October 2011

Papa’s Pub may receive a 30-day liquor license suspension for getting caught allegedly selling alcohol to minors on three different occasions since April. That, however, may be the least of their worries.

On Friday afternoon King County Executive Dow Constantine, Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg and Sheriff Sue Rahr sent a letter to the Washington Liquor Control Board formally objecting the renewal of Papa’s liquor license, according to U.S. Executive Assistant Attorney Thomas Bates.

Bates, who works for the Western District U.S. Attorney’s Office, has taken the reigns in keeping the White Center community informed on community and law enforcement efforts to clean up the streets in the wake of Oct. 20’s ATF raid.

By Mayor Mike McGinn

Many cities are struggling in the aftermath of the recession to keep the jobs they still have and attract new ones. We're still recovering from the job losses suffered during the recession from 2007 to 2009. Seattle lost 35,000 jobs during that recession. Since June 2009, when the recession technically ended, about 10,000 new jobs have been created. But we have a lot of work ahead to rebuild shared prosperity and provide everyone with a good job that pays a decent wage. By improving education and investing in our infrastructure we can support innovation here in Seattle. That’s essential if we’re going to compete for jobs in the global economy.

We have seen signs of life in local construction. Permit applications for new buildings are up. For the first time in a while, private capital is coming off the sidelines in Seattle to invest in new apartment and office buildings. 85% of the new apartment construction in King and Snohomish Counties is here in Seattle.

By Kyle Howard

Highline and Evergreen faced off Friday night for a Seamount League football matchup. It was the final game of the season for both teams and Evergreen’s senior night. It could possibly be the last game any of the seniors may ever play. Highline’s league record stood at 1-4, as Evergreen remained winless at 0-5 at the start of the game.

Highline fumbled on their second possession as Evergreen’s Alex Tautua recovered it on the 50 yard line. Evergreen made its way toward the end zone on several plays as the drive was finished by a 3-yard touchdown run by Maletino Hola, who also kicked the point after making it 7-0.

Highline went three and out on their next possession and punted to Evergreen, setting them up on their own 49-yard line. Evergreen stretched their lead when quarterback Alex Tautua connected with Manu Tuitoelau for a 51 yard touchdown pass. Highline blocked the point after and the score stood at 13-0.

By Kyle Howard

Tyee and Evergreen girl’s soccer went head to head Thursday afternoon, Oct. 27 at Tyee High School for the last game of the 2011 season.

Both teams have been struggling all year having a hard time recording wins. Though the sun was out the temperature was very cold, in the mid 40’s with some wind chill. Tyee shot out of the gate quickly wasting no time scoring their first goal. Senior forward Araceli Esparaza scored the first goal, dribbling in for the close shot putting the Totems up 1-0. Just a couple more minutes into the start of the game Tyee’s second goal was scored, this time by senior midfielder Dalia Fernandez. This would prove to be all Tyee needed as they won the game 2-0. Evergreen’s Emy Suazo was able to score a goal but the goal did not count, due to Evergreen being called off sides.

By Mayor Mike McGinn

Many cities are struggling in the aftermath of the recession to keep the jobs they still have and attract new ones. We're still recovering from the job losses suffered during the recession from 2007 to 2009. Seattle lost 35,000 jobs during that recession. Since June 2009, when the recession technically ended, about 10,000 new jobs have been created. But we have a lot of work ahead to rebuild shared prosperity and provide everyone with a good job that pays a decent wage. By improving education and investing in our infrastructure we can support innovation here in Seattle. That’s essential if we’re going to compete for jobs in the global economy.

We have seen signs of life in local construction. Permit applications for new buildings are up. For the first time in a while, private capital is coming off the sidelines in Seattle to invest in new apartment and office buildings. 85% of the new apartment construction in King and Snohomish Counties is here in Seattle.

Thieves like termites
On Oct. 24 two bank employees went to check the status of a house they own on 3rd Ave S.W. When they arrived they saw a green minivan with the green back window parked outside. Entering the home, they encountered a white male, age 40-45, 5’11”, 195 pounds with reddish brown hair and a mustache. The intruder had metal pipes in his hand and told the bankers he saw some scrap metal outside and figured he could take what he wanted. A help-yourself-home. The bankers let him know he could not, in fact, take anything he wanted and the suspect sped away in his green minivan. The bankers were able to snap a photograph of the license plate before he got away. Turning their attention to the house they realized over the last month (the last time someone checked into the property) thieves had stolen nearly every appliance and gutted the home of its sheet rock and any metal wires, pipe or tubing. The estimated loss was $150,000. Police later ran the license plate # and found the green vehicle had been sold to a suspect with a criminal history including theft and trespassing.

Anti-Santa burglary

A few weeks ago I did a column on my boyhood dream of becoming a big leaguer. I told about a special bat I acquired from a nice lady on my paper route; how it belonged to her son who had not returned from the war. How the bat was split by a friend the day after I got it. I reminded him to keep the label up, facing  the sky, but he didn't listen. He broke my Louisville Sluggger. He was very sorry. So was I. I never got to swing it, not even once at a pitch, as I mostly rode the pine on the end of the bench. But there is good news. 

Someone found my column online who sent it to a special person in Kentucky. 

    A few days ago I got a package in the mail. I was astonished that a brand new, shiny black Louisville Slugger was inside the box and it had my name engraved up at the top. Also inside was a letter I share with you now from Rick Redman, VP Corporate Communications for the makers of the Slugger (Hillerich and Bradsby) out of Kentucky.

Chief Sealth Class of 2001 10 Year Reunion
Talarico’s Pizzeria
4718 California Ave. S.W
Saturday, Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m. Graduates, teachers and coaches are welcome. Contact Arlana Angel - arlanaangel@gmail.com

Skate Church Hosts Fundraising Dinner
4157 California Ave. S.W.
www.theskatechurch.net
Saturday, Nov. 5, 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. There will be a Silent Auction. Skate Church helps the needy in Seattle. We manage 2 food banks, a weekly meal for the homeless, a thrift store, work with homeless teenagers, and mentoring next-gen college age through internships. Now, we are taking teams into Mexico to “get their hands dirty” in compassionate service to the poor and the community is invited to join us. Come hear how we are making a difference in our community.

No American Sewing Guild October Meeting
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Ave. S.W.
Next meeting is Saturday, November 12. Project will be flanged pillows. Info: Claudia at 206-937-5774.

20th Annual Community Art Showcase
Southwest Branch Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.

It’s off to state for Senior Alex Bowns, who won the Northwest 4A District championship on Saturday. Bowns finished the 3.1 miles at Lincoln Park with a time of 15:34, 12 seconds ahead of the second-place runner.

Junior Matt Rusk just missed the cut, as only the top 25 runners advance to state. Rusk ran a 16:32 for 31st place, just 9 seconds shy of the 25th place runner.

Junior Anna Mirenzi competed in the girls’ meet, and also finished in 31st, just missing the cut. Mirenzi finished with a time of 19:51.

The state championships will be next Saturday, November 5 at Sun Willows golf course in Pasco. The events will begin at 10 am.

After a week of clogged and congested highways and city streets, commuters are back on the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct this morning, albeit traveling at a slower construction speed and navigating curves that will take some getting used to.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened all lanes of the viaduct at 12:44 p.m. Saturday after more than a week of demolition and construction.

Slower speed limits are posted on the SR 99 viaduct and on a new construction bypass, and as drivers adjust they could see delays of about 10 minutes during busy peak travel times through downtown. Much of the viaduct is now posted at 40 mph from the Battery Street Tunnel to the West Seattle Bridge, and a 25 mph recommended speed limit is in effect through a new curving construction bypass near the sports stadiums. Even though speeds will likely be slower on SR 99 for the next few years, the bypass roadway allows this critical corridor to remain open until the new SR 99 tunnel is completed at the end of 2015.