News

Burien Albertson’s employees recognized Monday at Burien council meeting for rescuing boy

ericm — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:34:20 +0000

Press release:

On September 29th, of last year, a suspect accosted and attempted to abduct a 10-year-old child at the Albertson’s at South 128th Street and 1st Avenue South in Burien.

Albertson’s employees, becoming aware of a commotion, intervened and successfully rescued the child and after a struggle, detained the suspect pending the arrival of the police.

On May 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer will honor the employee’s with the King County Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Service Award. The Meritorious Service Award is the Sheriff’s Office 7th highest award conferred on an individual or group who demonstrate extremely meritorious dedication.

Please join Chief Kimerer and the Burien City Council when they acknowledge these very deserving citizens.

Burien City Hall 400 SW 152nd Street
Multipurpose Room

Wagner announces bid for Burien council seat

ericm — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:29:16 +0000

Press release:

My name is Debi Wagner and I’m running for Burien City Council Position #3. I would like to tell you a little about who I am and why I’m running.

I believe it’s time to reform Burien city government, make it accountable, transparent and responsive. Citizens need to be heard. This isn’t happening with the current council majority.

Public safety needs to be a top priority along with jump starting our local economy. Burien’s businesses need to be revitalized and new ones need to be recruited.

Environmental protection and Town Square need to be an important part of Burien’s planning. With years of experience in financial management and environmental issues, I have the knowledge and skills to guide Burien during these critical economic times.

Many times I have spoken as a strong citizen advocate before the Burien City Council on important city issues such as; the costs to Burien of the proposed annexation of area Y/White Center, the lack of a badly needed City business plan, the unwillingness of the council to allow citizen advisory votes on annexation, wards, Town Square and forms of government for the city. I believe we need to get back to the business of Burien, stop pointing fingers at others for blame and work together for positive change.

In recommending me for the city council, Burien's founding First Mayor and co-author of “Carbon Reduction - Policies, Strategies and Technologies” Arun Jhaveri said; " I have known Debi for many years, as a passionate and dedicated Community Leader, working in the areas of Environment, Education, Fiscal Policies, Children Causes, and Sustainability. As a wife, mother, and champion of local issues, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities of vision, integrity, diplomacy, communication, coordination, accountability, and transparency."

My husband and I are long time Burien residents – we love living in Burien. We chose to raise our family here because of the small town atmosphere. All of our children attended Highline schools. We support local businesses and participate in our community. I intend to preserve, sustain and enhance Burien’s assets. I would appreciate your vote and look forward to working with you in making Burien an even better place to live, work and play.

Please take the time to view my video and find out what I stand for in this election at:
http://youtu.be/-CMl0rRGYGc

Please visit my web site at: friendstoelectdebiwagner.org

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please write to me at:
Debi Wagner Campaign
P O Box 48208
Burien, WA 98148

Wish to volunteer, put up a campaign sign, send me a note at: dwagner007@msn.com
Thank you.

Long-time resident announces bid for Burien council position

cmenges — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:22:01 +0000

Press release:

Hello my name is Steve Armstrong and I am running for Burien City Council / Position 7. I’ve lived in Burien for over 40 years. Attended Shorewood Elementary, Cascade Middle School, Evergreen High and the University of Washington. My children, Alex and Elena, attended local schools – St. Francis, Highline and JFK. I am currently employed by The Boeing Company (32 years) specializing in Contracts. My hobbies include: hiking, mountain climbing, fly fishing, tennis, volleyball and spending time with my family and friends.

I’m running for city council because I believe it’s time for a change and that I can help initiate this change. It appears that some Council members and the City Manager have lost touch with the citizens of Burien. Recent evaluations from the City Council are mixed as to whether the City Manager is performing to expectations. Council members do not (or will not) work together. This condition must change.

There has been a complete disregard for the voice of the people. An example is the attempt to annex Area Y. My aversion to annexation is based solely on economics and the best interests for all. Seattle, with a huge revenue / tax base, found it impractical to annex at the time. Why would our City Manager and some Council members believe that annexation was in the best interest and would enrich the lives of those living in Area Y as well as Burien?

Regarding the recent issue of instituting “Wards” (aka Gerrymandering). This practice attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party, group or individual by manipulating district boundaries to create partisan advantaged districts. Again, whose interests are being addressed here? I believe if you’re running for office or in office, you should be under the microscope of and represent the entire voting population, not just those in your backyard.

Together we can create a better form of government. A government that is (i) a friend of the people; (ii) works for the people; and (iii) accessible, responsible, accountable and transparent with emphasis on Burien First!

My first goal is to ensure the livelihood, health and welfare of the people of Burien. Listen to their opinions, needs and desires – acting on their behalf for the common good.

Support our schools! Providing for our children is vital to the growth and well being of our community. I will work with schools to find ways to engage our young adults in becoming a valued investment in the community. The Burien Parks and Recreation team has done an excellent job in providing opportunities for our children. I would encourage them to expand those programs and promote career paths for interested teens – initiating mentoring and internships in city government as well as business. Partnering is the key between the City, business and volunteers to make this a reality.

Support and retain existing business as well as attracting new business opportunities. Partnering with “Discover Burien”, let’s create a forum responsible for developing creative ideas and enhancing Burien’s appeal for business. We need to find a better way to support and retain existing business and attract new business. There are many people in our community with great ideas - let’s get them engaged!

Involved with Police and Fire personnel – listen and hear their voice. I will frequently meet with these partners ensuring that the necessary tools are available to help them achieve the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Taxes… Let’s question the need for raising taxes and continue to challenge that option. Government needs to be run like a business - period. Attempts to raise taxes must be transparent (not buried in some other referendum) and only after all other efforts to alleviate have been exhausted.

Engage with the under recognized areas of Burien. More attention needs to be placed on the neighborhoods that are not in the “hub” area. In addition, a better plan needs to be developed to complete Town Square - one that creates a vibrant core attracting more business, visitors and a landmark of which to be proud.

Burien is a fantastic place to live! I am excited to see it transcend from its current paralysis and emerge into the next stage of health, sustainability, vitality and intelligent growth. Together we can create a better form of government.

I respectfully ask for your support and vote in this upcoming election. Thank you.

SLIDESHOW: Alaska Airlines Combi lands at Sea-Tac with year's first Copper River salmon; Four celebrity chefs compete

steves — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:10:05 +0000

At 6:15 a.m., May 17, a Boeing 737-400 Alaska Cargo Combi arrived at Sea-Tac Airport with much fanfare to unload 24,000 pounds of recently-caught Copper River king and sockeye salmon via processors, Ocean Beauty, Trident, and Copper River seafoods.

After their three-hour flight, pilots Jeff Meyer, captain, and Peter Michels, first officer, appeared holding a "lucky" 42-pound salmon over their heads, then escorted the fish down the outside ladder to the tarmac, and across a red carpet for media and other onlookers. The fish was caught in Cordova. This event has become an annual Seattle ritual since 2010.

Under a large tent blocking a slight drizzle, four master chefs and their assistants received a portion of the booty by veteran slicer Nestor Guillermo for the cook-off competition, a key ingredient of the annual event. After a 30-minute rush in their makeshift, outdoor kitchens, the four dishes were served to four celebrity judges.

Chefs included the undefeated champ, Pat Donahue, Anthony’s Restaurants Exec. Chef, John Howie of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, Chris Bryant of Wildfin American Grill, and Master Sgt. Robert Shulman representing the 446th Airlift Wing (AW) of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Howie told the Highline Times, "I did this (cook-off) in 2010. They gave me a second shot. I tied, and in the second round I lost to Anthony's. I'm here to win it. I lived in West Seattle after I turned 21, and lived in a little house with a pool above the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock. It was a fun place."

"We are the three-time reigning champions going for the fourth," responded Donahue. "I scared John off last time. He's taken a couple of years to think this through. I know he's gunning for me. I've been with Anthonys 34 years. I started as a fry cook in Kirkland."

"A long time ago they made me a cook, 30 years ago in the military," said Sgt. Shulman. I drove up here from Portland yesterday."

Wildfin president, Attila Szabo looked over the shoulder of Chef Bryant.

"I oversee the business, but Chris doesn't let me into the kitchen," said Szabo. Bryant disagreed and said Szabo is a talented chef.

Judges were, with head shaved, former Mariner baseball great Jay Buhner, long-time Deadliest Catch Time Bandit deckhand Mike Fourtner, Chief Master Sgt. Tony Mack, 446th, JBLM, and Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines VP of customer service.

While the judges were sampling, event celebrity host Tom Curley was filleting them for laughs. He skewered Butler for his tanned skin and asked if he spends a lot of time in Mexico on "business" using air quote marks with his fingers.

Curley was also quick to pounce playfully on Sgt. Mack, suggesting that the fix was in since both Sgts. Mack and Shuman are with the 446th. When he questioned Mack, Mack retorted wryly, "I'm eating!" and refused to answer.

Sgt. Shuman finished in second place, while Howie took the gold. It was pointed out that while there was just one winner, all four chefs were selected to compete for their high level of skills, to the delight of the judges.

Guests included 10 citizen airmen and women from the 446th AW and elite Alaska Airlines customers who donated 75,000 miles to the Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles Program. The programs takes donated miles and allows wounded service members undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center and their families to travel.

HCC’s MaST Center launches bottle cap collection campaign

ericm — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:34:47 +0000

Press release:

Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) is pleased to announce the launch of the “Got Caps?” plastic bottle cap collection campaign on Saturday, June 8th from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The MaST Center is partnering with community organizations and local schools to collect bottle caps to prevent accumulation in our landfills. The caps will be reused for eco-art educational projects and distributed to partnering organizations for proper recycling.

The launch event will include workshops to teach different ways to reuse caps for things such as children’s projects or garden art, and a “Sink Your Boat” contest. Attendees that bring a grocery bag of plastic bottle caps to the MaST Center will be entered to win prizes such as a Salty's at Redondo gift certificate, an iTunes gift card, a “sustainable” gift package and more.

Despite common perceptions, plastic bottle caps are one of the least commonly recycled items. These caps eventually become litter in our oceans, streams and beaches. Each year countless birds, mammals and sea turtles die from ingesting caps and other plastic debris. Even in a landfill, a plastic bottle cap can pose a threat to scavenging birds and land animals.

There are currently no measures to guarantee that municipalities recycle bottle caps. In response, the MaST Center will be collecting bottle caps to prevent further build up in landfills. School groups and other organizations are welcome to become involved in collection efforts.

The campaign was also prompted by the gray whale that beached on Arroyo Beach in April 2010 where an examination of his stomach revealed large amounts of plastic. For community awareness and education, the MaST Center permanently showcases the skeleton of the gray whale along with an exhibit of the actual stomach contents.

“After discovering the plastic debris in the stomach of the gray whale and working on a research project involving marine debris and microplastics, I realized the direct impact we as humans have on the Puget Sound and our ecosystem. I hope this campaign will spread awareness that these recyclable caps will end up in our waterways unless we properly recycle them,” said campaign director Nicole Bostic.

The MaST Center is located at 28203 Redondo Beach Dr. S. in Des Moines, Wash. For more information about the “Got Caps?” campaign or collection efforts contact Nicole Bostic at nbostic@highline.edu or visit mast.highline.edu/bottlecaps.php.

SWSSD president Tracy running for re-election

ericm — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:15:12 +0000

Press release:

Commissioner Bill Tracy, currently president of the Southwest Suburban Sewer District Board of Commissioners, has announced he will seek re-election to his board position this year.

Commissioner Tracy has worked diligently over the years to achieve reduced rates for those on fixed and/or low income, to bring timely rehabilitation to both the aging conveyance system and treatment plants, and to the maintenance of a quality system and responsive customer service all the while keeping the rates among the lowest in our area.

Much of this has happened through his selection and appointment of a cohesive team of commissioners and the hiring of highly qualified management. Both of the current commissioners have since been elected to office.

Commissioner Tracy has also been recognized regionally where he has repeatedly been selected by industry peers to serve on the King County Regional Water Quality Committee. The State Association of Sewer and Water Districts has also formally recognized his years of leadership.

Highline Schools Foundation raises over $13,000 during May 15 GiveBIG effort; Over $11 M raised countywide

steves — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:58:00 +0000

Highline Schools Foundation raised over $13,000 during the Wednesday, May 15, GiveBIG annual fundraiser. All money raised will support Highline Public School students in academic achievement, classroom enrichment, the arts in schools, athletics, college & career readiness, and more, according to their website.

The Seattle Foundation‘s GiveBIG is a one-day, online charitable event benefitting nonprofit organizations. In 2011, $4.1 million was raised through the first GiveBIG to support over 900 nonprofits. Last year, on May 2, 2012, $7.4 million was raised in 24 hours. The Seattle Foundation reports that his year, $11.1 million has been raised.

In addition to the Seattle Foundation, presenting partners included Microsoft, the Bezos Family Foundation, Seattle International Foundation, Seattle Sounders, and Wyncote Foundation NW. There were also media partners, lead sponsors, and supporters.

All GiveBIG donations receive a percentage of the matching funds (or "stretch") pool. This percentage depends on the size of the stretch pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day.

A special promotion took place May 15 at Burien's Tin Room Bar. Those who came in and donated to Highline Schools Foundation on a computer set up by the entry between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. received a pint of Manny’s Pale Ale, a Brat Trot t-shirt and other give-aways. The beer was courtesy Georgetown Brewery, which donated a keg. Helping at the computer were Foundation trustees including Burien-raised David Baisch who lives near the bar.

"This fundraiser is important to me because I am a Highline High School grad, and my wife, Hannah, is a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Parkside (in Des Moines)," said Baisch, who works with Marriott International's sales team.

Also helping at the Tin Room was trustee Erin Ambrozic, who happens to be the daughter of King County Council Vice-Chair Julia Patterson.

"The Tin Room has always been a big supporter of ours," said Ambrozic, a SeaTac Parks & Rec employee. "I went to Highline schools K-12, Valley View, Chinook Middle School, and Mount Rainier. I was born and raised in SeaTac, and moved to Des Moines after college. I believe in helping and giving back. This is a great board."

Ashley Fosberg, Foundation Executive Director, has three children in Highline Schools. Hawaiian-born, she is a Navy brat and was sitting across the table from Marine brat, Kristen Kerns, Foundation Board Member and President-elect.

Said Kerns, who was recognized this year as Volunteer of the Year at the Cove to Clover race, "I live in Normandy Park. My kids go to Highline Schools and I'm passionate about helping kids in the area."

Dan House, owner, Tin Room Bar and Grill, and the Tin Theater, was a lively, enthusiasctic presence at the fundraiser there.

"I'm a Highline High School grad," he said. "I love the schools. It's the one thing I care the most about in this community. If we didn't have great schools then we'd have a bad community. We need great schools."

UPDATE: Burien Salon's new owner Jennifer Reynolds seeks stylist to lease chair

steves — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:55:07 +0000

UPDATE MAY 16:

Longtime hair stylist Jennifer Reynolds became the owner of Burien Salon January 29, and just told the Highline Times she is trying to locate a new talented stylist to lease a chair in her place ASAP.

-----------------------------------------

Jennifer Reynolds just signed a lease Tuesday, January 29, and becomes the new owner of the Burien Salon, 919 SW 152nd Street. A familiar face with salon regulars, Reynolds, a Highline High School graduate and Riverton Heights resident, has worked in the salon, a family business, for three and a half years.

"The salon has been family-own through the years," said Reynolds, who has been styling hair for 25 years. Her husband's aunts had owned the salon. Her husband, Ben, works in construction in downtown Seattle.

"My father-in-law, Myron Reynolds, was the first owner of Myron's Fountain Lunch, in the '40's, before it was the Mark (Restaurant & Bar). He also used to answer the phone calls for the original fire station that was over here," she said. The Burien Salon is right across the street from the Mark.

"I've always liked the Burien area because of family here, and I love the old buildings. This has always been a quaint little salon. Owning it was the plan when I came in. We have four chairs, including mine. We are now looking for another good stylist.

Burien Salon
(206) 244-5667

Expect construction delays on Burien’s 1st Avenue South

ericm — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:56:43 +0000

News release:

Motorists might want to avoid 1st Avenue South between 140th and 146th Streets this week as grinding and asphalt work will be taking place. Traffic could be congested especially during peak travel times (mid-day/lunch hour).

Access to driveways will be limited and may require using the next available access.

Please plan for extra travel time or consider alternative routes to destinations along 1st Avenue South.

The project is nearing completion with the final layer of asphalt coating to be applied within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

District proposal keeps Highline school security officers armed

ericm — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:37:24 +0000

School security officers will remain armed under a proposal announced May 14 by Highline Public Schools.

A public meeting will be held Monday, May 20, 6-7:30 p.m., at district headquarters (ERAC), 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W.

The school board holds its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m., at Southern Heights Elementary,11249 14th Ave. S. The board must approve the plan.

Here is the news release from the district:

More extensive staff training and strong coordination with local law enforcement are the hallmarks of a proposal to improve safety and security at Highline schools. The proposal will be presented to the community at a public meeting on Monday, May 20.

If adopted by the school board, the district Safety and Security plan would not bring major changes to staff structure. It does call for significant improvements in the extent and types of training required of Safety and Security officers. It also outlines joint training and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

The proposal includes a vision statement and guiding principles that emphasize building relationships with students as a way to prevent school violence. It envisions Safety and Security personnel as mentors who students trust to help them solve issues that could lead to conflicts at school. The plan includes a rigorous hiring process to ensure that the best candidates are selected as Safety and Security staff.
The proposal was developed after several months of study that included input from staff and community members. The police chiefs of Des Moines, Normandy Park, Burien, and SeaTac and the South Precinct Commander from the King County Sheriff’s Office gave input on the plan.
Safety consultant Roger Baker, a retired Des Moines police chief, did an analysis of the current safety program and made recommendations for improvement.

The public is invited to learn about the proposal at a community meeting.
Monday, May 20, 6:00-7:30
District Central Office (ERAC)
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien

For our previous coverage go to www.highlinetimes.com.

Community Calendar Week of 5-13-13

cmenges — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:16:42 +0000

Compiled by Eric Mathison

Deadline for receiving items for Community Calendar is 5 p.m. Wednesday for the following week’s Times/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space availability. Email submissions to: hteditor@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.

Art Exhibits

Artists United May Spring Show--Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. S.W. Through June 7. Recent paintings & photography by Marta Creswell, Nancy Fulton, Chris Gonvers, Alina Gridley, Stan Lane, Janet Price and Liz Simpson.. http://www.artistsunitedclub.com
Burien Community Center--Drawings and paintings by West Seattle artist Kelly Lyles. Through May 31. Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m, Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 14700 6th Ave. S.W. 206-988-3700. www.kellyspot.com

Auditions

The Hi-Liners Musical Theatre--Holding auditions for the fall MainStage production “Shrek the Musical” on May 18 and 23 at the Burien Annex. Auditions are open to young actors ages 9 to 22. Rehearsals begin July 22 at the Burien Annex. Shows will be Sept. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22 at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Go to www.hi-liners.org for complete information and to register.

Call to artists

The Burien Arts-A-Glow Lantern Festival-- Looking for artists and community groups to create lantern installations for the 2013 event to be held on Saturday, Sept. 7th. Installations can be new creations or existing installations. Submission are due Friday, June 28th. Details at www.burienwa.gov/glow

Classes

The Hi-Liners Summer Camps--At Theatre Art Camps for ages 5 to 8, every day is about choosing characters, creating stories, singing songs, playing theatre games and rehearsing a show. In Musical Theatre Intensives for ages 7 to 16, spend your time singing, dancing and acting your way through a week of rigorous rehearsal with your director, musical director and choreographer. Each camp runs daily and is one week long, with a performance the last day of class. All camps are at The Burien Annex. Visit www.hi-liners.org for a complete listing and to register.

Music

ChoralSounds Northwest—“America the Beautiful,” a red, white and blue musical tribute to America and some of its great composers. May 18, 7:30 p.m. May 19, 2 p.m. Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St. Tickets, $15-$25, 17 and under free with paid adult. 206-246-6040. nwassociatedarts.org.
KidsSounds, YouthSounds,TeenSounds Northwest—“Applause,” a trip through American musicals from Broadway to film. May 17. 7 p.m. Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St. $15 adults, $10 seniors, 17 and under free with paid adult. 206-246-6040 or nwassociatedarts.org.

Theatre

Burien Little Theatre—2013 Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival. One-act “17B” paired with full-length “Parsing Race.” May 17-26. Burien Annex, 14501 4th Ave. S.W. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. www.burienlittletheatre.com. 206-242-5180.

May 17

Des Moines United Methodist Church Rummage Sale—10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also May 18. Proceeds to help support youth annual mission trip. 22225 9th Ave. S., 206-878-8301, desmoinesumc.org.

May 18

Walker Preserve Invasive Plant Removal-- Walker Preserve Park, S.W. 168th St. and 2nd Ave. S.W. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sign up and questions: Call or email Elissa Ostergaard, elissa.ostergaard@kingcounty.gov, 206-296-1909 (Saturday only: 206-707-6549)

May 19

B-Town’s Recovering Youth in Motion Recovery Night—Burien Library Multipurpose Room, 4:30-7 p.m. Open to youth 13 to 25 recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Music, games, movies, prizes. More information at 206-251-9171 or Facebook.com/B.towns.ryim.
Environmental Science Center Workshop—“Build Beautiful Yards: Healthy Soil, Composting, and More!” Burien Library Multipurpose Room, 400 S.W. 152nd St. 2-4 p.m. Free. Email outreach@envsciencenter.org or call 206.248.4266 to reserve your spot. For more information visit www.EnvScienceCenter.org

May 23

AAA Driver Improvement Program--Accepting reservations for its refresher course on defensive driving skills. Successful course completion qualifies drivers 55+ for auto insurance discounts. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wesley Terrace Auditorium, 816 S. 216th St. $16.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. For enrollment information, call 206-243-3564.
June 1

Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market Opening Day—North end of Des Moines Marina. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Through October.

June 8

Highline Garden Tour—Visit beautiful gardens in Burien, SeaTac and Normandy Park. Drawing for garden gifts. Plant sale. Enjoy artists, music and coupons. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $12 groups of four, $15 advance purchase at Burien Bark or Wild Birds Unlimited or $18 day of tour at Burien Crossfit. www.highlinehistory.org.
Territorial Voices: A Civil War Reader’s Theater—An interactive, living theater piece revealing varied opinions on race and slavery from Washington’s own Civil War history. Presented by Lorraine McConaghy, public historian specializing in Northwest history. 1 p.m. Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S. Hosted by Tukwila Historical Society and the Tukwila Arts Commission. Free. www.jumanities.org.

Meetings

(Editor's Note: Schedules are subject to change or cancellation. Call to verify meeting times.)
Burien City Council
Regular council meetings are on the first, third and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m.
Meetings are held at Burien City Hall, 400 S.W. 152nd St. For information, call 206-241-4647.

Des Moines City Council
Regular council meetings are on the first, second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Meetings are held at the Des Moines City Council chambers, 21630 11th Ave. S.
For information, call 206-878-4595.

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District
Regular meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at the Midway Sewer District offices at 3030 S. 240th St, 7- 9 p.m.

King County Fire District No. 2 Board of Commissioners
Regular board meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.
Meetings are held at Fire Station No. 28 at 15100 8th Ave. SW. in Burien. The district coverage area includes Burien and Normandy Park. Firefighters also assist those in District 26, which includes a portion of Des Moines.
For information, call 206-242-2040.

King County Water District No. 20 Board of Commissioners
Regular meetings are on the first Wednesday and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the district office located at 12606 1st Avenue South, Seattle. For more information, please call 206-243-3990.

King County Water District No. 45 Board of Commissioners
Regular commissioners meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Meetings are held at the district's offices, 10059 8th Ave. S.W.
For information, call 206-762-3540

King County Water District No. 49 Board of Commissioners
Regular meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. Meetings are held at the district offices, 415 S.W. 153rd St. in Burien.
For information, call 206-242-8535.

Highline School District Board of Directors
Regular board meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Meetings held on the second Wednesday take place at the district's Educational Resources and Administrative Center (ERAC) at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W. Meetings held on the fourth Wednesday take place at different schools in the district.
For information, call 206-433-0111.

Normandy Park City Council
Regular council meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Continued council meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Meetings are held at the Normandy Park City Council chambers, 801 S.W. 174th St.
For information, call 206-248-7603.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Regular council meetings are on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m.
Meetings are held at the North Highline Fire Station No. 13 at 1243 S.W. 112th St.

North Highline Fire District Board
Regular board meetings are on the second to the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Meetings are held at the North Highline Fire Station No. 13 at 1243 S.W. 112th St.
For information, call 206-243-0330.

SeaTac City Council
Regular council meetings are on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Meetings are held in the SeaTac City Council chambers, at 4800 S. 188 St.
For information, call 206-973-4800.

Tukwila City Council
Regular council meetings are on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m.
Meetings are held in the Tukwila City Council chambers, 6200 Southcenter Blvd.
For more information, call 206-433-1800.

Tukwila School District Board of Directors
Regular board meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Meetings are held at district headquarters, 4640 S. 144th St.
For information, call 206-901-7800.

Ongoing Events and Information

Master Gardener Clinic Get answers to general gardening questions, learn about proper plant selection, bring a sample of a diseased plant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and have an insect or plant identified. Learn the least toxic ways to treat diseases and pests. Free. Furney’s Nursery, 21215 International Blvd. S., April 6-Sept. 28, Saturdays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Burien Library, 400 S.W. 152nd. St., May 1-Aug. 28 Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.

Matt Griffin YMCA Bilingual Play 'N Learn (Spanish)--Mondays, 2-3 p.m. Bilingual play groups are organized for young children 0-5 years and the people who take care of them. Register at 206-244-5880 YMCA, 3595 188th St., SeaTac 98188. Free to the community.

Highline Medical Center Hospice volunteer training—Highline Hospice at the Specialty Campus, 12844 Military Rd. S., Tukwila, is recruiting caring, compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families. If you have a heart for being with others through difficult times, volunteering with Hospice may be right for you. Volunteers provide patient support and companionship, caregiver respite, bereavement support, or office help. Comprehensive training provided. Contact Michele Fawcett-Long, Volunteer Coordinator, 206-439-9095.

Religion Transform Burien—Free clothing and non-perishable food. Sundays and Wednesdays. Noon- 2 p.m. 425 S.W. 144th St. Donations accepted. For information, 206-244-1399. transformburien.org.

Donations Water District 20--Water District 20 wishes to remind everyone that we are accepting donations throughout the year of food and cash on behalf of the White Center and Highline Area food banks. 12606 1st Ave. S.

Senior Activities Senior Rights Assistance—Volunteer specialists provide free legal and consumer information for persons over 55. Call 206-448-5720. Services, classes and social events are offered at: Burien Senior Program, 206-988-3700. Des Moines Senior Activity Center, 206-878-1642. SeaTac Senior Program, North SeaTac Park Community Center, 206-973-4680. Tukwila Senior Citizen Center, 206-767-2323. Call for schedules and registration if required.

At Your Library Programs for all ages and interests are offered at: Boulevard Park Library, 206-242-8662. Burien Library, 206-243-3490. Des Moines Library, 206-824-6066. Library Connection at Southcenter, 206-242-6044. Tukwila Library, 206-242.1640. Valley View Library, 206-242-6044. White Center, 206-243-0233 Woodmont Library, 253-839-0121. Call for schedules and registration if required.

Parks and Recreation Sports, arts and after-school programs are offered at: Burien, 206-988-3700. Des Moines, 206-870-6527. Matt Griffin YMCA, 206-244-5880. SeaTac, 206-973-4680. Tukwila, 206-768-2822. Call for schedules and registration if required.

Museum of Flight Special events, programs and activities weekly. At 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $14, seniors 65+ $13, youth 5-17 $7.50 and under 5 free. Group rates available. Free admission 5-9 p.m. on first Thursday of the month. For information, 206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org.

Volunteers Big Brothers and Big Sisters--Hang out, have fun, and be a friend to a local child. 877-700-BIGS, www.bbbsps.org, or text “BIG” to 839863

Boeing Retiree Volunteers—Bluebills Heritage Chapter. Boeing retirees and spouses who give their talent and energy to help others. 206-544-6286

Citizenship Classes—Burien. For information, Mary Jane at 425-369-3454.

City of Normandy Park--The City encourages all citizens to consider involving themselves actively in city government by serving on a City Board or Commission. Applications are available at City Hall or www.normandyparkwa.gov. For info 206-248-7603.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)—Train to become a volunteer advocate for abused and neglected children in court. Must be 21, have excellent references and attend 28 hours of training. For information and training dates, 206-296-1120 or casa.group@kingcounty.gov

Day Trip Driver Wanted--Are you fun, flexible, people-oriented and like to travel? Burien Senior Program is looking for responsible and experienced drivers for day trips throughout Western Washington. If you'd like to see more of your home state for free, this volunteer position might be for you. Call 206-988-3700 for a volunteer application or stop by the Burien Community Center at 425 S.W. 144th St. to talk to the Senior Program Director.

Franciscan Hospice-- Give terminally ill patients and their families companionship and support, as they face life’s final passage. To register for training or to obtain more information, call 253-534-7050. Foster parents—For children who need a home in the Highline School District. Single, married or partnered, all races, all religions, work full time or stay at home, renters or homeowners. For information, Fostering Together at 866-958-5437 or www.fosteringtogether.org

Steps Towards Becoming A Foster Parent—Second Wednesday of the month, 5:30-8:30 p.m. At the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. S.W. Free class for anyone interested in learning about becoming a foster parent. Child care provided. For information, Marilynn Burton of Fostering Together at 253-941-8298 or FosterLiaisonMarilynn@gmail.com

Friend to Friend--Recruits and matches volunteers to visit one-on-one with residents in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Retirement Homes throughout the Puget Sound area. Each volunteer visits one resident a couple times a month at their convenience for a year. Application packet with preferences will be sent. For info 1-888-383-7818 or marilyn@friendtofriendamerica.

Group Health Drivers—Transport frail, elderly members to and from medical appointments. 206-326-2815.

Highline Community College Literacy Program—Volunteer 3-4 hours a week to help someone learn to read, write and speak English. For information about tutoring, 878-3710, ext. 3303. Highline Historical Society—Volunteer caretakers needed to maintain a collection of artifacts, historical documents and photographs for displays and research purposes. Must be available to work a routine shift of at least three hours weekly. Training provided. For information, Cyndi Upthegrove at 206-246-6354.

Meals on Wheels-- Visit www.seniorservices.org for current volunteer opportunities or call 206-448-5767.

Read to little kids—Tuesdays. 4-5 p.m. Grace Children’s Center, 22815 24th Ave. S. www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/readers

Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center—Help with yard maintenance, housekeeping, cleaning and painting. For information, 206-242-1698, ext. 116.

Saltwater State Park store/café—Office assistant, maintenance assistant, gardening assistant, and store help with health card. Proceeds help support the park. For information, Kathy at 206-529-0357 or saltwater@parks.wa.gov

Senior Shuttle Drivers—Burien/Highline or Des Moines/Normandy Park. 206-727-6262 or www.seniorservices.org

SHIBA HelpLine—Volunteers needed to educate, assist and advocate consumers about their rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. Professional training provided. For information, 206-727-6221.

Somali Community Services Coalition-- Seeking volunteer tutors to work with Somali youth in after-school homework help program, Mondays and/or Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. Call Alison at 206-431-5141 or email scsc.crc@gmail.com for more information.

South King County English speakers—Help foreign students. For information, Diane Cameron at Highline Community College, 206-878-3710, ext. 3303.

StudyZone--Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave. S. Dedicated tutors to help elementary through high school students with their homework in the library. 206-824-6066.

Tape Ministries Northwest—Seeking volunteers to help distribute Christian books on tape for the blind and sight-impaired, handicapped and homebound in 49 states and Canada. For information, Bill at 206-243-7377. Tape Ministries Northwest is a 501(c)(3) charity.

Talk Time Class Facilitators-- Facilitate group discussions (conversational English classes for immigrants and refugees) on Monday and Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Angle Lake Community Center in SeaTac beginning in April (8 week commitment). Training is provided. Contact CatH@literacysource.org or 206-782-2050.

Valley View Library—Seeking two committed volunteers to conduct conversation classes for adults learning English this fall. The Talk Time program creates conversation practice, develops spoken fluency and gives adult learners a chance to learn about American culture. Volunteer commitment is one session for 2-3 hours per week. Training included. For information, Bruce Greeley at Valley View Library, 206-242-6044, and visit www.kcls.org/forms/talktime/.

WestSide Baby—10032 15th Ave. S.W. Collect, sort, clean and distribute diapers, clothing, toys, equipment and other essential items to meet the needs of children. Donations also accepted at B-Town Scoop in Olde Burien. For information, 206-767-1662 or info@westsidebaby.org.

Ongoing

AARP Driver’s Safety Class--Daystar Retirement Village, 2615 S.W. Barton St. Held the first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Call Daystar, 206- 937-6122, for more details B-Town Business Boosters--Business owners from Burien and the surrounding area are working together to grow our businesses through referrals. Wednesdays, 11:30a.m.-1 p.m. Glen Acres Golf Club, 1000 S. 112th St. For info Tamara 866-976-7141 Burien for Progress—For information, 206-350-7764.

Burien Breakfast Toastmasters--Second and fourth Thursdays, 7-8:15a.m. Highline Schools ERAC Bldg, 15675 Ambaum Blvd SW For info 206-588-5088 or burienbreakfast.blogspot.com.

Burien Homeschooling Association—Meets at Highline Christian Church, 14859 1st Ave. S., Fourth Monday of the month. 7 p.m. 206-242-2820.

Burien White Center Rotary Meeting--Every Thursday at Angelo's Restaurant in Burien at noon. For info contact Tami Greene 206-579-9767.

Changes Parent Support Network Des Moines Chapter--Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Ave. S. Every Monday, 7-9:30 p.m. Free.

Fitness for Senior Hikers—Mondays, 8:45 a.m. For information, Matt Griffin YMCA at 206-244-5880.

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)—For information, Carol Davis at 206-824-2215.

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)—Tillicum Chapter, founded in Des Moines, seeking family genealogical records, Washington state family histories, bibles, books, periodicals or papers. For information, Carol Davis at 206-824-2215.

Daystar Toastmasters-Second and fourth Mondays, 12-1p.m. Daystar Retirement Village, Bldg 2, 2615 SW Barton St. For info 206-932-6706 or daystarclub.freetoasthost.us.

Evergreen Community Aquatics Center--Come any weekday at 4:15 p.m. and try out free for Coach CG or Coach Joel. www.WhitewaterAquatics.com.

Exchange Club—Highline, 206-243-7220.

God’s Grace in Action—206-498-3783.

Grief Support Groups—Highline Medical Center, 206-439-9095.

Jetsetters Toastmasters--First and Third Wednesdays of each month, 12-1 p.m. 18000 Intl. Blvd. S across from SeaTac Airport. For info Roberta 253-529-8348 or robertamacdonald1@msn.com.

Kiwanis—Des Moines, 206-878-8294.

Leading Knights Toastmasters--Wednesdays 7-8:30p.m. Burien Elk's Lodge, 14006 1st Ave S. For info 206-769-6824 or leadingknights.freetoasthost.info

League of Women Voters/King County South—206-243-7161.

Lion's Club—Burien, 206-244-3555; Des Moines, second and fourth Wednesdays. For information, janetyr@aol.com or 206-244-3913.

Messies Anonymous—Meets weekly in Des Moines. For information, Elizabeth at 206-248-2922. Reiki Clinic--Second Tuesday, 10-12 p.m. Scheduled by half hour. Minimal donation is suggested. 206-988-3700

Rotary Clubs—Burien/White Center, 206-433-1700; Des Moines, Wednesdays at noon, Landmark on the Sound, 206-878-1380.

SeaTac Social Garden School—206-244-7523.

Solveig Lodge 31 Daughters of Norway—For information, Judy at 206-246-0430.

Soundwaves Toastmasters--First and third Thursdays, 7-8:30p.m. Wesley Homes Admin Bldg, 21631 11th Ave S. For info 206-661-4801 or soundwa.blogspot.com.

Specialty Skills Clinics--Matt Griffin YMCA, 17874 Des Moines Memorial Drive. Year-round sports programs for children with special needs. For information, 206-244-5880.

Sunuppers Advanced Toastmasters--Second Saturday, 8-10a.m. Anyone can visit but must be CC to join. For info 206-588-5088 or sunuppers.freetoasthost.net/index.html.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)—Second Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. At Paralyzed Veterans of America Hall, 616 S.W. 152nd St., Burien. For information, Bob Hall at 206-248-2300 or 206-242-2767.

Wednesday Family Night—For information, 206-244-9400.

Support/ Self Help

A.P.P.L.E. (A Positive Parenting Learning Experience) parenting class—Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Fridays 10 a.m.-noon. In Tukwila. For parents of children through age 8. Child care through age 8 available. Sponsored by South Seattle Community College. For information, 206-764-5801.

Al Anon Open Meeting—7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Highline Specialty Campus Room, 256A 12844 Military Road S., Tukwila.

Al Anon Family Group--Wednesdays 1:15-2:45 p.m. Highline United Methodist Church, 13015 1st Ave S. Burien.

Al Anon Family Group—Mondays. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Pl. S. For family and friends of alcoholics.

Al Anon Family Group--Thursdays 6:15 p.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 19030 8th Ave S. Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group—At Highline Specialty Center. For information, Janet Smith, 206-363-5500.

Breast Cancer Patient Support—Trained breast cancer survivors offering free emotional support to the newly diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. For information, www.angelcarefoundation.org, 206-417-3484.

Burien Homeschoolers Support—For information, 206-242-2820.

“Changes”—A program for parents of rebellious adolescents. Free. For information, 888-468-2620 or www.cpsn.org.

Compassionate Friends of Seattle/King County—For parents who have lost a child. For information, 206-241-1139 or www.tcfseattle.org.

Divorce Care—Burien, 206-241-0915; Des Moines, 206-878-2460; SeaTac, 425-430-9383. Divorce Hurts-- Burien Free Methodist Church, 520 S. 150th St., Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. 206-241-0915. Fire Stoppers Program, Des Moines—South King Fire & Rescue helps families with children who have played with fire or deliberately set a fire, and helps families educate their children about fire safety. For information, 253-946-7337.

Freedom in Sexual Addiction —For men only. A recovery group headed by Bob McKisney. Saturdays at 1:30-3 p.m. at the Three Tree Church, 16261 1st Ave., Burien or call 253-245-4322.

Gamblers Anonymous—Sundays at 7:30 p.m. At Highline United Methodist Church, 13015 First Ave. S., Burien.

Gamblers Anonymous-Sundays at 7pm, Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15003 14th Ave SW or call 1-888-GA-HELPS for a meeting nearest you.

Grief Support—Highline Home Health & Hospice. For information, Ann Tamminen, 206-439-9095.

Overeaters Anonymous—For information, Ruby, 206-241-0433, or Jean, 206-243-1587.

PEPS—Program for Early Parent Support. For information, Dione, 206-547-8570, ext. 12.

POW!—“Proud Out and Wonderful.” Youth group that welcomes lesbians, gay, bisexual, questioning, intersex and allies. Wednesdays. 4-6 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer@navos.org or 206-933-7236.

Self Help for Parent Support Group—For parents with troubled teens. For information, 206-878-2460. Survivors of Suicide--Support group that helps deal with the trauma and grief caused by a suicide. Second Tuesday of each month at St. Francis of Assisi parish, in the Parish Hall 15226 21st Ave. S.W. 7-9 p.m. For info 206-244-8729.

TOPS 375—Take Pounds Off Sensibly. For information, 206-242-5942. Widowed Information and Consultation Services (WICS)—For information, 206-241-5650. WINGS—Who Am I Now Grief Support for children/teens. For information, Allie, 206-241-5650.

Airport workers, community allies launch employment initiative in SeaTac

cmenges — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:47 +0000

Airport workers and community allies are moving forward on a voter initiative to set wages and work conditions for the jobs of thousands of low-wage workers in and around SeaTac Airport.

Last week, airport workers who are part of the SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs filed an initiative petition with the city of SeaTac and have begun to collect signatures to get the measure qualified for presentation to the City Council, and for inclusion on the November ballot.

Committee representatives need 1,541 signatures, which is 15 percent of the registered voters from the November, 2011 city elections.

More than 90 volunteers came out last Saturday to gather signatures. The committee expects to gather enough signatures to qualify to get the measure qualified for presentation to the City Council, and for inclusion on the November ballot in the coming weeks.

An array of workers, faith and community supporters, union members and retirees are part of the SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs. Working Washington is also part of the committee.

The measure would set basic employment standards for workers employed in the transportation, tourism and hospitality industries in SeaTac:
 Paid sick leave, more full-time work opportunities, companies that collect automatic service charges, or collect tips on customer bills, must give 100 percent of the service charges or tips to the workers who performed the service and wages of at least $15/hour

The measure would cover businesses in and around the airport, including airport baggage handling, passenger services, cabin cleaning, aircraft fueling, security, and retail stores, along with hotels, rental car and parking lot facilities. Small businesses are specifically exempt.

Approximately 5,000 workers would be affected by the initiative.

King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, a SeaTac resident, noted, “When workers aren’t paid a living wage their ability to be self-sufficient is compromised. They are forced to choose between food, housing costs, gas for their car – the day-to-day necessities that most of us can count on. As a result, things like their health care and their ability to save for the child’s college education are secondary, or most likely, out of reach. It’s a cycle that affects not only them, but also the entire community. It impacts our schools, our neighborhood health centers, and our community’s economic vitality.”
The Rev. Jan Bolerjack noted that many low-wage airport workers currently rely on charity for basic living. “I see families of Sea-Tac workers struggling to pay rent and utility bills. Many even visit our food bank regularly. The good jobs initiative can transform poverty wages to good airport jobs for families. The resources are scarce around here but now the neighborhoods are filled with a new hope,” Rev. Bolerjack said. “There is a possibility for change. What a wonderful feeling it brings to our community.”

SeaTac resident Earl Gipson said the initiative backers are not considering the long-term consequences of the proposal.
“We didn’t think Boeing would ever leave Seattle and it did,” Gipson declared. “I predict Alaska Airlines will move out of SeaTac. No more hotels will be built.

“I hope wisdom sinks in and people realizes this goes too far.
“The unions are overreaching. The city should not be the manager of private business. This gets the city involved as a union administrator.”

State law and state Public Disclosure Commission guidelines prevent comments on ballot propositions during City Council meetings.
Instead, initiative opponents read the entire initiative during public comments at the May 14 council meeting.

Residents Gipson, Vicki Lockwood and Erin Sitterley took turns reading the initiative. Other initiative opponents sat in the audience.
If the initiative receives enough signatures, the council members will either have to adopt the proposal or submit it to SeaTac voters for approval.

Comments on the initiative would then be allowed at the council meeting prior to action by the lawmakers.

Councilmember Rick Forschler asked City Manager Todd Cutts for a report on the financial impacts to the city’s budget if the measure was approved. He noted city officials could not wait until after the November election to study the impacts on the 2014 budget.
Cutts said staff planned to wait to see if enough signatures are gathered before studying the impact.

Highline Forum meeting set in Burien on May 22

ericm — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:51:51 +0000

On May 22nd from 2:30-4:30 p.m., members of the Highline Forum will meet at Burien’s City Hall Council Chambers, 400 S.W. 152nd St. The public is invited to make comments at the start of the meeting. The city of Burien is hosting the meeting and the theme is education with a larger focus around regional partnerships.

The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District, Highline Community College and Port of Seattle.

SLIDESHOW: Seattle Christian advances in boys soccer

cmenges — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:29:30 +0000

KENT - Class 1A Tri-District 1/2/3 champion and Nisqually League titlist Seattle Christian charged past Cascade Christian 1-0 in a first round boys state soccer match up on Tues., May 14, at French Field to advance into a quarterfinal round game against Highland, a Tues. night 2-1 winner over Quincy. The encounter is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sat., May 18, at Orting.

This was the third win against Cascade after previous 4-0 and 5-1 victories.

Although the score was close, the on the field action was dominated by the Seattle Christian Warriors (18-10

"We did everything well, except finish," said Warrior head coach David Peters. "There were plenty of shots, good passing and corner kicks.We kept bombing them with shots that hit cross bars or posts, but just couldn't get the shots to go in."

The one shot that did make into net came after the Seattle Christian team had quickly overrun the territory of the Cascade squad in opening action. SC threatened in almost every way possible until senior forward Grant Fremmerlid collaborated with midfielder Keaton Kerr who took a Fremmerlid pass to angle home a goal from the right side in the 15th minute of play.

"I had a nice run and got freed up," said Kerr. "Grant had the pass in and I ran to the ball. I thought to just kick it in."

Fremmerlid was even more specific.

"I saw that the ball that hit a player got through so I did my best to get to it," he said. "A defensive mistake made it possible and I was confident that someone would follow up from behind."

Forced into a defensive posture for the rest of the match by the hordes of invading Warriors, the Cougars grimly dug in to ward off the attacks while managing few offensive thrusts of their own, but always within one shot of a tie. SC kept buffeting the Cascade Christian side of the field.

When not shooting, Seattle Christian kept Cascade Christian occupied with precision ground passing that also drained time off the clock. The Cougars flung themselves into a last ditch offensive in the waning minutes, but the warriors stood fast until the end.

One of the staunch defenders of the Warrior cause described the effort and his team's reasons for success.

"I was confident even though the team just didn't finish," said senior defender Austin Baucom who constantly threatened CCH with long, strong and accurate throw ins that found the area in front of the opposition,s goal. "We have great ability and some secret weapons."

Tri-District champion Seattle Christian players are Conner Fremmerlid, Joshua Nguyen, Cody Gunhus, Benjamin Piehler, Keegan Jordan, Trent Siedenburg, Grant Fremmerlid, Keaton Kerr, Joshua Henry, Luke Edvalds, Nathan Da Dalto, Cooper Strout, Joshua Gehrke, Austin Baucom, Payton Gunhus, Zachary Stevenson and Andrew Gesell.

Assisting coach Peters is coach Mark Fremmerlid while Craig Wrolstad is the athletic director.

Martinez officially announces bid for Bennett’s Burien seat

cmenges — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:28:31 +0000

Press release:

Joey Martinez has filed for Burien City Council seat number 7. The seat is currently filled by Brian Bennett, who has decided not to run for re-election.Bennett has endorsed Martinez for the seat.

33-year-old Burien resident Martinez has been married since 1999 to Jackie Martinez and has two boys, both of whom attend Highline Public Schools. Martinez has volunteered for both of his boys sports teams in one way or another all their lives. He’s spent the last two years volunteering with the Burien Bearcats, first as an assistant coach then as the Head Coach for one of the teams.

Martinez has worked for Seattle City Light since 2007 and was recently promoted as supervisor to a new business unit within City Light IT. Martinez has also worked for the city of Auburn from 2001-2005.

Martinez was born in East Los Angeles, California and is a 1st generation Mexican-American on his mother’s side and 3rd generation on his father’s side. Joey is fluent in both English and Spanish, and Spanish is actually his first language.

Says Joey, “I am looking forward to working with you to Build a better Burien! Together, we can accomplish much if we stick together. My life experience as a father has taught me to be firm and patient, as a husband to listen and care, as a son to always work to improve myself, and as a friend to always be there.

“As a Burien Planning Commissioner I have also learned to think 20 years into the future and have come to see that actions taken today can impact us for generations.

“Spending time both in and out of the public sector has prepared me to help us all Build a better Burien by learning what does and does not work in government. I have learned that government is of the people, for the people, and by the people and when we stick together and work together we can accomplish almost anything.

“Burien is a great place to live, however, we’ve got a bum rap in the media. Every time you hear Burien in the news it is about an apartment fire or a shooting. When you hear about our kids they sound out of control.
“With your help, I’d like to work with our police department and give them the tools needed to tackle our issues. Working with you I want to give our youth more to do. More activities so they don’t get in trouble. More activities so they take pride in our community. And more activities so they can succeed in life.

“If we can work together to accomplish these two items I believe it will go a long way to Building a better Burien. These two issues we need to tackle together are a major impediment to our future success in Building that better Burien.

“There are many other issues I’d like to work on with you, like Storm Water issues and business retention, however I feel the policing and youth issues are the most pressing and needed to help solve our economic development problems.

“My name is Joey Martinez and I humbly ask for your vote.”

SLIDESHOW: Wrangling over road

cmenges — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:16:34 +0000

By Rebekah LaSala
SPECIAL TO THE HIGHLINE TIMES

Brett Fish of Normandy Park is in a battle to fight for his cherished boyhood home, and to stop what he adamantly feels is flagrant misuse of the easement road that runs through his property.
Fish is the son of local born, well-loved journalist and writer, Byron Fish who passed away in 1996. Byron Fish was a former Normandy Park mayor.

It has been Brett’s personal mission to launch into a battle with the Southwest Suburban Sewer District that has become fraught with conflict stemming from the SWSSD’s alleged misuse of the road.

The controversy involves an agreement allowing the sewer district to use Fish’s road to access the district’s compost plant. Fish’s house and the plant sit near each other along Miller Creek, just south of Sylvester Road Southwest.

The easement agreement allows the district to use the road for trucks hauling compost and sludge.

A separate front entrance is to be used for personal vehicles, according to Fish. Fish says the district is using his easement road for all traffic. He notes that to access the district’s front entrance means vehicles must make an inconvenient sharp left turn off Sylvester Road.

SWSSD general manager Ron Hall replies, “There are times when vehicles cannot get by any other way, like the sludge trucks and compost trucks. However, I doubt there are as many vehicles as Brett Fish is saying there are going in and out of there on his easement that are part of the district. I have not seen that. We have a “teriyaki day” but I do not know about constant delivery trucks.”

Fish’s property is rich with coyote, hawks, eagles, horsetail, salmon spawning cycles and strong hints of Native Americans who once hunted and gathered there, and their artifacts, with smoothed out rocks that look like kitchen utensils.

The ongoing turmoil between Fish and the district is a long, painful battle peppered with strong implications by the district that because they have “historically enjoyed” this usage of the access road, they will fight to continue to use it in this manner.

Fish states, “You justify the taking because you’ve always done so and you are used to it. Is this like beating a child because they don’t complain anymore? The district’s entire approach is to blame the victim.”

Fish says that the term “prescriptive easement” is defined as a way to keep doing what they have always done. Therefore, they continue to abuse the road because they think they can.

Hall admits, “We were not using the road the way we were supposed to.”

That is past tense, but Fish says they are still abusing it.

Hall says, “Now he is saying something, but he didn’t say anything for years about the access road being used and always stated he was being a good neighbor.”

Hall notes the district believed that it had already acquired expanded rights of use of the access road through a prescriptive easement based on its historic use of the access road over the past 15-20 years. However, in an effort to be fair to Fish, Hall said the board authorized negotiations to reach a resolution of the claims and its willingness to pay a fair amount of its prior use of the access road.

That amount was $200 a month, which Fish rejected outright due to the refusal of Fish’s counter-offer that they abide by the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. time frame as is stated in the 1987 agreement that has been lost.

Fish states, “I based the $200/month on 17-25 vehicle trips per day, about 50 cents per vehicle trip, for $200 a month plus sewer usage. Their use has frequently exceeded 40-50 trips per day, 57 recently and over 60 in a three hour period one day. Between their incessant breaches of the terms of the Temporary License and refusal to cease and desist abusing it, the license had to be terminated.”

Hall has decided to get an appraiser in response to Fish’s counter-offer and stated in a March 6 e-mail that, “Once the appraisal work is completed, if we are still not able to resolve this matter on reasonable terms, the district will need to proceed with a condemnation action in order to ensure that it has the required access easement rights it has historically enjoyed.”

Fish states that the word “condemnation” has been used in a verbally hostile manner at district board meetings.

Fish stated in an e-mail to Hall dated Jan. 10 that, “When my Dad passed away, use of the road went viral and has escalated rapidly to deliveries by all of your vendors. The two or three legitimate compost trucks have been dwarfed by all other vehicle traffic, as much as 50 trips in a three hour period.”

Fish records all incoming vehicles and has determined on his video surveillance system that records every vehicle that only 3.5 percent (two compost trucks) of all of the 57 vehicles that came through his property on April 30th were permitted vehicles.

Clay/shale dirt was piled next to the Fish property by the district when they originally built the road in 1985. Fish claims it has been minimally landscaped and is causing slides.

No environmental study was initiated by the SWSSD on how this could affect their house or the surrounding earth around it, according to Fish.

Fish states the older staff at the SWSSD consisted of “district bullies” who would come periodically at random times to verbally threaten his father with “condemnation” of his beloved property if he did not give into their coercive demands.

Hall, who left for years and returned in 2008 after a stint in Edmonds, admits that those were bad times for the SWSSD, and says, “I have brought integrity to my post here as general manager.”

Fish said “In context of the Jan. 8th (sewer district” commission meeting, they were intimidating me with threats of condemnation, prescriptive easement, and a possible law suit. I told them I was holding back the road use as a bargaining chip to get them to take care of my house and a slide.”

Fish adamantly proclaims that his father, Byron Fish, signed a revised agreement in 1987 regarding his father being unhappy with excessive use of the road. Fish says that at the Jan. 8 meeting, Hall offered him a copy of the 1987 agreement, and that he declined, thinking at the time he would not need it.

Fish said if he could find that agreement that has disappeared, then the SWSSD would be legally responsible for the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. road-usage hours stated in that agreement.

Fish maintains that he cannot afford an attorney, and continues to be threatened by the district’s attorneys. Fish said he spent all his money restoring the house.

Fish states that although his father reluctantly signed documents, he was coerced by the former general manager to do so with threats of “condemnation.”

He wants to be reimbursed by SWSSD. Fish said he only wants the district to make good on what they messed up.

Fish says in November of 2006, after a severe rainstorm, a slide started, and never has stopped.

In 2008, Hall said he went to Fish’s house and after viewing the property said, “Of course, it is not your fault” in terms of the slide.

Fish contends the gradual slide, which has had a “pulling from underneath” effect on his entire house. Since 2003, Fish said the slide started happening most noticeably in the yard next to his house, but damage continued to happen in the house. There is water coming through the area under the earth that was not happening before and Fish believes that the clay is rerouting the water under his house.

Hall says, “We just want Fish to fill out the claim form so it can go through proper insurance channels.” Fish says that this is just more of the same tactics they have used with the “prescriptive easement” and that he still needs an attorney to navigate through the claim.

Hall counters, “Fish just needs to follow the proper protocol.”

The house almost looks like it is grieving when one walks inside it, with floorboards separating, walls that are coming apart from their columns, new and strange cracks and holes form every day, every week.

An old typewriter sits in the same spot it had been since the 1940’s in the office of Byron Fish. Fish remains dedicated to his father’s memory.

Hall states, “I respect Brett as a member of this community. I want to be able to talk to Brett in person, and figure out a way to work this out.”

Fish states that due to the fact that they will not “cease and desist” in using his property as their personal shortcut, there is no room for discussion. Fish states, “The most grievous part is their response to all of it including the house slide, the road use and their threats to take whatever they want. They did it to my dad and they’re doing it to me. They have their own entrance, but they don’t use it.”

Piranha Joe's goes down

cmenges — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:06:42 +0000

The former Piranha Joe's, closed for more than a year and famous for Alligator burgers, is the victim of time and the economy as a sharp-jawed demolition machine reduced the building to rubble this week. Plans call for the current Staples store in Burien Plaza to relocate and expand into this location at 3rd SW and 148th.

She’s got the best seat in the park

cmenges — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:37:37 +0000

With a tasty fast-food lunch and a cool beverage this woman had the right idea about how to take in last week’s summery weather as she sat on a bench at Seahurst Park in Burien.

Environmental Science Center reminder: Free workshop on building beautiful yards is May 19

cmenges — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:23:02 +0000

Press release:

REMINDER: FREE workshop on yard care this Sunday, May 19th from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Please join the Environmental Science Center (ESC), Cascadia Consulting Group, Master Gardeners, and Sustainable Burien in the Multipurpose Room at the Burien Library (400 SW 152nd Street, Burien).

A beautiful garden or yard depends on healthy soil. Learn how to achieve this while also keeping the Puget Sound and our community vital. Master Gardener, Mary Machala, will show you examples and tools to use to build soil health inexpensively. Gretchen Muller, Senior Associate at Cascadia Consulting Group, will also speak on low-impact development practices and protecting our watershed. Thank you to our funders who help make this a free resource for our community: City of Burien, King County, and The Russell Family Foundation.

Please REGISTER:
Email outreach@envsciencenter.org or call 206.248.4266 to reserve your spot. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information visit www.EnvScienceCenter.org

Compromise shore plan set to be OK’d by Burien council on May 20

cmenges — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:09:10 +0000

The Burien City Council is set May 20 to approve the compromise with the state Department of Ecology over Shoreline Master Program. Lake Burien setback regulations will remain the same without any zoning of buffers.

Highline Garden Tour tickets on sale now

cmenges — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:24:49 +0000

Press release:

Tickets for the 2013 Highline Garden Tour are now on sale. This popular annual event will take place Saturday, June 8. It allows participants to visit inspiring private gardens in Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac and to learn about the latest in gardening techniques.

In addition, the self-guided tour features include artists and musicians in the gardens, plant sales to benefit both the Highline-SeaTac Botanical Garden and the Master Gardener Program, and information on building community through gardening.

Discount coupons and other specials are being provided by tour sponsors including Wild Birds Unlimited, Burien Bark, The Bean, Grand Central Bakery, Rodda and Sons Landscaping and Rain City Sewer and Plumbing. Additional support comes from John L. Scott realtor Susan Plecko and Discover Burien.

Advance tickets for the Highline Garden Tour are $15 in advance, with group rates of $12 per person if bought in groups of four or more. Tickets will be $18 on the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at Wild Birds Unlimited, 15858 1st Avenue S, #106; Burien Bark, 13258 1st Avenue S; and Sterling Bank, 224 SW 152nd – all in Burien. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 206-241-5786.

For more information about the Highline Garden Tour and about the Highline Historical Society, visit www.highlinehistory.org.

For tips on preventing crime, just ask a burglar

cmenges — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:11:35 +0000

There’s no better way to figure out what motivates a burglar than to go directly to the source--Just ask the burglar.

A new study by a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte examines hundreds of convicted offenders to gain a look inside the mind of a burglar, providing remarkable insight into an intruder’s motivation and methods.

The study was funded by the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF), which is supported by the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the largest trade association for the electronic life safety and security industry.

Dr. Joseph B. Kuhns of the university’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology conducted the survey, entitled “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective,”

University researchers dug into the decision-making processes and methods of 422 incarcerated male and female burglars selected at random from three states: North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio. The 64-page study reveals the burglars’ motivations, target-selection strategies, techniques, gender differences, and effectiveness of deterrence factors such as burglar alarms and video surveillance.

"This study adds to our understanding of burglars, their motivations and their techniques," Kuhns said. "It also helps us gain insights into the impact of demographic differences, such as gender. By asking the burglars themselves what motivates and what deters them, we believe this research can help people better understand how to protect themselves against these crimes."

Most burglars reported entering open windows or doors or forcing windows or doors open. Only about one in eight burglars reported picking locks or using a key that they had previously acquired to gain entry.

A considerable portion of the research dealt with differences between male and female burglars. For example, men tend to plan their burglaries more deliberately, and are more likely to gather intelligence about a potential target ahead of time. Women appear to be more impulsive overall, engaging in “spur-of-the-moment” burglaries.

Women also indicated a preference to burglarize homes and residences during the afternoon, while men tend to focus on businesses in the late evenings. And drug use was the most frequently reported reason given by women (70 percent) as a motive for burglary, while men cited money as their main motivation.

Nearly 90 percent of the respondents indicated their top reason for committing burglaries was related to the need to acquire drugs (51 percent) or money (37 percent), which was often used to support drug habits.  
About half reported engaging in residential burglary, while 31 percent committed commercial burglaries.

According to the study, a majority of burglars considered the presence of deterrents such as alarms, outdoor cameras and other surveillance equipment when choosing a potential residential or commercial target. Approximately 83 percent of the offenders said they would attempt to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary, and 60 percent said they would seek an alternative target. This was particularly true among the subset of burglars who were more likely to spend time deliberately and carefully planning a burglary.

Among those who discovered the presence of an alarm while attempting a burglary, half reported they would discontinue the attempt, while another 31 percent said they would sometimes retreat. Only 13 percent said they would always continue the attempt even after an alarm had been discovered.

The presence of video surveillance was also an effective deterrent. Nearly 60 percent of the burglars said they would consider the presence of cameras or other video equipment when selecting a target, and more than 40 percent said that would be a factor in prompting them to choose another target.  

For more information and to read the study in its entirety, go to www.AIREF.org. More information about how consumers and businesses can avoid being victims of burglaries and other crimes is available at www.alarm.org.

Wednesday is the day to Give Big to your favorite Highline nonprofits

ericm — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:34:19 +0000

Highline nonprofits are anxiously waiting for the big day on Wednesday, May 15.

That is when the Seattle Foundation is holding its Give Big Day. Donations to your favorite Highline nonprofit may reap more big money from the foundation. Various Highline nonprofits are holding events to promote the day of giving.

Information on Give Big in general can be found here:
http://www.seattlefoundation.org/givingcenter/GiveBIG/Pages/default.aspx

Burien singer/songwriter Allecia Clemons gets serious about kickstarting her new comedy CD

steves — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:05:51 +0000

With her sturdy, yet angelic voice, evocative of Joan Baez, combined with her many no holds barred lyrics, Burien singer/songwriter, Allecia Clemons presents an intriguing dichotomy.

For example, in her 2007 release, "My F@?#ING THUNDER" (Not our edit. That is how she spells it) she forcefully, but pleasantly croons the track called "Hitler", an anti-war song, a response to Pres. George W. Bush stealing the 2000 election away from Sen. Gore, as she sees it, and the worry and grief mothers of soldiers experience. She said the song is also a response to the wrath the Dixie Chicks suffered in 2003 when their music was pulled from numerous country stations following reports that lead singer Natalie Maines said in a concert in London she was "ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas" as a criticism of the war in Iraq.

Clemons' CD was played on over 500 college radio stations in America.

Her most recent CD, "working shift joan" is about our struggling economy and working for low wages. The CD reads, "...All songs were done with just one take. It's raw, uncut, and wonderful. There are mistakes. There is also magic."

Raised on Alki, Clemons, a youthful 43, and a graduate of West Seattle High School and Evergreen State College, has begun a fundraising campaign on KICKSTARTER for the cost of producing her comedy CD. It's title, "what's for lunch", is a whimsical song she sang about food items with residents at the now-closed Life Care Center of West Seattle where she was activities director in 2011 & '12.
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While she said she loves the comedy of Mel Brooks, and is also a seasoned jokester, she will sing her lyrics as opposed to telling jokes. Her website, www.alleciaclemons.com, was visited by over 40,000 viewers in 2012 she said.

Clemons' songs are autobiographical, and some comic relief could prove cathartic, both for her and the listener. She has experienced hard times like many in this tough economy in recent years.

She explained, " We're taught prejudice through our family, friends, school, and there is prejudice against people who are poor. I found myself in a situation where I was injured on the job. I then had no job, was out on the streets looking for work, in an awful situation. I sold my engagement and wedding ring from my (then) recent divorce. It can happen to anybody."

Before her job at Life Care Center she did a stint working for a temp company folding papers to be mailed to folks facing foreclosure, which she described as "eight hours a day folding paper to thousands and thousands of people losing their homes."

Clemons acknowledges the "starving artist" meme sometimes accurately describes those pursing such financially iffy creative careers as acting, painting, and theater. However, she said those pursing music have an even tougher challenge, and need to overcome an industry-wide injustice.

"Being a musician and supporting yourself these days is not working," she said. "You can get free music off of (Internet music provider) Pandora. I get a one-penny royalty from each song listened to through Spotify."

As low as that sounds, her estimate might be optimistic. According to Wikipedia, London-based author, data-journalist and information designer David McCandless claims an artist on Spotify would need over four million streams per month to earn the minimum wage. Spotify's catalog provides access to approximately 20 million songs. You pay a service to listen to them, generally on your computer.

"If you want to see a dancer, you must buy a ticket first," she pointed out. "If you want to see a painting, you can't go into an art gallery and just steal a painting off the wall and say it's yours. That is what's happening in the music industry.

A lot of musicians are very bitter in the Seattle area, really struggling, asking, 'Why should I create when I don't get anything back,'" she said. "Most musicians I know work eight hours, then spend time practicing, booking, marketing their music. Then they do a gig. A lot of people don't realize that when you see a musician on stage, they may have already worked eight hours, and now they're playing another three. I think it's time to change how musicians are viewed so they don't have to go to the food bank to eat."

To donate to Allecia Clemons' KICKSTARTER page, click here.

See her perform live Tuesday, June 4th:

Slims Last Chance in Georgetown

"TROUBADOUR TUESDAY WITH...Allecia Clemons"

Georgetown

Price: Free