May 2007

The Ballard Beavers took it easy against the Franklin Quakers on April 25 by starting freshman pitcher Sophie Overlock-Pauley and sending in other reserve players for an easy 10-0 win.

Ballard cruised to an even 7 and 7 KingCo record, while the Quakers remained winless. This was the same Franklin team that was trounced earlier in the season by Woodville 64-0, causing KingCo officials to call a coaches meeting to discuss why the Falcons ran up the score.

The Seattle School District has agreed to a three-year contract and a $240,00 annual salary for its new superintendent.

Maria Goodloe-Johnson will begin work here on July 9.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson officially signed on as our future superintendent," said board President Cheryl Chow. "The board looks forward to introducing her to our teachers, staff, students and community members. We are committed to a smooth transition and will provide our full support as Dr. Goodloe-Johnson initiates her 100 Day Seattle Public Schools Entry Plan."

When I moved to Ballard there was still a policeman who strolled the downtown streets and the police log in The Ballard News was called the Ballard Beat. Today a friend asked if she could walk my beat with me sometime. I love the idea that I have a "beat." It sounds like museum security making rounds by night, but in my case I travel mostly by day, looking for clues - as though Ballard is a mystery that can be solved.

One nail at a time during two trips to New Orleans late last year, Ballard resident Julie Reimer helped build a new home for a New Orleans resident devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Reimer, who lives in Loyal Heights, went to New Orleans as part of the Weyerhaeuser Company's disaster response efforts. Company employees from all over the U.S.

Some people refuse to pay to park at the automated parking kiosks in downtown Ballard. Others don't mind, but most agree that parking is becoming harder to find. Dean Wong photo.

Bike helmets still on, Noah, 6, and Jesse 3, have fish and chips with dad, Stan, at the Lockspot diner. Amber Trillo photo.

We as a region have a chance this fall to expand our regional light rail system by up to 60 miles and give commuters even more alternatives to sitting in traffic on our overcrowded freeways. The proposed Sound Transit 2 package enhances the rail transit system we're building today. This is work the region should have approved back in the 1960s and 1970s.

Meet Anne Sheehan who now lives in Ballard

The last time I saw this intrepid lady she was demonstrating yogurt smoothies at a supermarket. She had a big grin on her face like she just knew that if I drank enough of her product it would make a man of me.

To change the subject from yogurt.

Mark Elster can remember when the parking meters in Ballard charged 10-cents an hour and parking spaces were available on the street.

That was back in the late 1970s. Parking has changed dramatically since then.

In late 2005, the city of Seattle began installing 1,500 automated pay kiosks in downtown Ballard and at the Ballard Locks.

Another multi-million dollar development in Ballard will expand the Olympic Athletic Club on Ballard Avenue and bring a four-star hotel to the neighborhood.

In February the health club owners purchased two properties adjacent to the club at 5300 Ballard Avenue Northwest for $3 million.