Wednesday evening.

Another well respected local weather forecaster, Cliff Mass agrees saying on his post from Feb. 18 "I will head out to get a new parka...I will need it."

1005 PM PST SUN FEB 20 2011

SNOW SHOWERS CAN BE EXPECTED ON THE LOWLANDS THIS WEEK...

A COLDER AIR MASS WILL SETTLE OVER THE REGION BY FRIDAY RESULTING IN LOWERING SNOW LEVELS ACROSS THE AREA. SNOW LEVELS WILL BE NEAR 1000 FEET BY TUESDAY MORNING...HOWEVER HEAVY SHOWERS WILL LIKELY DRAG THE SNOW LEVELS DOWN TO SEA LEVEL. THIS WILL BE THE CASE MONDAY NIGHT WITH THE PUGET SOUND CONVERGENCE ZONE THAT IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP NEAR THE KING AND SNOHOMISH COUNTY BORDER. BY THURSDAY MORNING...THE SNOW LEVELS WILL BE DOWN TO SEA LEVEL. THUS...ANY PRECIPITATION THAT FALLS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY WILL BE IN THE FORM OF SNOW.

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave. S.W.
206-937-7169
Half off all red or white or blue clothing on Presidents’ Day, Monday, 2/21.
Antiques & Collectibles Fundraiser begins on Monday, 2/21. See our ad in the Herald!
Yellow-tagged items: $1 from Tuesday, 2/22, thru Monday, 2/28.The Shop is open on Sundays (except 2/20), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other days the Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

SWS February Forum: West Seattle’s Transportation Future
Sustainable West Seattle is hosting a Transportation Forum at the West Seattle Senior Center corner of California Ave. s.w. and Oregon Street s.w. from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, Tuesday Feb. 22

Scheduled to appear are:
Tom Rasmussen – Panel Facilitator, Chair of the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee;
Chris Arkills - King County, Office of Dow Constantine, King County Metro, Rapid Ride and ST2 and ST3 plans;
Brice Maryman – SvR Design, Transit Oriented Communities, Urban Impact of Transportation and Transit Planning
Martin Duke – Seattle Transit Blog, Users perspective of West Seattle Transit and Transportation Options;

Even in the dark of winter, I have my own tropical paradise. I have a lemon tree that I move indoors every fall. Now I have 30 or so lemons begging to be made into bright, sunny dishes to drive away the winter blues.

Lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges are all in season now. The tart and tangy flavor of citrus adds zest to any food without overpowering other flavors. It’s a great alternative to salt in savory dishes, making those foods healthier for our kidneys and hearts. Citrus also adds sparkling flavor to sweets.

Here are some of my favorite citrus ideas:
Serve freshly sectioned oranges with avocado and arugula. Dress with lemon juice, honey, olive oil and allspice.
Simmer lemon juice, zest, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla bean seeds. Drizzle over sponge cake or angel food cake.
Dress up sugar cookies with lime zest, shredded coconut, and chili flakes for a unique twist on a traditional sweet.
Bake your favorite bread recipe with lots of lemon zest and tarragon or fresh thyme.

Spicy Orange Shrimp Pasta
Zest from one orange
Jalapeno pepper, diced fine
Olive oil
Shrimp or chicken, 1 pound
Angel hair pasta
Chopped fresh cilantro