July 2007

Starting in August 2008, Ballard High School students are going to enjoy a new athletic field and track.

Plans are moving forward on the Seattle School District's plans to construct a multi-purpose field at the high school.

Field reconstruction is part of the Building Technology and Academics Levy passed in 2004. The $1.65 million dollar project calls for a six-lane running track surrounding a synthetic turf field designed to accommodate football, soccer and lacrosse games, as well as track and field events.

The Regional Transportation Investment District's road and transit financing funding package got closer to the November ballot last week when the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved the plan for submittal to voters in the three-county district.

Action by either the Snohomish or the Pierce county councils (or both) is still required for the Regional Transportation package to appear with the Sound Transit Phase 2 plan on the November ballot.

The $9.7 billion regional road-building plan will be combined on the ballot with a $23.6 billion proposal

Initial results from the recent inspection revealed that a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct has settled an additional one-quarter of an inch to a total of approximately five inches.

The settlement continues to occur in the same area between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. No new structural damage was caused by the additional settlement, such as widening cracks or development of new cracks.

"The viaduct is still safe for drivers.

John Burreson, owner of The Old Town Alehouse on Ballard Avenue, was elected last Thursday in a run-off election for the Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board.

Burreson, a 13-year Ballard Avenue business owner, ran against newcomer Michelle Quisenberry, co-owner of Volterra Restaurant.

The district board reviews and approves all changes to building exteriors and new construction within the historic district, which extends from Northwest Dock Place to Northwest Market Street on Ballard Avenue.

Only residents, property owners and business operators within the di

The article on Ballard possible moving to the Metro League (June 27) incorrectly stated that girls swimming coach Carlos Palacian is the coach at Seattle Prep. His second coaching position is at Holy Names.

Seattle fire fighters responded to an incident in the 2200 block of Northwest Market Street around 2:40 p.m. on June 26. Smoke was seen coming out of the roof, above the Mon Petit Shoe store. Fire fighters blocked the street off and evacuated the Mon Petit Shoe store and Supercuts next door. Seattle Fire Department Public Information Officer Helen Fitzpatrick said an investigation has determined it was a "set fire." The damage was contained the roof with minor smoke and water damage. The estimated loss was $25,000.

After a ship hit the large locks at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks on June 27, it was closed for most of the day for repairs to the salt water barrier. It re-opened at 7:45 p.m. and is pictured here in operation the next morning. Dean Wong photo

At Large in Ballard by Peggy Sturdivant

There are some stories that you are allowed to tell over and over, like telling a child the story of their birth. I've told this story before but I'm allowed to tell it at least once a year, and especially this year, because the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday, as it did back in 1995.

Back in 1995 I certainly didn't know that passing out an anonymous flyer inviting everyone on the street to a 4th of July Parade and Potluck was going to create an annual tradition now in its 13th year.

Dear Editor:

Outlawing all fireworks is like not allowing any human to drive because some kill while drunk.

I fail to understand politicians who jump to solutions without first finding out the root cause of problems.

Illegal fireworks are the cause of the vast majority of fires and injuries.

I only know of one place to buy fireworks that are not "Safe and Sane" fireworks. Indian reservations sell everything that is dangerous and set fires.

Bottle rockets are illegal and start many fires.

Today is America's 231st birthday, and a lot of celebrating will be going on in South King County communities.

Here's a look at what's happening.

Burien

The Fourth of July Family Days begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m.

The downtown celebration along Southwest 152nd Street at Sixth Avenue Southwest, will feature bicycle races, kid's games, entertainment for all ages, arts and crafts booths, and food vendors.

The 84th annual Burien Independence Day Parade will loop around Southwest 152nd and 153rd streets beginning at 3 p.m.