December 2013

The city of Seattle is now accepting proposal applications for the Neighborhood Park and Street Fund.

The fund uses a portion of Seattle’s city budget set aside for community improvements. This year’s fund is pending budget approval, but is slated for $1.2 million. Individual projects expenditures of up to $90 thousand will be considered.

The proposals are for community improvement projects like street, curb and median repair or general park improvement.

Examples of past projects include sport surface repair, trail upgrades, playground improvements, curb/sidewalk repair and accessibility improvements.

Individuals, businesses and neighborhood groups are eligible to apply. Proposals are considered based on four elements: Significant Impact, Broad Support, Leverage Support and Equity.

Awarded projects will be completed in 2015, and the deadline for applications is February 3, 2014

To find examples of past projects or learn more about the fund visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/npsf/default.htm.

Seahurst Park

For the City of Burien, Seahurst Park is one of its most important assets, and the city has worked the past 10 years to remove the hard armoring lining the shore and restore natural nearshore processes. "This restoration will be the largest bulkhead removal, shoreline restoration project on Puget Sound and it's a big deal for a city our size," said Burien Mayor Brian Bennett.

The project will improve marine habitat for salmon and other endangered species, restore natural sediment processes, the beach to pre-seawall conditions and the park's recreational features.

Phase 1, completed in 2005, removed about 1,000 feet of seawall and Phase 2 will nearly double that, removing about 1,800 feet of the armoring. Corps Project Manager Leah Wickstrom announced the Corps awarded a $6.2 million construction contract September 6 to California-headquartered CKY Inc, a civil and environmental construction company with a Seattle office.

"We're very excited to begin this next phase of the project," said Wickstrom. "The City of Burien and their partners' dedication to this project made all the difference; everyone has put in so much work."

The 150 foot tall construction crane currently in place at the site of the construction of the L.A. Fitness and apartment building at the intersection of 39th S.W. Alaska Street S.W. and Fauntleroy Way S.W. is now decorated for the holidays. But it's also a remarkable vantage point to see around the area from a unique perspective.

The crane now sports two 16 foot tall "trees" of lights, a 7 foot in diameter Christmas wreath and two 12th Man LED signs for the Seahawks that are about 4 feet to a side.

By Katy Wilkens, MS, RD

Most of us need more fiber in our diets, but getting it can be tricky. A good goal for most of us is 25 grams a day. Wheat bran is a great source of indigestible fiber, and it is really inexpensive. Its nutty flavor in breakfast bars or muffins can help you kick start the day. Bran waffles make a tasty weekend breakfast.
The following recipes incorporate oats too, a great soluble fiber source. They also contain fruits like apples, figs and dates, which add pectin, another soluble fiber, so your body will be powered up for the day!

Early bird breakfast bars
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup chopped raisins, 6-8 fresh figs or 8 medium dates

1 cup oatmeal
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups raw bran
1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour boiling water over chopped raisins, figs or dates. Let stand 20 minutes, prepare the rest of the recipe. Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.
Drain fruit, reserving 1 cup of drained liquid. Add a bit more water if it is not 1 cup. Pour fruit, one cup of liquid and oil into dry mixture and stir.

By Peggy Sturdivant.

“Being a lawyer is not a comical business,” Tom Treece said as we sat with his law partner of 44 years, Dave Richdale, and laughed for the next hour.

“I tell Tom that he should have been an actor,” his partner Dave Richdale said. “I am acting,” Tom Treece replied, affecting a stern face. “In front of a jury.”

“We look for jokes in this firm,” Dave Richdale, then they debated whether their satirical take on splitting from a larger firm should be on or off the record.

In October the State of Washington Bar Association honored Ballard attorneys Thomas M. Treece and David A. Richdale for their 50 years as members. “And when they found out these two guys had been in practice together for 44 years they snapped a few extra photos.”

In a coincidence of numbers there are 44 practicing attorneys in the State of Washington who were also honored for the fifty-year mark this year. Far less than the number of University of Washington Law School graduates in 1963 or the 125 admitted to the Bar that year. “It doesn’t mean that the others are dead,” Treece said, “they just got smarter and quit practicing.”

The White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) is moving to the Bethaday Community Learning Center (TAF Offices) in White Center 605 108th St., Seattle, 98146.

The move will take place Monday, December 16.

To prepare for the move, administration and staff are holding a special one day only Garage Sale Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9am to 3pm. in the current location, 1615 SW Cambridge Street, Seattle, WA 98106

Sili Savusa, Executive Director of the WCCDA said, "We will have TONS of items for sale. Everything from office furniture to kitchen items must go. We have a lot of things that we won’t be taking with us and this is a great chance for you to pick up a WCCDA memento. I know you want something to remember our old digs by, right? With the holiday season upon us, why not pick up a few items that may become invaluable for a white elephant gift exchange? Wow!! Don’t miss the chance to be the first in line for deals galore! "

information from Furry Faces Foundation

The elves of Furry Faces Foundation and Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation are looking forward to wrapping your gifts in splendor and uniqueness! We have gift wrap, bows, tape, ribbon, garland, pinecones, pipe cleaners, name tags, and more! It’s up to you how much you would like to donate for the gift wrapping with 100% of the proceeds going directly to helping animals.

How is that possible? Because our generous business partners, Beveridge Place Pub, Beer Junction and Elliott Bay Brewhouse, plus F-cubers and A.A.R.F.’ers have donated everything needed for this event!

To make it easier for you, our elves have scheduled five wrapping events:

Dec 15th, 2 -7 pm, at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW. (During the Specialty Bottle Sale and for a couple hours after).
Dec 19th, 6 – 9 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 California Ave SW, (During their weekly Beer Tasting)
Dec 21st, 3 - 7pm, Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub, 255 SW 152nd St., Burien
Dec 22nd, 1 – 6 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 California Ave SW
Dec 24th, 2 - 7 pm at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW

information from SDOT

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) project to rebuild Delridge Way Southwest, between Southwest Orchard and Southwest Roxbury streets, is nearly complete. Work that began January 2013 is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year. Remaining project elements include installing ADA ramps, landscaping and sidewalks and adjusting utility lids at Southwest Kenyon Street. Traffic on Delridge Way Southwest is not expected to be significantly impacted during this finishing work.

In addition to rebuilding the deteriorated roadway on Delridge Way Southwest between Orchard and Roxbury, the contractor also rebuilt portions of Southwest Orchard Street just east and west of Delridge Way Southwest. Additional project features included the installation of:

· An all-way stop at 17th Avenue Southwest and Delridge Way Southwest, as well as a new crosswalk to the south to enhance pedestrian safety.
· New curb bulbs at 18th Avenue Southwest and Delridge Way Southwest that reduce pedestrian crossing distances.
· New storm drainage structures beneath Delridge Way Southwest to increase stormwater capacity.

Cottage Grove Commons' formerly called Delridge Supportive Housing is holding a grand opening event scheduled for December 17, 2013, Tuesday, from 2:30PM - 4:00PM. A community open house follows at 4:30PM - 7:00PM. Neighbors are welcome to attend either event, but the latter is specifically intended as an opportunity for neighbors to see the building and meet the staff.

Tuesday, December 17th
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Enjoy self-guided tours, light refreshments,
and a 3:00pm Welcome Ceremony

4:30pm - 7:00pm
A community open house to provide neighbors the opportunity to see the building and meet the staff

5444 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
Street parking is limited!
Public Transportation is Encouraged

DESC would like to thank Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Enterprise Community Partners for sponsoring this event.

Cottage Grove Commons will provide 66 studio apartments with 24-hour on-site staff support for men and women who have been chronically homeless, disabled, and highly vulnerable.

A three-alarm fire early Tuesday caused severe damage to the auditorium at the Burien Annex, SW 146th Street, and 4th Avenue SW. Investigators from the King County Sheriff’s Office have determined that the fire was intentionally set.

According to investigators, the fire was set in or adjacent to an outside porta-potty next to the auditorium at the southeast corner of facility. The fire spread to the auditorium wall and roof and was reported to the Fire Department at 6:25 am. Some 75 fire personnel from five area fire departments fought the blaze, having to cut into the double-layered roof structure to extinguish the flames. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no one was injured. Damage was estimated at $150,000-plus.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) involved. Anyone with information can call 1-800-55-ARSON. Arson investigators are currently examining evidence and will be reviewing footage from outside surveillance cameras.