On Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 10th), a man carjacked a vehicle from a student in the east parking of Highline Community College using a sword and toy gun.
According to police, the man, who had just committed an armed robbery nearby, demanded that the student drive him away from the campus. When the student refused, the man opened the car door and lunged at the student with a short sword. The student exited his vehicle unharmed and the man drove the car away.
The Des Moines and Kent police departments responded and reports are that an arrest was made at an off-campus location.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Highline College Campus Safety Office in Building 6 or call 206-878-3710 ext. 3218. You may also contact the Des Moines Police Department at (206) 878-3301.
In the meantime, here are some Safety Tips provided by Highline College:
- Call the Campus Safety Office or call 911 if you see people behaving suspiciously such as loitering in the parking lots or near isolated locations such as secluded walkways, doorways, or other areas where visibility is limited. The Campus Safety Office is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Generally, it is advisable to surrender property to an assailant rather than resist. You should then call 911 to report the incident.
- We recommend that you consult the personal safety tips that can be found at the Campus Safety website: http://www.highline.edu/admin/safety/personalsafety.htm
Rep. Dave Upthegrove will be holding “drop-in hours” at various area locations once a month through August, starting Tuesday, June 22nd in Burien.
Upthegrove, who serves the 33rd District and lives in Des Moines, is doing this so he can “meet informally with Highline-area constituents.”
“I’m always happy to meet one-on-one with people, and they can call my legislative office to make an appointment,” Upthegrove said in a statement. “But in addition, I wanted to give constituents from the Highline area a chance to simply drop by and talk to me about legislative issues and concerns.”
He’ll be available to meet on each fourth Tuesday during June (the 22nd), July (the 27th) and August (24th), and will hang out at the recently-opened Infusion Tea & Coffee Shop at 15607 First Ave South in Burien, from 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
Additional “drop-in” hours will be held June 14, July 12, and August 9 (second Tuesday of each month) at the following South King County locations and times:
- 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Kent City Hall lobby
220 4th Avenue South, Kent - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Highline Community College Student Union Building – second floor information table
2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines (at Pacific Highway South)
Appointments are not necessary, which will allow for area residents to just “drop-in” and speak with him.
Upthegrove notes that these “drop-in hours” are in addition to his standing offer to meet with constituents at a time and location of their convenience.
Here’s a press release with more details:
With the 2010 Legislative Session now concluded, Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) has returned home to Des Moines and has set aside specific dates and times to meet informally with Highline-area constituents.
On each fourth Tuesday during June, July, and August (June 22, July 27, and August 24), Upthegrove will be available at the newly-opened Infusion Tea & Coffee shop at 15607 1st Avenue South in Burien (corner of 156th and 1st Avenue South) from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This will enable people to meet with him without having to schedule an appointment in advance.
Upthegrove notes that these “drop-in hours” are in addition to his standing offer to meet with constituents at a time and location of their convenience.
“I’m always happy to meet one-on-one with people, and they can call my legislative office to make an appointment. But in addition, I wanted to give constituents from the Highline area a chance to simply drop by and talk to me about legislative issues and concerns,” Upthegrove said.
Additional “drop-in” hours will be held June 14, July 12, and August 9 (second Tuesday of each month) at the following South King County locations and times:
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Kent City Hall lobby
220 4th Avenue South, Kent1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Highline Community College Student Union Building – second floor information table
2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines (at Pacific Highway South)
The Seattle Southside Visitor’s Center held its Grand Opening last Thursday, May 13th, at its new digs in SeaTac, and on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were dignitaries from Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac and Kent.
The event included a ribbon cutting by Program Director of Seattle Southside Visitor Services Katherine Kertzman as well as speeches by Mayor Bob Sheckler, SeaTac Mayor Terry Anderson, as well as other local public officials.
According to their website, the Seattle Southside Visitor’s Center:
We are the leading tourism and marketing organization in South King County. Seattle Southside Visitor Services (SSVS) –a program offered jointly by the Cities of Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac and Kent – is responsible for competitively marketing the area as an ideal travel destination for tourists who wish to explore Western Washington.
Scott Schaefer was also on hand, mostly to nosh on the free food and enter raffles (he didn’t win anything though…), as well as take the following photos:
Seattle Southside Visitor Services Program Director Katherine Kertzman cuts the ribbon, as Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler and Tukwila City Councilmember Joan Hernandez look on.
SSVC Program Director Katherine Kertzman, left, and Business Relations Coordinator Meilee Anderson watch the festivities.
The sparkling new facility is located at 3100 S. 176th Street in SeaTac.
SSVC Staff were all smiles as the big day went off without a hitch.
Dozens of local businesspeople, residents and dignitaries showed up to support the new center.
Bowls of colored chocolate candy brightened up tables full of "Tourism Matters" buttons.
The Ink Stop's Barbara Panush, left, and Tamara Mackey of Heartland Payment Systems.
For more information on the Seattle Southside Visitor’s center, click here.
| May |
| 13 |
| 4:00 pm |
Seattle Southside Visitor Services, the official tourism department for the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Kent, will be holding its Grand Opening event for a new visitor center in SeaTac on Thursday, May 13th from 4pm – 8pm.
This event will feature ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton of Tukwila, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and other local public officials.
If you wish to attend, you are encouraged to RSVP by Monday, May 10 by calling 206.575.2489.
Seattle Southside’s New Visitor Center is located at 3100 South 176th Street in SeaTac.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Grand Opening Event for Seattle Southside Visitor Services’ new Visitor Center. Event to feature ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton of Tukwila, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and other local public officials.
WHEN: Thursday, May 13, 2010, 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Southside’s New Visitor Center, located at 3100 South 176th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188
INFO: On Thursday, May 13, Seattle Southside Visitor Services will host a Grand Opening Event for the new Visitor Center located in the City of SeaTac. The Grand Opening Event will coincide with National Tourism Week and will feature a ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and local public officials. Guests will enjoy wine tasting, appetizers, music performances and prize giveaways that include an Apple iPad.
In March 2010, Seattle Southside relocated the Visitor Center to its new location in the City of SeaTac. At this location, the Visitor Center will have greater visibility and access to airport travelers and hotel guests visiting the region. It also offers flexibility for future growth and better transportation access for volunteers and interns from Highline Community College and South Seattle Community College, both of which have hospitality management and tourism programs.
More information on Seattle Southside is available at their website here.
| Mar |
| 20 |
| 9:00 am |
The South King County Genealogical Society is presenting a spring mini-seminar called “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats” on Saturday, March 20th from 9am to Noon, at the First Baptist Church of Kent.
Here are the details:
WHAT: South King County Genealogical Society spring mini-seminar “Seattle’s Pioneer Women: More Than Pretty Petticoats”
WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
WHERE: The First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St., Kent, WA 98030
TICKETS:
- General Admission: $20.00
- SKCGS Members: $15.00
- Students (18 & under) $10.00
- Cash or Check at the door
SCHEDULE:
Session 1 – 9:00 – 10:00: “Patch-Work Pioneers,” Seattle’s First Bride, Louisa Boren Denny
Debbie Dimitre will be presenting Louisa Boren Denny, the Sweet Briar Bride of Seattle. In costume and in character and by the glow of her kerosene lamp, Debbie will bring to life the story of pioneer Seattle through the eyes of its first bride, who on January 23rd 1853, was married to one of Seattle’s founding fathers, David Denny.
Session 2 – 10:45 – 12:00: “They Called Them The Mercer Girls,” Washington Territory’s Cargo of Brides
Peri Lane Muhich: In 1864 Seattle’s ratio of men to marriageable women was nine to one. Asa Mercer had an idea to help correct the situation so he went east to appeal to New England’s single “ladies of refinement” to come west. Eleven responded to his call. Learn who these women were and what became of them.
INFO: Full details can be found on their website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waskcgs/.
The Kent Police Department has created a website showcasing photos of 160 recovered stolen items including electronics, wallets, purses, backpacks, stereos, baby clothes and even a wedding dress; some of which may have been originally swiped in the Des Moines/South King County area.
According to police, a man and woman who are suspected of breaking into more than 100 cars have been busted. Now, they want to return the stolen items to their rightful owners.
The suspects were apparently caught when they used stolen credit cards at local businesses. Police then followed their trail and recovered the stolen stuff in a storage locker as well as at local pawn shops.
According to the website:
Suspects Mode of Operation:
Type of crime: Vehicle prowls (car break ins)
Method of entry: Break window or force door lock
Types of vehicles: Different types and styles but they favored FORD F-series trucks
Property targeted: luggage, purses, laptop computers, GPS units, assorted tools, backpacks, cameras, MP3 players, I-Pods, cell phones, CD players, car stereos, jewelry, anything of value.
Estimated time range of criminal activity: Past 3-4 months
Focus area of vehicle prowl activity: Kent, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, South Seattle, Unincorporated areas of South King County. Collateral areas that may have been impacted as well are: Des Moines, Federal Way, Auburn, Bellevue.
If you were the victim of a car break-in between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010, your stolen items may be in police custody – check this website now and see if you recognize anything; if you do, contact Officer Bateman at (253) 856-5894 or via email: kbateman@ci.kent.wa.us.
The recovered stolen property includes (click on links below to see individual pics):
Is this your Pirate Stuff? The Kent PD might have it...
- Laptops
- Cell phones
- MP3 players
- Car Stereos
- Unusual, miscellaneous stuff like:
Some items have been claimed and returned, but most are still in evidence and awaiting rightful return to their owners – so check out the website here.
| Feb |
| 20 |
| 10:00 am |
State Representatives Dave Upthegrove and Tina Orwall, both Democrats from Des Moines, along with Senator Karen Keiser (D-Kent), will host a Community Jobs Forum on Saturday, Feb. 20th from 10am to Noon at the Kent City Hall.
Stepping out of the traditional “town hall” format, the three lawmakers put together a Community Jobs Forum to give constituents an opportunity to connect with state and nonprofit agencies that do job placement, training, counseling, and similar services.
Legislators will speak briefly about state efforts to spur job creation and get the economy back on track. The rest of the event will be free time for attendees to visit tables from the participating agencies and speak one-on-one with the legislators.
Here are the details:
WHAT: 33rd District Community Jobs Forum
Rep. Tina Orwall
WHEN: Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
WHERE: Kent City Hall – Council Chambers, located at 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent
WHO: 33rd District legislators: Rep. Dave Upthegrove, Rep. Tina Orwall and Sen. Karen Keiser.
Confirmed participating agencies include:
- WorkSource
- Port Jobs
- Highline CC
- Green River CC
- Renton Technical College
- The Veterans Conservation Corps
- US Census Bureau
This Community Jobs Forum is a free event, and all South King County job seekers are encouraged to attend.
The 33rd Legislative District includes SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Kent and Tukwila.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Waldref at (360) 786-7201 or Waldref.Jennifer@leg.wa.gov.
Des Moines is one of four South King County communities to be awarded a $50,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology meant to help them comply with federal regulations regarding toxic runoff from streets and other surfaces.
The grant money will be applied toward anything from equipment purchases and storm drain cleaning to public education and outreach.
Recipient cities include:
- Des Moines
- Kent
- Normandy Park
- SeaTac
Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines), who chairs the state House Ecology and Parks Committee, says the timing of the awards couldn’t be better.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove
“Toxic runoff is one of the major causes of pollution to Puget Sound,” Upthegrove said. “Research clearly shows it is a threat both to drinking water and marine life. These grants will help communities that are already operating on lean budgets still meet federal requirements to address this very serious environmental health issue.”
About 14 million pounds of toxic pollutants – including petroleum, pesticides, and heavy metals – enter Puget Sound each year. This constant influx of hazardous substances kills fish, closes beaches to swimming, and threatens drinking water supplies. It imperils the region’s economy, not only because of the state’s reliance on water resources, but because cash-strapped municipalities lack sufficient funding to pay for cleanup efforts.
All four cities plan to use part of the grant money for detection of pollutants within their stormwater systems. By pinpointing the source sites where pollutants enter these systems, they can take the necessary steps to address the problem. Public education efforts will also be undertaken, to help teach people how they can help prevent toxic runoff from their homes and businesses.
“The clock is ticking for us to save Puget Sound, and how cities deal with toxic runoff is going to determine whether or not we’ll be successful,” Upthegrove said. “This extra boost in state funds will help these communities move forward with pollution prevention efforts.”
King County Public Health announced Friday (Nov. 6th) that it is now offering a limited supply (15,000 for now) of H1N1 vaccines to qualified people at area pharmacies, including one in Des Moines, one in Kent and another in Federal Way (see interactive map below).
To get vaccinated, you have to make an appointment by telephone, and meet the criteria listed below:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
- People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
- Healthcare and emergency workers with direct patient contact
The only Des Moines pharmacy with the new batch is:
- Bartell Drugs
27055 Pacific Hwy S
Des Moines, WA 98198-9250
(253) 839-1693 - Fred Meyer Pharmacy
25250 Pacific Hwy S
Kent, WA 98032-6539
(253) 946-7433 - Albertsons-Sav-on – 312th & Pacific
31009 Pacific Hwy South
Federal Way, WA 98003
(253) 946-4002
Here are two others nearby:
Many of the 44 participating pharmacies are taking appointments by phone starting today (Fri. Nov. 6th); some will be holding walk-up clinics without appointment starting next week. The full list of participating pharmacies, including hours, types of vaccine available, vaccination age ranges and administrative fee, is posted at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/locations.aspx. This site will be updated Monday through Friday by noon; people should contact pharmacies directly for the most up-to-date information.
With limited national vaccine supplies, Public Health – Seattle & King County has had to delay its plan to make vaccine widely available through community venues. As more vaccine becomes available, there will be additional sites for getting vaccinated, including community clinics.
“Making vaccine available through pharmacies is an important next step in protecting our community, but supplies at both pharmacies and health care providers will continue to be limited for at least several weeks,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants to get vaccinated, but we are still dealing with limited vaccine supplies.”
With the latest deliveries this week, King County has received approximately 142,000 doses of vaccine. A new allocation of approximately 71,000 doses is being ordered for delivery to the county. Most of the vaccine is being made available through health care providers.
The amount of H1N1 vaccine at pharmacies will be limited, with each pharmacy receiving a few hundred doses each. Vaccine will be re-supplied to pharmacies as more becomes available over the coming weeks, so people should regularly check Public Health’s website for updates.
Many pharmacies are unable to vaccinate babies and young children because their staff is not licensed and/or trained for these age groups. Residents trying to vaccinate children should check with pharmacies directly and with their health care providers since vaccine is continuing to arrive.
Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically between $12 and $22 (not to exceed $22). This fee is covered by most health insurance. People should bring their health insurance information to the pharmacy, and they may need to submit a receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement.
Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators from 9am to 5pm weekdays to answer questions from residents about H1N1 influenza. There is also a special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information will be available 24 hours a day.
View King County pharmacies with H1N1 vaccine in a larger map
King County Councilmember Julia Patterson (5th District) was presented with the 2009 Local Hero Arts Award by the Washington State Arts Alliance (WSAA). Patterson, chosen from a slate of nominees from around the state, was honored for her strong support of cultural groups not only in her own district, but throughout South King County.
In 2004, Patterson hosted a community luncheon attended by scores of individuals involved in arts and heritage efforts, to discuss the cultural vitality of South King County. Out of that session, the South King County Cultural Coalition (better known as SoCoCulture) was formed.
Linda Petersen, chair of SoCoCulture, was among those who nominated Patterson for this year’s WSAA award.
“Julia Patterson’s vision has materialized into an active organization of almost 70 arts and heritage groups that share resources, ideas and marketing through a terrific website and bi-monthly meetings,” Petersen said. She also noted that in 2007, when the organization had grown too large to be run solely by volunteers, Patterson provided SoCoCulture with funding for a part-time administrator.
Today the web site, www.sococulture.org ,includes an online calendar featuring all members’ events, a page that posts auditions and calls for artists, and other pages listing current local exhibits, arts classes, and other cultural opportunities. The arts commissions of Des Moines, Tukwila, Renton, Kent and many other South King County cities are members, as are local historical societies, theater groups, orchestras, dance companies, and more.
“Julia’s continued support and enthusiasm have been visionary. We commend her leadership and passion for arts and heritage,” Petersen said.
Patterson represents King County’s 5th District, which includes:
- Des Moines
- Federal Way
- Kent
- Renton
- SeaTac
- Tukwila
The WSAA presented the Local Hero Award to Patterson at a ceremony in Olympia on Sept. 22nd.
| Sep ’09 |
| 17 |
| 8:45 am |
A brand spankin’ new Goodwill Store will open Thursday, Sept. 17th in Des Moines, and will feature the usual Goodwill great shopping values, a convenient drop-off for tax-deductible, gently used clothes and household goods, as well as provide support for Goodwill’s job-training and placement programs.
A grand opening ceremony will take place that morning, from 8:45am to 9am at the store, which will be located at 23313 Pacific Highway S., in La Plaza shopping center. Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler, along with Goodwill Board of Directors President Bob Bruback and CEO Terry A. Hayes will be on hand.
After the ceremony, at 9am, the store will open to the public, and the Goodwill Hunting shall begin (or perhaps the Goodwill Games?).
During the grand opening weekend (Sept. 17-20th), shoppers will have the opportunity to win a DVD player, iPod nano and $50 gas cards daily throughout the event. Other free giveaways will also be available at the store.
“Our new Des Moines Goodwill Store provides tremendous benefits to the community,” said Bruback. “A Goodwill store not only means a place where families can stretch the value of their dollars, but jobs and even tax revenue for the community.”
About 35 people, from the store manager to supervisors, cashiers and production clerks and donation attendants, were hired for the store. The payroll exceeds a half-million dollars, along with health insurance and other benefits.
Hayes noted Goodwill provides a great opportunity for people seeking that first job or that second chance. Goodwill’s retail stores also are utilized as part of Goodwill’s job training and placement programs, she said.
Hayes thanked architects BCRA, the contractor, Mountain Construction; and Trinity Real Estate, property owners/managers. The Des Moines store is 17,000 square feet and formerly a QFC.
Robert Glidewell will be the store manager. Glidewell has been with Goodwill since April 2008 and was manager of the agency’s Outlet Store. Before coming to Goodwill, Glidewell was a store manager for Walgreens and has experience as an assistant store manager at Lowe’s in Bellevue.
Jeff Kelly will become the Outlet Store manager.
The store hours will be from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 7pm on Sunday. More information about Goodwill is available online at www.tacomagoodwill.org.
The store will be the 23rd for the agency, headquartered in Tacoma, and marks the fifth store in King County.
The new Des Moines Goodwill is located at 23313 Pacific Ave. South, which technically is in Kent but we’re still calling it the “Des Moines Goodwill” since this town can always use more of that; phone is (206) 824-1101.
| Jul ’09 |
| 18 |
| 10:00 am |
by Adam Hanes
“Why is there so much evil in the world?”
That was asked of me recently when I was told about Angelo Mendoza and I didn’t have an answer. So much of the news we receive is focused on affliction towards innocents and we should be in the know. However, the coverage on the people trying to make things right I find to be quite lacking.
In April of this year a neighbor woman found Angelo Mendoza, Jr. on the floor behind a chest of draws in his father’s apartment in Bakersfield, CA. The 4 year old was naked in a pool of blood, both eyes swollen shut. “My Daddy ate my eyes out!” the mutilated boy told police. Angelo Mendoza, Sr. was found by another neighbor, Ramon Rodriguez, and was later captured by police. The police report states that the wheelchair-bound father had appeared to be on PCP. Angelo, Sr. is charged with torture, aggravated mayhem, and cruelty to a child. Little Angelo’s injuries consists of the left eye and muscle missing, the right badly damaged and a profuse amount of bite marks on his face and hands. Doctors say Little Angelo’s left eye is ‘completely gone’ and his right eye may be damaged beyond repair as well rendering the boy permanently blind. Hope for brighter future is not exactly dim however. Angelo’s cries for help have been heard over a thousand miles away.
Bonnie Bingham of Kent told me about Angelo’s story. Instead of just crying after reading the tragic news and then going on with her day, the 29-year old mother of two contacted the Mendoza family and local news in Bakersfield searching for a way to help. Her tireless inquiring paid off when she found out that Angelo’s Uncle was in the process of starting a website for his nephew’s recovery. The website was created to raise funds. Bonnie took it upon herself to do more, and on July 18 she will be holding a car wash and bake sale to further help with donations. The event is taking place at Eastridge Baptist Church in Kent. Bonnie is looking for all sorts of volunteers for child care, bake goods (in advance), sell baked goods or wash cars. She also needs help with the design of a large poster to hang on the church to inform people what they are doing next month on the 18th.
All the information for this function and more links about Angelo please visit www.angelosrecovery.com. If you can help in anyway please look at the website and find something you can contribute.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Fundraiser Car Wash and Bake Sale for Angelo Mendoza
WHEN: Saturday July 18th, from 10am to 2pm
WHERE: Eastridge Baptist Church, located at 12520 SE 240th Street in Kent, WA. 98031 (see map below)
“If you cannot attend this event, feel free to contribute to this little boy’s recovery and restoration at this website. Sometimes we are limited to what we can do for others. We cannot show him a parent’s love or teach him to trust again. But we can help him in this way. Please help Baby Angel.”
NEWS LINKS:
In a struggling economy, every piece of positive news counts, and here’s some that’s very relevant to the area:
Tourists spent $615 million last year in the cities of Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac and Kent, according to a tourism group that represents the four southwest King County cities.
There were 5,350 tourism-related jobs that generated $181 million in wages last year in the four cities, according to a report prepared by Dean Runyan Associates for the Seattle Southside organization.
There were 2.2 million visitors to the four cities last year that accounted for $51.6 million in tax revenues for the state, the report indicated.
“For every South King County household, tourism provides $400 in taxes that residents don’t have to pay, and over 5,000 jobs that wouldn’t otherwise exist,” said Katherine Kertzman, program director for Seattle Southside, in a statement.
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