January 2009

In our efforts to restore the urban forests and other habitats of Seattle, we use native plants to enhance the ecosystem functions and biodiversity of species in our open spaces. However, what is meant by "native plant" can sometimes be a matter of informed opinion. So what is it that is usually meant by native plants and why might Silk Tassel Bush be on the list of some restorationists and not on others?

Restoration workers like to use only species historically found in that area, prior to European settlement.

Mayor Greg Nickels has sent legislation to the City Council that he says will improve the character and design of townhouses in West Seattle and require environmentally sensitive building and landscaping.

"Most of us would agree that multifamily development must fit better into our neighborhoods," said Nickels in a statement.

On northbound I-5 from Swift Avenue South to Holgate Street South, crews will close four left lanes of northbound I-5 for repairs to an overhead electronic sign.

Saturday, Jan. 24 beginning at 11 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 a.m. from just north of Swift Avenue South to South Holgate Street.

Traffic will be routed through the far right lane. Work is scheduled to take place overnight when traffic volumes are lowest and congestion will be minimized.

The State Department of Transportation Ferry Division announced Jan. 22 it will extend public comment on its draft lon-range plan through Monday, Jan. 26.

The plan drew more than 100 Fauntleroy and West Seattle residents to a public hearing Wednesday. Most said they would not approve of a plan that would increase capacity to the Fauntleroy/Vashon route because the ferry was located in a residential neighborhood.

The public comment period first opened on Dec. 19, 2008.

We learn "pi r square" in high school but at the Salmon Bay Eagles Lodge in Ballard Jan. 23 the pie, and the crowd, were very hip when Mary Schile hosted her 6th Annual Pie Party.

The last five were held at her Ballard home, but the guest list began rising like doe in an oven.

Tom Lin, co-owner of the Alki Homestead, said it's in his best interest to restore the historic restaurant.

This week, Lin met up with the potential buyers of the Homestead, "Johnny and Rose" (Zhu is said to be the buyers last name, but Lin would not confirm that). They are still interested in purchasing the business, but a few conditions need to be met.

First, the restaurant has to come back as the Alki Homestead.

In the next phase of storm recovery operations, the Seattle Department of Transportation will inspect the city?s 1,531 lane miles of major streets for residual sand, potential drain blockages and worn striping, with special emphasis on bicycle routes.

Crews would then be dispatched to complete repairs, removing sand by hand if necessary.

Residents are encouraged to report sand on the roadways by calling 684-ROAD (7623).

As part of its comprehensive storm response, city traffic crews have completed an initial sweep of 1,531 lane miles, filled 594 potholes and re

North Precinct Officers responded to the 10300 block of 9th Avenue Northwest after multiple calls of shots fired, Jan. 22.

Officers located a known adult male in the street. He matched the suspect description and was quickly taken into custody. Officers discovered a .38 caliber handgun and .22 caliber handgun on his person. Numerous .38 casings were located in the roadway.

Last Saturday morning, I was driving to work and listening to a public affairs show on KEXP. They interviewed a fisherman named Pete Knutson. He was on the program to tell listeners about an upcoming committee meeting where the Port of Seattle was going to discuss plans that he believes are part of a long-term plan to gentrify Fishermen's Terminal.

I am glad that I caught this radio show because it really made me wonder why Fishermen's Terminal is not considered as important as Pike Place Market.

The fishing boats of the North Pacific fleet that are moored at Fishermen's Terminal employ a lot of people and bring a large amount of money into the local economy. They also support many of the industrial businesses in the Ballard and Interbay area.

At the meeting Jan.

By way of introducing this column I have to talk about something most of us don't like to talk about: Green Guilt.

You see, "green" is a popular word these days. So is "sustainable" and "organic." It's really exciting to see the many positive changes that are happening around sustainability; I applaud them and have made quite a few adjustments myself.

But that doesn't keep me from feeling a bit guilty about what I could be doing versus what I am doing. I call it "Green Guilt." And many folks I talk to feel the same.

"The more I learn, the more I want to do," says Ballard resident Ingela Wanerstrand, owner of Green Darner Designs, a sustainable gardening design and coaching company.

"I put up a clothesline, changed my light bulbs (to compact fluorescents), always buy recycled content paper," she said. "I purchase non-toxic paint and recycle food waste. But I always feel some guilt, like I could do more."

Girl, I get that. The guilt pool is deep. After all, as an American I use way more than my earthly fair share of resources. I'm not averse to making changes, it just never seems enough.