May 2006

The Levy Lid Lift has returned for a vote on May 16. Our citizenry must decide once again as to the tradeoff as between their desire for personal safety and their wallets. The decision need not be overly difficult. Consider for a moment those things that so pique widespread community concern -- Taxes, Public Safety, and Property Values.

TAXES: By all means, taxes should be reduced to the point where they are, as they are for the rich, a minor nuisance.

After deliberating for more than four hours last week, a SeaTac Municipal Court jury found Vili Fualaau guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A sentencing date will be set following a presentence investigation.

Fualaau, whose name has made international headlines since 1997, was arrested on Dec. 22, 2006, around 12:20 a.m.

SeaTac voters will decide Sept.

People cut new trails through the issue of North Highline annexation during a recent public forum discussion over whether the unincorporated community should join Burien or Seattle.

Could Burien afford to devote money to improvements in the White Center business district in addition to its current investment in Burien Town Square?

Would Burien be less inclined to invest in White Center's business district for fear of competition for Burien's main shopping area?

If North Highline voters approved annexation to Burien, would there be some power-sharing agreement t

Two Highline School District teachers and a staff member at Camp Waskowitz are among King County’s 2006 Earth Heroes at Schools award winners.

The award winners are Fred Ritsema, a teacher at Bow Lake Elementary in SeaTac; Sara Esrick at Evergreen High, whose 24 English Language Learner students are sharing the honor; and Wanda Peters of the district’s outdoor school at North Bend.

Ritsema, an English Language Learner teacher, created the Bow Lake School's arboretum and founded its environmental club.

He obtained approval from the school district, a

Burien’s third annual Spring Stroll Art Walk will paint its definition of art with a broad brush, extending beyond the visual to such offerings as food, wine and books.

Presented by the Discover Burien Association, the art walk on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m.

After nearly “falling off the map” last season, Highline-area theatre-goers have witnessed this year’s impressive come-back staged by the 26-year-old Burien Little Theatre.

Last summer, hard-working, dedicated former members of BLT’s board of trustees rolled up their sleeves and re-united to rescue the theatre from a near-death experience.

Productions of Sylvia and Angry Housewives brought in a steadily growing audience who have welcomed BLT’s trustees (and the plays!) with open arms.

Finishing off their season of new beginnings wi

SeaTac lawmakers approved on April 25 combining their study sessions with regular council meetings.

Beginning May 9, the council will have one meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Previously, lawmakers met at 5 p.m. to hear presentations and discuss legislation. No votes were taken.

Several Tyee High students praised their new small learning communities during an April 26 Highline School Board meeting.

The SeaTac campus switched to three small schools in September.

In the learning communities, about 350 to 400 students take classes together in a themed school with a small group of teachers.

The more personalized system is designed to make sure students become well known to their teachers, who take responsibility for their success.

Highline high schools are moving away from the comprehensive model where students move between clas

Burien council members told Port of Seattle staffers on April 24 that the city should help decide what businesses move onto Port-owned properties in Burien’s northeast redevelopment area.

The Port has acquired several properties within Burien for expansion north of the existing Sea-Tac International Airport property, said David Johanson, senior city planner.

Redevelopment of that area from residential to airport compatible land uses has been an ongoing activity since 2002, Johanson noted.

Lawmakers eventually decided the matter was too “weighted&#8