September 2011

Press release
The Port of Seattle welcomes a new era in access to the world with the announcement Emirates Airlines will begin daily non-stop service to Dubai, United Arab Emirates in March 2012 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As the world's largest international carrier and fastest growing airline, Emirates connects to over 100 destinations in Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

"Connecting Washington State to the rest of the world is essential to grow jobs and create new business opportunities," Governor Chris Gregoire said. "This new non-stop flight from Seattle makes it that much easier to reach the Middle East, and likewise - for tourists and business leaders from the Dubai region to visit our beautiful state. I congratulate both the Port of Seattle and Emirates Airlines - and am confident this new flight will bring new economic development possibilities to the Pacific Northwest."

West Seattle based photographer Machel Spence has released her new book of mushroom photographs called Pushing Up Earth. The 80 page paperback features her remarkable close up photography, much of it taken in Lincoln Park.

The West Seattle Herald profiled Spence in March of last year.

"I am giving 10% from every book sold to Fungi Magazine so the word about mushrooms can continue to get out in the world. I am a contributing writer and photographer for this non-profit magazine."

The book contains more than 100 photos of fungi from in and around West Seattle and Mt. Rainier. She describes it as a, "pocket book of pure loveliness for your eyes."

The book is available for $22 through Etsy.com.

This summer I had the privilege of walking and talking to many people around Burien. From my personal contact I found that roughly 15% of those I talked to were against annexation for a number of reasons. About 15% were for annexation for a number of reasons as well. That leaves roughly 70% of the people I spoke to that did not have an opinion either way.

It is for this 70% that I am writing to you. Annexation is a complex decision, affecting much more than just the services provided by the city of Burien. Annexation is a decision that will also affect our special districts and school district. It is a decision that should be made with the full facts, the big picture, in mind. It should not be made with portions of data from one report combined with portions of another.

We have a rough idea of what happens if Burien annexes. The BERK report states that there is the potential of being 23% in the red year 11 if we do annex. The truth of the matter is that state law forbids cities from running in the red. That leaves the option that taxes may go up or services may be cut. This is an option I can live with because you and I have a voice in the matter via these chambers.

Burien Little Theatre is presenting a world premiere adaptation of the horror story "Frankenstein," written by Roxanne Ray and based on the novel by Mary Shelley, opening Sept. 30.

This classic horror story is particularly relevant in an age when cloning, nanotechnology and genetically modified organisms are becoming a reality.

"Frankenstein" is the thrilling horror story of a young scientist's attempt at playing God and the disastrous results. Appalled by the deformed monster he has created, Victor Frankenstein abandons his innocent, bewildered creation. Rejected in horror by everyone he meets, the Creature becomes increasingly vengeful and bent on finding his creator--to make a ghastly bargain.

This new version of the popular story is written by Seattle playwright Roxanne Ray from Mary Shelley's novel and will have an original background music score written by Seattle composer Allan Loucks. The show is suitable for ages 13 and older due to horror content.

Foster High School's new principal, Forrest Griek, has decided to restructure the schedule for the high school's homecoming week, an act that has ignited a "Facebook riot" among the school's students and alumni.

The new schedule will eliminate two school-time assemblies during the week at the Tukwila school, traditionally used as time for class competitions, and move them to after school hours. Principal Griek says sports will be delayed so athletes can attend the events.

The elimination of these two assemblies will save two hours of class instruction time.

"Two additional hours of instructional time is the beginning of changing to an environment that is visible to all of us-students and staff-that prioritizes student learning," says Griek. "This first year of limiting class time for assemblies, yet creating an alternative time for students to assemble is the beginning of a paradigm shift. It will allow students and staff an opportunity to be more creative in honoring homecoming traditions during a different period of time."

Many students and alumni disagree with these changes.

President Obama was just in the area on Sunday so he may not return for the grand opening of the Environmental Science Center's new facility on Oct. 23.

But at the suggestion of science center founder Georgette Valle, the Burien City Council formally invited the president or his representative.

Valle has been scheduled to have dinner with the president and anybody who knows the former state representative and Burien councilwoman knows she is a hard person to say no to.

So stay tuned for further announcements.

Meanwhile, the public is invited to experience the building from noon to 4 on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Here is additional information from a press release
The Environmental Science Center (ESC), a Burien based non-profit promoting environmental stewardship, sustainability and academic achievement through science-based education, will launch its new facility at Seahurst Park in October.

The opening festivities on Oct. 23rd are free and will include hot cider, snacks and a fun roster of activities such as microscope displays featuring local flora and fauna, a scientific drawing lab, and game stations where participants can win prizes.

9:40 a.m.

Court concluded just over an hour ago. Amanda Knox did not speak today. Judge Claudio Pratillo Hellman ruled that, for the rebuttal, only one attorney on each side will have a chance. Some media in the courtroom suggest this will abbreviate the schedule to allow a Saturday verdict. The West Seattle Herald understands that at this point the verdict is set for Monday, following Knox's speech. We will attempt to clarify.

Today in court, Amanda's attorneys Carlo Dalla Vedova and Luciano Ghirga tried to appeal to the jury's sense of justice, while attempting to knock down DNA collection methods, the knife-the alleged murder weapon, the "staged" break-in, the heroin-addicted key witness, and the invasiveness into Knox's private life, which they said over-reached.

Dala Vedove went the first half, then Ghirga, a father figure to Knox, went. He compared her to his own children and said he has visited her over 200 times in prison. Courtroom observers said Knox appeared comforted by his tender, yet direct approach as he pounded head prosecutor Giuliano Mignini and the police for mishandling the case since the start, as he saw it.

Inslee, a Democratic U.S. Congressman representing the Seattle area, is a candidate to succeed Gov. Chris Gregoire. Gregoire is not seeking relection in 2012. Inslee will most likely face Republican state attorney general Rob McKenna in the general election.

Please click the photo above for more.

Inslee grew up in the Shorewood area. He attended Shorewood Elementary and Cascade Middle schools.

Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Deputy Mayor Brian Bennett and Hispanic community leader Mauricio Ayon accompanied Inslee on the tour.

The tour began at the Burien City Hall/Library and went to the Electric Train Store and Carnicera Zacetecas grocery before ending at the 909 Coffee and Wine Bar in Olde Burien.

Inslee talked to train shop owner Scott Law, grocery owner maria Vidrio and coffee shop owner Kelly Ricci while visiting their establishments.

Inslee also stopped in West Seattle, and West Seattle Herald's Steve Shay reported the following from that visit:

Gov. candidate Inslee, "We're not going to allow the virus in Wisconsin get into Washington to attack middle class"

Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation, or AARF, comes to the Feedback Lounge Saturday night, Oct. 1, at 8:00 p.m. for a benefit.

Memphis Radio Kings to perform.

AARF's mission:

Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation is dedicated to supporting and promoting the preservation and well-being of all animals; both domestic and wildlife.

Visit: http://www.myaarf.org/

Kennedy Catholic of Burien and Evergreen of White Center went head-to-head in a Seamount League game Saturday, Sept. 24, with JFK prevailing 55-7.

Photographer Suzanne Tennant was on hand to shoot some memorable photos of the game.

Please click the image above to see more.