June 2011

Over the years I’ve confessed to a slight obsession with anniversaries. Especially for the first year after a major life change I feel like I’m caught in the rip tide the life guards warn about when swimming; the more you fight it the deadlier it is. Just swim parallel to the shore and eventually you’ll escape it, they counsel. That’s how I feel about anniversaries, whether of my daughter’s birth or a friend’s death, swim with it.

Ever since my dad’s stroke three weeks ago I’ve had trouble concentrating on much beyond reading about brain disorders, interrupted by informing anyone in earshot of the dangerous cholesterol count of food they are eating (don’t ever consider pound cake again). I am also trying to help my colleagues plan a community event in honor of automating the Ballard Bell (just be there July 5th at 5:30 p.m. for a great party and spare me further effort). I’m so distracted I left Bartell’s with one of the shopping baskets (empty thank goodness) still hooked over my arm, and I wasn’t parked particularly close by.

The wading pools available for toddlers and their parents (and even some older kids) are open again when the weather is right. Temperatures must exceed 70 degrees.

On most days the Seattle Parks Department will fill them half full resulting in water savings, but on the busiest days they will be filled to the top.

Lincoln Park Wading Pool is the smallest of the "Big Three" wading pools which include Green Lake and Volunteer Park.

The wading pool hours days and hours are
June 25 - September 5, 2011 open daily 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Also open in West Seattle are the Hiawatha Wading Pool, The E.C. Hughes Playground Wading Pool, and the Delridge Playfield Wading Pool opening June 30.

Check these individual pages for times and operating dates.

Police arrest 2 in woman's murder

Police arrested a 23-year-old man and 21-year-old woman for investigation of homicide in the death of Jennifer Walstrand. Walstrand, 28, was found murdered in her apartment last August 31 in the 24000 block of 25th Ave. S in Des Moines. Walstrand died of stab wounds and a head injury. The landlord reported hearing thumping sounds and excessive dog barking the night of the murder. Police say Walstrand's murder was not random and others may be involved. The victim had a history of prostitution and was involved in an Internet dating service.

Foreclosed home had marijuana grow operation

A foreclosed home in the 11800 blk of Occidental Ave. S. was being prepared for sale. The man that was sent to change the locks noticed something suspicious and called police. Deputies went into the house and saw a marijuana grow operation. There was venting material, lots of lighting equipment, reflective material on the walls and several wilted marijuana plants.

A public hearing will be held Thursday, July 7 at Highline Community College in Des Moines to discuss and gather input on redistricting of King Council Council districts.

The meeting will be held in Building 7 at the college main campus, 2400 S. 240th St., from 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
The King County Districting Committee on Monday, June 20 released four alternative plans for redrawing County Council districts. The plans are posted on the Committee website at www.kingcounty.gov/districting.

Each draft plan uses a different approach in order to meet the redistricting requirements in state law and the County Charter. Before beginning work, the Committee held public hearings in Seattle, Kirkland, and Kent to gather community input.

Summer is here and it's time again to head to the park and enjoy some music and movies brought to you by Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, dancing shoes and picnic dinner to Lake Burien School Park, S.W. 148th St and 16th Ave. S.W., and the new location at Hilltop School, 12250 24th Ave S. in North Burien,
Concerts will start at Lake Burien School Park on July 7 and run through Aug. 11th. Each Thursday night will feature a different style of music, including blues, samba, big band and rock.

The Family Fiesta is on July 14th with "Sambatuque," food and kids activites. New this year will be free dance lessons at 6 p.m.-samba on July 14th and swing on July 21st.

A new concert series is set at Hilltop Elementary School grounds on Wednesdays, July 13-27th. Three bands will play on different days-"Banda Vagos, " "Global Heat" and the "Camano Cadillac Band."

And end the summer with some fun movies under the stars at Lake Burien Park. One Aug. 19th Burien Parks will be showing "Toy Story 3" and on Aug. 26th watch "Despicable Me." Movies start at dusk--around 8:30 p.m.

This Spring, three homeless people were found dead in Ballard. These men were Charles Tompkins, who died of hypothermia near the Ballard Locks, Ken Trygg, whose body was found near a
dumpster near Market Street NW, and Thomas Mumby, who was found dead in a van near Market Street NW. (See previous coverage)

On Wednesday, June 29, the Women in Black will hold a cleansing vigil in honor of these men and to stress the importance of providing shelters for homeless people.

Every time a homeless person dies outside or by violence in King County, WHEEL (a grassroots organizing effort of homeless women) and the Church of Mary Magdalene stand silent witnessing vigils called Women in Black.In the last 11 years, they've held vigils for more than 400 people.

In addition to the vigil, the Women in Black raise awareness of a Ballard Car Camp Proposal and advocate for a permanent City Car Camp and amnesty from “The Boot” for homeless people who have no recourse but to sleep in their vehicles.

Cleansing Vigil will take place at Bergen Place (Leary Avenue, 22nd Ave NW, and Market Street) from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29.

From the Seattle Police Blotter:

On June 27th officers from the Aggressive Driver Response Team worked 2 hours of emphasis on the West Seattle Bridge and issued the following tickets while on patrol:

West Seattle Bridge

70 Bus Lane Violations

7 No Proof of Insurance

1 Cell Phone

1 NVOL

2 motorcycles passing cars on the shoulder of the roadway

The Seattle Police Department encourages all motor vehicle operators to be familiar with and obey all local and state traffic laws and to always drive with due regard for all others on the roadway.

(SLIDESHOW: Click the image above to see extra pictures of the thundering crowd, taken by our lightening bolt of a photographer, Kurt Howard.)

The Seattle Rock ' Roll Marathon and Half-marathon started in Tukwila on June 25 as 26,000 runners participated, ending up in Seattle.

Our intrepid freelance photographer, Kurt Howard, was there.

This Spring, three homeless people were found dead in Ballard. These men were Charles Tompkins, who died of hypothermia near the Ballard Locks, Ken Trygg, whose body was found near a
dumpster near Market Street NW, and Thomas Mumby, who was found dead in a van near Market Street NW. (See previous coverage)

On Wednesday, June 29, the Women in Black will hold a cleansing vigil in honor of these men and to stress the importance of providing shelters for homeless people.

Every time a homeless person dies outside or by violence in King County, WHEEL (a grassroots organizing effort of homeless women) and the Church of Mary Magdalene stand silent witnessing vigils called Women in Black.In the last 11 years, they've held vigils for more than 400 people.

In addition to the vigil, the Women in Black raise awareness of a Ballard Car Camp Proposal and advocate for a permanent City Car Camp and amnesty from “The Boot” for homeless people who have no recourse but to sleep in their vehicles.

Cleansing Vigil will take place at Bergen Place (Leary Avenue, 22nd Ave NW, and Market Street) from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29.

(Note: Pease click the above photo to see a map of the Burien Independence Day Parade route)

Fuel prices have inched down slightly but still not enough to justify unnecessarily filling up the old gas-guzzler to search far and wide for family-friendly Fourth of July activities.

Especially when there is an explosion of Highline holiday happenings on Monday July 4, right in your own backyard.

Burien

The City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce are excited to present the 90th Annual Burien Independence Day Parade.

The Burien Independence Day Parade has gained a reputation as one of the most enjoyable and spirited community parades in the region. Community pride will shine with marching bands, energetic dance teams, elaborate floats and vintage autos.

Downtown Burien boasts a charming mix of business, retail and restaurants, coupled with the new Town Square and City Hall.

Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this longstanding Burien tradition.