April 2012

Bus riders and County roads left in the dust after Legislature’s inaction to support sustainable funding for transportation

Senate Bill 6582 and House Bill 2751 are sitting on the shelf, leaving the future of bus rider commutes and the maintenance of County roads unknown. King County Executive Dow Constantine plans to address the County Council.

“The people of King County needed action by the state Legislature on a sustainable, long-term transportation solution, but for the third year in a row, they have been left standing on the curb,” said Constantine in a press release.

The local transportation revenue options bill, 6582 is still in process. Different from 6582, the House Bill 2751 contains an increase in the Transportation Benefit District vehicle authority from $20 to $40 upon approval of two-third majority of the council. Also in this bill is a countywide local-option motor vehicle tax of one percent.

“Despite having the votes and bipartisan support for ‘local-option’ bills to allow counties to ask voters for desperately-needed transit and road revenues, lawmakers failed to bring those bills to the floor,” he said.

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Fuse Washington selects Ballard resident for early endorsed candidate

Fuse Washington released its early endorsements for the 2012 elections Wednesday, April 11. This is the second time that Fuse has done early endorsements, supporting Ballard resident, Noel Frame in her race for the 36th Legislative District.

“Noel Frame is the strongest and best-qualified progressive candidate in a crowded 36th District race. From her work defending domestic partnerships for gays and lesbians on the Approve R-71 campaign to electing young people, women, and candidates of color through Progressive Majority, Noel has dedicated her life to creating a more progressive future,” said Fuse in a press release.

Frame is a founding board member of the Washington Bus, an organization that supports progressive candidates. Her top priority is funding education, according to a press release.

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All hell breaks loose in comedy-drama 'reasons to be pretty' at Burien Little Theatre

Press release:

Burien Little Theatre presents the Tony-nominated comedy-drama "reasons to be pretty," written by Neil LaBute, opening Friday, April 20.
Greg, who adores his girlfriend Steph, admits she is no beauty. When Steph finds out, all hell breaks loose. Tony-nominated for Best Play. “Some of the freshest and most illuminating American dialogue to be heard anywhere.” The New York Times.

This show is suitable for ages 16-plus due to considerable adult language.

"reasons to be pretty" will be performed at Burien Little Theatre from opening night on April 20 through May 13. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Burien Little Theatre is introducing two new ticket deals for reasons to be pretty: On opening night April 20, any audience member who says “I’m pretty” at the box office gets $5 off the price of his/her ticket. At the closing show on May 13 at 2 p.m., any party that includes a female gets $5 off all tickets, Both deals available for purchases at the door only.

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Give Burien facelift for summer during annual Clean Sweep

Press release:

Team up with friends and neighbors to make a difference by spiffing up Burien during the city’s annual Clean Sweep on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New this year, graffiti removal will join tasks such as sweeping sidewalks, trimming shrubs, planting flowers, picking up trash and more. Spearheaded by Daniel Keane of Serenza Salon, Makeover Burien will have a team on graffiti patrol, cleaning up graffiti around Burien. Makeover Burien is a new all-volunteer group whose mission is to help make over Burien, one business at a time.

The 2011 Clean Sweep boasted more than 400 people getting rid of 8.2 tons of garbage from Burien’s streets, parks and commercial areas.

In appreciation of their participation, volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch and a chance to win prizes. Clean Sweep is presented by the city of Burien and the Discover Burien Association. Waste Management is the primary sponsor.

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REMINDER: You've heard of a Flash Mob; What about a Cash Mob?

Event on April 28 will focus on helping Village Green Perennial Nursery

UPDATE April 28
The "cash mob" set to infuse a bit of capital into a deserving business or organization will happen today at 2 pm at the Village Green Perennial Nursery 10223 26th Ave. s.w.

The organizers shared a perspective on the event via Facebook plus some logistical information:

"To all of you planning on coming out to West Seattle to support Village Green…thank you. By sharing our time, experiences, and dollars, we are doing more than infusing a locally owned and operated business with cash. We are making a clear statement that we value our small businesses, our community, and ourselves.

The first time I met Vera, I knew there was something special about her. Before learning about her fight for fair banking practices, her dedication to her communities, and her activism, I knew she was a special type of individual.

This weekend, we join forces. This weekend, we make a difference.

Logistics:

* Pleas arrive at Village Green just before 2:00. This way we can enter the nursery in a group and have a large presence.
* While there, try to speak with at least two (2) people you don't already know.

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Public’s help needed to find man; Ben Munoz missing almost one year

press release:
The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a man missing since last year. Benjamin “Ben” Munoz was last seen by his father on April 29, 2011.

King County Sheriff’s Detectives believe Munoz is likely dead and foul play is a definite possibility. There does not appear to be any other reason why he may be missing.

Ben Munoz lived with his father in the 11000 block of 1st Ave SW, in the Top Hat neighborhood of unincorporated King County. On April 29, 2011, his father heard Ben come home about 2:00 AM and go to bed. He saw Ben briefly the next morning before leaving for the day. No one has seen or heard from Ben since. He was unemployed.

Ben is 5’5” tall, 200 lbs with black hair. He has numerous tattoos on his arms and across his shoulders. He did not have a car.

If anyone knows what may have happened to Ben they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at

(206) 296-3311 or 9-1-1 (24 hours)

Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with information. Rewards are offered up to $1,000.

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Hasegawa introduces VA-like “Health Care for All” measure

Press release

State Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D-11) has introduced a measure (HB 2832) to extend access to quality health care services for all Washingtonians.

He said the idea for this legislation came out of a small business roundtable he held before session began. Small business owners expressed their growing concern over the impacts of health care costs and rising premiums, saying the costs of providing health insurance to their employees have significantly increased, and were their number one concern. They identified this issue as a top priority for the 2012 session.

This year the Legislature passed the Healthcare Exchange bill (HB 2319), a measure that will help lower costs of coverage. “But we also need to look at ways to contain costs on the service provider side,” said Hasegawa.

“More than six hundred thousand Washingtonians don’t have health care coverage either because individual plans are unavailable in their area or because they simply can’t afford them,” Hasegawa explained. “What we need is something like ‘VA for All.’ Why not create a system where we could have some access to controlling costs, as well as providing coverage for everybody?”

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Aviation High School Alumna Selected for Prestigious Teaching Fellowship

2008 AHS grad to be a Knowles Science Teaching Fellow

Press release

Keiko Hiranaka, a 2008 graduate of Aviation High School in Des Moines, has been selected for a fellowship through the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation.

Keiko will graduate this spring with a joint degree in mathematics and computer science from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, one of the premiere science, math, and engineering colleges in the nation. She plans to become a high school mathematics teacher.

“Harvey Mudd College is providing me with a solid background [in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways], which will allow me to show my students how they can apply mathematics within other subjects,” says Keiko.

AHS Principal/CEO Reba Gilman hopes Keiko will one day return to teach in Highline.

“Imagine the gift she will be to her future students, having mastered the content she will be teaching and being able to help students connect their learning to workplace applications,” says Gilman. “Keiko is going to be precisely the type of STEM teacher that is needed to inspire and prepare students for STEM education and careers.”

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Comment: Nurse-Family partnership will help break cycle of child abuse, neglect in Highline

By Chief Jim Graddon, City of SeaTac
By Chief Scott Kimerer, City of Burien
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES/NEWS

High profile cases of extreme child abuse grab our attention before other stories take center stage. Just last month, Josh Powell of Puyallup allegedly tried to hack his two sons to death before killing them and himself in a deadly house fire.

But for every child who dies at the hands of a homicidal adult, there are thousands involved in cases of tragic and, potentially deadly, abuse or neglect.

Child abuse and neglect remains a widespread problem in communities throughout Washington state and the entire country. In 2010, there were nearly 700,000 confirmed cases of abuse and neglect nationwide. Over 6,500 of these cases were in Washington state. The real numbers may be as much as three times higher since many incidents of abuse and neglect are never reported to authorities or formally documented.

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No Poolin’, swim for free in Tukwila on April 21

The Tukwila Pool is among 22 pools in King County that will hold free events where children and families can learn important water safety skills, while enjoying free swim time and games on April Pools Day, Saturday, April 21.

The Tukwila Pool, located at 4414 S. 144th St., will hold its free event from 1-3 p.m. Call 206-267-2350 for more information.

"Water sports are a great way to have fun and be physically active," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Heath – Seattle & King County. "But please stay safe. That means closely supervising children, wearing a life jacket and avoiding the deadly mix of alcohol, drugs, and water activities."

“Research has shown that learning to swim is an important skill to help prevent drowning and that it’s great exercise, as well,” adds Elizabeth Bennett, Advocacy Director for Seattle Children’s Hospital. "April Pools Day is a perfect time to visit your local pool and have fun as a family. You can also find out about water recreation programs and swim lessons, including scholarships that may be available so that all children can learn to swim.”

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