October 2014

Seattle Public Utilities continues to asses stormwater runoff in Ballard.
Starting on Oct. 20 SPU will be replacing one of the combined sewage overflow pipes located west of the wooden pier at the end of 24th Avenue Northwest (NPDES 150).

The old pipe was constructed in the 1930’s and is one of the few outfall pipes that carry stormwater into Salmon Bay. A major problem is when it rains more than a tenth of an inch, stormwater mixes with raw sewage, overwhelming Ballard’s combined sewage system. 10 percent of the mix that spews into the Bay is raw sewage.

Project Manager Jerry Waldron shared details on the project.
“The Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Pipe, known as CSO Outfall 150, was installed in 1935 underneath the pedestrian pier at the dead end of 24th Avenue Northwest. It is a 30” wood-stave pipe that has deteriorated over time and its purpose is to release sewer overflows during heavy rain.”

Information from Seattle Parks

Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to a public meeting for the Highland Park Opportunity Fund project on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at Highland Park Elementary School, 1012 SW Trenton St.

At this meeting, participants can learn about this community-initiated project that will improve the usability and safety of Highland Park. The goal of the project is to create a cohesive park space, improve access, and provide new play features.

This meeting is an opportunity to provide input on what the community would like for this park renovation project. Families, neighbors and all interested in the project are encouraged to attend. The Parks and Green Spaces Levy-funded project is located at Highland Park, 1100 SW Coverdale St. in West Seattle.

For more information about the project, please visit:
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/highland_park/. For special meeting accommodations or for questions concerning the project please contact Jeron Gates 206-684-0998 or jeron.gates@seattle.gov.

Western Washington University student Jovany Del Toro, son of Jacqueline Del Toro of Burien, received a $1,000 Leadership Advantage Annual Scholarship and $1,000 Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The Leadership Advantage Annual Scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Leadership Advantage program, with financial need and leadership potential.

The MAP Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to multicultural issues and activities in school or the community.
Del Toro is an incoming freshman majoring in Social Science.

Editor’s note: Some patrons in the Highline School District believe the current request for a $385 million dollar bond is not appropriate and outsized. We gathered some of the more pointed questions that were not asked at the public forums the district has been holding since January. We directed these questions to Michael Spear, Board President. Here are his responses.

By Ken Robinson

What is the average a homeowner now pays in school taxes in the district for the 20-year bonds passed in 2002 and 2006?

Mayor Ed Murray today signed a resolution that honors indigenous peoples by declaring the second Monday in October “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in Seattle.

“Seattle sits on the homelands of many tribal nations,” Murray said at a ceremony surrounded by tribal leaders and City councilmembers. “We have many ongoing works with our neighbor tribes, and we welcome the tens of thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives who have come to call this city home. Today’s commemoration is intended to spark a productive conversation about the contributions of indigenous peoples, and, most importantly, their continued involvement in the cultural fabric of our community and the entire country.”

The King County Sheriff’s office is reaching out to the public for assistance in investigating the possible homicide of a woman in Burien.

Detectives have received information from multiple sources that is believed to be credible in the possible homicide of a woman named “Shelly”, a transient who may have gone by the nickname “Marshmallow”.
The information gathered by the officers lead them to an abandoned house on the 12600 block of 14 Ave. S. in Burien as a possible crime scene and burial site for Shelly’s remains.

On Wednesday and Friday of last week detectives with the Major Crimes Unit conducted thorough searches of the home and surrounding yard but found no human remains or evidence of foul play.
“Shelly” is believed to have been Caucasian, possibly part Native American, with an average build and dark brown hair. She may have dyed her hair blonde shortly before her death.

If you have any information regarding a woman who fits Shelly’s description and who you believe was the victim of foul play please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (206) 296-3311.

Burien Brat Trot organizers announced today that the expected income for last Sunday’s epic community event will be over $66,000—the most ever in the 6 year history of the race.

Some highlights from Brat Trot 2014 include:

A record number of sponsors and individuals donating to help the event succeed—including major gifts from Foundation partner HMS Host and an individual donor, specifically to help students-in-need run the Brat Trot by allowing the Brat Trot Team to waive their registration fees.

A record number of student runners this year! Thanks Highline Schools for coming out to show your community support and your school pride!

Nearly 1,600 registrants!

A great win by our male and female winners
Mason Gionet took home the blue ribbon medal for fastest male at 18:27
Erika Whinihan took home the blue ribbon medal for fastest female at 19:54

The FASTEST TEAM and the TEAM REGISTRATION contests were both won by CrossFit Burien this year!

A “show your 12th man pride” contest at Brat Trot—won by Burien resident Susan Williams

The school registration drive contests were won by:

By Gwen Davis

Looking for the freshest new face in the local music industry? Singer and songwriter Michal Waldfogel popped her way into Seattle's music scene last Sat. when she launched her latest album by giving a free concert at the Hillman City Collaboratory.
Waldfogel, 29, produces soulful, melodic songs that describe illusions perplexing society. The album, entitled "Crossing Imaginary Lines" gives listeners insight into Waldfogel's non-traditional ways of viewing the world, as well as access to her powerhouse voice combined with gentle guitar and flute.

When I close my eyes and truly see, all of those lines are imaginary is a lyric of a lead song.

"The album started three years ago when I picked up my guitar and finally played a song that I wrote," Waldfogel said. "When I moved to Seattle last year, I collaborated with other musicians," one of which was Joshua Watler, Tukwila resident and owner of Simple Space Studio in Tukwila where Waldfogel recorded the album.

By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

KENT - Two teams in search of league win No. 1 battled through 80 minutes of regulation play, two five-minute overtimes and a penalty kick shoot out before Mt. Rainier defeated Kent Meridian at French Field on Thurs., Oct. 9.

Mt. Rainier's SPSL Northwest record became 1-7 with a 2-7-1 overall mark. Kent Meridian remained winless at 0-8 Northeast and 11-10 overall.
"Our mind set was somewhat into the game and we communicated well," said Cierra Pinson, who was responsible for setting up many of the Mt. Rainier offensive charges. "In the overtime, we had support play from all."

Kent-Meridian shot first in the lineup of penalty kick shooters.
Leah Ingold and Keeley Phommathirath of the Royals matched goals with Emily Rhodes and Kristina Flanagan through the first two rounds.
Madeline Fletcher made an easy straight on serve against K-M shooter Olivia Porras that allowed Victoria Nelson to place MR ahead on a goal high into the upper left part of the net.

Bicycle thieves make off with nice peddlers, one suspect tackled, injured and arrested