May 2012

Initiative activist Tim Eyman told the West Seattle Herald that increasing fees on roll-your-own tobacco on new do-it-yourself machines cropping up in area smoke shops is indeed a tax increase on tobacco, and is therefore in violation of Initiative 1053, a bill he co-sponsored that passed statewide in 2010 by 64-percent. We reported on such smoke shops in our recent story here. That initiative passed in every county in the state.

State tobacco taxes, 15 cents per cigarette, don't apply to those produced by these machines, and Olympia wants to collect, and will, beginning in July. They passed a law to collect these fees with a simple majority, not with the two-thirds majority required for a tax increase. Legislators, and Gov. Gregoire, who support the measure, say the fee is not a tax increase, but simply an action that closes a loophole for those who have found a way around paying their fair share with these automated machines to "manufacture" their own cigarettes.

Initiative activist Tim Eyman told the Highline Times that increasing fees on roll-your-own tobacco on new do-it-yourself machines cropping up in area smoke shops is indeed a tax increase on tobacco, and is therefore in violation of Initiative 1053, a bill he co-sponsored that passed statewide in 2010 by 64-percent. We reported on such smoke shops in our recent story here. That initiative passed in every county in the state.

State tobacco taxes, 15 cents per cigarette, don't apply to those produced by these machines, and Olympia wants to collect, and will, beginning in July. They passed a law to collect these fees with a simple majority, not with the two-thirds majority required for a tax increase. Legislators, and Gov. Gregoire, who support the measure, say the fee is not a tax increase, but simply an action that closes a loophole for those who have found a way around paying their fair share with these automated machines to "manufacture" their own cigarettes.

The Highline Community Symphonic Band will perform its spring concert Monday, May 7 at the Foster Performing Arts Center, 4242 S. 144th St. in Tukwila.

The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Also look for the band’s performances at the Burien Wild Strawberry Festival on June 16 and the Normandy Park Cove on June 23 at 2 p.m.

More information is available at www.highlineband.org.

New Approach Washington, the lobbying force behind Initiative 502 to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana sales for adults 21 years and older, sent out word this week that sixteen Washington state legislators endorsed the initiative, including two local legislators.

I-502 will appear on the November general election ballot.

Locally, Senator Sharon Nelson (D-34) and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-34) announced their endorsement.

Representative Eileen Cody (D-34) has not endorsed the initiative and said in an email, “I don’t think marijuana use should be illegal but I also don’t want to encourage its use. It is helpful in some medical conditions but I don’t support its recreational use any more than I do tobacco use. I really support the Governor’s approach of getting the FDA to reclassify marijuana so that it could be handled through pharmacies and prescribed when needed.”

Rep. Fitzgibbon wrote the following of his support in an email to the Times/News:

New Approach Washington, the lobbying force behind Initiative 502 to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana sales for adults 21 years and older, sent out word this week that sixteen Washington state legislators endorsed the initiative, including two local legislators.

I-502 will appear on the November general election ballot.

Locally, Senator Sharon Nelson (D-34) and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-34) announced their endorsement.

Representative Eileen Cody (D-34) has not endorsed the initiative and said in an email, “I don’t think marijuana use should be illegal but I also don’t want to encourage its use. It is helpful in some medical conditions but I don’t support its recreational use any more than I do tobacco use. I really support the Governor’s approach of getting the FDA to reclassify marijuana so that it could be handled through pharmacies and prescribed when needed.”

Rep. Fitzgibbon wrote the following of his support in an email to the Herald:

by Sam Reed, Chief Sealth Athletic Director

Today’s the day for the 5th Annual Carne Asada Bowl, the annual soccer game between the CSI Seahawks and the SBOC Internationals at the SWAC!

Former Principal John Boyd, a former principal of both schools actually, came up with the idea years ago as a way to unite two communities that share much in common – many of our past and current Chief Sealth players have transitioned into high school through the BOC – and celebrate soccer as a diverse, worldwide sport. Current Sealth Principal Chris Kinsey took the idea and ran with it, ensuring that we will keep the traditional alive!

The event features a game between the two teams, a giant trophy for the winning team, and a community feast including Carne Asada prepared by Sealth’s own Delfino Munoz and a myriad of sides prepared by Sealth soccer supporters including parents Dave and Nenita Rosario.

The best part? This is yet another free event, with soccer starting at 4:00pm and food following - Don’t worry the players, referees and coaches all get to eat first!

Saturday is Cinco de Mayo and here are some ideas on where in Ballard to celebrate this day:

Bad Albert’s Tap & Grill – 5100 Ballard Ave NW
From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bad Albert’s will host live music and much dancing. Ed Taylor Band and Keely Whitney will be playing Motown, rock and pop grooves throughout the evening.
There will also have special prices on Mexican themed foods and drinks. The wide selection of alcohol will include: $5 Sangria, $4 Margaritas, $3 tequila shots, $10 buckets of Corona, and $3 Dos Equis. Food deals will include: $5 for two beef tacos, $4 for three house-made chimichangas, $4 for two tostadas, $5 for chorizo nachos, $5 for hot wings.

The Matador – 2221 NW Market St
For $6, sip on the Cinco Margarita, a classic citrus version made from scratch with Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila
Or, for $8, knock back a Cinco Shot + Beer, which gives you an ounce and a half of Cuervo Tradicional Reposado and a refreshing Dos Equis to wash it down
As always, Matador will be offering their exceptional happy hour food from 4 – 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 2319 NW Market St.

Seattle Department of Transportation reports that over the next two weekends, the intersection of Greenwood Avenue N and N 85th Street will be closed to repay the road.

This work will close the intersection to traffic in all directions from Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. through Monday, May 7 at 6 a.m.

The same closure is planned for the following weekend, from 7 p.m. Friday, May 11 to 6 a.m. Monday, May 14.

This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.

During these weekends, the contractor will work 24 hours per day. Detours will be in place, and local access will be provided. Eastbound detours will also remain in effect on N/NW 85th Street between 8th Avenue NW and Greenwood Ave N.

Drivers should expect congestion, allow extra time and follow clearly marked detour routes to avoid shortcuts using neighborhood streets. Flaggers and uniformed police officers will be present to assist pedestrians.

Some Metro bus routes will be affected by this work – look for Rider Alert notices at the bus stops, see reroute information later this week on Metro Online http://www.kingcounty.gov/metro.

Press release:

The last time we walked to Mathison Park was in Wintertime on the December 2011 Walk-n-Talk. Let’s check it out in the Springtime to see how it’s changed!

This Sunday, May 6, we’ll meet at Burien Town Square at our usual 2:00. The 2.1 mile route takes us up and over Hwy 509, to Mathison Park at Burien’s highest point, where we’ll walk the park’s pathway and grounds.

Click here for information about the park’s history and how the Mathisons came to donate their family acreage to the City of Burien.

WHAT/WHO: This is a FREE Walk-n-Talk open to people of all abilities, including families and dogs.
(Walk-n-Talkers should know that though this walk is “only” 2.1 miles, it does include the slope up to Mathison Park, which can be a challenge for those with mobility issues.)

WHERE: Meet on the grassy knoll at Burien Town Square, at 5th Place SW and SW 152nd Street.

WALK TO: Mathison Park: 533 S 146th St., Burien WA

Press release:

Former Evergreen High School football standout Senio Kelemete was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft this week, going to the Arizona Cardinals as the 151st pick overall.

Kelemete led Evergreen to a 9-2 record during his senior season in 2007, helping the Wolverines make the state playoffs for the first time since 2001.

He was also honored as the Seamount League’s Lineman of the Year on both offense and defense.

As a University of Washington Husky, Kelemete started all 13 games at left tackle this past season and was named a team captain for the second straight year.

He earned All-Pac-12 honors for the second time in his career and was awarded the Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award at the Valero Alamo Bowl in December.