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.
The Clarion Hotel in SeaTac will be holding a special St. Patrick’s Day Spaghetti Feed & Auction fundraiser for the Des Moines Area Food Bank next Wednesday, March 17th from 5pm – 8pm at their location at 3000 South 176th Street in SeaTac.
Cost is $10 in advance for adults ($13 at door); Students & Seniors $7; or $25 for a Family Pack.
All proceeds go to the Des Moines Area Food Bank, so come on down, have some good spaghetti and help your hungry neighbors.
Here are the details:
WHAT: St. Patrick’s Day Spaghetti Feed and Auction fundraiser for the Des Moines Area Food Bank.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th, 5:00PM-8:00PM.
WHERE: Clarion Hotel, located at 3000 S. 176th St. in SeaTac.
COST: Adults $10 in advance, $13 at door; Students & Seniors $7; Family pack $25.
INFO: Proceeds go to the Des Moines Area Food Bank.
RSVP: Please call 206-676-3742 to RSVP, or click here for more information.
In the continuing saga of STITA vs the Port of Seattle, on Monday (Feb. 22nd), the Washington state Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the cab company by granting a temporary injunction against the Port of Seattle’s planned contract with Yellow Cab/Puget Sound Dispatch.
This means the Port cannot sign the planned contract “until further order of the Court” (click here to download/read the order as a PDF file), which could happen in April.
STITA’s request to expedite the appeal was granted by Commissioner Mary Neel. The Commissioner’s order states that this case will be heard by a three-judge panel “toward the end of the April 2010 term,” meaning that this ongoing SeaTac soap opera is far from over.
Members of STITA, who filed the original lawsuit against the Port of Seattle on Jan. 29, were obviously pleased with the decision.
“We are thrilled that the court stopped the Port from proceeding with an illegal contract,” said Jesse Buttar, a STITA member and spokesperson. “We’ve only ever asked for a fair process and a legal contract and now we hope the Port has finally listened and will re-do its flawed bidding process.”
Here’s more info from STITA’s press release, issued late Monday afternoon:
STITA, a non-profit co-op with one of the greenest cab fleet in the country, was created in 1989 by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business. They have the airport contract through August 2010.
STITA’s lawsuit claims that the Port’s bidding process violated state law by requiring bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues to the Port. This revenue system violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform. Previously, the Port had charged a per-trip fee to taxis based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies.
Additionally, the lawsuit contends that the Port’s new concession fees violate the King County Code and takes away from the King County Council’s authority to set “just and reasonable” taxi meter rates.
Despite protests from STITA to the Port about these glaring problems with the process and the proposed contract, the Port has so far declined to re-do its flawed contract bid.
A second lawsuit against the Port and Yellow Cab by Farwest Taxi was filed on Feb. 12.
Read our previous coverage of this ongoing legal battle here.
If you read The Waterland Blog regularly, you’re probably aware that, aside from providing a much-needed and timely service to the Des Moines area, we’re growing very quickly in both traffic, content and Advertisers (more info on us here).
And growth can be good, except of course when it starts to overwhelm a very small staff.
Hence, this posting – we’re looking for at least two capable folks to come join our Burien-based team:
- JOURNALIST/EDITOR with Wordpress knowledge (or you’re at least not afraid to learn it). Yes, we need another Editor to collect content, format it, copy edit, add graphics (and do appropriate FTPing if necessary), then push the “Publish” button to update some of our up-and-coming blogs (we currently have 6 total, with more coming soon…).
- SALES REP who can call on local businesses to let them know about us. We have nice Rate Cards, excellent traffic, our websites’ content speaks for itself, and we’re finding that selling Ads is easy – we just need more feet on the ground!
Here’s some more info:
- We prefer to find local folks who live in the general area.
- We like people who are involved in their communities (we’re active in ours).
- We like to find people who either read the blog already, or know of us.
- You can work part or full-time (some folks working here now have other gigs).
- You can set your own hours.
- This is a “ground-floor opportunity” and you will be part of a small, growing team.
- These are Contractor (1099) positions, meaning that you’ll be paid on an either per-job/hourly basis or pure Commission. And believe it or not, we also accept Volunteers! There are no benefits other than working with a fun, local, talented team who like to make a difference in their community.
- Your work will be seen on not just here on The Waterland Blog, but our five other area sister sites as well, including:
Requirements:
- Please have a computer and internet access (we’ll set you up with an email account).
- Please have a reliable car & valid driver’s license.
- For Sales Reps – please have the ability to manage your clients throughout their entire Ad run on the sites (this includes staying in contact with them, renewing them when their contracts expire, etc.).
- You will work as an Independent Contractor, meaning you’ll be responsible for your own taxes, insurance, etc. and there are no additional benefits).
- You dig the internet and are excited about its future possibilities, including new technologies like the upcoming iPad.
- You like Local News, Events, Arts, Entertainment and more, as well as helping out your community(we hold our own Fundraiser Blog Parties about once per quarter, and over our 2+ year lifespan have raised over $13,000 for local charities).
To apply for one of these positions, please email us your resume, links to your online stuff (ie: Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.), and your interests and availability!
As the owner of Shuttle Express, a provider of passenger service at Sea-Tac International Airport, I have been following the Port of Seattle’s recent decision to replace STITA (Sea-Tac International Taxi Association) with Yellow Cab. How could the Port make such a poor decision and why? Even though I compete with the taxis, I feel the need to speak up. When there is such an injustice to the traveling public, questions need to be asked.
Working at Sea-Tac for 35 years, I have firsthand knowledge of airport operations and STITA Taxi. Knowing STITA’s reputation, I thought they would surely be chosen for the new contract for the taxi concession. I was astonished to hear the Port’s decision. The structure of the RFP caused a bidding war, and the Port plans to award the contract to the highest bidder, Yellow Cab. How could they base their decision purely on money and not reputation and quality of service?
Shuttle Express and STITA operate within a few feet of each other so I know their operations and service level. STITA taxi owners maintain their vehicles and have invested in a green fleet, all while making a living wage. And, STITA provides good service, much better than any other taxi service in Seattle.
As a competitor, it would be to my advantage to say nothing and compete against a lesser provider. But I can’t watch this play out without saying something about the Port’s injustice to STITA, and more importantly to you, the traveling public. I have no issue with the Port opening the concession to competitive bid, but its selection based on who will pay the most money rather than service and safety is wrong.
Jim Sherrell is the Owner of Shuttle Express.
More money for the Port may sound good, but in reality the over-inflated fees that Yellow agreed to pay the Port are way off base. There is no way Yellow can use the minuscule taxi fees to fund reservations, dispatch, accounting, marketing, safe vehicles, insurance, advertising AND also pay the Port an exorbitant fee to use the taxi curb. What expenses will the Yellow taxi drivers have to cut to still be able to put bread on the table? Will you feel safe when you climb into that taxi knowing they cannot meet their financial obligations and still make a living?
So why would the Port prioritize getting more money above safety, service and other important factors? What seems obvious is the Port wants more money. Who is eventually going to pay the Port more money? Sure, first it will be the poor taxi drivers. Next, the taxi drivers will ask regulators to allow increased fees. In the end, YOU, the traveling public will be paying the difference with higher taxi fares.
Now ask yourself, is the Port operating in the interest of the traveling public, or is it merely trying to squeeze more money from taxi drivers and you, the passengers?
Will the publicly elected Port of Seattle Commissioners recognize this flawed RFP bid for what it is and correct this radical mistake? My experience during the last thirty-plus years tells me that when the Port Commissioners know the facts and hear from their voters, they will make the correct decision to award the RFP fairly, based on service and safety for the traveling public rather than strictly money from fees.
It’s up to you, the traveling public, to let the Commissioners know your feelings on the issue to have it corrected: www.portseattle.org.
- Jim Sherrell
Owner, Shuttle Express(Jim Sherrell is the owner of Shuttle Express, serving the Seattle region since 1979)
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]
On Wednesday (Feb. 27th), STITA and Farwest taxi companies sent letters to Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Attorney General Rob McKenna, urging an investigation into the Port of Seattle.
This follows a recent, fast-paced rash of two lawsuits filed against the Port for its alleged mishandling of switching cab vendors over from STITA to Yellow Cab (read our previous coverage here).
The letter to the State Auditor asks him to investigate the Port’s handing of the entire on-demand taxicab RFP (Request For Proposal) process, which resulted in the two recent lawsuits.
The letter to Attorney General McKenna requests not only for an investigation of the Port, but also of lobbyist Chris Van Dyk, who is accused of collusion in the RFP process.
“It’s time for the auditor and the attorney general to step in,” said STITA spokesperson Jesse Buttar in a statement. “We hope they will take a careful look at the allegations against the Port.”
We got in touch with Perry Cooper, Media Officer for the Port, who said:
“Understand we have just received this and will review our records again…
but we are still emphasizing that we are confident the RFP and bidding process was fair, open and transparent.
We have reviewed our approach continually throughout a thoughtful and thorough RFP and bidding process.
We are aware of no facts that would support allegations of collusion.
At no time during the process did anyone file an official complaint.
We were not aware of these allegations until the suit was filed.”
Both letters are enclosed below, and are available also for download here (both as PDF files):
- Letter to State Auditor Sonntag (PDF File)
- Letter to Attorney General McKenna (PDF File)
The Port of Seattle is apparently being sued by a second taxi company – this time by Rainier Dispatch (aka Farwest Taxi) for ignoring collusion.
This is the latest twist in an ongoing legal war against the embattled Port of Seattle, and Rainier/Farwest is now the second taxi company to claim the Port’s process for selecting a new on-demand airport taxi contract is illegal (as we’ve covered previously, the first was STITA).
According to a press release we received Tuesday, Feb. 16th:
Farwest Taxi filed a lawsuit last Friday (Feb. 12th) in King County Superior Court against the Port of Seattle and Yellow Cab, its former partner in a joint bid for the airport contract. The lawsuit claims the Port’s proposal process was illegal. The lawsuit says lobbyist Chris Van Dyk drafted the bid for Yellow Cab, the winning bidder for the on-demand airport contract. Then he turned around and used that insider information to draft a less competitive proposal by the No. 2 bidder, a joint venture between Yellow, Farwest and Orange Cab.
“The Port of Seattle and Yellow Cab should be ashamed of this whole process,” said Gurcharan Dhaliwal, president of Rainier Dispatch. “Yellow Cab and Chris Van Dyk took our bid information and used it to make sure they came out on top, and the Port looked the other way.”
According to the lawsuit, Van Dyk knew trade secrets of the two other bidders in the joint venture, and used that proprietary intellectual property to ensure Yellow Cab submitted the top bid. In addition, in its legal filing, Farwest says it explicitly told Yellow representatives that it did not want anyone who drafted the joint venture proposal to also draft a proposal for any of the three individual members. They said they were assured that would be the case.
The Port’s own RFP states: “One or all responses will be rejected if there is reason for believing that collusion exists among Proposers, and no participant in such collusion will be considered in future proposals for concessions at the Airport.” [RFP, 13.4.1, p. 6]
This latest lawsuit follows on the heels of a well-publicized lawsuit filed by the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) on Jan. 29. STITA, which has the exclusive taxicab contract at Sea-Tac Airport through August 2010.
Like STITA’s lawsuit, Farwest Taxi’s lawsuit requests a court order barring the Port of Seattle from officially signing a contract with Yellow Cab. It also seeks an order disqualifying Yellow Cab from future re-bids of the airport contract.
STITA members were encouraged that another taxi company – even one of their competitors – saw the same foul play and are now suing the Port and Yellow Cab.
“Here is yet another reason for the Port to hold off on signing the illegal contract with Yellow Cab,” said Jesse Buttar, a spokesperson for STITA. “We hope the Port takes the opportunity to go back and review this whole process. This illegal process directly affects the 450 families who make up STITA. We just want a fair shot at the airport contract.”
A copy of this lawsuit can be downloaded here (as a PDF file).
Together with the King County Sheriff’s Office, Burien and SeaTac Police are continuing their twice-yearly “Citizen’s Police Academy” program with an orientation on Thursday, March 11th, and classes on Wednesday nights from 6pm-9pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Citizen’s Police Academy Training
WHEN: Starts Thursday, March 11th and continues through April 24th. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.
Classes will run for 13 weeks, plus a graduation ceremony including a certificate of completion and pictures with police staff. A light meal will be provided for students. There are presentations by many of the Sheriff’s Office Units and several opportunities for hands-on experiences, plus a field trip to the King County Communications Center.
The training sessions are held twice a year in the spring and fall. The sessions require approximately 20 hours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.
WHERE: Initial meeting is at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Station, which is located at 15100 8th Ave SW in Burien; subsequent classes will be at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.
COST: FREE!
INFO: From a press release:
Graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy will have a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society. They will also be better able to assist offices in improving their neighborhoods and communities.
The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations or workplaces in basic preparation and response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.
SeaTac and Burien Fire and Police Departments partner in offering this eight-week training held on weekday evenings, with a Practical Fianl Exercise held on a Saturday. Sessions require approximately 20 ours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.
Training is designed to cover the following:
- Disaster Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- Disaster Medical Operations (Triage, Treating Life Threatening Injuries, and Assessment, Treatment and Hygiene.)
- Light Search and Rescue
- Team Organization
- Disaster Psychology
- Terrorism
Graduates will also be eligible for the Ride-Along program, in which you can spend up to an entire shift riding with an officer.
This course is an unforgettable experience and it’s completely free for anyone who lives or works in the cities of SeaTac or Burien!
There are two sessions each year and they fill up fast, so register early with your local Community Service Officer.
If you are interested in attending the next session and would like an application sent to you by mail, please contact CSO Mechee Burnett at mechee.burnett@kingcounty.gov or 206.973.4917 (you can also download a PDF application here).
- SEATAC: If you are from the SeaTac area, please contact: CSO Eloise Kruger: 206-973-4915 or ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us
- BURIEN: If you are from the Burien area, please contact: CSO Nicki Maraulja: 206-296-3333 or nicki.maraulja@kingcounty.gov
The first in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th at Mount Rainier High School (22450 19th Ave. South in Des Moines) beginning at 5:15pm.
So if you have something to say about airport noise, this would be the place to air your thoughts and hope that the Port of Seattle hears you.
Doors open at 5pm, with the program beginning at 5:15pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” program
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 24th beginning at 5:15pm
WHERE: Mt. Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines
INFO: From a press release:
The Part 150 Study will look at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.
The February 24th workshop will include a brief presentation followed by facilitator-led, small-group working sessions designed to gather the public’s input on refining the scope for the Part 150 Study. So, please review the meeting agenda and come prepared with ideas.
Visit the dedicated Part 150 Study Website – the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
The Highline Historical Society will be presenting “Soldiers in Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes” at the SeaTac City Hall on Sunday, Feb. 21st, beginning at 2pm.
Local actress Tames Alan will return, dressed in full period costume and acting in character, to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s “Soldiers In Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes”
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21st beginning at 2pm
WHERE: Sea-Tac City Hall, located at 4800 S 188th Street.
COST: This is a FREE event.
INFO: From a press release:
In the authentic clothing of a suffragette, Actress Tames Alan returns to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote. In 1867, the passing of the 14th Amendment defined “citizen” as “male,” thus denying women the right to vote. On this 100th Anniversary of women’s right to vote in Washington State, learn how American women adopted the militant tactics of English suffragettes to earn the right to vote and regain citizenship in their own country. Discover how the suffragettes influenced child labor laws, the use and dispersal of birth control, the Temperance movement, and the right of women to earn a college degree.
This engaging program is free.
It is brought to the community by the Highline Historical Society with the support of Humanities WA.
Immediately followed by a reception for the elected women of Highline.
Tames Alan is an actress, historian, and fashion history teacher who has combined her skills to create Living History Lectures for people of all ages. Since 1986, she has been touring her programs throughout the United States and Canada, where she is known for in-depth research and a lively presentational style. Tames studied theater and history at Willamette University in Oregon and theater at the American Conservatory Theater and the Dell Arte School in California. She taught fashion history at the Art Institute of Seattle, and is a historical consultant to museums, libraries, and historical festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, visit the Highline Historical Society’s website here.
In a fast-paced legal tennis match, after briefly having its restraining order denied, a State Court of Appeals Commissioner issued a stay late Monday in STITA Cab’s lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.
This means that, pending any other legal maneuvering, the Port will not be able to sign a contract with Yellow Cab.
Earlier Monday, King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez denied a restraining order filed by STITA to block the Port from signing the contract with Yellow Cab.
The contract for on-demand taxi service at Sea-Tac airport won’t be awarded until the court determines if the Port acted illegally. Judge Gonzalez heard STITA’s case Feb. 4th, and issued his decision Monday afternoon.
After Gonzalez’ initial ruling, STITA immediately took the case to the State Court of Appeals, which agreed to issue a stay – meaning the Port cannot sign with Yellow Cab until the legal issues are resolved.
The commissioner is expected to consider the merits of the case this week.
“We’re thrilled with this late-breaking win,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA cab owner. “We know we have a case. We just want a fair shot at the airport contract.”
On Jan. 29, STITA filed a complaint asking the court to halt the Port from signing a contract that violates state law. STITA seeks a fair and legal proposal process in which all bidders can compete on a level playing field.
In its lawsuit, STITA contends the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.
STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.
STITA’s lawsuit also contends that the Port’s new concession fee violates the King County Code, which requires the King County Council to set the taxi meter rate at a level that is “just and reasonable.” The Port’s new concession fee cuts directly into the county’s taxi meter rate and prevents cab operators from receiving the gross receipts that they legally are entitled to receive.
The exclusive taxicab contract was held by STITA for 20 years in a no-bid deal. After a harsh rebuke from the State Auditor over its contracting processes, the Port of Seattle issued a “Request for Proposal,” or RFP, for the first time last fall.
Yellow Cab won the award with a bid of $18.3 million, which is $8 million greater than the bid STITA submitted. Yellow Cab was named a defendant in the lawsuit, along with the Port of Seattle and other taxi associations.
In issuing his denial, Judge Gonzales noted that the RFP allowed for prospective bidders to file complaints, or injunctions, to any portion of the RFP document; Gonzales said, “The Plaintiff had the opportunity to file a complaint during the process, and they did not. They only complained when they did not win the bid.”
Stay tuned folks, because this legal match is far from over.
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.
A public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th, from 5pm – 7pm at Mount Rainier High School, which is located at 22450 19th Ave South right here in Des Moines.
The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.
For more information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website here that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
Up to six additional public workshops will be held throughout the Part 150 Study process. This first meeting will introduce and orient the participants to the Part 150 process as well as further “scope” the study itself. In order to do that, the consultants will facilitate small group discussions with the participants to talk about their concerns and what they are hoping to see included in the study. Records of these sessions and the input received will be kept and factored into the study. The Port will soon launch an advertising campaign publicizing the meeting and they will make sure the members of the Forum get additional information.
Public workshops are not the only vehicle that will be used to engage the public. The Port wants to make sure community leaders, such as the members of the Highline Forum, and the general public has ample opportunity to review the status of the project and offer their thoughts and recommendations. The Port will be providing just that at the regular Highline Forum meetings. In addition, the Part 150 Study team will be available to attend a City Council meeting or meet with the representatives of a specific neighborhood or organization.
There will be a public hearing and comment period at the end of the process. More information will be provided at that time when there is a fully developed set of recommended actions.
More info available at these links:
According to the Port’s Part 150 website:
The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities. For Part 150 Study purposes, noise incompatibilities are defined as residences or public use noise-sensitive facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour.
The purpose for conducting a Part 150 Study is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from the airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.
Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:
- To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
- To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
- To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
- To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
- To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.
Specific goals for this Part 150 Study include the following:
- To address noise issues related to the third runway;
- To conduct the process in an open and engaging way; and
- To look for opportunities that have not been thought of versus re-visiting old issues.
This study will identify existing and future flight corridors, develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future conditions, evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas, consider land use controls that could be established to reduce future incompatible land uses from being developed within high noise areas, and evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.
It is anticipated that the Part 150 Study will be completed in late 2011. After completion, it will be submitted to the FAA. The review period by the FAA is typically 6-9 months.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) filed a bill this week that would allow the Port of Seattle to continue to lease land to the Highline-area Little League organization at a steeply discounted rate for use as Little League baseball fields.
The measure authorizes “airport operators” to make airport property available for public recreation and other community uses at less than market value.
“I grew up playing Highline Little League baseball on these exact ball fields,” Upthegrove said. “Today, south county children continue this tradition only because of the extremely affordable lease rates the Port extends to the City of Burien. With local governments currently strapped for cash, a hike in the lease rates could put the future of these fields at risk.”
Photo of Rep. Dave Upthegrove, circa 1980, playing Little League baseball on a south King County ball field.
The ball fields in question are located in the second runway “buyout area” near SeaTac Airport, a neighborhood dotted with boarded-up residences. Federal law specifies how close a residence can be to an airport runway, and over the years the Port of Seattle has had to “buy out” home and business owners to keep them out of the prohibited zone. The recreational and athletic fields, however, continue to enjoy active use and are permitted within the zone.
“The lease rate has recently been called into question by the State Auditor. My aim is to ensure that our state law is consistent with federal law, which actually permits these kinds of arrangements between airport operators and organizations like Little League,” Upthegrove added.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove, circa 2009.
“Little League sports provide affordable recreation for so many children while teaching the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. We need to ensure that these Highline ball fields remain available for the community.”
The bill number is House Bill 3007, and it’s scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government and Housing Committee on Monday, Feb. 1st at 1:30 p.m.
by In a victory for private property rights, the SeaTac City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Jan. 26th to rescind their earlier condemnation of the “Park-N-Fly” business at 17400 International Boulevard.
The paid parking lot – easily recognizable by its landmark sign, a vertical blue and gold key, across the street from Sound Transit’s light rail station at Sea-Tac International Airport – is the focus of ongoing negotiations over development of a proposed city center there.
Council members voted last Sept. 22 to condemn the property in an eminent domain action. Had the condemnation proceeded, it was anticipated that the SeaTac would sell the land to a private developer who then would build a parking garage and a city center complex.
“We are very pleased that the city council reconsidered its earlier action and upheld the Constitution and respect for private property,” John Houlihan Jr., an attorney for James and Doris Cassan, owners of Park-N-Fly, said following the action. “The Cassans look forward to continuing their long-standing business.”
Doris Cassan added that they now “will continue to pursue with the city what will make a first-class project.” This will be a mixed use development including some combination of a hotel, retail, office space and possibly some multi-family housing in addition to parking.
Councilman Rick Forschler said prior to the vote the earlier condemnation of the Cassan’s property was “a misuse of eminent domain.” He noted that while the council said it wanted to take the property for a “public use,” that use actually would have been a sale of the land to a developer who would build a private parking garage there.
“The Cassans are committed to making this a first-class development,” said Councilman Tony Anderson in support of rescinding the condemnation. He also appealed to both parties to “continue their negotiations (for development of the site) in good faith.”
And Councilwoman Mia Gregerson said she would vote to rescind because “the city and property owners are working together for a development that works.”
Councilman Ralph Shape, who defended the condemnation action at the council’s Jan. 12 meeting, offered no comment before voting to repeal it.
Council members approved the condemnation ordinance last year because they “believed it was in the best interests of the city,” said Councilman Gene Fisher, who introduced the ordinance to rescind at the earlier meeting.
“Because of conversations going on (since the original action) between the city and property owners … working together for development that works,” condemnation of the Cassan property is not appropriate and he could not support it, Fisher declared.
However, he noted that ordinance repeals condemnation without prejudice, which would allow the city to invoke that action in the future “if parking needs increase and negotiations with the property owners stall.”
Earlier in the meeting, Scott Roberts, property rights director with the Freedom Foundation, told council members there is a need for eminent domain reform in Washington and urged the lawmakers to act with that in mind.
“You know the difference between right and wrong,” Roberts added, and rescinding condemnation of the Cassan property “certainly is right.”
Companion bills to limit the use of eminent domain in Washington, introduced at the request of Attorney General Rob McKenna, currently are before the Legislature.
Doris Cassan summarized their plans for the property and urged the council to allow Park-N-Fly to remain in private hands and be developed privately by them.
Today marks a big day in the nearly one-year lifespan (so far) of The Waterland Blog, as we’re proud to introduce our newest section and Advertiser: Real Estate Powered by Prudential Northwest!
This means that you can now access all local real estate listings by clicking on “Real Estate” in the upper navigation menu section between Advertise and Jobs. We’re happy to be working with the local Prudential Northwest office, and the entire company consists of six offices throughout the Greater Seattle area.
Techie-types at both PNW and WLB have been working ’round the clock to develop the innovative new “Zero Click House Finding Engine” for real estate listings in the Des Moines and South Seattle areas. Users will be able to quickly and easily see all of the area’s latest home listings, view by neighborhoods, see open house maps and more just by clicking on “Real Estate” in our top navigation menu. The real estate section is also available on our sister site The B-Town Blog (Burien), and will also be available soon on sister sites The White Center Blog, and soon The Normandy Park Blog.
Sales Manager Bradley Hawthorne (sitting, right) explains the 'Zero Click House Finder' technology to the PNW staff.
“To search on a real estate site we wanted to make it easy to use so that every level of user can find what they are looking for,” said PNW Sales Manager Bradley Hawthorne. “Just by clicking on ‘Real Estate,’ you’ll instantly have every listing in all of Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines without having to do anything, hence the ‘Zero Click’ technology moniker.”
Want some real proof? Just click on one of the five areas below and see for yourself:
If you click on any of those five areas, on that page is every listing for that area – and not just Prudential Northwest Realty listings – that is inputted into the Northwest Multiple Listing Services website! Within those five major pages you’ll also find several communities and if you click on a community again just the listings in those communities will be shown without you having to input any search criteria (of course PNW’s standard and advanced searches are still available for the techie searchers, so you can tailor our search site to any criteria that you personally want), but for those of us that need a little help when surfing the web, “This is the simplest sight I have ever seen!”
Hawthorne adds: “Tying into these fast-growing community websites will not only help us showcase the latest listings for these areas, it will also help us serve our communities better. We all love the Southwest King County area and we hope we can help others find out what a hidden gem it is.”
PNW Broker/Branch Manager Lori Alden-Pense
PNW has been a community player since they first set foot in the area seven years ago. With 56 active Realtors, they outgrew their first location and they’re now located at 127 SW 156th Street in Burien. Broker/Branch Manager Lori Alden-Pense has been managing PNW since they moved here; she’s been with them since 1994.
“It is PNW’s mission to help build a better tomorrow by partnering with our communities today,” Lori said.
She talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to PNW’s mission of giving back to the community.
Owned by long-time and well known real estate professional Mike Gain, Prudential Northwest Realty Associates has established itself as an industry leader by upholding the principles of the agent-customer relationship. Their combination of real estate expertise and responsive, flexible customer relations has allowed them to continue to grow and become one of the most influential real estate companies within the greater Puget Sound region. Constantly looking for ways to improve their company, PNW remains committed to the very highest standards of professionalism and service. More info is available at http://www.pnwrealty.com.
Prudential Northwest realty has a total of 450 real estate agents in their neighborhood offices, which, in addition to Burien includes Federal Way, Kent, West Seattle, Bellevue and Kirkland.
“We’re very excited to have Prudential Northwest Realty as our newest Advertiser,” said Scott Schaefer, Waterland Blog Founder/Publisher. “This brand new sponsored section will help inform our more than 55,000 monthly area blog Readers for the latest local news, events, arts, entertainment and now – up-to-the-minute local real estate listings.”
Be sure to stay tuned for another new related feature – “Open House Friday,” where we’ll present the weekend’s best Open Houses throughout our coverage area, among other real estate related features.
[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
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.”
We know there are no excuses for posting this video so late, as the event took place last Sunday (Jan. 10th), but, um…we left our Flip camera in our other pants, and since we weren’t wearing any to begin with…
Actually, we hate to just throw up lame raw video, and editing takes time, and um…there’s that whole “other pants” thing again.
But first, a little interesting behind-the-scenes backstory:
Two days before the pantsless prank, we received the following email from Emerald City Improv’s Kelsey Wildstone:
First, please remember that we’re trying to be inconspicuous here.
If you’d like to film the event with a motion camera, try to find a way to disguise your camera in a box or something to make it a sort of “hidden camera”.
Use some creativity here, but the point is that we’d like to avoid people seeing you openly point a camera around.
Considering that we respect the fine art of successful pranking, and that our Publisher used to work on a hidden camera TV show (“Totally Hidden Video,” Fox), we wanted to abide by this request (unlike some local TV news stations who just showed up and shot with their huge cameras and “Reporters”). The end result was that our shooter Mark Neuman went out of his way to “disguise” our Flip camera thusly:
Mark discovered that the Flip cam fit nicely inside an empty coffeecup. Just don't put it in a full one...
A little bit of cloth and tape secured the cam in tight.
...and with a hole cut in the side, it's hidden camera time!
Okay, so here it is (finally!)…with video shot by Neuman, featuring Bart Bryan, edited by Scott Schaefer and featuring the groovy public domain hit “Midnight Special” recorded by some long-dead dude named Bill Cox in 1933, ironically during the last Great Depression when not wearing pants wasn’t a prank, it was a way of life:
Also, we were very curious to find out what the MuckyMucks at SoundTransit thought of this pantsless prank, so we sent an email to Andrew Schmid, Sound Transit Media Relations director –here’s his response:
Q: Was ST aware beforehand that this was going to happen?
A: No, we were totally caught with our… (unless you lack internet access, it was almost impossible to not know about this event).Q: Did ST security goes pantsless?
A: No.Q: Was security worried about this prank at all?
A: Slightly – our security is worried about everything.Q: Did this event increase ridership? if so, by how much? (have any estimate on the # of pantsless?)
A: Yes, but the infrared technology on Link’s Automatic Passenger Counting machines is not designed to distinguish between the pant-sed and the pants challenged.Q: Will ST tolerate future events like this?
A: So long as folks follow our code of conduct (read it here).Q: Will ST ever sponsor future events like this?
A: No.Q: How about creating some ST underwear for folks to wear?
A: Sorta already been done – see this.Q: Did you, or any other ST officials, attend?
A: NO COMMENT
And in case you haven’t seen the other videos, here they are:
On a drizzly Thursday morning (Jan. 14th), officials from Sea-Tac Airport demonstrated some brand new toys – a new, advanced bird tracking system with real-time displays of bird activity on and around the airport – and Photographer Francis Zera got lucky and was invited onto the actual runway.
In partnership with University of Illinois researchers and the Federal Aviation Administration, Sea-Tac is the first airport in the country to begin the use of this technology, which will allow wildlife management staff to access live data as they patrol the airfield to minimize bird hazards.
Sea-Tac Airport has been the demonstration site for avian radar research since 2007, and in fact currently has three avian radars installed, two on the top of the airport’s office building and one in the middle of the airfield between two runways (see photos below for details).
“Sea-Tac is a leader in the evaluation of this technology,” said Dr. Edwin Herricks, the leader of the University of Illinois research program, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I don’t know where this program would be without the input and real-life evaluation efforts by the staff and support from the Port of Seattle.”
Through the FAA-designated Center of Excellence for Airport Technology (CEAT) at the University of Illinois, the latest milestone in the research program builds on equipment from Accipiter Radar Inc. that provides geographic displays of bird activity on Google Earth™ maps.
“This technology will give us situational awareness of the entire airfield day or night – it will be like wearing a huge pair of binoculars,” said Steve Osmek, Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife biologist. “Rather than depending only on what we can see from our particular location, we’ll be able to know if there are bird issues anywhere around the airfield so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”
Here’s Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow:
Our friends at our latest Advertiser – Matt Griffin YMCA – are excited to announce that their upcoming Open House is coming this Saturday, Jan. 16th from 10am to 1pm, with lots of games, demos, tours and specials.
If you haven’t had a chance to see their brand new facility – this is your chance!
There will be games, cooking and Zumba demonstrations, tours, and fun activities for the whole family.
Have you made a commitment to yourself to get in shape in the new year? Join Matt Griffin YMCA before January 31st and save up to $125 in join fees! There is no better time to start taking better care of yourself!
Here are the details:
WHAT: Matt Griffin YMCA Open House
WHEN: Saturday, January 16th from 10am – 1pm
WHERE: Matt Griffin YMCA, 3595 South 188th in SeaTac
INFO: Everyone is Welcome!
More info on the Matt Griffin YMCA is available at their website.
[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website with thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
by King County Executive Dow Constantine re-affirmed in a talk in SeaTac on Friday (Jan. 8th) his commitment to creating a new spirit of cooperation with other local governments.
Constantine, who took office in late November, declared, “We are going to improve our relationship … between King County and the 39 cities in King County.”
This new relationship with the cities “will be one of partnership,” he said.
Constantine added that the county also has an opportunity to work with businesses to prepare and “provide leadership for the economic recovery that is to come.”
He spoke at a membership meeting of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce at the Cedarbrook Lodge.
“This region is the economic engine of the state,” he continued, noting that 30 percent of Washington’s population, 40 percent of its non-farm workforce and 50 percent of its economic activity is in King County.
These are primary reasons why “King County needs to reform the way it works with business … needs to reform the way it works with the cities.”
Reforms need to include county staff doing “the leg work” to find those regulations that affect individual businesses, so owners and managers can focus on running their businesses.
“We need to find ways to incubate new local businesses,” and then work to keep them here “rather than seeing them move elsewhere,” he said.
“Permitting in King County now is daunting,” Constantine said, and the county needs to establish “one-stop shopping” for business licenses and building permits, and to work with the state to simplify business tax codes.
County government also needs to be more efficient, he said.
“I’m very hopeful about our future as a region,” Constantine continued. “It’s clear that the economy in fits and starts is starting to come around. We need to make sure that living wage jobs are available to everyone.”
He added that “visitor taxes,” which helped build Safeco Field, Qwest Field and other public facilities, “need to go to help bring more visitors to King County.”
[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of reports on Sunday's "No Pants! Link Light Rail Ride," where Reporter Gina Bourdage was brave (or foolish) enough to ride public transportation and drop trou. Look for more reports soon, including a video from Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman]
Most days being in your undies in public would be the nightmare we just woke up from.
Today is not that day.
After a frenzied Internet campaign via Facebook, the NYC group Improv Everywhere convinced people nationwide, myself included, to ride public transit today in their skivvies.
I have had that little voice in the back of my head ask me numerous times “What the heck are you thinking?!” and to be completely honest I have tried to talk myself out of participating.
In hindsight of the type of year 2009 turned out to be, most of us could use a little more light-hearted humor in 2010.
According to the Improv Everywhere website, “not taking life too seriously” is exactly the reason behind the nationwide “No Pants!” rides on buses, trains and subways all over the country today.
So relax, take a deep breath, drop trou and enjoy life…
Yep, actually getting out of the car and taking off the pants without the little voice telling me i am officially crazy was impossible. If it weren’t for the other twenty or so fellow pantsless participants I might turn and run. It is a little odd with children pointing “Hey mommy?!” but thank goodness everyone is “decent” and there’s nothing here you wouldn’t see on a beach.
After the first stop half the train is pants free. Who knew it was so easy to get people to rock their undies in public?
Oh boy this went to another level when i just saw a pantsless family.
I am impressed with the level that we, the pantsless mob, have pulled this off. Never have I seen so many strangers be so friendly with a smile and supportive silent acknowledgment that there really is something bigger going on here.
The confused and bewildered looks of the unsuspecting other riders is worth all the initial butterflies.
I encourage everyone to be a part of something that brings people together the way this has.
Here are some pics of the event (more to come so keep checking back, and if you participated and have some, please email us!):
Photo of pantsless women at Sea-Tac Airport courtesy Monica Guzman of SeattlePI.com.
On Saturday morning (Dec. 19th) at 10am, Sound Transit opened its Link light rail service to SeaTac with lots of ceremony, local dignitaries, curious passengers, and of course, functioning trains that now link the airport to downtown Seattle.
The first 14 miles of light rail opened from downtown Seattle to Tukwila in July. This final segment from Tukwila to SeaTac / Airport Station, built under a close partnership with the Port of Seattle, connects the airport from downtown with 13 stops serving the SeaTac, Tukwila, Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, SODO to the final stop at Westlake.
“It’s been a heck of a journey, but we delivered on what we promised: light rail from downtown Seattle to the airport in 2009,” said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Chair Greg Nickels. “This opens an entirely new option for travelers and commuters, and represents the first steps of a truly regional network.”
Service on the 1.7-mile extension line kicked off with an inaugural ribbon cutting at the SeaTac / Airport Station before the station and trains opened for regular passenger service at 10am, and Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
“Opening the doors to Sound Transit’s airport line in time for the holidays is great gift to residents of the Puget Sound region,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. “This new line will provide fast and easy connections to downtown Seattle and a low-cost way to get around. This is just the latest in environmentally friendly transportation that will help ensure our region’s long-term economic growth.”
Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop.
“With more than 30 million passengers through Sea-Tac every year, and 15,000 airport employees, we anticipate light rail will be a welcome “green” alternative for travel to and from the airport,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. “Using light rail will reduce air emissions and traffic congestion. It’s good for the airport and it’s good for our region.”
The next light rail extension is scheduled to open in 2016 with service from downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. Construction is underway on that segment while Sound Transit plans for 36 more miles of light rail extensions to Lynnwood, Bellevue, Redmond, Mercer Island and Federal Way by 2023.
Link’s normal Saturday schedule will be from 5 a.m. – 1 a.m. with regular fares required. On weekdays, the first train from the airport to downtown will depart at 5:16 a.m. and the last one to downtown will leave at 12:07 a.m. The last train to Mt. Baker Station in the Rainier Valley departs at 12:46 a.m.
More detailed schedule and fare information is here: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml.
We’re proud of our latest Intern, Bryan Charles of Big Picture High School, who’s not only learning new things about storytelling, but has been teaching himself Flash and making numerous animations, all based around his original “3 Frog Bros” cartoon.
Here’s his latest creation, “3 Frog Bros Episode 5” in which the Frog Bros have a close encounter of the strange, and oftentimes funny, kind (keep in mind that he drew and animated this entire thing himself, with the only help coming from friends doing voices):
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD_g6AkQNIw[/youtube]
Have a cartoon idea for Bryan? Email him here!
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