October 2012

The who's-who of transportation in King County and Seattle were invited to a Sustainable West Seattle Transportation Forum on Oct. 15, and were met with a sea of frustration from over 50 West Seattle residents over loss of service and unfulfilled promises of the RapidRide C Line in the wake of sweeping changes implemented on Sept. 29.

The panel included Seattle City Council Transportation Chair Tom Rasmussen, King County Executive Transportation Advisor Chis Arkills, Metro Direct of Service Development Victor Obeso, Seattle Department of Transportation Director Peter Hahn, and, representing one outside the system, Seattle Transit Blog Editor-in-Chief Martin Duke.

The audience included a strong contingent of Arbor Heights residents who came to discuss their loss of off-peak hour service to their neighborhood, several RapidRide riders fed up with full buses passing them by and a lack of regularity in stops, and others who have endured lost or changed service since the route revisions took place.

As religious leaders serving faith communities in West Seattle, we write to express our support for Referendum 74. A vote to APPROVE 74 affirms the law passed by the state legislature earlier this year, allowing the freedom to marry for all loving and committed couples in Washington State.

We believe in love. Love is the highest and most cherished value we proclaim in our congregations Sunday after Sunday. We believe that the law allowing same-sex couples to marry is consistent with the deepest values of our faith traditions, which command us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to seek justice for all people, and to recognize God’s presence wherever love is found.

As local clergy, we know many gay and lesbian couples who have formed loving, lasting, committed relationships; some are raising children, some are growing old together. You know these people too – they are your neighbors, your children, your nephews, your aunts. You do not have to choose between loving them or loving God; our faith traditions teach us that to love one is to love the other.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) urges a YES vote for annexation of "Area Y" to Burien (Proposition 1 at the end of your ballot). Our support is based in large part on the positive impact of Burien's 2010 annexation of our neighbors to the south. Roads have been paved, long neglected parks have been improved, and the people have been given a voice and a say in their future.

A Burien annexation will ensure that the White Center and Boulevard Park Libraries will not be moved out of the communities they currently serve. Without Burien's advocacy these essential community resources would have already been lost, but without annexation, according to the King County Library Board, they will be closed.

By Cassandra Baker

9:00 p.m., October 17. N 80th St and Greenwood Ave N

A man was attacked and robbed on the night of October 17 while walking along Greenwood Ave N. The victim was approached by a stranger, who asked him if he had any spare change. When the victim said that he didn’t, the suspect began hitting him in the face. Another suspect approached and began hitting the victim as well. The victim fell to the ground, where the suspects continued to hit and kick him. One of the suspects took the victim’s wallet and both of them fled the scene.

The victim was treated at the scene by Seattle Fire and later taken to the hospital for further care. Police conducted an area search for the suspects but were unsuccessful. The first suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, 5’9” and 180 lbs. The second suspect is described as a male wearing a puffy blue jacket and a black beanie. The investigation is ongoing.

11:00 p.m., October 13. 75th block of 23rd Ave NW

The first lucky winner of Groundswell NW's new microgrant program is Friends of North Beach Park, who have been working to restore North Beach Park and Nature, according to a press release.

The microgrant program awards $500 to support community members trying tos tart projects which support Groundswell NW's mission. They are preferred to be in the Northwest quadrant of Seattle, be a new project and have an inclusive group which will welcome public participation.

David Folweiler, a member of the Groundswell NW board, had this to say:

“Friends of North Beach Park is a passionate group of volunteers who maintain a much needed green space adjacent to North Beach Elementary School. Their work involves removing invasive species and restoring native plantings. They also work with students to enrich their environmental education. The work of the Friends of North Beach Park furthers the mission of Groundswell NW – the creation and maintenance of public parks, habitat, and green space. We are honored that our first microgrant award goes to such a dedicated group.”

After 12-and-one-half years, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Miller has resigned from her position.

The move was sudden and unexpected, but a replacement was quickly found.

Taking her place as Interim Executive Director is Mike Stewart, who the Chamber describes as "a seasoned marketing communications professional with a strong background in community relations, community organizing and coalition building."

Stewart’s experience includes communications work for AT&T, Cingular, Terabeam, Vulcan, Sprint, Boeing, the Indian Health Board, the Experience Music Project and more. He has also served as an aide to a Washington member of Congress and as a campaign manager for a successful mayoral candidate of Tacoma.

First things first, Stewart plans on settling in and getting to know the membership. He will be working with the board to implement several initiatives identified during this past year's visioning process, including the creation of a Business Improvement Area.

Driving down Market St, it's a hard sight to miss. The Old Carnegie Free Library sticks out like a sore, architecturally significant thumb.

Back in September, the Ballard Carnegie Free Library was nominated for official city landmark status, which supporters say could ensure its future. Next week, the library will go in front of the Landmarks Preservation Board to be designated, the final stage in securing landmark status.

This picture, courtesy of the Ballard Historical Society, is of the inside of the library back when it was used for its original purpose. Stepping through the front door and up to the information desk where the librarian sat forebodingly is a memory which many from the old days have held fondly, according to Ballard News-Tribune Columnist Peggy Sturdivant, who had the opportunity to interview long-time residents and immigrants.

Ever wonder what city council member represents you?

Well, don't, because under the current system, every city council member represents you. That's because they are not divided by district, but rather, by committee. In fact, Seattle is one of the only cities in all of the nation with over 500,000 people which does not elect its legislative arm by district.

A new group, Seattle Districts Now, is looking to change that.

On Sept. 27, the group held a press conference unveiling a plan and a map marking the different districts. Rather than trying to make every council member elected by district -- a plan which has been proposed and failed before, in 2002 -- the plan includes seven council members being elected by district and two at large. District members would serve four years each and at large members would serve two years.

On an evening when Burien lawmakers were entertained by a citizens group “dreaming of a better Burien,” council members wrestled with how to maintain services without raising taxes or dipping into city reserves.

Cameras were in abundance at the beginning of the Oct. 15 council meeting as the group sang a reimagined version of “Imagine,” complete with choreography.

Kirt Holzmuller, speaking for the group named “Dreaming of a Better Burien” said lawmakers shouldn’t settle for apartments only development on the vacant Town Square parcels.

Harbor Urban, developers of Town Square, has proposed apartments on the vacant parcels. They maintain there is not a current market for more condominiums at the site. The developers and the city have until Nov. 15 to reach an agreement.

Holzmuller suggested arts-related development such as an art theatre, boutique hotel, gallery, kids museum or other regional attractions.

“We want to ensure the long-term health of the city,” Holzmuller declared.

Resident Robbie Howell said she wants to see Burien expand its arts and environmental offerings to attract new residents.

Press release:

Since 2008, volunteers in Walker Preserve have removed large amounts of invasive plants and planted many native trees and shrubs. You can help – no experience is required! This weekend we will be planting about 90 native plants in places where dense ivy was removed.

When: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

Where: Walker Preserve park, SW. 168th St. and 2nd Ave. SW. in Normandy Park, up the road from Normandy Park City Hall. If driving, your parking options include:
Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
On the street along SW. 168th St

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please plan ahead - this park does not have a restroom.

From the gate behind the Walker Preserve sign, walk down the trail towards the creek.

Activities: