April 2012

Time is starting to run out for anyone interested in applying for a job with the Seattle Police Department.

The hiring phase coincides with the announcement of Mayor Mike McGinn's "SPD 20/20" plan - a list of 20 police reforms the city plans to implement over the next 20 months. According to the Mayor's office, "These reforms go far beyond a response to the Department of Justice report. They will also increase the safety of our communities while improving the effectiveness of the police department at preventing and controlling crime."

Here are the details for applying to SPD, pre-officer exam workshops and exam dates.

Online Application Filing Period: April 2–27, 2012 at www.seattlepolicejobs.com

Entry Level Police Officer Exam: June 23-24, 2012.

WORKSHOPS:
We have free pre-test workshops available to help you prepare for the June 23-24 Entry Level Police Officer Exam. You must pre-register with the Recruiting Unit in order to attend.

press release:
The contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation on the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project continues to move towards project completion, now anticipated for late summer. As early as this coming Thursday morning, April 12, all eastbound traffic will be temporarily moved off of the old viaduct structure and onto the new viaduct structure, joining the two lanes of westbound traffic.

It is necessary to move traffic off of the old structure so that its bridge deck can be repaired and resurfaced before eastbound traffic is returned to it.

The Fourth Avenue S off-ramp will be closed during this phase of construction; however, the First Ave S off-ramp will remain open. Additionally, access to the upper Spokane Viaduct and the I-5 ramps from the Harbor Island on-ramp will be closed. The on-ramp will only provide access to northbound SR99 during this phase of work.

Other upcoming traffic changes associated with the project include:

Now Through Friday, May 4

Jon Wells wants the Seattle Mariners to win the World Series as much, if not more, than anyone.

The West Seattle resident who publishes and edits The Grand Salami magazine about the Mariners wants to write the book when they do.
But for now, he settled for writing "SHIPWRECKED: A People's History of the Seattle Mariners" about their past and current woes, as well as highlights.

"I'd like to write a book on them winning the World Series, but I wanted to write a non-fiction book," he quipped at a book signing at the Federal Way Costco on Thursday before going on to another at the Tukwila Costco. "They're on their way. They're improving. But they'll need to surround the young players with experienced players. You can't win with a team of all young players."

Fans were scooping up books and having them signed, along with a number of frustrated former fans who exchanged their feelings about the team.

UPDATE 8:00pm
SLIDESHOW ADDED

UPDATE:

The schedule of events has gelled a bit more on for the 10th Annual White Center Cambodian New Year Street Festival today. It's a FREE event. Beginning at 10:30 there will be a food offering to Monks until 11 am. Featured at the event are live music, traditional Khmer Dances, contests, prizes and entertainment.

Original Post April 6
White Center’s 10th Annual Cambodian New Year Festival will be on April 28th, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last year, approximately 1000 people attended and took part in the celebration by enjoying classical dances, great food and live music.

The event will be staged on 98th street between 15th and 16th Ave. s.w.

There is still room for sponsorships and vendors to promote their business by selling their products or food at this event. Please see attached links for more information concerning costs, sponsorship opportunities and vendor forms.

For more information, please contact Sopha Danh at sol.danh@gmail.com or at 206-861-2898.

The Northwest Symphony Orchestra perform's its 25th Anniversary concert Saturday, April 28, 8:00 p.m., at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St. in Burien, Anthony Spain, Music Director. The concert is funded, in part, by the National Endowment of the Arts, the Cities of Burien and SeaTac, and 4 Culture.
 This season is entitled 25x125 as this 25th year marks the 125th work performed by a local northwest composer.

Anthony Spain spoke to the Highline Times enthusiastically about the concert on his commute to his other job, the new Musical Director, Oregon East Symphony and Chorale in Pendleton, OR., where he is rehearsing the Messiah, both with orchestra and choir. He said he was chosen among 135 applicants over a two-year search.

He was born in England. His parents came to America when he was young. He grew up near Annapolis, MD., and spent about 10 years in Colorado. He arrived here for his Doctorate in 1986.

The Ballard Track team competed against Skyline in a dual meet on Thursday April 5th at the Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle.

First place finishers for Ballard included:

Junior Stuart Thomas - 110 M Hurdles
Senior Robert Meyer – Shot Put
Senior Matt Kelly – Javelin
Senior Irvin Granstrom – High Jump
Freshman Cameron Bertom – Pole Vault
Sophomore Carolyn Birkenfeld – 100 M Sprint
Junior Mia Wrey – 1600 M and 800 M Race
Sophomore Takeko Horiuchi – 300 M Hurdles
Ballard Women's Relay Team – 4 x 100 M sprint
Senior Madison Young – Javelin
Junior Kelsey Harmatta – Pole Vault

Ballard competes in two meets next week. On Thursday April 12th, the Beavers will be competition at Bothell High School, and on Saturday April 14th at the Eason Invitational in Snohomish.

Here's a link to the full results:

http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=148982#48

By Patrick Robinson and David Rosen

The 10,000 square foot Trader Joe's store at 4545 Fauntleroy Way s.w. set to open April 13 at 8 am is modern, spacious and thanks to in house artists, a celebration of all things West Seattle.

The West Seattle Herald was given an exclusive tour of the store on Friday April 6 by West Seattle resident and store Captain Sean Greutert who has been with the company for 17 years.

CLICK THE PHOTO ABOVE TO SEE MORE

"I've lived in West Seattle before and it's going to be a great, great store for the neighborhood" Greutert said. The store is fully staffed (they don't disclose exact numbers) "with 75% of the employees directly from West Seattle. We want to be a neighborhood store and that's a great way to do it," he said.

The North Highline Unincorporated Council met on April 5 to discuss crime and safety, a new alcohol initiative, the new Technology Access Foundation building in Lakewood Park and the latest in annexation from the City of Burien's perspective.

Public Safety in White Center
White Center Storefront Deputy BJ Myers presented the latest in crime and public safety for the region.

Concerning crime statistics over the past year, Myers said “part one” crimes (including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, rape, burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and arson) have dropped. Part one incidents spiked to 131 in October, 2011, but have dropped from that time to 64 incidents last month.

Part two crimes, including fights, vandalism, drug use/sales, lesser assaults, etc, have pretty much remained level over the last year, ranging from 78 to 98 offenses reported on a monthly basis.

Press release from Dick Thurnau, Friends of Hicklin Lake founder
Friends of Hicklin Lake wish to invite you to our next meeting to be held on April 12, 7 p.m. at the White Center Fire Station (1243 SW 112th Street).

Information will be presented to explain Floating Islands, a system used world wide. These islands are planted with native vegetation which, with microbes, will mimic nature to filter contaminates from Hicklin Lake.

Our guests include King County’s Manager of Surface Water Engineer and two other surface water engineers, who will update us on the White Center Storm water improvement project.

Also in attendance will be the Operation Manager from Southwest Suburban Sewer District, members of Technical Access Foundation, White Center Community Development Association, and members of North Highline Unincorporated Area Council.

Your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions are welcome regarding this system and this facility, Hicklin Lake which is located in King County’s Lakewood Park

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is asking all neighbors and interested parties to attend a meeting April 7 to participate in creating the new P-Patch community garden in Westcrest Park, 9000 8th Ave. s.w. in West Seattle’s Highland Park neighborhood. The final designs for the P-Patch will be revealed.

Interpretation & children activities will be provided.

The Westcrest Park P-Patch Community Garden presentation boards can be seen by clicking the link above.

You are asked to bring light snacks and drinks to share.

April 7 Saturday 10:00AM – 12:00PM Jim Wiley Center - Joe Thomas Room at Greenbridge, 9800 8th Ave. s.w.