April 2012

Make yourself at home
On April 1 a man living on S.W. Kenyon St. called police to report someone had broken into a trailer he parks in the driveway. Someone had pried away the hasp to gain entry. Once inside, the victim realized nothing was missing. Instead, someone had left several music CDs and some food items on the table. Someone had also taken a broom from his yard and used it to sweep up. The victim said he had been letting a known prostitute stay with him for a while, but she moved out. He suspected the prostitute’s father, described by police as an area transient and convicted burglar. He suspects the father broke in so he would have someplace warm to stay during nasty weather.

Stolen marijuana
A man living on S.W. Genessee St. has his medical marijuana license and was growing the plant in a single car garage on his property. Late last month, someone broke into his home and stole the fully grown plants along with some miscellaneous items. The victim told police he suspects his ex-girlfriend, who knew of his growing operation and may have tried to break into his home earlier in March.

By Kyra-lin Hom

Does anybody else feel like the Northwest is going crazy? For the last several weeks, I swear every time I turn around there is a new report of a local shooting, stabbing or sexual assault. And let's not forget that a good number of these cases involve minors. I can't find recent enough statistics for Washington State to guestimate whether this is a trend in actual instances or in instances reported, but regardless it has made me want to turn my radio dial on more than one occasion. I can understand why people might be getting a little jumpy.

A friend of mine also brought to bear another trend, that of finding everyone and anyone else to blame. I'm not necessarily talking about the wrong people being held legally responsible for an occurrence. Rather I am referring to the public's attitude. Case in point:

By Georgie Bright Kunkel

Looking through my diaries which I have kept for many years I realize that I have chronicled all those people who have made an impression on me. As the saying goes, no person is an island. Well, actually the saying is no man is an island but I have updated it to recognize that it refers to both sexes. We are not self made. Every person with whom we have an interaction makes an impression on our lives. Some make more of an impression than others.

The modern media has showcased certain people to accentuate the condition called fame. Once I gave a talk to a large group of young girls who were at a retreat camp. I asked them to name people they admire. Movie stars were in the majority of those mentioned. Since I had anticipated such answers I prepared a list of women who had made a difference in the world. I hoped to introduce these young girls to models that represented a variety of career choices.

I had to laugh when I heard that carpetbagger Chris Hansen, the San Francisco hedge-fund manager who wants us to help him build a basketball arena in Seattle, said he would pay for traffic studies.

Talk about the fox guarding the henhouse.

After the Mariner's objected to the plan to plunk an arena next to the baseball stadium we are already paying for, Hansen apparently has decided to play an additional card.

I think it is a bad plan from the get go. We already have disagreeable traffic congestion on days when the Mariners and Seahawks play. Hansen wants to add more traffic and use the big parking garage used by the Mariners.

Remember: Hansen wants to put up only half the money. You and I will be asked to put up the rest. If you have forgotten, you have helped one of the world's richest men build a stadium for his football team.

What is wrong with people?

I've been singing a sad song about car ownership ever since I left my brother's car on the Hawthrone St. bridge in Portland in 1939.  While it was only an empty gas tank then, I've had numerous occasions to sing the blues.

     It may have been an omen when my brother gave me that very car the day he went into the Navy. It was a gorgeous '29 model A Ford. I drove it for three years, taking numerous trips to Portland to visit my folks during the war. As a Boeing electrician I could wire a B-17 but I did not understand simple wind-shield wipers.
 
     There was driving rain on Hiway 99 that holiday Sunday. I promised the folks I'd come down for Mother's Day. The wipers simply stopped mid-wipe, forcing me to reach out the driver's side window and move them manually all the way to Portland. The rain never ceased. My arm hung limp at my side for the whole day. 

Breakfast & Talk Regarding Elliot Bay Seawall Project
Tibbetts United Methodist Church
3940 41st Ave. S.W.
Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. Open to all families. RSVP to Church Office 206-932-7777 (open 9-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday) or email ChurchOffice@TibbettsUMChurch.org. A suggested donation of $5/person or $10/family is requested. You will learn about the issues with the seawall project, including where the project is today and what to expect in the coming months and years.

Free Bike Tune-Ups at White Center Food Bank
10829 8th Ave. S.W.
Sunday, April 15, 2-4 p.m. Chain lube, brakes, and flat tire repair. All welcome. Sponsored by: Bike Works, Cascade Bicycle Club, and Spokespeople West Seattle. Get Ready to Ride.

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave. S.W.
206 971 7169

"Probably the best sale I've ever made," said Mike Gain, owner of Prudential Northwest Realty Associates in announcing the sale of his company to HomeServices of America, an affiliate of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway Corporation. The sale was announced today in SeaTac.

Gain, who started the company in 1979 as Cayce & Gain (with Roger Cayce) originally acquired the Prudential Northwest Realty Associates from John Wunder in 1996 growing the company to 350 agents in six King County locations including Burien and West Seattle.

The affable West Seattle native had originally sold the company to staff members but re-acquired it three years ago. With more than $700 million in realty sales last year, Prudential Northwest Realty Associates is a shining star in the Prudential and now HomeServices of America companies.

"Probably the best sale I've ever made," said Mike Gain, owner of Prudential Northwest Realty Associates in announcing the sale of his company to HomeServices of America, an affiliate of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway Corporation. The sale was announced today in SeaTac.

Gain, who started the company in 1979 as Cayce & Gain (with Roger Cayce) originally acquired the Prudential Northwest Realty Associates from John Wunder in 1996 growing the company to 350 agents in six King County locations including Burien and West Seattle.

The affable West Seattle native had originally sold the company to staff members but re-acquired it three years ago. With more than $700 million in realty sales last year, Prudential Northwest Realty Associates is a shining star in the Prudential and now HomeServices of America companies.

By Maggie Thorpe
UW News Lab

On a crisp, sunny Saturday morning, families from Ballard gathered at the Ballard Community Center for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Over a hundred children came with baskets and bunny ears to collect candy and prizes on the large field. A majority of the participants were from Adams Elementary School. Once the hunt began, children raced into the field and excitedly picked up the treats. Donations of canned goods were encouraged by the community center. After the event, snacks and activities were offered inside the center.

By Jessica Yuwanto
UW News Lab

Last Friday, April 6, Ballard High School held its second annual Students vs. Staff basketball game. The gym was packed with locals eager to see if the students would avenge last year’s loss.

But before the big game began, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Seattle Fire Department (SFD) took part in a friendly game of hoops for the crowd.

The Fire Department won the match 60-53 after Paul Arnold and Joey Thomas, the high school’s football coach, scored a combined 29 points for the team. Team SFD may have stolen the win, but track coach Norris Frederick, who participated in Team SPD, brought his dunks to the rim as he scored 27 points for the officers.

It was then time for the long anticipated game between the students and teachers. Team Staff proved early on that they were determined to defend their win from last year by leading 34-22 at the end of the first half. Principal Keven Wynkopp, along with Thomas and Frederick, brought their offense to the court.