The recent issue of the Ballard history was really well formatted and enjoyable to read, and gave me a good background on what has been long my favorite neighborhood in Seattle. I hope you can continue with more history occasionally.

What I wonder is why didn't Ballard merchants put together a major effort to celebrate this event, with a parade, some "century sales" and a community picnic, or something like that. I know we've already celebrated May 17.

A while back I wrote, and you printed, a letter about improving Ballard by "reinventing" itself into a Scandinavian-based community theme, with an architectural committee to pass on renovations and new construction to emphasize Scandinavian background and roots. One has only to look at Poulsbo and Leavenworth and Lynden communities to see what they've done to encourage visitors and preserve backgrounds and history.

Ballard is instead becoming "Californicated" and losing some heritage image. Do you see any chance of "reinvention?"

As an aside, as a member of the Seaview Avenue Transit Coalition, we appreciate Rebekah's great interview and story re: transit on Seaview corridor. We will be having a meeting with Metro and King County Councilman Phillips on July 13 (nothing like doing something on Friday the 13th).

Thanks again for a great issue and an interest in our Metro service request.

Jack Ellison

Ballard