November 2012

Information from Det. Jeff Kappel with the Seattle Police Department

A young man was shot in the leg in West Seattle tonight and officers continue to search for the suspects. It all started at approximately 8:19 p.m. in the 9200 block of Delridge Way SW. A 17-year-old male was sitting at the bus stop when he was approached by two unknown male suspects. At least one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the leg. Both suspects then fled the scene on foot and remain at large.

The victim has been less than cooperative with investigating officers and thus there are no suspect descriptions available at this time.

Fire department medics were called to the scene and transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

So, Burien loses the White Center annexation vote, and is now retaliating by trying to steal our new White Center library.

After our 2 to 1 vote to reject Burien annexation, Rose Clark and Jerry Robison (not the Highline Times publisher), two of the most vocal pro-Burien annexation voices on the Burien City Council, testified at a recent King County Library System (KCLS) hearing that our new White Center library should be moved away from White Center, further south into Burien.

They then suggested that if that was not possible, an alternative is to keep the library at the same location, but close it for a year during construction. Their testimony emphasized that in no case should our new White Center library be located in unincorporated White Center, which is closer to our elementary schools. Their actions are vindictive and appear to be retribution for our strong rejection of Burien annexation.

At the same hearing, Barbara Dobkin, the president of the UAC, another pro-Burien annexation group, also testified that the White Center library should be moved further away from White Center, south into Burien.

John Nygaard, 43, a much loved World History teacher and former basketball coach at Ballard High School, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 29, in his home.

Nygaard had been out sick with pneumonia this week, but nobody suspected that they would be greeted Thursday with the news of his death. Students had just seen Nygaard Wednesday morning, before he had to leave because of his sickness. The official cause of death is unknown at the moment.

"He was just the most beloved person in the building," BHS Principal Keven Wynkoop said. "He had a really powerful connection to boys, everyone always wanted to hang out with him. He was a great male role model."

Nygaard, who was a 1987 Ballard grad, got his Bachelor's degree at Western University and coached and taught for eight years at Ballard High School. He also taught special education, maritime history, and ran the Scandinavian Club, often encouraging students to participate in the annual Norwegian parade with him.

According to students and colleagues, three things defined Nygaard's life: his passion for basketball, his Nordic heritage and, most of all, his love for Ballard students and watching them succeed.

After many years of fundraising and building, the Technology Access Foundation finally opened the doors to their Bethaday Community Learning Center in White Center in October.

Located in Lakewood Park, Bethaday is a combination of things from a community gathering space to a technology-focused learning zone for children.

TAF is sending out word for their first after-school program set to begin in January. TAF explains:

Does your child love playing with video games or robots? Or does she like doing artwork and is interested in computers? If your kid is in 6th, 7th or 8thgrade, enroll him or her in STEM Up, a fun after-school program at Lakewood Park in White Center.

Highline Public Schools press release

In recognition of her “unwavering support of students’ rights and scholastic journalism,” the Journalism Education Association (JEA) has honored Dr. Susan Enfield with the 2012 Administrator of the Year award.

Kathy Schrier, executive director of the Washington Journalism Education Association, wrote, “Dr. Enfield is a school superintendent who understands the crucial role that a free student press plays in our schools. She has shown her commitment on the front lines in Seattle, and will continue to do so as the first superintendent of schools to serve on the Student Press Law Center Board of Directors.”

Dr. Enfield started her career in education as a high school teacher of English, ESL, and journalism. Over the years she has been a passionate advocate for the free press rights of students.

UPDATE; 8pm
We added a slideshow to show this year's event. When you get free food in a great place, everybody's happy.

Original Post
There are a number of quintessential West Seattle experiences. Cruising the beach at Alki, eating at Spud Fish and Chips, walking through Lincoln Park, shopping in the Junction, taking in the view while eating at Salty's, stopping to admire the skyline from Admiral or Hamilton Viewpoint. But the number one for many people is a stop at Husky Deli.

Tonight marks their 80th Anniversary party and it's an Open House. The Husky Deli began in 1932 and has been family owned from the beginning by the Miller's. Today Jack Miller, whose ever present smile is known to generations of West Seattleites is in charge and he will be on hand for the party.

Expect a big crowd there to sample pasta, candies, ham, their famous ice cream and a whole assortment of goodies.

The party will run from 6pm to 9pm

Husky Deli is located at 4721 California Ave. SW in the middle of the West Seattle Junction.

King County Metro Transit is urging riders to plan ahead for getting around during winter weather and this year, due to the many changes in bus routes that might be especially challenging.

They want riders to sign up for Transit Alerts and be aware of online tools available to them to stay informed.

In a press release on Nov. 30 Metro said:

“We have our plans in place, and now we need riders to prepare,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond.

By signing up for the alerts, riders can receive an email or text message warning about known significant disruptions to Metro bus service. Riders also can preview specific snow routes, and review tips for winter travel online.

The Christmas book with accompanying CD, "Santa's First Magical Ride" was released last holiday season by Burien residents Paul and Libby Carr, featuring world-class illustrator Herb Leonhard of Prosser, WA. Paul was the author, while Libby has been marketing the book. The story offers an explanation of "Where was Santa born, and why the elves live in the North Pole? How do the reindeer fly? How do you get all those toys in your sack? And How do you get around the world in just one night?”

The Christmas book with accompanying CD, "Santa's First Magical Ride" was released last holiday season by Burien residents Paul and Libby Carr, featuring world-class illustrator Herb Leonhard of Prosser, WA. Paul was the author, while Libby has been marketing the book. The story offers an explanation of "Where was Santa born, and why the elves live in the North Pole? How do the reindeer fly? How do you get all those toys in your sack? And How do you get around the world in just one night?”

"All the true things must change and only that which changes remains true."

Famous Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung first spoke those words, but now they are spoken again. A Ballard staple and beloved Thai restaurant, Thaiku, which closed doors at it's Ballard Ave location Dec. 23 last year due to a property dispute, will be opening again. though it won't be in Ballard, it'll be still nearby -- in Phinney Ridge.

The location and the opening date will be unveiled in early 2013, according to a release.

"We thank our regular customers of nearly 20 years for their suggestions and continued support on the reincarnation of Thaiku. It has been an overwhelming response with a seemingly endless number of possibilities for new locations," says Jon Alberts, proprietor and jazz musician. "We're looking forward to a new beginning in the new year."