July 2011

Tonight's SeafoodFest Kick-Off BBQ starts the 37th Annual Ballard SeafoodFest and there's plenty more fun and food ahead in this entertainment-filled weekend.

Some of the special attractions include the Lutefisk Eating Contest, entertainers like Seattle icon Stan Boreson, a salmon BBQ cooked by the maritime industry, Viking spirit, and Ballard's own brew.

Here's a schedule of events to give you an idea on what to do, who to see, and what to eat.

The Main Stage:

Located at 22nd Street and Ballard Avenue, the Main Stage will host a great mix of music to be watched from the beer garden or stage-side seating.

Saturday, July 9th:

11:00 - 11:45 am Stan Boreson
Noon - 12:45 pm Verlee for Ransom
1:15 - 2:30 pm Exohxo
3:00 - 3:45 pm Camille Bloom
4:15 - 5:15 pm Soul Jelly
5:45 - 7:15 pm Duffy Bishop
7:45 - 8:45 pm DJ Riz

Sunday, July 10th:

11:00 - 11:45 am Stan Boreson

9-10 All-Stars - West Seattle lost with 1 run to PacWest's 3 runs on the first of July.
Kurt Howard was on hand to take plenty of photos of the action.

(Click on the above image to see a slideshow of 9 more pictures.)

Sustainable Burien will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. in the Burien Library, corner of S.W. 152nd Street and 4th Avenue Southwest.

The theme of the meeting will be "WHAT DOES LIVING SUSTAINABLY MEAN TO YOU?

According to a press release, "Sustainable Burien wants to broaden its outreach. Please come and help us brainstorm the key principles of sustainability. We'll be asking you to share your thoughts on how we can make Burien a place that is resilient, healthy, sustainable, fun and . . .

Please join us in a creative and stimulating conversation!"

For more information, visit www.sustainableburien.org.

Back in town from her winter home in Arizona, this has been a busy time for former state Rep. and ex-Burien City Councilwoman Georgette Valle. On June 30, she celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary with Dr. Odd Valle. On July 4, Georgette will ride in the Burien Independence Day parade as the grand marshal.

Georgette became a state representative in 1964. State issues she championed include the clean air act, no smoking in public places, equal rights education bill and recycle bins. Returning from service to the state, she became a City Council member in 1998.

Valle and her Norwegian husband, Odd Valle, made their first stateside home in Burien in an apartment named Burien Gardens, now known as The Heights. With Odd as a dentist and Georgette as the office manager they became the third dental practice in the Highline area.

The Valles began to contribute locally at once. They are widely recognized as the founders of the Burien/SeaTac Lions Club and are faithful members to this day.

Now in retirement Georgette and Odd divide their time between Burien and a home in Arizona. Wherever she goes, Georgette gets involved locally and really makes a difference.

New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni, right, returned to the Tin Room Bar in Old Burien last week to sign copies of his new book. "Murder One."The book's main character hangs out at the Tin Room, lives at Three Tree Point and is counseled by a young priest from St. Francis of Assisi. In this photo from a previous Dugoni visit, Tin Room proprietor Dan House jokes with the author. House is a character in the novel, too.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, along with several other state legislators, received the Mockingbird Society's "Legislative Champion" award last week at the Seattle-based organization's annual Foster Youth & Leadership Summit. The legislators were recognized for their commitment and passion to building a world-class foster care system in Washington.

The Mockingbird Society advocates for foster youth and supports chapters around the state that bring foster youth together and empower them to be their own advocates for positive change in the foster care system. Through conferences and skill-building workshops, the organization teaches foster youth learn how to use their voice to not only improve their own lives, but also the lives of other foster youth around the state.

"Bringing foster youth together and teaching them to be their own advocates is one of the most powerful ways we can help children and young adults succeed in the foster care system," Kohl-Welles said. "I commend the work of Jim Theofelis and the Mockingbird Society and look forward to continuing to work with them to improve the lives of these youth."

By Cassandra Baker, Intern

11:55 p.m. on July 3rd. 90th block of Holman Rd NW

An employee at a restaurant on Holman Rd was robbed by an armed man just before midnight on July 3rd. The victim said that he was preparing to close up the restaurant and was alone when the incident occurred. He said he left the front door unlocked so that another employee could get back inside after delivering the last two pizzas of the night. The victim said he brought the till into the back office to count the money. At around 11:50 p.m. a masked gunman entered the office and demanded the money. The suspect ran out the back door with the cash (estimated at $1000).

The victim described the suspect as a black male with a thin build and a deep voice; however, the race of the suspect is in question. The suspect was wearing a black ski mask, dark hooded pullover sweatshirt, and gloves. He carried a black handgun, possibly a semiautomatic. He was not found in the area.

1:37 a.m. on July 3rd. 77th block of 15th Ave NW

The Seattle Police Department Aggressive Driving Response Team is still nailing people who are driving at well over the posted limit in West Seattle, including these from July 7, one at close to 100 miles an hour.

From the SPD blotter:

West Seattle Bridge – 45 mph zone

1 at 96 mph**

1 at 74 mph

1 at 69 mph

1 at 67 mph

1 at 66 mph

2 No Proof of Insurance

1 Drivers License – possession

1 Bus Lane violation

Highland Park Way SW – 30 mph zone

1 at 49 mph

2 at 48 mph

2 at 47 mph

1 at 46 mph

4 at 45 mph

2 No Proof of Insurance

** “I just wasn’t thinking” (excuse given to officer).

The Seattle Police Department encourages all motor vehicle operators to be familiar with and obey all local and state traffic laws and to always drive with due regard for all others on the roadway.

Jody Hall, Cupcake Royale & Verite Coffee

From the day I started my business, taking care of my people has been my utmost priority. Within a year of opening, I offered heath insurance for employees who worked 30+ hours. As our business grew, I added paid vacation for our hourly baristas, bakers and drivers, in addition to paid time off for our management staff.

The paid sick days ordinance is sparking great debate among small businesses in Seattle. At first, I was reluctant to support the effort. I thought that the original proposal requiring 9 paid days a year (based on a voter-approved law in San Francisco) seemed steep for the majority of small businesses in Seattle.

But instead of deciding to be against it, I wanted to be a part of an effort to share concerns to shape something that works for small businesses and is unique for the city of Seattle.

The Thursday evening before the weekend Summerfest takes over the West Seattle Junction has become a kind of tradition now with some vendors showing up, usually those with more complex booths, and others just there to enjoy a walk through the Junction with no cars and enjoy the Thursday night shopping, now that many of the merchants are open until 9:00 pm.

In mid block south of Alaska Street the Bubbleman (otherwise known as Gary Golightly) parked his van and dozens of kids arrived and were delighted as his blend of silly jokes, odd sounds and amazing bubbles amazed and entertained them.

Out in front of the West 5 restaurant a band called The Diminished Men played for the crowd seated on the sidewalk area performing what they call 60's Italian film noir surf-psych instrumental music, a sign announcing the new happy hour for the Tuscan Tea Room went up, and last minute decorations and preparations were completed.