January 2009

As 2008 comes to a close, those who know the community well have a few New Year's resolutions in mind to maintain the neighborhood's quality and improve the community.

Looking back at the major stories of the past year, it comes as no surprise that many of the resolutions put forward by members of the community involve development, transportation and the economy.

As buildings come down, go up or stay down around Ballard, the composition of the neighborhood is changing.

Artist Virginia Howlett, who has a studio in Building C in Ballard, said Ballard should resol

Austin Cantina, which has called itself "Seattle's best TexMex Experience" has closed its doors for good after a little more than a year in Ballard.

"Business crashed right along with the stock market," owner Jefe Birkner told the Ballard News-Tribune in December after he announced a possible closure.

Birkner said on Jan.

A 46-year-old man suspected of stealing from numerous businesses in Ballard in the past few weeks was arrested Dec. 31 near 20th Avenue Northwest and Market Street for an outstanding warrant in Missouri.

According to victims, the man is suspected of entering businesses on Market Street and Ballard Avenue during business hours and taking money from back offices, safes and employee's purses.

The man is suspected of entering, attempting to enter or stealing from Lucca, Kitchen N Things, Romanza, Portalis, Cugini Cafe, the Olympic Athletic Club, Hattie's Hat, Greener Lifestyles and Dish D'lish, among others.

The suspect was caught on a security camera as he left Cugini Cafe during the Farmers Market Dec. 28 and his image was circulated throughout the neighborhood.

At 3:51 p.m. Dec. 31, the police received calls from many community members who noticed the man walking around the neighborhood.

The man was booked into King County Jail for investigation of a fugitive, but detectives are investigating the crimes in Ballard before deciding to press further charges.

A group of local men and woman gather in their swim attire on a January day. Standing on the rocky winter beach of Three Tree Point they begin the countdown.

A voice yells, "...4, 3, 2, 1!" and everyone runs straight for the frigid Puget Sound water. The rush of cold over their bodies as each one submerges themselves fully and rises back to the surface is heard in a mix of screams and laughter. Shaking and smiling they come together on the beach for a post-swim photo.

As they stand on the beach wrapped in towels one of the men says, "I feel great!

Brewers seek players

The RIPS Brewers are looking for 14U and 16U select baseball players.

Contact Aaron at 206-941-0128 for more information.

LaCrosse trying out

The Highline LaCrosse club is seeking new players, and is open to boys grades 5-12 with no experience required. A new grade 5-6 team is forming.

Call Kathy McCabe at 206-204-0587 for more information.

RE: "Residents not toasting runway," Times/News Dec. 17.

Good article but I truly do not understand why smart people like Mayor Sheckler would believe the Port of Seattle on anything having to do with the airport.

The Port has continually misled people.

When they expanded the runway across 188th it was supposed to the last runway expansion.

The Port will not be satisfied until they can rival O'Hare and pave over half of Burien.

Just look at the Port's current and past performance.

Overheard recently and too often: "There is nothing to do in Des Moines!"

This is a false impression of our little city and I only wish more people, both within and outside of Des Moines, would give us a second glance.

Here we have so many little shops, a wonderfully stocked Hallmark Drug Store, banks that invite a myriad of services.

On Marine View Drive, alone, you can find many good places to enjoy lunch or dinner and some even tout, "The best breakfast anywhere!" The Reuben, a newer sandwich shop brings you New York style Reuben sandwiches and many more tre

Our thanks to everyone who attended the first annual Andy MacDonald memorial soccer game held Saturday, Nov. 29 at Highline Memorial Stadium.

It was a great success pitting the Highline alumni boys against the Highline alumni girls (with a little help from friends on both teams). The boys won the game by a score of 3 - 2, but the girls have promised to come back harder next year!

Through your generous donations and a raffle drawing held at Mick Kelly's Irish Pub after the game, we raised $4,400, which was presented on Wednesday, Dec.

A group of local men and woman gather in their swim attire on a January day. Standing on the rocky winter beach of Three Tree Point they begin the countdown.

A voice yells, "...4, 3, 2, 1!" and everyone runs straight for the frigid Puget Sound water. The rush of cold over their bodies as each one submerges themselves fully and rises back to the surface is heard in a mix of screams and laughter. Shaking and smiling they come together on the beach for a post-swim photo.

As they stand on the beach wrapped in towels one of the men says, "I feel great!

The City of Burien is conducting informational open houses on its proposed North Highline annexation.

The open houses will give residents and businesses in the proposed annexation area the opportunity to learn more about becoming part of the Burien.

The open houses will be Jan. 6 at Shorewood Elementary School, 2725 S.W. 116th St. and Feb. 12 at the Boulevard Park Library, 12015 Roseberg Ave. S.