Search Results for 'aF'

[JoB]

ken, i would agree with your advice to the candidates… even to my favorite candidate.

As a woman with one of those voices that tends to go all high pitches i would bet that she has already had some coaching tho:)It’s a difficult thing to control. she should reflect on poor Dean whose one outburst and uncontrolled voice cost him any chance at the presidency… for good or bad, who knows.

However, she can control her stance on health care and she should come down on the side of universal health care. I think America is finally ready to talk about that option.

As for corporations, we need to roll back deregulation for sure, but i am not sure how to keep them out of campaigns.

I just read a totally unrelated book about Helga and Clara Estby’s walk across America (Bold Spirit) which mentioned the Bryan/McKinley campaign and that the campaign contributions of just two corporations for McKinley exceeded those of Bryan’s entire campaign($500,00 from JP Morgan and Standard oil.). McKinley won.

Corporate involvement in campaigns is not news and any attempt to keep them out of it has just resulted in the exploitation of loopholes.

As for our current concern with corporate greed, let me quote Wiliam Jennings Bryan’s campaign slogan, “Wall street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people for the people, by the people but a government of Wall street, for Wall street, and by Wall street.”

This too is nothing new. In reading history it seems that there were only a couple of times when Wall Street seemed to get the need for investment in anything other than making money and that was during the industrial revolution and the period after World War II when it became apparent after our investment in Germany and Japan under the Marshall plan that we had better do some investment of our own here or American Corporations were going to be left in the dust. Both times, investment was crucial to their own self interest… better a little now and a lot later than none now and nothing later. And both times America and Americans prospered.

I feel that concentrating on the injustice of corporate greed (including their involvement in our elections) we are missing the boat that would lead to a realization of the importance of actual production for profit…

just as America missed the boat on health care when they worried about the govt rationing health care when the insurance companies were exceeding anything our government could have done. At least the govt had public opinion to contend with.

We need to find a way to focus on the real conversation which is about actual production… even in service industries which have forgotten they relied on service to create their business.

I believe that Hilary has a grasp of that concept… and that is why i am supporting her. It may be a vain hope, but there you go.

:) In closing, I can’t resist mentioning Bold Spirit again and that these two women walked across America during a time when only one state (Wyoming) actually granted women the right to vote… a little more than a hundred years ago. Something to ponder.

[sw]

Call Mitch Monetti at Monetti Landscaping – 938-5400. He did some work for us last year that was great, and priced comparably to other bids we had. He’s also done some work for others around the neighborhood that has turned out nicely.

[acemotel]

I think in general there is an increase in homelessness, as evidenced by the increased count this year. Close to 3,000 people on the street and 6,000 in transitional housing and shelters is a DISGRACE in one city in one of the wealthiest countries in the world! I’m sure there are at least 1,000 who were not counted because they are sleeping in cars in side streets everywhere throughout the city. Some of these people have substance abuse or mental health issues, but there are many who just hit a string of bad luck, and for the grace of god, it could be most any one of us. There is no safety net. The social services are spread so thin as to be nonexistent. The middle class is the new class of working poor, while the rich get richer, moving into bigger and grander and finer homes, insulating themselves from the poverty that’s now on virtually every street corner. It’s a disgrace.

[Al]

I went to the Rapid Ride open house. Here’s what they are saying, at least what the gentleman I spoke with said: 1) The proposed RR route will replace the regular 54 route and follow the route as it exists now – using Avalon heading both east and west (no more bridge ride up the hill) 2) There is only ONE stop proposed between Alaska & Morgan Jct at Findlay 3) Apparently, the 54x will remain as is 4) They were ’surprised’ to hear everyone complaining about the 21 route – this route will not even be reviewed by Metro until at least 2010 or 2011 – a travesty in my opinion 5) the curb bulbs will not jut into the street, but take as much space as a parked car so should not interfere with traffic or bicycles 6) bus only lanes are being studied for both directions of Alaska between Fauntleroy and Alaska Jct. 7) the removal of the Viaduct and Spokane St construction will not even be discussed, this is like spraying insecticide into a jar of bugs – he ran away when it was mentioned These people do not understand how bad traffic gets or how mass transit is used/needed by West Seattlites. 9) Connection to the 21 may be lost if the 35th/Avalon stop is not utilized 10) The route could go all the way to Westwood Village – as planned now, it starts at the ferry dock. Get out there and give them feedback now! Metro seems set on this route and from what I understand, it’s not rapid, it reduces service, could make you use more transfers, may not connect with the 21 route, and the funds to be expended on this RR could be better used to expand existing service and routes. credmond, can you please direct me to a link of the tax we voted for? I would not mind adding routes that made sense, but replacing an already existing route with one that makes no sense is not a responsible choice. I don’t think anyone would have voted for that. Improving bus service in general is a whole different ball of wax and something we can agree on.

[Kayleigh]

Well, the King County One Night Count did show a 15% increase in the (found and counted) homeless.

http://www.homelessinfo.org/onc.html

Why WSEA? Maybe because they are cleaning out some homeless encampments in the downtown areas, and people are trying to avoid that. I’ll ask folks at work who know more than I do.

I heart Real Change! When I am in a bad mood (which seems to be too often these days), I buy a Real Change paper. Instant karma—I always feel better afterward.

[Bayou]

I’m looking for an affordable landscaper on the west side. I need some general yard maintenance done and would like to have a stone path set. I’d also like to have a long term landscape plan drawn up. Any suggestions?

[Ken]

repost of info from a main page caucus thread:

---

A note on the process of the Dem caucus.

This week I called the caucus hot line for clarification on the age of participation issue. I remember in 04 there was mention of 17 year olds being able to caucus but it was pretty much a moot point since I could not even get any of the 18 to 25 set to show up at 9 am on a Saturday no matter what kind of game they talked…

But this year we are seeing a serious increase in the youth turnout in many places across the country.

One aspect of the Dem caucus being used exclusively to choose the delegates rather than the state sponsored primary, is that the parties make the rules. The Republicans seem to be following the state primary rules for the caucus since they are using both for delegates.

The Dems are free to accept caucus input and even votes from those who are 17 now but will be 18 on or before the November general election.

Question 5 of the FAQ makes it semi clear that 17 year olds that will be able to register to vote by November, will be able to vote at the caucus.

Who can participate in their caucus? All registered voters and those who will be 18 at the time of the presidential election can vote at their caucus. You can register to vote at the caucus location and vote in the caucus. Others who are not registered can participate but can not vote.

Those I have talked to at the caucus hot line are interpreting the above somewhat ambiguous language to allow 17 year olds (who according to the Sec of State CANNOT register until they are 18) to fully participate in the caucus.

So If you know any one who will be 18 and a precinct resident and otherwise eligible to vote in November, make sure and bring them along to the caucus

Faq page:

http://www.wa-democrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=266

Addenum note: This years caucus starts at ONE PM on Saturday afternoon so even those who might have stayed up a bit too late on Friday can attend. I am pretty sure there will also be FREE COFFEE :)

[JoB]

i am not sure runners anywhere do much more than nod as they pass you… or bikers…and sometimes dog walkers.

for dog walkers, it depends upon how well behaved their four legged friends are… and for the rest how intense they are.

but it is definately possible for me to start a casual conversation almost anywhere here… especially in West Seattle.

And if I make the effort to attend group functions, I am almost always made to feel welcome.

I just spent the afternoon being made very welcome by a group of about 50 strangers.

Friendship will take a while, but there is no shortage of conversation here.

[Ken]

Sue: The link above might answer some of your questions. Sorry you will miss the caucus. The caucus process is harder on absentee issues in this state than it is in a few others if I remember correctly.

Here is the detailed answer for those who might have to miss the caucus but want to participate anyway.

From the FAQ on the Dem site (since they say it better than I do…

Can I vote absentee or by proxy in the Caucuses? No. There are only three reasons you can vote in the caucuses without being there. If you serve in the military, have a medical condition that prevents your attendance, or for religious reasons cannot attend your caucus, you can request an affidavit from the State Party. To find this affadavit, go to http://www.wa-democrats.org/caucusinfo and download the Caucus Surrogate Affadavit Form. This must be returned to the State Party by February 1st. No one else can vote without being there. You can become a delegate without attending your caucus. College students registered at their home address but living away from home cannot vote but can become a delegate using the process described below.

Link to FAQhttp://www.wa-democrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=266

The caucus has some strict time allotments and some that are soft. In general normal sized precincts will be done in about two hours.

Getting there early or at least on time will be best especially for those in large precincts since the sign-in process can become a bottleneck when turnout is as big as expected.

next: ok your precinct has no PCO. Yes that means one of your neighbors will have to volunteer at the caucus to run it. They will then appoint a secretary and a tally clerk. (assuming there are at least three people from your precinct)

More details and a You tube video of the step by step are at the state party page above.

Even though you might have to miss the caucus, if your precinct has no PCO, then you should consider becoming the PCO yourself. Candidate organizations urge their supporters to become PCO’s where possible. You can be appointed after filling out a short form at a district meeting and run for the position next year. It is a rare precinct that has contested PCO elections since it is an unpaid party position, but this year also included replacing a 34th district Senator and a Rep in which case ONLY PCO’s were allowed to vote for the replacements.

Here is the PCO handbook in html format

http://www.democracyforwashington.com/civicspace-0.5/?q=pcohandbook

For more info on caucus history,

this article is pretty easy to read.

http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/2008/01/questions-about.html

I see my link code is now being turned into alternate text. editing to re add full urls.

[Ken]

I just noticed the last two questions…

Add

Kids that are not likly to cry or run around and/or get bored are probably fine. Our grandson would be banned after a few minutes.

I think the SCC page states something like.. well let me go look at it…

Washington State residents who are not qualified to register to vote because of

age or citizenship shall be allowed to participate in the platform and resolution

discussions, but not vote on the election of delegates or alternates, nor may they

be elected as delegates or alternates

I think that indicates that any interested student smart enough to be interested in presidential politics, can not only attend, but take part in the discussions and even speak for a candidate if they like, if time allows and there is no representative of that candidate hogging the discussion time.

Go to http://www.wa-democrats.org/ for all the details normal people can stand. And it your really really interested here is a

pdf of delegate selection document in all it’s obtuse glory

This is the official document, or one of them that is used as a resource for those running the caucus. There is also a Caucus Hotline at (206) 583-4345 or e-mail grassroots@wa-democrats.org. This us a statewide number. I am awaiting a bit more clarity on an age related question myself. More on that later.

Sue’s question in next post.

[mlyn1375]

Hi all! I agreed with so many of the posts here, I wouldn’t even know where to start with a reply.

I’m new to WS (LOVE it so much more than my old neighborhood), and am actually noticing more friendliness out here, but I definitely know all about the “Seattle Freeze”. After spending a short time on the east coast in 2006, I know conduct experiments like those discussed here where I purposly make eye contact while out walking my dog, or say hello, or say “Merry Christmas” in December just to see what reaction I get. It’s interesting.

Anyway, I’m up for the Anti-Freeze group, but just not on Feb 3rd :-) Maybe we make this a once-a-month thing?

[mlyn1375]

Sounds like a great idea! I experienced the “seattle freeze” myself many yrs ago, and am now new to WS, so would love to meet some new people.

Will there be another get together after Feb 3rd? I’m a big Patriots fan, so will doing the Superbowl that day. :-)

[karen]

Nothing wrong with paranoid! Predators will pick off the easiest one to get in a herd. Don’t make your child the easiest one. Go a little further – don’t let any child near you be the one. I am as watchful of the other children at the bus stop as my own. I watch to make sure they stay safe. Sure, I may be that interfering old lady on the block, but better that than one kid getting lost.

[Anonymous]

Hi Bonnie,

We have 4 kids and the youngest is 7 1/2 and she has never walked to school or home by herself. I only brought this subject up because so many people in our neighborhood and at school have been talking about it and I wanted to see what the general census was is all.

I believe it does depend on the child and their maturity, every child matures at different times. I drive our 2 younger kids the older two walk or take a bus.

I too think about those stories that have come up and it does not help with all the sex offenders in and around the area. But I also don’t want to get paranoid. Like anything you have to use precautions and have a safety plan, which we have.

[Bonnie]

Cinnamon, I’m not sure of the ages of your kids but I believe you mentioned 7 years old once. I’m not comfortable with a 7 year old walking alone to school. I don’t know what age is a good age but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I always think of that little girl who walked to school on a snow day and has never been seen since. (a few years ago down south)

Anyway, when it comes to my kids I’d rather be overprotective than not.

[Jerald]

I don’t think I’m considered overprotective by most people, but I’m not comfortable with my daughter walking alone even in high school, although I don’t forbid it. If she has to walk to the bus stop alone on dark winter mornings, I stand on the sidewalk and watch until she’s joined others.

In middle school, my kids walked lots of places, but in groups.

I feel they’re safer on busy streets or buses than alone in our quiet neighborhood.

Also, I believe in having a cellphone at the ready.

[Anonymous]

Are you referring to safety? And by alone, do you mean without you but with other kids, or completely alone. Also, are you talking about a block away where you can still see your child or a mile. In elementary, our kids could only walk with other kids in the neighborhood. Middle school was a mixed bag. My son was never bothered, but even up through high school my daughter was approached by men in cars. The neighbors and neighborhoods were all safe, it was the few jerks that troll near schools that was the problem.

It’s a fine line between being over protective and just trying to keep them safe. And no, I’m not afraid of swear words. It’s 40 year olds telling my 12 year what he’d like to do to her. We got them cell phones at an early age to be able to call police or us or just look like they were talking as that seemed to be a deterrent. In middle school my daughter had to walk with her brother, a friend, or take the city bus which is full of kids in the am by the way. People don’t understand that this wasn’t a once in awhile issue. My daughter and her friends were approached, followed slowly, and had sexual comments yelled at them frequently. Again, it wasn’t the words, they’ve heard them all and have probably said most of them. It was the fear some of these guys caused.

So you just do your best to teach them all the safety rules and precautions. The buddy system. When and how to call police. Not to stop for or approach any car. And even a silly simple thing. My daughter practiced screaming. Much to the animals dismay, she got quite good and felt empowered by the ability. Sometimes just telling kids it’s okay to make a ruckus if they feel unsafe, is all it takes.

And now that I’ve made you paranoid enough to just drive them to school, which I did most days anyway, I’m off in search of that latte myself.

[JimmyG]

One thing you can do is call SPD every night if he’s got one of his commercial trucks parked on a city street after midnight. It’s illegal to park a commercial truck between the hours of midnight and 6 AM on a residential street.

SPD probably won’t get there quick, but call every night and they’ll start to lay some parking tickets on his vehicles.

Good luck to you. Knock on wood none of my neighbors ever get any ideas like your neighbor.

[Ken]

While the legal aspect may be tilted in the business owners favor, (those gears do grind slow) This “smells” like a political issue that our city council members should be made aware of. Perhaps by registered letter. If he does have a city contract, he might be in violation of the terms of that contract which, as far as I know, can get examined pretty damn quick when some politicians are annoyed.

If you have exhausted all legal means at your personal level as a homeowner, don’t leave the political aspect out of it.

http://www.seattle.gov/council/committees/planning_comm.htm

Oh look. There are some newly elected members on the Planning, Land Use & Neighborhoods Committee

and the Chair Sally Clark, I suspect, needs a chance to counter the charges of “too business friendly”.

They were all very friendly when they were asking for endorsements from the 34th district. Some of them even got it.

Tom Rasmussen has a great staff and a good record of being responsive to neighborhood issues even when he is running unopposed.

[hopey]

Why would you go that far for a pet emergency when there is a 24 hour vet hospital in Burien?

VCA FIVE CORNERS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

15707 1ST AVENUE SOUTH

BURIEN, WA 98148

Phone: 206-243-2982

http://www.vcafivecorners.com/

[karen]

Hey! I know that place! I’ve been wondering what the deal is! We don’t live right there but pass the area when I am out walking with the kids. I’ve seen the employees and we’ve started taking a different street because of all the people coming and going in the morning and afternoon. I was worried about the amount of cars and who all these people were.

I am NOT saying that there has been any trouble with the employees. However, with all the horrible things that happen to children, it does concern me to have so many people in and out of what is essentially our “backyard”.

Interesting to find out what’s up.

Thanks!!

[Jack]

I live in the Westwood area of West Seattle. We have lived here for a long time. We like our neighborhood and chose to live here because it was residential and not commercial.

In October of 2005 our neighbor relocated his business to his home. He is a contractor who pumps raw sewage. He also contracts with the city to water Seattle public property. This means he has LARGE vehicles, stinky hoses, many employees, an office separate from his home (one of those mobile construction trailers), people coming and going ON OUR street that is ZONED residential. The mobile construction trailer apparently is not considered a violation because it can be “moved easily” and is “temporary”. If it didn’t have wheels he would be in violation and be considered “permanent”.

This does NOT make for a nice place to live. I thought it was a temporary situation. It is not. After about a year of what I thought was temporary, in November 2006 I contacted the DPD and made a complaint. He was in violation of the city code and was cited. He took this case to court and lost. The judge said he was in violation. BUT, he is still operating his business.

What makes me so angry is that we are rewarding him with a City Contract and he is allowed to violate the CITY code without having to give up his city contracts.

I have contacted the DPD (Dept. of Land Use whose is job it is to stop him), King5 News, my district Representative, Parking Enforcement, City of Seattle business licensing, Labor and Industry, ground water protection service, the Seattle Times, and more. There has not been ONE thing done except give my neighbor a citation. He has received one citation and has failed seven inspections. I was told by the DPD it has taken some cases up to 10 years to resolve. There are only a couple of inspectors for the entire city who investigate over 4000 complaints a year.

My other neighbors have complained as well. NOT just me. If everyone was fine with it I would rethink my concerns but my neighbors keep asking me what more I know and when this guy is going to move his business.

If I had wanted to live next to a large industrial business I would have lived down by the Port of Seattle. I live in West Seattle, which is considered to be a residential neighborhood. I would like it to keep it this way.

Is there anyone out there who knows how to stop this effectively without resorting to poor behavior? I would love it if the entire WS blog complained to the DPD to keep WS what it should be! Here is the link http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Enforcement/Code_Compliance/Filing_a_Complaint/default.asp Case # 1010691 if you are so inclined. He is violating Zoning Codes and Parking Codes.

The WS Blog is such a wonderful place to find support and advocacy. Thank you for this venue.

–Name Withheld for fear of retribution. (This gentleman can be rather intimidating)

[JimmyG]

Cruiser you’re a smart guy.

Normally I’m partial to Americanos, but I am feeling like a latte after reading this post.

[JoB]

We are also a renters and to be fair i have to tell you that i just followed cinnamon’s link to affordable housing and it probably isn’t realistic.

depending upon the size of the house and the amenities (does it have a view, is it near a park, schools, are you going to allow pets, etc>>>) rents here are higher than those posted.

you might try housingmaps.. just put them in google. that is where i found our current rental.

I think a lot of people who are transferring into the area use that system. It works really well… as does a good old fashioned sign.

You might want to consider a real estate service if you aren’t going to want to manage the property yourself… they do charge a percentage of the rent as a fee, but they do most of the work screening renters and some of them even arrange repairs for you. Just check out the contracts really carefully.

Too bad i won’t be looking for another place for at least 6 months… good luck!

[flowerpetal]

Without wavering, I can confidently recommend Dr Lloyd Tucker and his staff. His office is at 4150 California Ave, just north of the Post Office in the Junction. 937-8253. Not only is Dr. T. kind, and exhibiting the best chair-side manner, he is also extremely knowledgable and up to date with periodontics and implants. I love his staff too!