February 2013

By Christopher Duclos

Kat Anesini signs her LOI to attend Valapariso University in Indiana. Image courtesy of Carrie Burr

Over the past few weeks Ballard high has sent its share of athletes into the college ranks. Wednesday morning included one more. Katriona ‘Kat’ Anesini has signed with Valparaiso University to play soccer.

Valparaiso University (also known as Valpo) is a regionally accredited private university located in the city of Valparaiso, Indiana. Their mascot is the Crusader. Valpo is ranked among the top women’s soccer universities in their division leading to more possibilities of Anesini’s advancement to more soccer based opportunities going forward.

As a midfielder and forward, Anesini played club soccer growing up for 94 Maroon and the Northwest Nationals. She was a member of the Washington State Olympic Development Program for two years. At BHS, Anesini started on the varsity squad for three straight years earning Kingco 4A Honorable Mention each year.

Anesini also participated in BHS’s Bio-Tech Academy, earning a high cumulative GPA.

UPDATE: Entire video now viewable by clicking on arrow in YouTube box

UPDATED SOTRY OCT. 9:

There was a release party Friday night, Feb. 8, at 9:00 p.m., as Seattle-based rockers Van Eps will release their second video single "Save Yourself" (after "Go Ahead") and performed live at the Feedback Lounge, 6451 California Ave SW.

The release party unveiled the single's music video directed by West Seattle video artist Jamie Burton Chamberlin of Black Dahlia Films followed by a live performance.

Peace Mercutio will also be playing a set.

"Save Yourself", produced by Scott Olson, is performed by the four-member band of Matt Strutynski- Lead Vocals and Guitar, Jake Jovanovich- Vocals and Drums, Bobby Steenrod- Bass, & Brad Steenrod- Lead Guitar.

Jake Jovanovich lives in Burien. Matt Strutynski lives in West Seattle. Bobby Steenrod lives in White Center. Brad Steenrod lives in Federal Way. The band met in high school in Burien.

Mayor Mike McGinn announced a $1.6 million investment in 17 neighborhood business districts as part of the Seattle Jobs Plan on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Only a small amount, in fact that number was not disclosed, will come to help our area, specifically White Center. Outgoing White Center Chamber of Commerce President Mark Ufkes said, "this is funding to support part of the Neighborhood Revitalization staff position with the WCCDA."

Most of the funding will go to Pioneer Square, Chinatown, Capitol Hill, University District and other neighborhoods aimed at improving those business districts by enhancing marketing, promotion, cleaning graffiti, making other cosmetic efforts and helping develop business organizations.

“Seattle’s neighborhoods are one of the reasons we attract talented people and growing companies,” said Mayor McGinn. “That’s why investing in our dynamic neighborhood business districts is critical to our overall economic vitality.”

Dow Constantine reelection campaign event announced

King County Executive, and West Seattle resident, Dow Constantine is running for reelection. He was inaugurated for his first term Nov. 24, 2009.

From the King County website, his official bio:

Since his election as King County Executive in November 2009, Dow Constantine has been working to instill a culture of performance that changes the way King County does business and forging partnerships with residents, cities, employees, and other county leaders to craft real, sustainable reforms.

In his first year in office, he forged a partnership to obtain a $44 million federal allocation for Howard Hanson Dam repairs and dramatically reduce the threat of Green River Valley flooding, assembled a coalition of governments to fund the construction of a new South Park Bridge, and joined with the state to finance the County's purchase of a Maury Island gravel mine slated for major expansion, preserving a mile of natural Puget Sound shoreline.

Before his election as Executive, Dow served as a King County Council member for eight years, and has held elected office in Washington state for 15 years.

West Seattleites interested in helping Seattle Public Schools design a new 650-seat elementary school at the Genesee Hill site have several upcoming opportunities to share their thoughts.

The Genesee Schmitz Neighborhood Council has taken the lead on becoming the community liaison for the project, which will be paid for by school levy Proposition 2 if passed by Seattle voters on Feb. 12. Students and staff from Schmitz Park Elementary will move into the new building once completed in 2015 as part of SPS’s plan to make room for West Seattle’s expanding student population.

Kerrie Schurr with GSNC writes that Janet Donelson, Senior Project Manager for SPS is accepting comments on the early preferred design through Friday, Feb. 15.

Donelson can be reached at jadonelson@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0697. Comments can also be sent to Schmitz Park Elementary principal Gerrit Kischner at gakischner@seattleschools.org or 206-252-9700.

By Holly Brown

The origin and inspiration of Valentines Day can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages.  There are many stories and saints attributable to what we now celebrate as the Lovers Holiday. But it was Esther A. Howland, aka Mother of the Valentine, who first began selling mass-produced valentines cards in America in the 1840s. Thus began the mass commercialization of Valentines Day! It's the second highest card-sending day of the year (behind Christmas) with a billion cards sent annually. Celebrated around the world, it’s also the busiest day of the year for restaurants and the biggest “date night” of the year!

Click on YouTube box here to view new video in its entirety

There will be a release party tomorrow, Friday night, Feb. 8, at 9:00 p.m., as Seattle-based rockers Van Eps will release their second video single "Save Yourself" (after "Go Ahead") and perform live at the Feedback Lounge, 6451 California Ave SW. No charge.

The release party will include the unveiling of the single's music video directed by West Seattle video artist Jamie Burton Chamberlin of Black Dahlia Films followed by a live performance.

Peace Mercutio will also be playing a set.

"Save Yourself", produced by Scott Olson, is performed by the four-member band of Matt Strutynski- Lead Vocals and Guitar, Jake Jovanovich- Vocals and Drums, Bobby Steenrod- Bass, & Brad Steenrod- Lead Guitar.

Matt Strutynski lives in West Seattle. Bobby Steenrod lives in White Center. Jake Jovanovich lives in Burien. Brad Steenrod lives in Federal Way. All were buddies at Kennedy High School in Burien.

On Valentine’s day a 5k race through the streets of West Seattle will highlight and help fight human trafficking. Fetch Fitness, Starbucks Coffee, K2 Sports and ExOfficio are presenting the 1st annual Cupid 5K, a costumed urban race on Valentine's Night. The race will be run from 7:00 pm to 10:00 PM.

Money raised will go to the A21 Campaign, fighting sex trafficking & modern day slavery.

The racers break into two teams – Lovers and Haters – and take alternate routes to get to all of the checkpoints in a mad dash to the finish line. To make things more interesting, participants must do their best to dodge ‘Cupid’s grasp,’ Cupid 5K staff who will be in pursuit during the race. The evening culminates in two amazing after-parties, complete with prizes.

Both groups meet up at 7 p.m. in West Seattle, at the Alki Statue of Liberty located at 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA. The race winds through the streets and parks of the Admiral District and along Alki Beach.

Press release:

Love is in the air and florists are busy filling Valentine’s Day orders, but many consumers have learned the hard way that everything doesn’t always come up roses.

In 2012, florists were among the most complained about service categories on Angie’s List. Most complaints stemmed from the quality of the flowers as well as issues with delivery.

Angie’s List surveyed highly rated florists for advice on placing an order for delivery:

Act now: Don’t wait until the last minute to place your order for flowers. Give the florist plenty of time because Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for any florist.

Buy local: If there is a reputable florist in your area, buy directly from them when you can and think beyond the roses. Your florist can help you find the freshest blooms and find something a little less traditional, too. National companies take your order and pass it along to a local florist to fulfill the order anyway. You’ll have better luck with a correction if something goes wrong.