August 2011

Isaiah Kalebu, the man found guilty of aggravated first degree murder in the July 2009 rape and knife attack of two women in South Park, killing Teresa Butz and severely injuring her partner- was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 12 by Judge Michael Hayden at the King County Courthouse.

Kalebu sat mostly expressionless with padded mitts over his hands, bound to a wheelchair with restraints (due to prior outbursts in court) as the murder victim’s father Norbert Butz, brother Jim Butz, and her partner and survivor of the horrific attack, Jennifer Hopper, gave impact statements to the court. Butz’s partner’s name was withheld by media since the attack but she revealed herself as Jennifer Hopper in a powerful story written for The Stranger on Aug. 9, titled “I Would Like You to Know My Name; How My Life Changed After That Night in South Park.”

The following information was gathered from a live feed of the sentencing at Kirotv.com.

Isaiah Kalebu, the man found guilty of aggravated first degree murder in the July 2009 rape and knife attack of two women in South Park, killing Teresa Butz and severely injuring her partner- was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 12 by Judge Michael Hayden at the King County Courthouse.

Kalebu sat mostly expressionless with padded mitts over his hands, bound to a wheelchair with restraints (due to prior outbursts in court) as the murder victim’s father Norbert Butz, brother Jim Butz, and her partner and survivor of the horrific attack, Jennifer Hopper, gave impact statements to the court. Butz’s partner’s name was withheld by media since the attack but she revealed herself as Jennifer Hopper in a powerful story written for The Stranger on Aug. 9, titled “I Would Like You to Know My Name; How My Life Changed After That Night in South Park.”

The following information was gathered from a live feed of the sentencing at Kirotv.com.

Seattle’s largest canned food pyramid is being constructed tonight at PhinneyWood Summer Streets.

Vision Greenwood Park and Volunteers of America came up with the idea to use Summer Streets as a way to promote their organizations’ efforts and to collect canned food donations.

After discussing the idea with event producers, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Jordan T. Adams Event Management, a decision was made to build a large pyramid out of the donations.

The goal was to come up with 2,000 cans over a month’s time by placing barrels at supermarkets in the Phinney Ridge and Greenwood neighborhoods. Ken’s Market launched the event by donating a spectacular 1,000 cans right off the bat.

“This is a great community to have a business located,” said Bill Staney, Ken’s Market Manager “We love our customers and are happy to give something back.”

The great news is that over 2,500 cans have been donated so far. The canned food pyramid is being built throughout the day and is expected to continue growing as more cans are donated this evening.

A crowd favorite from years past The Illusion of Elvis by Danny Vernon plus the bonus of Classic Car Night are featured Tonight, Friday Aug. 12 at the Concert at the Mount, at Providence Mt. St. Vincent 4831 35th Ave s.w. (between s.w. Hudson & s.w. Edmunds.

Vernon has been professionally performing his Elvis show for 4 years and has performed everywhere from casino's to convention centers.

The event is free and good for the entire family.

Dinner is available starting at 5 pm. Music starts at 6 pm.

Beer and wine garden for those over 21. Fun activities for kids.

Food is available for purchase such as fried chicken, burgers, and hot dogs.

Twelfth Night Productions’ is in the second weekend of its summer production Oliver! at West Seattle High School. A beloved musical, Oliver! tells Charles Dickens’ story of the little orphan boy who would not be overlooked. The colorful characters he meets on his journey teach him about life and love as he struggles to make it on the streets. A few of the memorable songs include “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You've Got to Pick a Pocket, or Two,” and “As Long As He Needs Me.” This year’s cast and crew of more than 80 include children from over 17 local schools and adults from all over the Seattle area.

Press release from Dow Constantine's King County News website:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/news/release/2011/August/12MetroBusServi…

County Executive’s agreement provides supermajority needed to preserve Metro bus service

County Council on Monday to consider bus-ticket incentive program, right-sizing of transit service, and phase out of downtown Seattle Ride Free Area

King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced a supermajority of County Council support needed to enact a two-year $20 Congestion Reduction Charge and avert a 17 percent cut of Metro bus service starting in 2012. Nearly 1,500 County residents turned out to four public hearings in July to call for this action by the Council.

Constantine today thanked members of the Council – including Councilmembers Jane Hague and Kathy Lambert, who announced their support today based on a package of amendments that paves the way for councilmanic action at Monday’s Council meeting. Councilmembers Larry Phillips, Bob Ferguson, Larry Gossett, Joe McDermott, and Julia Patterson had previously stated their support.

Press release:

Congratulations to Dave Swan, winner of the raffle basket offered by the Historical Society of Federal Way at the Kiwanis Salmon Bake. This basket was filled with items donated by area merchants. Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing and a special thank you to all the merchants!

For a complete list of donating merchants, please contact the Historical Society of Federal Way, 253.945.7842 or contactus@federalwayhistory.org

Construction on the long-awaited final segment of the Ship Canal Trail is expected to begin in early September and be complete by the end of the year, the Seattle Department of Transportation announced.

This project will connect the trail from 11th Avenue West to Emerson Street near Fisherman’s Terminal, eliminating a critical gap in Seattle’s Urban Trails System.

The Ship Canal Trail will connect the Elliott Bay Trail and the Interbay and Magnolia neighborhoods to bicycle routes at the Fremont Bridge, including the Interurban route on Fremont Avenue North, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and the Dexter Avenue route, and will make bike riding in the south canal area more comfortable for all levels of bicyclists.

This Ship Canal Trail work is the second contract in phase II of the project. Phase I, which stretches from the Fremont Bridge to 6th Avenue W was completed in 2006.

press release:
Warrior Marathon Runner, Carol Dellinger, will make a special guest appearance, offer words of encouragement, and kick off the Alki Beach 5k Walk & Run on Sunday August 28th. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Northwest Hope & Healing (NWHH) Patient Assistance Fund which will provide financial assistance to women battling breast cancer in the Puget Sound area.

Mount St. Vincent press release:

Actress Marlee Matlin to bring fundraising talent to Providence Mount St. Vincent
Top Celebrity Apprentice fundraiser to keynote Legacy Community Luncheon

Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin made a name for herself this year by raising the most money in one day as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice. The actress, whose family learned when she was 18 months old that she had lost her hearing, will be in Seattle Oct. 12 to help Providence Mount St. Vincent raise money for the seniors who live there.

“Ms. Matlin is such an amazing person in the way that she communicates and the passion she exhibits that Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation is excited to have her speak at our Legacy Community Luncheon about `Listening with your heart,’” said Molly Swain, head of the organization’s fundraising efforts. “The power of being present to one another and truly listening is important, especially to older adults and those with disabilities. Ms. Matlin will talk about listening with your heart, overcoming obstacles, and reaching for your dreams. As she often says, `The only thing I can’t do is hear.’”