June 2008

A false alarm went off on Alki Beach last week when Seattle Parks and Recreation was reported to be considering limiting or banning beach bonfires to help the mayor's crusade to halt global warming.

However, Parks and Recreation backed off Thursday with a new memo nixing the proposed ban which would have included a public relations campaign to inform people about the negative impact of beach-fire carbon emissions.

The Parks staff had also considered recommending charging fees for bonfires in 2009, if not eliminating them.

"It's a time to be with family," said M

Tell Coast Guard to keep bridge open

By Tom Rasmussen

West Seattle residents and businesses will see major road projects in the West Seattle bridge corridor begin in the next several years. Construction to widen and improve the Spokane Street viaduct and the inevitable Alaskan Way viaduct project may cause tremendous traffic delays.

The German Shepherd Rescue League is responsible for saving Bugsy. His mother was abandoned in the last stages of pregnancy. She was going to be put down, due to her aggressive behavior, but at the last minute she was taken to a foster home where she gave birth to three puppies. Bugsy, a Cocker mix, is one of those and according to owner Rudy Gillespie, he is "an all around adorable puppy."

To learn more about German Shepherd rescue visit http://www.washingtongsd.org/

I tell stories to important people

By Lauri Hennessey

The other day my seven year-old son asked me what I did for a living. When you are seven there are livings that are easy to understand, of course. Teacher? Easy. Firefighter? Cool. Dentist, doctor, store owner. All graspable.

Try explaining to a 1st grader that you do public relations.

This challenge has been bouncing around my mind as I read the flap over Scott McClellan's book. The former White House spin doctor now admits he lied on the job. Most of America isn't surprised.

'Leatherheads' downright fun

Directed by George Clooney

Rated PG-13

(Three Stars)

By Bruce Bulloch

The opening scenes of "O Brother, Where Art thou?" were a revelation.

West Seattle lost another old friend this week. Not flesh and blood, but still with great heart and soul.

The Corner Inn on California and Fauntleroy locked its doors for good (see story, Page One). While others have had a much longer history with "the Corner," none will miss it more than I.

On the south side, it was an old style, hard to find anymore "greasy spoon" cafe - complete with coffee counter and booths. It had struggled of late with frequent management turnovers.

Honoring Tim St. Clair

By Rinda T. Hayes

Three months it's been, since the ravages of pancreatic cancer took my friend, Tim St. Clair. I had watched as it had turned him into a belly-bulging bag of bones. I hate that he's gone.

His was an insatiable curiosity. He still had so many stories to write, people to interview, places to explore. How he loved poking his nose in to every nook and cranny of West Seattle, the place he'd called home for 20 years. On weekends he'd often putt down I-5 to visit us in Portland. He was family to us.

Tell Coast Guard to keep bridge open

By Tom Rasmussen

West Seattle residents and businesses will see major road projects in the West Seattle bridge corridor begin in the next several years. Construction to widen and improve the Spokane Street viaduct and the inevitable Alaskan Way viaduct project may cause tremendous traffic delays.

Jackton and Amy Downard found their dog Max at the

Animal Shelter on 15th N.W. in 2000 but they aren't quite sure what breed he is because he is so tall. He weighs 113 pounds. "He's a lab-stallion mix," offered Amy. Max is a wonderful swimmer but he does have an issue with that. If he isn't swimming out to fetch a stick or a ball, he swims in circles. "Amy has had to swim out twice and bring him back," said Jackton. For a large dog with possible horse genes he seems unaware of his own size. "He likes to be a lap dog," said Amy, "and he was until we got the new couch."

I tell stories to important people

By Lauri Hennessey

The other day my seven year-old son asked me what I did for a living. When you are seven there are livings that are easy to understand, of course. Teacher? Easy. Firefighter? Cool. Dentist, doctor, store owner. All graspable.

Try explaining to a 1st grader that you do public relations.

This challenge has been bouncing around my mind as I read the flap over Scott McClellan's book. The former White House spin doctor now admits he lied on the job. Most of America isn't surprised.