February 2014

By Christy Wolyniak

Tucked away in Ballard is a new joint blooming with tantalizing possibilities that might surprise even the most skeptical of palettes.

What began with a Bento Box has now blossomed into Bloom Restaurant, which has been bustling with business since its August 16 opening.

Farm-to-table-inspired Japanese cuisine uses fresh ingredients from local farms with a menu that changes daily, depending on what produce is available at Farmer’s Markets.

A small black sign stands at the front of the restaurant advertising its Ramen bowls and specials. At first glance, it appears so dim inside that one might be tempted to do some window peering. However, behind these doors a variety of tasteful Japanese pleasantries and handcrafted cocktails lures diners in by the handfuls.

This quaint restaurant holds a number of tables inside and a cozy bar top that offers a variety of libations. Delicate glass lanterns hang from nearly invisible posts, creating a floating, muted atmosphere.

Drunk napkin thief flees the scene after charging his phone.

Jan. 27 at the 5300 of Ballard Avenue N.W. officers responded to a reported burglary at a bar/nightclub. The manager of the bar told officers that while the bar was closed he found a man in an employee area and confronted him. The suspect appeared intoxicated. The manager told the suspect to leave, and the suspect told the manager that he was just there charging his phone. The manager told him to leave again, threatening to call the police. The suspect left but took with him a pile of black napkins and said, “You’re lucky all I took were these napkins.” The manger followed the suspect out of the building and took picture of him with his phone as the suspect threw most of the napkins to the street. The manager told officers that the suspect must have gained access through an unsecured side door. He showed officers a picture of the suspect and officers immediately recognized him as suspect they had arrested in the past for numerous liquor and trespassing violations. Officers searched the area but the suspect was not located.

Saturday, Feb. 1, nearly 600 plungers, including 100 regional Police Officers took the big dip in the frigid waters off Golden Gardens Park for the 2014 Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge.

The event raised money for 10 thousand Special Olympic athletes around Washington State and is a fundraising effort organized by law enforcement agencies across the state to benefit Special Olympics Washington.

Each plunger needed to raise over $75 to plunge, and ultimately the day ended with over $100,000 raised.

For a costume contest, plungers were encouraged to dress the spirit of the event. Eric Johnson, with the Nearly Naked Norwegians, was the highest single earner at the event and had over 10 friends participating in the group.

Johnson has been involved with the program for years and looks forward to it as a way to raise money for a good cause.

“I work with Special Olympic years ago with my sister, and I’m a sucker for a good cause. I like helping folks out and that’s what its all about. It’s a great way to get all my buddies to wear Viking horns and fur and jump into freezing cold water, “ said Johnson.

Join in activities to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day on February 8
Activities happening at fire stations, community centers, parks and pools across the city

Celebrate Seattle’s 20th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day, a special day to reach out to neighbors and express thanks to all who make each neighborhood a great place. City departments, community groups, and residents across Seattle are hosting work parties, special events, guided walks, and fire station open houses on Saturday, February 8 to celebrate this day.

You can participate in one of the public events below or simply invite your neighbor for coffee. More details can be found at www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborday/events.htm. All events are FREE unless noted.

Neighbor Appreciation Day Street Clean Up in Queen Anne
All are invited to help clean up the streets and meet your neighbors in lower Queen Anne.
Time: 9:30 – 12 noon
Location: Counterbalance Park at 2 Roy Street.
Free

Neighbor Appreciation Day at Cascade’s People’s Center: Book Exchange

Decisions were met for two Ballard applications that applied for subdivisions:

Information provided by Seattle Department of Planning and Development

8771 15th Ave. N.W. :

The plan for land action was granted to subdivide one development site into six unit lots. The construction of residential units are under Project #6357557. This subdivision of property is only for the purpose of allowing sale or lease of the unit lots. Development standards will be applied to the original parcel and not to each of the new unit lots.

Zoning: LR2 (Residential, Multifamily, Lowrise 2), ARTERIAL WITHIN 100 FT., URBAN VILLAGE OVERLAY

Public Comment: The Department of Planning & Development received no public comment letters during the comment period which ended on October 9th, 2013.

418 N.W. MARKET ST. :

Information provided by Hop Scotch Spring Beer

Seattle has caught the attention of the entire nation. Macklemore’s chart topping anthems and the Seahawks Super Bowl season has the city and the region experiencing a Renaissance of local flavor. Local breweries, distilleries, and food trucks have exploded off of the local scene and into national prominence. With so much going right in the city, it’s fitting that the 12th annual Hop Scotch Spring Beer & Scotch festival honor’s it’s Seattle roots and showcases the local flavors.

What: Burien Birdfest

When: Feb 15, 2014, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Dottie Harper Building*SW 146th & 4th SW (next to the old library). Learn to identify your neighborhood birds. Adults and children are invited. Activities for children (both indoors and outdoors). Learn about the Great International Bird Count. Presentation by Birds Unlimited from noon to 1 pm.Sponsored by members of Sustainable Burien. The building is not Handicapped Accessible. Adminission is free. Questions? Contact-Bob Edgar, 206-734-9653.

By Shakira Ericksen

Financial problems at the Marina are leading staff to look for new solutions to generate revenue.

The City of Des Moines is considering setting up a pay-by-space parking system at the Des Moines Marina and Beach Park. The Marina was hit hard by the recession and has been losing money for the last three years.
The average loss per year was about $65,000. The parking plan for the Marina will be based on the successful pay-by-space parking system already in place at Redondo Beach.

There have been a series of public hearings to present the plan to the citizens of Des Moines for feedback and discussion.
The plan to have paid parking at the Marina is partly motivated by deteriorating facilities.

The key message Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury wants the public to understand is that pay-by-space parking will provide sustaining funds to maintain and operate the facilities for public safety and security at the Marina and Beach Park.

Troop 352 is celebrating 60 years of helping boys learn the leadership skills needed to grow into fine men. The troop began in 1954 and has continued to be sponsored by Highline United Methodist Church at 1st Avenue and 130th.

The celebration will be on Sunday, February 9th. The scouts will be helping with the 10:30 am church service that Sunday. A luncheon to honor the Troop will follow the service at 12 noon. Current and former members of the troop and interested parties are invited to come and join in the festivities. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the luncheon by E-Mail at Troop352reunion@gmail.com.

Highline United Methodist Church
13015 1st Ave So.
Burien, WA 98168

Deadline for receiving items for Community Calendar is 5 p.m. Wednesday for the following weekʼs Times/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space availability. Email submissions to: calendar@robinsonnews.com Items can be accepted from nonprofit groups and government agencies only. Others may call Dona Ozier at 206-708-1378 for inclusion in our “Out & About” advertising section.

Free Federal Tax Return Preparation
Highline Community College Outreach Center 23835 Pacific Highway S. Sat., Feb. 8, 9-3 p.m. KeyBank and King County United Way are sponsoring Super Refund Saturday. This one-day event in which banking professionals provide free income tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income wage earners, will help them identify their eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is the kick off to free tax prep help that will be available throughout tax season.

Free Community Dinner
Grace Lutheran Church 22975 24th Ave. S. Every 2nd Tuesday of month, next Feb. 11, 5-6:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends. All are welcome.