November 2011

An estimated 3,000 people from all over the state of Washington converged on the capitol building yesterday to voice their opinion over proposed cuts to education, social, and health services. Many unions, such as the WEA and SEIU, bused in representatives from as far away as Spokane. Throughout the day people spoke of the need to increase spending for health and education and that any further cuts would drastically effect Washingtonians who already have been hit the hardest. The main thrust of the day was over cuts to health care for the disabled.

West Seattle resident Eric Matheson Coordinator of Advocacy for The Arc of King County has come to Olympia to voice his displeasure over cuts to health care funding, “Because I know it’s important for everyone…people with disabilities want to make enough noise here in Olympia so our governor and our state actually hears what we’re concerned about.”

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Work will begin this week to replace approximately a dozen broken concrete panels in the roadway on NW 80th St between 6th Ave NW and 12th Ave NW. Crews hope to take advantage of the dry weather anticipated over the next couple weeks and complete this work before eastbound detours begin on NW 85th St in January.

During this work, traffic will be reduced to one lane on NW 80th St with flaggers directing traffic during the day in alternating directions. During non-working hours, temporary stop signs will be in place, and cars will have to take turns. This is like to create traffic congestion, especially at peak commuting times.

For more information about the N/NW 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue N Paving Projects, contact the 24-hour project line at (206) 496-9993, email pave_85th@seattle.gov, or visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_85th.htm.

The GAME Collective medical marijuana dispensaries in West Seattle and White Center were raided by the DEA on Nov. 15 as part of a larger raid that targeted several Puget Sound dispensaries federal authorities were investigating for operating outside “the spirit of existing state law,” according to U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan.

In the aftermath, ‘returns’ on those raids (a list of what was confiscated) are being published. In addition to the West Seattle and White Center dispensaries, a North Seattle GAME Collective, the owner’s home and employee vehicles were also searched.

Here are the latest returns, with more to come in the following days:

From the GAME Collective ‘lounge’ in White Center at 9801 16th Ave S.W., the following was recorded:

-8 marijuana plants (live) w/root balls
-Misc. frozen items (containing THC) from kitchen stand alone freezer
-Undisclosed amount of US currency
-Misc. food items contained in plastic packaging – walk in fridge
-Bottled drinks containing THC
-Small clear plastic bag w/ suspected hashish

The Admiral business district has been in something of a holding pattern for the last two years as the new Safeway store there was in the process of being rebuilt. The disruption of traffic, parking and changes in businesses have contributed to making it a more difficult place to make a buck.

But that's all changing, and quickly, with a revitalized business association now bringing new energy and commitment to the neighborhood. The area had a business group previously but it's been some time since it essentially disbanded. This new group understands the power of working together for their mutual benefit.

The third and best attended meeting yet of Admiral area business owners was held Monday, Nov. 28 in the Benbow Room of the Heartland Cafe and 18 people gathered to review previous notes and work out how they can best direct their resources and energies.

The Nordic Heritage Museum announced today the opening of a new "thought-provoking" exhibition.

"The Enduring Designs of Josef Frank" opens December 2 and will run through Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Austrian-born designer and architect Josef Frank (1885 – 1967) is considered a leading pioneer of Swedish Modern design. Unlike the severe approach to modernism taken by many of his contemporaries, Frank emphasized comfort and informality, producing whimsical designs inspired by nature.

Frank’s lavish use of bright, bold colors and floral patterns quickly became popular with a host of Swedish designers and clientele, who appreciated this new, more accessible approach to interior design.

"The Enduring Designs of Josef Frank" presents a remarkable array of textiles and furnishings that Frank produced throughout the course of his career, many of which remain in production today.

In reading Mr. Ufkes’ letter to the editor in the Nov. 25th issue, I would like to make some comments.

It would appear that the people who voted elected the person they wanted to have those positions. Mr. Ufkes implies that there was some hanky panky from Mr. Curry. Mr. Curry has done an excellent job with the school and has the schools of Highline foremost in his interest.

Mr. Ufkes states that Ms. Savusa was voted out and that should not have happened. I’m sure that Ms. Savusa has done a good job in her capacity on the school board, but apparently the voters felt a change was in order.

Mr. Ufkes takes a different view, therefore, he concludes there was something wrong with the election. Mr. Curry did donate money to rebuild the track at Evergreen High School, but, it was also paid for by grant money. As most people know, it takes considerable time for grants to process & reach the point where money is awarded.

I echo Ms. Takenaga’s sentiments in her 11/18/11 letter to the editor about the over-generalized, disrespectful comments that have been made about the characteristics of the unincorporated areas to the north of Burien.

How sad that her letter was followed by the comments of Mr. Parker. When my husband and I moved to Burien over 6 years ago, I had no idea I needed to pass a litmus test of “suitability” or present my credentials at the city limits before I would be allowed to live in Burien. I guess I’m lucky Mr. Parker didn’t notice our moving van.

I thank Gordon Shaw for his many years of service to the Burien community. I have not always agreed with the positions he took, but I appreciate the time he has dedicated to the community. I am in full agreement with his position on annexation.

The job of any elected official is to look at the facts, weigh the pros and cons, listen to the community that is voicing an opinion, BUT also to look at the bigger picture, ferret out what the silent majority may be thinking and determine what is best for the community as a whole, over the long term.

The Des Moines Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) is seeking men and women between the ages of 18 to 40 who enjoy being involved in the city’s growth and development.

The group’s purpose is leadership development through community service achieved by working on projects in the community.

Some of the Jaycees past projects include salmon bake, Miss Des Moines Pageant, marina fishing dock, Christmas lights, Santa house pictures, food drive and Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS.)

The group has also worked closely with the Des Moines City Council and the city’s staff.

According to Jaycee officials, the Jaycees believe that the Earth’s great treasure lies in human personality and that service to humanity is the best work of life.

Those interested should contact Ed Barnes, 253-839-9238 or Jim McDonald, 253-740-3706.

Press release
As a holiday gift to the audience, Burien Little Theatre will be hosting free radio-show-style staged readings of the popular family-friendly comedy "A Christmas Story," written by Philip Grecian. Performances will be at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10.

"A Christmas Story" is based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s very funny memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s. The script is also based on the motion picture of the same name produced by Turner Entertainment Co. in 1983, distributed by Warner Brothers, and written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark.

The story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case to his mother, his teacher and even the Santa Claus at Goldblatt's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll shoot your eye out."

By Gwen Davis

ChoralSounds Northwest’s Christmas concert is back this holiday season, with a fresh new director and a frolicsome consortium of musical pieces that will sweep Burienites away.

Entitled “Angels Watching,” the concert centers on the story of a couple’s journey from their first date to the birth of their child. The music in the first act is combined with vignettes, videography and contemporary dance.

ChoralSounds has undergone transformation within the past year. The new artistic director, Brian J. Winnie has stepped up the chorus’ game this season and has received outstanding reviews from chorus members.

“This new conductor is absolutely brilliant,” said Paul Bauer, general manager of ChoralSounds Northwest. “The chorus has never sounded better. The audience will be surprised at the new found focus on musical excellence.”

Other members agreed.

“Everyone’s really excited about the new director and a lot of things he’s brought with him,” said another Burien performer Ron Heimgartner, base singer who has been with the choir for 12 years. “He’s teaching us technique, voice control and how to project our sound better.”