Public Health – Seattle & King County announced Wednesday (Sept. 1st) that Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) has been detected at “levels of concern” in shellfish samples collected along county shorelines, and as a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed all of King County to the recreational harvest of shellfish, including the shorelines of Des Moines.

Advisory signs are being posted along area beaches and harbors warning people to not collect shellfish from these areas. The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of mollusks. Crabs and shrimp are not included in the closure.

Commercial beaches are sampled separately and commercial products should be safe to eat.

PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing a potent neurotoxin. A naturally occurring marine organism produces the toxin.

The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

According to Wikipedia:

PSP can be fatal in extreme cases (particularly in those who are already immuno-suppressed). Children are more susceptible. PSP affects those who come into contact with the affected shellfish by ingestion.[1] Ten to thirty minutes after ingestion, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes.[1] Shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling, confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination are also possible.

A person cannot determine if PSP toxin is present by visual inspection of the water or shellfish. For this reason, the term “red tide” is misleading and inaccurate. PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing.

Recreational shellfish harvesting can be closed due to rising levels of PSP at any time. Therefore, harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or visit the Biotoxin Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Puget Sound.

The month of September is considered “National Preparedness Month,” and courtesy our friend Wayne Corey, here’s some important info on how to be prepared from a local angle:

To mark this event, publicsafe.org has been updated to include a lot of information from national organizations as well as from King County. By viewing various videos and clicking on the various links, people can find out what they need to do this winter in case of emergencies; like how to make a supply kit, how to make evacuation plans and what supplies they need to have on hand and for how long. There is complete information on family members from adults to kids, as well as how to take care of your pets.

With the mild winter we had last year, people become somewhat complacent about making emergency plans (does anyone remember the winter of 2006; no power for a week?). It is important to understand that we never know how severe winter storms are going to be and what effects they will have on our daily lives. In other words: GET READY.

Locally, DMPD community service officer Kory Batterman heads up a program called Des Moines NET (neighborhood emergency teams). To form a Neighborhood Emergency Team in neighborhoods, people can contact him at 206-870-7617, by emailing kbatterman@desmoineswa.gov or go to his web site Des Moines NET for more information.

If you cannot find specific information on emergency planning or would like more information on a particular subject, email publicsafe publisher Wayne Corey at wayne@corey.cc.

The cities of Normandy Park and Burien are co-sponsoring a Recycling Collection Event and Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday, Sept. 18th at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center, located north of Des Moines at 19010 First Ave South.

This is a FREE event that will run from 9am – 3pm, and they’ll be accepting a wide variety of items – see the list extensive below.

There will also be a Rain Barrel Sale – to help residents use water more efficiently, rain barrels that normally retail for around $120 will be sold for just $25 each.

These high-quality rain barrels are being made available to residents at a reduced cost. Quantities are limited. Holds 55 gallons of rainwater.

Here are the full details:

WHAT: Normandy Park/Burien Recycling Collection Event & Rain Barrel Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Washington State Criminal Justice Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

INFO: To download a PDF flier, click here.

This is a FREE recycling program that will accept the following items:

• TIRES: Bias ply, steel belted, and studded tires accepted. Limit 6 passenger tires per household (18 inches and below) free of charge. $1.50 charge for each tire on a rim. $5 charged for each large truck tire and $15 charged for each truck tire on rim (cash only). No oversized tires accepted.
• MOTOR OIL, FILTERS, & ANTIFREEZE: Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, steering fluid, crankcase oil, kerosene, and home heating fuel. Do not mix with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or other substances.
• LEAD ACID BATTERIES: Car, truck, marine, and motorcycle batteries accepted. •ALKALINE BATTERIES: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, and D cell batteries only.
• CARDBOARD: Please flatten. No wax coated cardboard.
  

  "Git yer rain barrels! Just $25 smackers!"

• REUSABLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CLOTHING: Clothing and miscellaneous household items in good condition will be collected by Seattle Goodwill. Mattresses and furniture will not be accepted. Items in need of repair will not be accepted.
• PORCELAIN TOILETS AND SINKS: $5 charge (cash only). Toilet seats, hardware, and base wax rings must be removed.
• PROPANE TANKS: Residential tanks only. $5 charge (cash only).
• APPLIANCES AND SCRAP METAL: Household appliances, auto parts, engines, metal lawn chairs, stoves, barbecues, gas lawnmowers (drained of oil and gasoline), iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper and other ferrous and nonferrous metals. $5 will be charged for each water heater that still has insulation coating (cash only). Metals that are insulated, rubber or oil coated, previously or currently contain gas, oil, chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted. Light fixture ballasts and sealed drums will not be accepted.
• REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS: $25 will be charged for each refrigerator or freezer. $25 will be charged for each house- hold air conditioner (cash only).
• ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cellular phones and computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Computer monitors and televisions will not be accepted. You can recycle these items for free at other locations – see the E-Cycle box for more information.

DO NOT BRING:

These household wastes:

• No paint of any kind
• No scrap wood/bulky wood
• No construction/demolition debris
• No garbage
• No mattresses/furniture
• No plastic toys, hoses, etc.
• No window glass

These hazardous wastes:

• No oil based paint
• No pesticides/herbicides
• No household chemicals
• No cleaning products
• No fluorescent lights.

Household hazardous wastes can be taken to the Household Hazardous Wastemobile, the Auburn SuperMall Wastemobile, and the hazardous waste collection site in South Seattle. Normandy Park and Burien residents may use the South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility – 8105 5th Avenue South, Seattle. Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (except major holidays). There is a 50 gallon limit and a gasoline limit of 30 gallons per customer per day. No containers can be over five gallons in size.

For more information about volume restrictions and other household hazardous waste disposal options visit www.lhwmp.org or call the Household Hazards Line, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm except holi- days at 206-296-4692 or 1-888-Toxiced (869-4233).

Acknowledgments:

• City of Normandy Park
• City of Burien
• Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center

Funding Provided By:

• The King County Solid Waste Division
• The WA State Department of Ecology
• The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County

The Puget Sound Blood Center will be holding a “walk-in” Blood Drive this Monday, Aug. 30th from 1pm – 7pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 19030 8th Ave South in Des Moines.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Walk-In Blood Drive.

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 30th, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm (lunch break from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm).

WHERE: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall, located at 19030 8th Ave. South.

INFO: This is a walk-in blood drive.

From an email:

Greetings,

We need your help! Many groups have canceled their blood drives due to vacations and low turnouts. The Puget Sound Blood Center is an independent, community based blood center internationally recognized for its research, medical and blood and tissue services. For more than sixty years, the Blood Center has been conducting research to improve the quality of life for all those it touches. The Blood Center currently provides blood to 70 hospitals and clinics throughout Western Washington (e.g. Valley Medical Center, Auburn Regional Medical Center, Highline Community Hospital, Virginia Mason Clinics, Group Health Cooperative, Veterans Healthcare, etc.)

48 hours ago, a 34 year old female, who is pregnant, had a heart attack and received 25 red blood cell units, 3 platelet units and 24 plasma units. Your gift can save a life! Each day, nearly 900 people must register to give blood through the Blood Center in order to meet this ongoing demand. Imaging saving a life…our generous blood donors help save lives every day. Please help us make a difference at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church!

On Saturday (Aug. 14) we reported about a severe boat fire off the Des Moines Marina that resulted not only in the arrest of the owner, but subsequently in an unclaimed, burned-out hull that ended up stranded, floating upside-down outside the marina breakwater, seemingly unwanted by everyone.

According to Wayne Corey, on Thursday, Aug. 26th, the story of the unwanted hull came to an end.

Here’s his story, followed by video he shot of the salvage crew in action removing it:

With the backdrop of marina construction, the Des Moines Boat Fire Saga has come to an end today (at least for the boat). The hull of the boat that caught on fire last week broke away again from its mooring on the jetty and drifted north of the marina on the outgoing tide. A unknown person found the hull and tied it up to a nearby buoy. The Department of Natural Resources incident salvage crew then towed the hull into the marina where it was taken out of the water by the boat lift at the marina repair yard.

One of the DNR crewmen told this reporter that the hull will be loaded onto a flat bed truck and hauled to their yard where any salvage will take place. If there is any salvage value, the monies will go back into the DNR salvage fund to offset future incidents. He stated that about the only thing that might be salvageable is the out-drive. This DNR crew travels the length of Puget Sound responding to in-water incidents hoping to clean up before too much damage is done to the environment.

Read our previous coverage and see extensive photos and videos of this incident here.

WLB Advertiser Highline Medical Center is hosting a Blood Drive with Puget Sound Blood Center this Thursday, Aug. 26th, at Highline’s main campus in Burien.

The drive will be held in Somers Auditorium, on Highline’s Main Campus, from 9:30am – 3:30pm, with a break from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Donors are required to be at least 18 years of age, and weigh at least 110 lbs or more.

Appointments last approximately one hour, and involve a health questionnaire, brief examination and about 10-minutes of blood collection.

After the donation, cookies, water and juice will be provided during the rest period.

To donate blood, please schedule your appointment by call (206) 901-5034 or email: chervin@highlinemedical.org.

Every two minutes someone in Western Washington needs a blood transfusion. Help keep this resource plentiful and donate blood today!

The Washington State Department of Ecology Tuesday (Aug. 24) extended the public comment time for Des Moines’ Shoreline Master Program, with the new deadline set for Sept. 13th.

In addition, comment time for the city of SeaTac’s program has been extended to Sept. 16th.

The extensions will accommodate those who weren’t notified as requested about the comment periods, due to a database glitch.

More information on Des Moines’ shoreline updates is available here.

As we previously reported July 21st:

The updated master program guides construction and development in the City of Des Moines along its approximately 5 miles of marine shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Under Washington’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve the Des Moines program before takes effect.

Des Moines’ proposed program and related documents are available for review at:

City of Des Moines Planning-Building Dept.
21630 11th Ave. S Suite D
Des Moines

Or online here.

Ecology may approve the shoreline program as written, reject it or direct Des Moines to modify specific parts.  Once approved by Ecology, the Des Moines shoreline program will become part of the overall state shoreline master program.  In cases where counties and cities border marine waters, it will be part of the national Coastal Zone Management Program.  Ecology also will help each local jurisdiction legally defend its shoreline program, if necessary.

The City of Des Moines updated shoreline program was adopted by the city council after an extensive local process. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions to preserve existing shoreline areas while protecting future economic development. Des Moines collaborated over a period of several years with waterfront property owners, commercial property owners, environmental interests and state agencies.

Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state Shoreline Management Act passed by voters in 1972. The programs help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to public waters and shorelines.

The law requires cities and counties with marine shorelines, lakes 20 acres in size or larger, and streams and rivers flowing at 20 cubic feet per second or greater to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored shoreline programs.

Key features of Des Moines’ updated program include:

• Improves protection of habitat and water quality for all of Des Moines Puget Sound shorelines, including the annexed shorelines of Woodmont and Redondo Beach, which represent approximately 50% of Des Moines’ Puget Sound shorelines.
• More detailed shoreline environment designations tailored to existing uses and development potential along Des Moines marine shorelines.
• Promotes incentives for reestablishment of vegetation buffers.
• Limits construction of new shoreline armoring along presently unarmored shorelines and encourages the use of soft-bank erosion control methods.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader Puget Sound initiative to protect and restore the Sound.

Ecology adopted new guidelines in 2003 that establish the basic requirements for updating local shoreline master programs. The guidelines resulted from a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the courts.

City of Des Moines joins a growing number of cities, towns and counties that have updated their shoreline programs using the 2003 guidelines.  The state guidelines allow each town, city and county flexibility to customize their programs to fit its local land-use circumstances and vision of local waterfront development.

More than 30 cities and counties have already updated their shoreline programs, with70 updates currently under way.  Most haven’t done so comprehensively in almost 40 years. From 1978 through 2008, the state population grew from about 3.8 million to an estimated 6.6 million people.

Starting July 1, 2009, Ecology provided $7.5 million in state grants to an additional 77 cities and counties to help them begin updating their shoreline policies and regulation – including $3 million earmarked by the 2009 Legislature specifically to help municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Washington has 266 cities and counties with shorelines that qualify them for grant funding, and updating their shoreline programs by December 2014.

As many of our Readers may recall, last Saturday (Aug. 14) we reported on a severe boat fire off the Des Moines Marina that resulted not only in the arrest of the owner, but now an unclaimed, burned-out hull that is floating upside-down, outside the marina breakwater, seemingly unwanted by everyone.

According to an inside source, the boat fire began after the owner took it for a somewhat reckless “joy ride,” then left the key in the “on” position, with no blower running, which allowed fumes to build up. This apparently lead to an explosive fire, with the boat owner having to abandon ship.

As you can see from the photos below, the boat burned down to the waterline. The owner was arrested, then released.

Currently the boat is awaiting removal by the State Department of Ecology.

Photographer Michael Brunk got a boat ride out to the burned-out hull Saturday morning from Del Rivero to take the following pics:

Just received word from the Des Moines Marina that IMCO General Construction, their paving subcontractor, will be prepping and placing asphalt in various locations in the vicinity of the Marina Office and dry shed buildings next Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 23-25.

Access to and use of the following locations will be prohibited all three days:

• West dry shed – all units
• East dry shed – all west facing and end units; east facing units and parking to the east of the shed will remain accessible
• Dry shed tenant launch
• Marina Office parking lot – No parking except for Load/Unload Only (15 minutes maximum) in the north side of the lot; limited angle parking for Guest Moorage and N-Dock tenants will be available along Dock Avenue just north of the Marina Office lot

According to the statement:

There will be a short period of time on Wednesday, Aug. 25, where vehicle traffic along Dock Avenue South between the CSR boatyard and the Marina Office will be detoured while asphalt is being placed.

Dock Avenue between the CSR boatyard and Marina Office will be closed to pedestrian traffic all day, Wednesday, August 25.

Dock Avenue will remain open to pedestrians/vehicles at all other times during this three-day period.

However, caution is urged due to increased construction-related traffic.

If you have any questions, please contact Doreen Torseth or the Marina Office at 206-824-5700.

According to the Pierce County Emergency Management (PCWARN), the two loud explosions heard just before 2pm Tuesday (Aug. 17) were confirmed by the FAA to be from two F-15s intercepting an aircraft breaching the presidential no-fly zone (President Obama was in Seattle).

911 dispatch centers in Pierce County were temporarily overwhelmed by calls from citizens but were never off line. All dispatch centers remain fully operational.

Our sister site The B-Town Blog filed the following report:

Numerous Readers, along with this Reporter, heard two rather large explosions on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 17) around 1:50pm.

Initial Reader responses indicate that the sounds were heard in Eagle Landing Park, Three Tree Point, SW 148th and Ambaum (where it made a witnesses’ “door and window move”), Des Moines, and as far away as Federal Way.

Here’s what Rebecca Dare wrote us:

Around 1:50 p.m. there were two big booms (sort of like double-booms spaced apart). It shook our house and seemed like an earthquake. We headed out into the street and could hear a possible jet far away — don’t know if they were sonic booms or not. But I’ve never heard or felt anything like that that wasn’t an earthquake. Have you heard anything from anyone else?

Jm Branson wrote:

Two booms shook my windows near Eagle Landing Park. My friend said they rattled her house in Federal Way.

My guess is military planes in association with Obama’s visit.

Cassandra wrote:

I am at SW 148th and Ambaum and it was strong enough to make my doors and windows move!

Shelby wrote:

We are over at SW 114th and Ambaum and our doors and windows were shaken as well. No idea what it was though.

Our first thought was a series of short, sharp earthquakes, but the sonic boom theory may be more plausible, as President Obama is in town, which means that accompanying fighter jets may have cause sonic booms.

We just received word from the Washington State Patrol, which says:

Washington State Patrol is reporting the loud booms heard over the South King County area minutes ago is possibly resulting from a Sonic Boom. Residents are encouraged not to call 9-1-1 in regards to this event.

Any questions, you may call Normandy Park Police Department at 206-248-7600.

Also, KING5 is reporting on their Facebook Page:

If you heard/felt the booms this afternoon – the FAA says they are sonic booms from military aircraft in the area.

So…did YOU hear them? Where were you? And what did it sound like to you? Please leave a Comment below:

UPDATE SUNDAY 8/15/10: We’ve added video of the fire -- see below.

Witness (and Photographer/Videographer) Wayne Corey says he heard that one person was on board a boat that caught fire Saturday afternoon off Des Moines. The survivor apparently was rescued, uninjured, after jumping into the water. According to Master Sgt. Bob Collins of the D.M.P.D., the rescued boater was arrested.

The boat burned down to the waterline, sending dramatic plumes of black smoke rising over the city.

It appears that the boat is a total loss.

According to witness Wayne Corey:

It looked like about a 24-foot fiberglass pleasure boat.

A South King Fire & Rescue fire boat responded as well as DMPD and a Medic One aid car.

The burning boat passed under the pier without any problems as the fire boat put out the flames.

The boat burned to the waterline and wound up against the rock jetty south of the pier.

Here’s video as shot by Wayne:

Here are photos sent to us by Wayne, in sequential order:

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a warning for “high levels of ozone pollution (smog) for both King and Pierce counties, and are forecasting levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” category this weekend as the region comes under the influence of a hot and stagnant weather pattern.

Here’s the warning:

High levels of ozone pollution (smog) are being forecast by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties and are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” category this weekend as the region comes under the influence of a hot and stagnant weather pattern.

Exposure to ground-level ozone can trigger asthma attacks, make breathing difficult, exacerbate lung and heart problems and weaken the immune system. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.

Smoggy conditions will mostly impact communities in the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties. These outlying suburban and rural areas accumulate pollution generated by traffic and activities in the urban areas of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma.

Fine particle pollution levels are also rising, and are likely to reach the ?Moderate? category in most areas throughout the Puget Sound region.

Elevated pollution levels are expected to last at least through Tuesday.

Monitor current ozone levels at http://www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqiozone.aspx#.

To learn about the extended air quality forecast, read our forecast discussion at: http://www.pscleanair.org/fcstdisc.aspx.

Minimizing summertime ozone takes year-round effort. It’s changing everyday behaviors that can add up to cleaner, less smoggy air. To learn more about smog and what you can to lessen the pollution leading up to it, visit www.pscleanair.org/airq/basics/weather/smog.aspx.

by Ralph Nichols

The Des Moines City approved on Aug. 5 the final agreement with Water District 54 for the Downtown Water System Improvement Project, which is expected to begin early next spring.

Council members adopted the agreement on a 6-0 vote after water district commissioners informed them it has been pre-approved for its share of construction costs – estimated at about $550,000.

The district will also provide funding for the project – estimated at a cost of $1.8 million – from its capital reserves.

Although the exact dollar amount needed by the water district won’t be known until bids are open, commissioners said their lender has said they can get at least that amount. The project may go out for bids by or before early fall.

A $486,000 federal earmark grant – secured by Congressman Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and dedicated to water system improvements in Des Moines – will pay for the city share of the project’s cost.

In addition, the city will waive all permit fees incurred by the water district, not impose right-of-way fees, absorb all administrative costs associated with permitting and administration of the federal grant, and act as lead agency for obtaining state approval for the project.

Construction to install a new 12-inch water main under Marine View Drive between S. 219th and S. 227th streets is expected to begin in March or April as soon as weather permits, with work completed in about three months.

The 12-inch main will be located along the edge of Marine View Drive to avoid obstacles beneath the street. It will include 12-inch cross connections to east-west lines at S. 220th, S. 222nd, S. 225th and S. 227th streets.

In addition, the district will install 12-inch water mains on S. 220th, S. 222nd, S. 225th and S. 226th streets, connecting the Marine View Drive line west to 7th Ave. S.

Commissioners told council members that, with their pre-approved loan amount, the district now has adequate funds to pay for installation of water mains along cross-streets as part of this project as well – something they anticipated earlier would have to be put off to another year.

The fact the district is a utility will help it obtain the necessary financing since loans for capital projects by utilities are virtually guaranteed through their rates, thereby enabling them to get good terms from lenders.

“That’s all very good news,” Mayor Bob Sheckler said following the council meeting. “Previously [the commissioners] were concerned they would be able only to do Marine View Drive, and the other later.

“Now they can do it all in one fell swoop, which will result in the disruption of downtown businesses only once.”

One of the ironies of the recession-plagued economy, Sheckler noted, is that it puts the city in a good position to receive favorable bids.

“This is a major step forward in the development of the Marina District,” he added. “It now allows us to look more closely at types of construction and building heights that could bring new development that would attract both additional retail and residents downtown.”

Because of a local Eagle Scout’s idea, those enjoying boating at the Redondo and Des Moines marina will now be able to borrow life jackets for no charge.

The “Life Jacket Loaner Board” aims to save lives this summer and educate swimmers and boaters on the proper use of life jackets.

The idea for the loaner board belongs to Eagle Scout Evan Will from Troop #392 out of Normandy Park. Wanting to impact the community with something long standing and potentially lifesaving, Evan noticed how many people, mostly kids, were using the Redondo dock and swimming without a life jacket.

“The life jacket loaner board will be a success if it saves one life,” said Evan.

Under the mentorship of Des Moines Marina Manager Scott Willkins and South King Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Kirsti Weaver, the loaner board was designed. The visual part of the board was created by sign maker Jason Carter and the Multi-Care Health System design team in Tacoma. The base and board were built by over 20 scouts and family members, who assembled, painted, carved, and drilled along with marking the jackets as loaners.

With the completion of the Marina construction project, a second board will be placed at the Des Moines Marina. The boards will be under the supervision of Troop #392, who will replace jackets should they go missing.

In the United States, approximately 85% of drownings involved victims who were not wearing life jackets at the time.

For more information on the life jacket loaner board or for information on using life jackets properly, please contact Safe Kids’ Coalition Coordinator Deb Will at 253-372-7729.

The “Pink Party for the Cure” is a fundraiser benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, and will be held this Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm at Des Moines’ All-Star Sports Bar.

There will be a bike run starting at Sound Harley in Marysville, leaving at 2pm and ending at the All-Star, along with numerous other fun events, all aimed at helping cure breast cancer.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Pink Party for the Cure 2010 Fundraiser.

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm.

WHERE: All-Star Sports Bar, located at 22303 Marine View Drive South; (206) 212-6740.

INFO: In addition to the motorcycle run, the event will include:

• There will be a “Breast in Show” contest, entry is $20, open to all bikes.
• Hot dogs will be served by the Dog House.
• Pool and dart tournaments!
• The signature “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Drinking for the Cure Martini!”
• Raffles for lots of great prizes and a 50/50 Cash raffle!
• Lots of fun – Come one, come all!!!

HOSTED BY: Pink Pedi Cures – Stacey Rivera, Lisa Reamy Malpass, Christa McCutchen, and by Justin Edwards and the crew at the All-Star Sports Bar.

Did you see that amazing, beautiful orange sunset Sunday night (Aug. 1)?

Des Moines City Councilmember Carmen Scott sure did, and she shot these great photos of it from Des Moines Beach Park (click on the images to see larger version):

Carmen notes that the skies were colored mostly orange all day Sunday due to particulate matter in the air from area forest fires.

Many area residents were on the fishing pier and at the beach park, watching the colorful, unusual sun go down.

A Business Recycling Collection Event is planned for Thursday, July 29th from 11am – 4pm at the Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Ave South.

The event is sponsored by the cities of Burien, Des Moines and Normandy Park.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Business Recycling Collection Event.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 2010 11am – 4pm.

WHERE: WA State Criminal Justice Training Center, 19010 – 1st Ave South.

COST: There will be fees for computer monitors, TV sets, appliances.

INFO: More details available here, or contact Shanta Frantz at 206-938-8262.

From a flier:

Accepted Materials:

• Cardboard ~ non-waxed or coated, flattened CDs, Floppy Disks, Video Tapes ~ please remove paper or plastic covers
• Cellular Phones ~ phones, batteries, chargers, adapters
• Computers & Components ~ hard drives, monitors ($10 fee-cash only), keyboards, printers, mice.
• Plastics ~ grocery bags, stretch wrap, film, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, garment bags
• Scrap Metal ~ chairs, desks, file cabinets, refrigerators/freezers/cfc units ($25 fee-cash only), telephones, fax machines, type writers, adding machines, copiers, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Sealed tanks and drums and metals that are insulated, rubbercoated, contain chemicals, paint, or hazardous materials will not be accepted.
• Toner and Printer Cartridges
• TVSets~TV sets with 36-inch or smaller screens and encased in plastic ($20 fee-cash only). TV sets with larger than 36 inch screens, wood console, sets encased in wood, and big screen TV sets – ($25 fee-cash only).
• Projection TV sets ($30 fee-cash only).
• Wood Pallets and Clean, Untreated Scrap Wood

PLEASE NOTE: Fluorescent lights, tubes, bulbs, and incandescent lights will not be accepted.

Please visit the King County http://www.takeitbacknetwork.org/ for a drop location near you.

Questions? Call (206) 938-8262

Note: Only the types of materials listed above will be collected. No hazardous waste will be accepted. Visit www.lhwmp.org if you need assistance with hazardous materials disposal.

The Local Hazardous Waste Program is conducting a small business hazardous waste disposal pilot project for 2010. Qualifying small businesses can dispose of limited quantities of hazardous wastes at Seattle and King County household hazardous waste facilities. This pilot program is offered at no additional cost to eligible small quantity hazardous waste generators (SQGs) in King County. This is an excellent opportunity for SQG businesses to dispose of their stock pile of hazardous materials. Further information is available at www.lhwmp.org or contact the business waste line at 206-263-8899.

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) announced Wednesday, July 21st, that it is seeking public comment on the City of Des Moines’ recently updated Shoreline Master Program, an effort that will increase the protection and restoration of Puget Sound shorelines.

Ecology will accept public comment on Des Moines’ shoreline program through Aug. 20, 2010.  Comments and questions should be addressed to:

Barbara Nightingale
Department of Ecology
3190 160th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98008

Or via email at: Barbara.Nightingale@ecy.wa.gov.

The updated master program guides construction and development in the City of Des Moines along its approximately 5 miles of marine shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Under Washington’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve the Des Moines program before takes effect.

Des Moines’ proposed program and related documents are available for review at:

City of Des Moines Planning-Building Dept.
21630 11th Ave. S Suite D
Des Moines

Or online here.

Ecology may approve the shoreline program as written, reject it or direct Des Moines to modify specific parts.  Once approved by Ecology, the Des Moines shoreline program will become part of the overall state shoreline master program.  In cases where counties and cities border marine waters, it will be part of the national Coastal Zone Management Program.  Ecology also will help each local jurisdiction legally defend its shoreline program, if necessary.

The City of Des Moines updated shoreline program was adopted by the city council after an extensive local process. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions to preserve existing shoreline areas while protecting future economic development. Des Moines collaborated over a period of several years with waterfront property owners, commercial property owners, environmental interests and state agencies.

Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state Shoreline Management Act passed by voters in 1972. The programs help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to public waters and shorelines.

The law requires cities and counties with marine shorelines, lakes 20 acres in size or larger, and streams and rivers flowing at 20 cubic feet per second or greater to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored shoreline programs.

Key features of Des Moines’ updated program include:

• Improves protection of habitat and water quality for all of Des Moines Puget Sound shorelines, including the annexed shorelines of Woodmont and Redondo Beach, which represent approximately 50% of Des Moines’ Puget Sound shorelines.
• More detailed shoreline environment designations tailored to existing uses and development potential along Des Moines marine shorelines.
• Promotes incentives for reestablishment of vegetation buffers.
• Limits construction of new shoreline armoring along presently unarmored shorelines and encourages the use of soft-bank erosion control methods.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader Puget Sound initiative to protect and restore the Sound.

Ecology adopted new guidelines in 2003 that establish the basic requirements for updating local shoreline master programs. The guidelines resulted from a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the courts.

City of Des Moines joins a growing number of cities, towns and counties that have updated their shoreline programs using the 2003 guidelines.  The state guidelines allow each town, city and county flexibility to customize their programs to fit its local land-use circumstances and vision of local waterfront development.

More than 30 cities and counties have already updated their shoreline programs, with70 updates currently under way.  Most haven’t done so comprehensively in almost 40 years. From 1978 through 2008, the state population grew from about 3.8 million to an estimated 6.6 million people.

Starting July 1, 2009, Ecology provided $7.5 million in state grants to an additional 77 cities and counties to help them begin updating their shoreline policies and regulation – including $3 million earmarked by the 2009 Legislature specifically to help municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region.

Washington has 266 cities and counties with shorelines that qualify them for grant funding, and updating their shoreline programs by December 2014.

by Scott Schaefer

This weekend, some rude dude named “DEX” dumped a plastic bag containing two large books I didn’t ask for on my front walkway.

That’s right – the new white and yellow pages arrived on my doorstep totally unsolicited on Saturday (July 17). This surprised me, because as I recall, I actually opted out of receiving any more of them last year, since they’re about as useful to me as um, say, the printed version of The Seattle Times.

As you may have guessed, unlike Prince, we’re very bullish on the internet. We get at least 80% of our daily news from it, both on our laptop and iPhone (the other 20% is usually from NPR radio on KUOW). We look things up using Google (sometimes Bing just to try it out), and we have grown tiresome of printed phone books full of ads (even a refrigerator magnet for a plumber is glued to the cover!), as well as the primitive, thumb-staining search technique of having to scan through dozens of listings and ads to find what we’re looking for.

Like newspapers or bound encyclopedias, the obsolescence of phone books is inevitable in this new internet age. But considering that in the US alone, 97% of this $14 billion industry is earned from printed product alone, it’s obvious why these mammoth media dinosaurs want to try and hold on for as long as possible.

Hello? Is there any way that print can duplicate searching online and getting the results you need right away?

The answer is a resounding NO.

What’s worse, I went through this exercise last year and took the time to opt out of receiving these books, which are headed straight to the recycling bin as soon I can pry the fridge magnet ad off the cover and toss it in the garbage (eees nice DEX – not only did you deliver these unsolicited and against my wishes, now you’re making me create more landfill with your damned magnet ad, which is NOT recyclable!).

Receiving these hulking phone books seems to me to be a huge waste of resources – not only the paper (which, I will admit, appears to be printed on mostly recycled paper), but also the distribution costs, fuel, plastic bags (which they claim are made of “45% post-consumer recycled content,” which means that 55% is NOT recycled), not to mention the frustration of customers like me who ALREADY OPTED OUT LAST YEAR.

That’s why I’m tossing out the following idea (pun intended), free of charge, to councilmembers for the City of Burien:

Ban all unsolicited phone book deliveries in the city of Burien.

If someone wants one, make it so they have to call the distributor to get it. But please, stop letting these wasteful folks dump their unsolicited, unusable litter on my property.

And isn’t there a fine for this kind of littering?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go back to opting out of receiving these wasteful piles of dinosaur dung AGAIN – you can do the same here:

1. Go to http://selectyourdex.dexknows.com/SelectYourDex/searchByZipCodeAction.do and enter your zip code.
2. Select “Proceed to Select Your Dex.”
3. Enter your name and address.
4. Select “0″ next to each directory you wish not to receive.
5. Press “Submit” and you are allegedly done.
6. Bookmark this page so when you get another delivery next year, you can try again.

Another option is to dial 1-877-243-8339 to opt-out from DEX (and have the chance to yell at a human operator).

Call 1-800-929-3556 to opt-out of receiving Yellow Book directories.

To opt-out of the Verizon phone book, dial 1-800-555-4833.

Hi there loyal Des Moinesians (that can’t be right, can it?). Leonard the goldfish here, with INCREDIBLE BREAKING NEWS!

I’m not usually one to type shout, but seriously, this is B-I-G big. After three long years of bugging the heck out of the Seattle Aquarium, they’re finally giving me a chance to get my own exhibit. I just have to prove that people (i.e. you) actually want me there. So I need to get 30,000 votes and I’m in. You can vote and find out more about my plight at VoteLeonardIn.com. Or follow me on my Facebook page.

Hopefully someday soon you’ll be able to follow me at the actual Seattle Aquarium, along with the otters, wolf eels, and moon jellies.

So please, Des Moinesites (ok, that sounds better), help me prove to the Aquarium folks I’m not too common to get my own exhibit.

Remember, a vote for me is a vote for goldfish everywhere.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seend by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The City of Des Moines Transportation Department wants our Readers to be aware that there will be a traffic disruption on Tuesday (July 13) at Kent/Des Moines Road and 24th/25th South.

A traffic signal controller and cabinet will be replaced, beginning at 9am, and it’s projected that it will take several hours to complete the work.

Here’s the official verbiage from the cityfolk:

Traffic Disruption 7/13 KDMR @ 24/25th I/S
Des Moines Transportation Department
Release Date and Time: 07-12-2010 07:16:00 PM

The traffic signal controller and cabinet are being replaced tomorrow Tuesday July 13th at the intersection of Kent Des Moines Road and 24th/25th Ave S. The existing signal cabinet and controller equipment is over 25 years old and in need of replacement.

The change out process will begin at 9:00 AM, and will take several hours to complete. During some of this time the intersection will be dark, with no traffic signal indications, and traffic will be controlled through the intersection with flaggers and at times a police officer. Motorist’s should expect significant delays and alternate routes are recommended.

Once the new controller and cabinet have been reinstalled, signal maintenance crews will be spending time fine tuning the intersection control equipment. Our hope is to have the change-out completed before the afternoon commute.

R. Brandon Carver, P.E., P.T.O.E.
Associate Transportation Engineer
City of Des Moines
(206)870-6543

The lowest tide of the summer occurred at our local beaches today, almost three and a half feet lower than average.

When these low tides happen, you’ll find volunteer naturalists at Seahurst Beach and Des Moines Beach. They’re part of a program run by the Seattle Aquarium.

From late May until early August, naturalists are available during scheduled days and hours to help visitors explore the beaches and learn more about the creatures that make this habitat their home.

We’ll experience another lower than average tide tomorrow just after noon. Beach naturalists will again be available from 10 AM until 2 PM. This is a great, free, family outing right here in our own community!

You can find out the dates that beach naturalists will be available at area beaches and get information on tides at the Seattle Aquarium website.

Photographer Michael Brunk was at Des Moines Beach today for low tide and captured these photos. Click on the image to advance through the slideshow.

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

The Port of Seattle announced Monday (July 12) that, due to requests received at the last workshop, they’re holding a technical session on the “Part 150″ airport noise study on Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm at Sea-Tac Airport.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Port of Seattle “Part 150″ Technical Session.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport’s Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

INFO: To download the session agenda, click here (PDF file).

From a press release:

In response to requests at the last Part 150 Noise Compatibility Public Workshop, a technical session regarding detailed noise modeling and input data topics will be held on July 29 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Sea-Tac Airport. Led by Vince Mestre, the Part 150′s noise analyst task leader, the meeting will be held in the Airport Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

Participants at the session will have the opportunity to discuss the mathematics and detailed data used to measure as well as model aircraft noise levels in the vicinity of Sea-Tac Airport. Participants will also discuss sound propagation effects associated with different types of meteorology. The discussions will be informal and focus on questions raised by the participants.

The comprehensive report from the June 9th public workshop is now available at Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Web site.

We welcome our new advertiser Bodle Chiropractic with a very special offer to our readers. Just mention the Waterland Blog and receive $50 off any Chiropractic services that Dr. Michael Bodle offers.

Bodle’s primary purpose is to help patients reach their full potential of their health through chiropractic care. They accomplish this by working with the body and giving it what it needs. This is achieved by maximizing the function and mobility of the spine. Chiropractic adjustments, stretching and strengthening exercises, massage or decompression they help restore what trauma and time have taken from our spines.

Dr. Bodle explained that “Chiropractors treat the cause of symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. The purpose of Chiropractic care is to restore proper mobility to the involved joints of the spine. Once proper function is restored, the irritation, swelling, and inflammation is reduced. This leads to better functioning nerves and nervous system. The healthier the nervous system, the healthier the person.”

A Des Moines native, Dr. Bodle is a Mt. Rainier graduate, as are both of his sons. After studying chiropractic for four years at Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, he started practice in 1986 in Auburn. In 1991 he opened his office at 22312 Marine View Drive in the Des Moines Marina District.

In celebrating 19 years in Des Moines, he has treated thousands of patients. Now he’s treating kids and grandkids of his original patients. Currently their youngest patient is several months old and their oldest is 98.

Dr. Bodle’s wife Jeannie joined him 11 years ago as Office Manager. Jeannie told us that “we love being here in Des Moines. And Dr. Bodle loves to take care of people, “Chiropractic is a profession where you really get to know the patients and their families.” Jeannie wants all of our readers to know that they take most insurance, including Medicare.

The Bodle’s have spent their lives in Des Moines supporting the schools and youth programs. Dr. Bodle has been a boys basketball coach since his oldest son started first grade.

To treat the whole person, Bodle Chiropractic has two massage therapists on staff. Gloria Bath, LMP and Mary Trout, LMP. As another Waterland Blog special, Gloria and Mary are offering massage for an introductory offer of $45 for new patients (regular price is $60). The offer is valid through August.

Bodle Chiropractic offers a variety of wellness practitioners in their office, as well as outside of their office, in the neighborhood..

• Gloria Bath, LMP, and
• Mary Trout LMP,both located in Bodle’s office.
• Foot Levelers – The custom-made orthotics, Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers®, provided structural support, yet allowed the foot to retain a full range of motion. Foot Levelers is now the leading provider of custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers and other healthcare products.
• Dr. Lynn Mikel – Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Lynn Mikel is dedicated to providing holistic care to her patients.
• Jim Scanlon, PT Marine View Physical Therapy Inc.

To learn more about these local wellness practitioners click here.

And for current patients, Dr. Bodle has a new patient referral program. When you refer a new patient, you will receive a complimentary massage.

To schedule an appointment call 206-824-8464. Mention the Waterland Blog to receive $50 credit on any of Dr. Bodle’s Chiropratic services. Start feeling better today!