December 2015

A second round of winter storms on Snoqualmie Pass dumped an ample amount of snow onto the regularly-maintained trails at Cabin Creek, a roughly 60-minute drive from Seattle and just 10 minutes past the Snoqualmie summit. This addition builds on top of a snowpack already greatly exceeding what last winter provided, and is setting the stage for the “Mavericks” participants of Momentum Northwest, a non-profit cross-country ski organization based in Seattle.

The Mavericks program encompass ages six through eleven and encourages all abilities, from complete beginner up to advanced young skiers to join on snow every Saturday morning at Cabin Creek for coached activities and learning to ski. “Our Mavericks are the foundational element of Momentum Northwest,” says Sam Naney, Program Director. “Getting kids on skis at a young age and helping them develop their skills in a high-energy atmosphere of coach-led instruction is the best way to foster in them a love of the sport, and an innate comfort on snow.”

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Federal Way man shot in head while visiting Tukwila
A 19-year-old man from Federal Way was shot in the head Tues., Dec. 8, while in Tukwila. According to police reports, the man, whose identity has yet to be released, was shot in the head at close range during a fight with several others near the intersection of 14800 and International Boulevard. Witnesses told police that the victim was shot at about 5:15 p.m. before the group of men who had been fighting fled quickly in different directions. Police arrived to the scene to find the victim laying on the ground. A K-9 unit was brought in to help locate others involved in the shooting but attempts were unsuccessful. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but his current status has yet to be updated. Police are asking that anyone with information about the crime contact the Tukwila Police Department by calling 206.433.1808.

Crimes reported between 11/23/15 and 12/6/15

Home and Business Break-in/Burglary:

To the editor

I am writing to inform the editors that there is a influx of marijuana stores coming to Ballard.  I already know of two that are currently open, and I just read that another plans to open in the Ballard Historic District.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

We all share the same belief that we need to keep Ballard's character the best we can. I for one cannot accept a POT SHOP in our beloved historic district.

Does the Ballard News Tribune have any thoughts on this?  Perhaps a story on this topic is due.

Thank you for your time and I would appreciate any insight you may have on this matter.

Steven Jarvis
Ballard

By Marjorie Young

As I was preparing to write my latest column concerning the recent dreadful events in Paris, two other appalling incidents occurred…the Planned Parenthood attack, followed by the bloodbath in San Bernadino. The deeds of the perpetrators may be ‘explained’ by ‘political’ or ‘religious’ motives, while remaining forever incomprehensible to most of us. But such episodes bring home the fact that, on any given day, or in any given moment, we cannot know what may be delivered in our direction. We could step out the door to never return, or chat with a loved one, never dreaming this will be our final conversation.

By Zach Watson

In response to what happened in Paris and California, the House this week passed legislation that changed our Visa Waiver Program. After talking to my fellow Seattleites, I’ve learned that many don’t know exactly what this program is. And why would they? It isn’t something that any of them will ever use.

But I tell you, it is still important.

The Visa Waiver Program uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to eliminate the need of a visa for people from partner countries, thirty-eight of them in all including Western Europe, Japan and Australia. People from those countries go on the ESTA website, pay a small fee and answer security questions. Then sometime in the following day(s) they are granted permission to enter the US for three months without having to apply for a visa at a consulate or embassy, a process that can be lengthy, arduous and expensive.

The new bill, according to CNN.com, would bar those from Iraq, Syria, Iran and the Sudan, and any traveler from the partner countries that has visited those countries in the last five years from entering the US without a visa.

Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips is calling the agreement announced in Paris at the end of the COP21 climate summit, a game changing document in the effort to reduce the impacts of global warming.

“On Saturday, December 12th the world reached an agreement of historic proportions in meeting one of the greatest challenges of our times: Climate Change,” said Phillips, who was a delegate at the climate conference. After weeks of work and great pressure to reach a meaningful accord, the nations of the world finally agreed to attack an issue that threatens all of us. With rapidly rising temperatures and dramatically increased severe weather events, the leaders of the world are united to take major and unprecedented steps in arresting fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With this action, we can begin to move toward a carbon free future and renewable energy sources to support the growth of our economies. It is truly an extraordinary moment for the people, and the nations, of the world.”

To the editor:

The City has long-standing budget issues that we have an obligation to address. Our constituents have demanded the level of police, park & recreation, and other services we are currently providing … and have asked for more police services. To balance these interests will take a combination of efficiencies, cuts, and additional revenues. That is what we’ve been working on since early August.
 
The City has the right to impose a utility tax on water and sewer services. If we wind up adopting one, we will also implement a rebate program for low-income seniors and the disabled.
 
Regarding a franchise agreement, we tried getting the utility districts interested in adopting one about four and a half years ago, but without much interest.  Only Water District #54 and Lakehaven Water & Sewer District chose to enter into one at that time.
 
Listening to the community, we will try to come to some agreement with the utility districts early next year; but we preserve our right to implement a tax if needed.
 
Dave Kaplan
Mayor & Councilmember
City of Des Moines, WA"

The Burien Arts Association is presenting fascinating art workshops in fused glass and collage over the Winter Break for students in grades 6-8.

The workshops taught by noted artist Kris Vermeer will be Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 28, 29 and 30 at the Burien Arts Gallery, 826 S.W. 152nd St. in Olde Burien. The workshops run 10-11:30 a.m. The workshops are free but donations to the sponsoring Burien Arts Association are welcome.
Class size is limited to 10 students so those interested should register soon by email at burienarts@g.mail.com.

On Monday, Dec. 28 and Tues., Dec. 29 workshop participants will work with pre-cut pieces of smooth glass and glass enamels. Students may create up to three projects, such as small plaques, window/wall ornaments or magnets.

Instructor Kris Vermeer will fire the works and return to students for pick up on Wednesday, Dec. 30.
On Dec. 30, students will also create collages using recycled paper and other materials to create a new work of art.

BURIEN, WASH. – The City of Burien has worked throughout the day with geotechnical specialists to assess conditions at the site of the mudslide that damaged two houses north of Seahurst Park last night. Preliminary reports indicate that the slope has not stabilized and evacuation orders remain in effect. Residents of all five evacuated homes are to remain away from their houses overnight but, except in the case of the most-impacted house, residents will be allowed back to retrieve belongings under supervision for short periods of time.
 
Details of Geotechnical Review:
  • The slide began at approximately 150 feet elevation – about half way up the slope – where soil composition changes. Above that point, ground water is absorbed. It then seeps out below that elevation. Given wet soil conditions over the past several days, seepage behind the slope’s surface layer likely caused the soil to blow outward, resulting in the slide.
• The source of the slide and much of the debris field lies within the property lines of the southernmost house.