Search Results for 'cU'

[mark47n]

I don’t disagree with the cultural aspect regarding violating traffic laws, I admit to having done so and that it happens. I’m not justifying it and this is not a part of assertive riding. For the most part I see bike commuters obeying traffic signals unless the signal doesn’t detect bicycles. Again, I don’t excuse it, just acknowledge it. The bone of contention here is that no one is discussing unsafe drivers or drivers that intentionally endanger cyclists and they are out there.

Given that a vast majority of cyclists, of any stripe, own cars I feel comfortable saying that they are familiar with the rules of the road. The point of that document is absolutely to educate drivers on how to safely interact with cyclists on the road.

No one is questioning that cyclists are liable for any damage they inflict.

The comment about the lopsidedness of citations is pretty well documented. drivers, by and large, are not cited in collisions with cyclists even when the evidence is overwhelming. This is a nationwide issue. The study you cite has no mention that I could find regarding citations. While there may not be data available, here in Seattle, it’s been studied elsewhere. One of the most common excuses that drivers use is that the cyclist did something “unexpected”, never mind that the driver’s responsibility is to be sure to account for the fact that cyclists have to avoid gratings, be careful of RR tracks, debris in the road, etc. This is one of the reasons that the 3′ rule exists. Also demonstrated, in one of the studies that I perused, was that many cops don’t always know the laws as they pertain to cyclists such as I am not compelled to use a bike lane or path if it exists, it’s up to my discretion to determine what is safer. A good example of that would be the “bike path” under the viaduct. It runs through parking lots, is full of debris, often has tents and is crowded with pedestrians. As I can reasonably predict what a car will do I’ll take the car over erratic pedestrians and people backing out of parking spaces.

There are things that need to change. Cyclists really do need to follow the law but many traffic laws are not well adapted to cyclists.

FYI, Idaho cyclists can treat stop signs as yield signs. How do you like them apples?

• This reply was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by mark47n. Reason: Wanted to clean up my 4AM writing

[rbensel]

OPEN COACHING POSITION ‐‐ DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB

Duwamish Rowing Club, a small grassroots club in South Park, is seeking a masters coach for the 2018 season. The ideal candidate will have a background in competitive rowing or coxing, good communication skills, be highly motivated, and have an ability to work independently.

Our masters season starts in March and runs through the end of October. Prior coaching experience is preferred, but not necessary. This is an excellent position for a current college rower/coxswain or those with college rowing/coxing experience.

Responsibilities include:
– Independently coaching masters practices and running the coaches launch
– Developing on and off the water training and conditioning plans
– Supervising masters rowers and instruction in proper rowing technique
– Establishing line‐ups and communicating and coordinating with masters rowers and DRC’s youth
coaching staff
– Assisting with regatta preparation and attending regattas
– Assistance with maintaining equipment

Part time position – anticipate 35 to 80 hours a month.
– Practices are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Attendance at several
weekend regattas during the summer is expected.

Compensation is $18 ‐ $20/hour depending on experience.

Please contact rowdrc@gmail.com with any questions and to apply for this position. For more information about Duwamish Rowing Club see our website: duwamishrowingclub.org

[EdSane]

@mark47n, I grant that you have a right to the road. I read through the document you linked and though it was geared towards educating drivers I believe many bicyclist would gain something out of reading it too. Because we’re suppose to share the road and properly yield the right of way. By being assertive bicyclists are failing that and by blowing through red lights and stops signs they fail it. Sure, I’ve broken traffic laws (5mph over is about the only one intentionally). If we observed a driver constantly blowing through the crosswalk next to Boren K-8 (not yielding to peds), blowing through red lights down Delridge or failing to yield at stop signs around the junction. I’m sure they would get a mention on this blog. Yet, I see all of this regularly with multiple bicyclists. This tells me it is a cultural issue with their mentality. So maybe they need a wag of the finger from members of their community. Your angle to denigrate drivers just seems to be away to obfuscate the topic of the thread which is about bicyclists.

As for liability. To be clear they are not required to carry insurance they are still liable for any actions they take. This is why both drivers and bicyclists should carry cameras. If you blow through a red light and hit my door panel you pay.

Finally, the comment about drivers not being charged or ‘getting away’ seems pretty disingenuous. If the police did not personally observe the incident, there are no witnesses to corroborate the story by either party and the physical evidence is unclear who had the right of way the police will more then likely assist with the exchange of information and document that an incident occurred. They are not going to cite either driver in that scenario. Now if a major collision or death occurs a full investigation would ensue and final charges would be left to the prosecution team though the officers would make a recommendation.

Feel free to check out page 63
https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/SDOT/About/DocumentLibrary/Reports/2017_Traffic_Report.pdf

[Click Design]

We’re currently searching for a kick-ass Sales Associate to join our team! The position begins at 20-25 hours a week and starting pay is DOE. We promote from within and are looking for someone to grow with us into a leadership position which will come with an increase in hours over a period of time. We offer a competitive package which includes PTO for all employees and health insurance for those working at least 20 hours/week.

The Sales Associate works with the team to provide an exceptional customer experience and maintain daily store operations. Duties include but are not limited to :

• Retail Sales & Customer Service – Works with the team to increase sales volume and meet monthly sales goals. Greets customers upon entrance to store, asks questions to determine client needs, uses conversational sales techniques and guides purchasing decisions when appropriate.

• Click! Team Support – Pays attention to what is happening on the sales floor at all times and is ready to assist other staff when needed. Practices situational awareness by watching and listening to interactions between other staff and customers and is generally available to join the conversation and/or help with procedures as needed.

• Maintain Store Appearance – Cleans and organizes store to create welcoming and professional presentation.

• Order Fulfillment – Pack and ship web orders per the current procedures.

• Merchandising – Assists with display build out when appropriate. Follows direction from merchandising team to execute plan as it is presented.

The ideal candidate has an interest in art and design, possibly with creative endeavors of their own . Our new associate should have excellent communication skills and experience in retail with a focus on customer service . You should be able to work both independently and with other staff members to achieve team goals. Being comfortable with prioritization and task management is key. Taking initiative, being self-motivated, dependable and trustworthy are important too :).

We are willing to train the right person even if you don’t have ALL of the qualifications listed. Your positive attitude, train-ability and willingness to receive and apply feedback are the most important assets we’re searching for.

You must be able to lift 50 lbs, stand comfortably during shifts on floor and be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. We’re looking to hire someone permanently who can take on a leadership role in the future – so please, no short term flings .

Application Process: If you fit the profile above, click here to fill out our application AND send your resume to adia@clickdesignthatfits.com with the subject line: Retail Associate & your name. Applicants must submit both an application and a resume to be considered.

[Metropolitan Market]

Here We Grow Again!
Incredible Opportunity for Talented and Enthusiastic Individuals to Join Our Team!

At Metropolitan Market, we know food! We are a progressive, upscale grocery-retailer and one of the best places to work in the Pacific Northwest. Metropolitan Market is a company recognized within the food industry for freshness and quality – from our locally made chocolates to our mouthwatering local pears.

We provide outstanding employment opportunities, including a generous benefits program and attractive wages. These fast-paced positions in all of our departments provide ample opportunity for growth and development within the Company. We are looking for outgoing, friendly individuals who want to work in a healthy and rewarding environment!

This exciting opportunity is a two days a week, part-time position with flexibility to cover other shifts as needed.

Job Summary: As part of our Retail Support (Corporate) Staff, this position completes a scheduled delivery route to transport products and documents between the Retail Support Center and all store locations. This position also provides outstanding service while interacting with internal and external customers, vendors, and business associates.

Specific Job Duties:
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Effectively transports products, interoffice/external mail, and other items, as needed between the corporate office and all other store locations.
• Completes all daily activities as assigned or needed; ensures daily tasks and assignments are accomplished correctly and in a timely manner.
• Maintains delivery vehicle in a safe, clean, and organized manner; stores products in a manner consistent with HACCP and Department of Health provisions.
• Uses work-related equipment correctly under manufacturer guidelines.
• Readily accepts delegated responsibilities and positively responds to the direction of the Food Service Director. Accurately completes assigned projects within a given time frame.
• Works a flexible schedule as required by business needs.
• Achieves Metropolitan Market attendance requirements.

Skills Required / Qualifications:
Candidates will be selected from applicants having the best combination of the following qualifications:

• Must possess current Washington State Driver’s License; excellent driving record required.
• Able to read and understand invoices and delivery instructions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality output while working within a deadline a must. Sense of urgency required. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation; takes initiative; problem solves.
• Exceptional customer service skills. Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills required.
• Proven ability to meet attendance requirements, dependable.
• Able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:
* Attractive Hourly Wage, Negotiable DOE
* Rich Paid Time Off Benefits including Vacation, Personal, Holiday, and Sick
* Generous Medical and Dental Plans at Very Low Cost to Team Members
* Health Reimbursement Arrangement
* Company Funded Life & Disability Insurance and Matching 401K
* Generous Employee Discount
* Employee Sponsored ORCA Card Program
* Tuition Reimbursement Program
* Met ACTIVE Account – Money Provided to Support an Active, Healthy Lifestyle
* Team Member Assistance Program

How to apply:
Applications are accepted online. Please visit our website to view complete job descriptions.
1. Go to http://www.metropolitan-market.com
2. Select the Careers section
3. Complete a general application and create a profile
4. Search open positions and apply anytime, using your general application and profile

[mark47n]

JanS: I didn’t excuse rude, angry cyclists as you seem to think. I said that they are out there as are rude angry drivers. The chief difference is that rude, angry cyclists don’t kill cars. I also didn’t say anything at all like what you’re ascribing to me. I said that a lot of road cyclists are assertive and their aggressive style MAY come from a desire to not be turned into a pancake. As I’ve pointed out in other cycling threads; I have a right to be on the roadway. It’s not a privilege, it’s a right.

Your desire for me to lecture fellow cyclists is ridiculous. I can just visualize some other cyclist shaking their finger at me for what they believe to be bad behavior. I’d likely just ride away.

EdSane: As I stated above; I have a right to be on the roadway. Before you get all up in arms regarding liability consider that motorcycles and collectors vehicles are exempted from insurance requirements in this state. As to my violating traffic laws, yes, I have. Tell me you haven’t…ever.

Sorry to say, angry drivers who have to watch cyclists move faster than them in this city, comparing cars and bikes is ridiculous in the extreme. I might dent you body work while a car would maim or kill me. Bear in mind that Washington state law says that you must provide 3′ of space around me.(<http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/drivertraining/docs/bicycletestanswers.pdf). Perhaps I’ll be more concerned about cyclist behavior that only really endangers themselves when drivers start to understand the laws that govern bicycles and there interaction and use of the roads.

Unfortunately for the cycling community, drivers get away with injuring or killing cyclists at an alarming rate. There have been many articles stating statistics about this in periodicals that are not bicycle centered.

[AJP]

Ok, so yes, Edsane is fine with millions of dollars of government money being spent on small, hard-to-read tags on a bike so he can report them when they take the lane (legally) or do other things that are either illegal or inconveniencing to him. This despite the fact that cyclists causing accidents and injuries is extremely rare. Cyclists being annoying and/or a$$es occurs about as much as drivers doing similar things, though the consequences of a driver in a 2,000 lb vehicle are far worse. And back up to the original poster’s fear of being found at fault in a cyclist/car collision: drivers are very rarely cited for hitting cyclists, even when they are killed. But we should still spend resources on going after the cyclists.

[JanS]

Mark47..rude, angry, aggressive cyclists – that’s OK with you? Take care of your own,call them out when they are wrong, and stop saying it’s only car drivers that are the aggressive one. Please, you know better than that. I have a lot of respect for most cyclists, but that doesn’t excuse the assholes in the crowd. . I’ll watch your back when I drive, you watch mine..fair?.

[WSB]

I apologize, but we did everything we could to try to find out, as explained in the story. Called multiple Coast Guard “after hours media info” numbers multiple times, in addition to (after getting the series of 5 am texts) scouring flight trackers, marine trackers, Twitter, etc. The trackers did not show a single identified aircraft or vessel in the area at the time. (On occasion, rescuers are detectable because a vessel that IS identified – such as a state ferry – shows up, off course.) Military/Homeland Security aircraft don’t show up on trackers, and their radio transmissions are not monitorable either, so unlike SPD and Guardian One type activity, there was nothing we could have had even any remote hope of picking up via radio. Sorry, we do our best, pulled out everything in our bag of tricks, but sometimes it does take hours to get info. – TR

[JanS]

hahahaha…but, but…Benghazi…the OP asked a legit question, and at least 2 people made excuses, blaming car drivers. Yes, we know you think there are too many cars, and I agree. Hell, there are too many people, with too many cars. But the OP makes a point. You need to lecture your fellow bicyclists on their bad behavior. We’re all in this together, want the same goal, and that’s getting home safe at night.

[EdSane]

So you don’t believe they should be licensed when they utilize public roads? btw, I don’t care if there is any cost to this registration. To me this is directly related to accountability. We don’t have that currently and if bicyclists are going to be a serious form of transportation they should be treated as such.

[TSurly]

@EdSane there are a**holes everywhere, in cars and on bikes. Current state law does not require bicycles to be licensed, and until it does, please stop using that tired argument. The bottom line is when a cyclist makes a dangerous or illegal maneuver on the road, they are often held accountable by having the fear of god struck in them, road rash, broken bones or worse. The choice to do something stupid on a bike has nothing to do with anonymity. It is the same bad decision that someone chooses to do behind the wheel of a car.

[EdSane]

@TSurly, I agree a dashcam also capture bad drivers too! and certainly helps with an insurance claim when it is a he said he said situation. That said, wouldn’t you agree that cyclists need the same accountability. They should also carry ‘license plates’ so we can identify the ones who flagrantly break laws and potentially lead to accidents. mark47n admitted on this very forum that they disregards traffic control laws and I wonder if the calculus of that choice is directly related to the anonymity of cyclists. Drivers do not have that luxury.

[J Lickey]

Office assistant with Word & Excel experience needed for an in home business
(South End of West Seattle)

I am looking for a DETAIL oriented person to help with a 22 year old company. This candidate must possess knowledge of Word documents, Excel and have good typing skills.
This person must be reliable both in attendance and with work to be produced. This a flexible part time job that works well for someone with another part time job or going to school. Day time, weekends or evenings can be accommodated. There would be about 6- 8 hrs. a week min until May/June then 9-12 hrs. per week, possibly more depending on your availability and skills.
There are 2 small fun dogs in the office. A part time book keeper and myself.

There will be little to no client contact in this position and no telephone answering necessary.
Work is: Invoicing, paperwork to be sent to customers and internal paperwork along with some filing. All of which need to be done quickly & correctly the first time (after the learning period of course). This is a Non-smoking office & No telecommuting. Pay will depend on skills but will start at $11.00 for training period then in increments up to $13.00 per hour. There would be about 6- 8 hrs. per week min until May/June then 9-12 hrs. per week.
If this role has peaked your interest, please call me and we can speak about this in more detail.
Please contact Janet Lickey at 206-248-2290 cjlickey@comcast.net

[seaopgal]

Did you notice that several people have responded to your other post, Bruce? You might find their suggestions helpful and maybe get more response and “traction” if you keep the discussion in one place.

[mark47n]

I’m with AJP on this one.

Look, all cyclists want is to not be hit by cars. Often, in my experience, when I have a close call with or have been hit by a driver I’m riding exactly where I’m supposed to be, as far as the law is concerned, and doing all of the things that I’m supposed to.

Yes, I’ve run lights. I’ve run stop signs. I’ve ridden on the sidewalk if it’s more convenient or right in the lane, like under the viaduct. Many drivers simply don’t like cyclists and it’s that simple, either because we zip right by to the front of the queue, exercise the rights that we do have, such as taking up space on the road, or because we violate traffic laws.

As for attitudes; cyclists tend to be assertive about where they can go, even aggressive, because their a bit wound up. Road riding requires your full attention and, because of angry drivers, is rather dangerous. I won’t excuse rude cyclists but there are simply more rude drivers. Rude, angry, aggressive, ragey drivers.

The other point that AJP makes is right on the money. Drivers of cars don’t get cited when they hit bikes. Even when it’s egregious. Cops hate cyclists too, so you’re in good company. If they didn’t they’d cite more drivers. I did see one ragey driver get pulled over. It was right after a BMW cut me off with a left turn on 4th. A cop saw it and pulled him over. I’ve never seen a cop pull over a driver for cutting off a cyclist.

[kgraham3131]

As I drove home from work yesterday I found myself in quite a bit of traffic, while driving through Pioneer Square I witnessed several bicyclists running red lights and otherwise traveling VERY unsafely.

It is frustrating to me as a driver who in no way wants to hit anyone however when you come up in my blind spot after running a red light and I don’t see you because I have the right of way I don’t see how it would be my fault that you got hurt. After this cyclist turned LEFT on a RED LIGHT I watched as he rode his bike through a coned off construction area and then again ran another red light.
HOW CAN CYCLISTS WANT TO BE ‘TREATED’ LIKE CARS ON THE ROADS IN OUR LANES OF TRAFFIC YET YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE ROADS (STOP SIGNS, LIGHT LAWS)
I even had a cyclist hit my side mirror one day due to him insisting on cutting in front of the line of traffic at a light down by the stadium.
Is there a way to report unsafe bicyclists?
-concerned driver

[KBear]

I agree that no one should be tailgating a bus (or any other vehicle, for that matter), but if the bus driver was forced to miss a stop because of a tailgater, then they were driving unsafely as well. It’s incumbent on the bus driver to slow down enough in advance of the stop to be able to stop safely. Had they done so, the tailgater would have relented. You absolutely should complain to Metro.

[brukeste]

Mayor Durkan
Please this is not a form letter or spam.
* Lisa Herbold is kind of our rep.
* Spoke with Bruce Harrells legislative asst.
* Spoke with Sally Bagshaws asst., who was oddly interested in telling me how the legislative process works??
This is about TAXES vs DYING PEOPLE, not Saturday School House Rock.
PLEASE ignore the rhetoric, but I am sad and angry.
Before you read this I would ask that you think about any person(s) you love the most….and read it from that place in your head.
Your soda tax just ensured a more direct and painful experience for my partner who has incurable cancer and diarrhea so bad, we have to ensure he keeps his electrolytes balanced and now you have added more stress to an already heartbroken partner….or if it makes it easier, tax payer.
I ask you to read this all the way through, but I will be honest, I need to vent, but I will be respectful (as best I can)…I just ask that you read this all the way through….PLEASE!!
Let me state it right off the bat…been a Democrat my entire life, I have zero belief in god and I have been with my partner for 24 years, what hopefully will be, 25 years just like any other couple.
Please keep reading…PLEASE!!
This is me…
• I am no saint but I believe if we all stopped and talked to one another, the decisions we make could be more thoughtful…but it’s not that way.
• When I go out to eat, I only eat 1/2 my meals and package the other 1/2 and give it to a homeless person. They are gonna maybe eat from a trash can, so why not try to make sure its ok? And I avoid unnecessary overeating…win/win
• I have not eaten meat and never fish for almost 30 years now…I love animals but I don’t push my belief on others. Although I hope if there is a god, he/she is an actual cow, that would be justice :)
• I acknowledge homeless people as they are people, but I don’t randomly give my money…but I will buy you a burger
• I will do random acts of kindness like buy $2500 annually worth of dog food from my local pet store and ask them to give them to anyone who needs the help. We have a lot of people over here who can barely take care of themselves and it bothers me their animals could suffer as well, so I just try to take the stress off. (PetPros in Westwood village)
• And yes, I am the a**hole who reads the fine print on contracts at Apple Computer counter making others find another register. Not trying to be an a**, but if you are going to put a contract on 30 sheets of receipt paper, then I am going to read it before I sign.
• I help random people out and ask that, at some point in their life, pay me back by doing one kind selfless thing for another person. Only they know if they will ever pay me back…but that’s not what it’s about.
• I have lots of faults, but that’s not going to help my letter.
My best asset though, I wake up each day and reflect on the day before and make sure to address any regrets. I am not perfect at this, however if I can at least try…then I am a better man. I don’t need to believe in a god to try and be a good person.
Now that you have a picture of me….let me paint a picture of my partner who has been GRAVELY affected.
• Lived here his whole life
• Has NEVER bounced a check although he at times had no food. His bills came first because he promised to pay back debts before himself. Even in his challenged health he makes sure his bills are paid before he lays down for his frequent naps.
• His credit score is 802
• In his 25 years at the Seattle Times, he missed 12 days of work. Even when he had to drive from W. Seattle to Bothell he was the man you could count on …..and I have counted on him to be my friend and partner for the last 25 years.
About 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Group Health unfortunately did not follow up with him, and it spread and now is incurable. He went from 145/150 lbs, to a low of 115 (today 121).
The new chemo is kicking his a**, but he is trying to fight. He loses so much water due to his upset stomach, so we use electrolytes to keep him balanced.
Soda Tax
So now not only do we have the expenses and stress of cancer on a single income:
Strike 1: Cancer
Strike 2: House collapsing…ask Lisa Herbold, and now
Strike 3: Taxing Gatorade…THE one thing he can stomach. So now you have doubled a cost effective “medication”. He can’t do pedialyte and its $5.00….it was not designed for adults who can drink much more especially when they are sick.
Maybe your plan was “So what, they can drive to another city or county and buy all the pop or gatorade they want…as long as we get our cut for those who don’t”. Let’s be honest, you can say it’s all for a specific pet project, but it will routed to the general fund before the first tax hits the tax collectors.
I am not fundamentally against making it a luxury that is taxed because of the damage it does, but I am sure the council thought heavily about, instead of punishing tax payers, they could incentivize businesses to carry products from companies who think about humans, health and the environment?? The magical image Seattle likes.
Maybe tax breaks for
• Smaller packaging – less landfill crap
• Healthier and properly portioned products
• Recyclable products (yes Seattle is working on this but again in a weird revenue way)
• Sustainable products
Reward a business that is willing to do that. At the end of the day in this scenario, doesn’t everyone win?? Seattle prides itself on these ideas, so why not encourage the people who bring product to sell in Seattle, to participate??
So the point of this story was to tell you that your tax has effectively put my family in ration mode again to TRY and save the one I love.
I am not interested in having to get a doctor’s note to be tax exempt, but if that’s what has to be done at least do something. City Council did not think this through except to only address a council pet project for the downtown core, but we are real people tax payers.
Please Fix this! He should not have to suffer any more at the hands of Seattle City Council, destroying anything that does not improve downtown…
If you made it this far, I hope you understand my only concern is my partner. I need to fight for him and every other person who doesn’t know how or have the energy.
Please pretend this was your family on a modest means and do the right thing.
Bruce
P.s Congrats on your victory to be Seattles Mayor. I wish you success and hope you are a thoughtful and strong leader….I don’t think I wasted my vote!

[brukeste]

Mayor Durkan
Please this is not a form letter or spam.
* Lisa Herbold is kind of our rep.
* Spoke with Bruce Harrells legislative asst.
* Spoke with Sally Bagshaws asst., who was oddly interested in telling me how the legislative process works??
This is about TAXES vs DYING PEOPLE, not Saturday School House Rock.
PLEASE ignore the rhetoric, but I am sad and angry.
Before you read this I would ask that you think about any person(s) you love the most….and read it from that place in your head.
Your soda tax just ensured a more direct and painful experience for my partner who has incurable cancer and diarrhea so bad, we have to ensure he keeps his electrolytes balanced and now you have added more stress to an already heartbroken partner….or if it makes it easier, tax payer.
I ask you to read this all the way through, but I will be honest, I need to vent, but I will be respectful (as best I can)…I just ask that you read this all the way through….PLEASE!!
Let me state it right off the bat…been a Democrat my entire life, I have zero belief in god and I have been with my partner for 24 years, what hopefully will be, 25 years just like any other couple.
Please keep reading…PLEASE!!
This is me…
• I am no saint but I believe if we all stopped and talked to one another, the decisions we make could be more thoughtful…but it’s not that way.
• When I go out to eat, I only eat 1/2 my meals and package the other 1/2 and give it to a homeless person. They are gonna maybe eat from a trash can, so why not try to make sure its ok? And I avoid unnecessary overeating…win/win
• I have not eaten meat and never fish for almost 30 years now…I love animals but I don’t push my belief on others. Although I hope if there is a god, he/she is an actual cow, that would be justice :)
• I acknowledge homeless people as they are people, but I don’t randomly give my money…but I will buy you a burger
• I will do random acts of kindness like buy $2500 annually worth of dog food from my local pet store and ask them to give them to anyone who needs the help. We have a lot of people over here who can barely take care of themselves and it bothers me their animals could suffer as well, so I just try to take the stress off. (PetPros in Westwood village)
• And yes, I am the a**hole who reads the fine print on contracts at Apple Computer counter making others find another register. Not trying to be an a**, but if you are going to put a contract on 30 sheets of receipt paper, then I am going to read it before I sign.
• I help random people out and ask that, at some point in their life, pay me back by doing one kind selfless thing for another person. Only they know if they will ever pay me back…but that’s not what it’s about.
• I have lots of faults, but that’s not going to help my letter.
My best asset though, I wake up each day and reflect on the day before and make sure to address any regrets. I am not perfect at this, however if I can at least try…then I am a better man. I don’t need to believe in a god to try and be a good person.
Now that you have a picture of me….let me paint a picture of my partner who has been GRAVELY affected.
• Lived here his whole life
• Has NEVER bounced a check although he at times had no food. His bills came first because he promised to pay back debts before himself. Even in his challenged health he makes sure his bills are paid before he lays down for his frequent naps.
• His credit score is 802
• In his 25 years at the Seattle Times, he missed 12 days of work. Even when he had to drive from W. Seattle to Bothell he was the man you could count on …..and I have counted on him to be my friend and partner for the last 25 years.
About 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Group Health unfortunately did not follow up with him, and it spread and now is incurable. He went from 145/150 lbs, to a low of 115 (today 121).
The new chemo is kicking his a**, but he is trying to fight. He loses so much water due to his upset stomach, so we use electrolytes to keep him balanced.
Soda Tax
So now not only do we have the expenses and stress of cancer on a single income:
Strike 1: Cancer
Strike 2: House collapsing…ask Lisa Herbold, and now
Strike 3: Taxing Gatorade…THE one thing he can stomach. So now you have doubled a cost effective “medication”. He can’t do pedialyte and its $5.00….it was not designed for adults who can drink much more especially when they are sick.
Maybe your plan was “So what, they can drive to another city or county and buy all the pop or gatorade they want…as long as we get our cut for those who don’t”. Let’s be honest, you can say it’s all for a specific pet project, but it will routed to the general fund before the first tax hits the tax collectors.
I am not fundamentally against making it a luxury that is taxed because of the damage it does, but I am sure the council thought heavily about, instead of punishing tax payers, they could incentivize businesses to carry products from companies who think about humans, health and the environment?? The magical image Seattle likes.
Maybe tax breaks for
• Smaller packaging – less landfill crap
• Healthier and properly portioned products
• Recyclable products (yes Seattle is working on this but again in a weird revenue way)
• Sustainable products
Reward a business that is willing to do that. At the end of the day in this scenario, doesn’t everyone win?? Seattle prides itself on these ideas, so why not encourage the people who bring product to sell in Seattle, to participate??
So the point of this story was to tell you that your tax has effectively put my family in ration mode again to TRY and save the one I love.
I am not interested in having to get a doctor’s note to be tax exempt, but if that’s what has to be done at least do something. City Council did not think this through except to only address a council pet project for the downtown core, but we are real people tax payers.
Please Fix this! He should not have to suffer any more at the hands of Seattle City Council, destroying anything that does not improve downtown…
If you made it this far, I hope you understand my only concern is my partner. I need to fight for him and every other person who doesn’t know how or have the energy.
Please pretend this was your family on a modest means and do the right thing.
Bruce
P.s Congrats on your victory to be Seattles Mayor. I wish you success and hope you are a thoughtful and strong leader….I don’t think I wasted my vote!

[Michael Waldo]

Finally got to the grill. Went on a Sunday night, thinking a less crowded place would be a good first time test. Got seated very promptly. Got water, then sat for about 15 minutes before someone came to take our order. There were only a few other tables with customers. Food came out at a normal wait. Food was just OK. Fish and chips were a bit fishy. I think it was the owner who brought my fish and chips. Told me the fish was very fresh. The owner had to go to two tables to talk to unhappy diners. One table of 4 next to us, he finally comped their meal. My main issue is the 7 large TV screens tuned to 3 different stations. Makes for visual chaos. One had the volume turned up. Quite annoying. One had closed captioning. The other five had programs but no sound or CC. That is fine with sports, as it is a visual program. But 60 minutes with no CC – whats the point? The service and food were not good enough to counter the TV annoyance. I doubt I will be back for dinner. Might try brunch some morning, as I hear that is good.

[Johnnymarr1]

Hello,
I am a 15+ year marketing professional with a great interest in helping grow/improve the community. I am looking to start a very specialized marketing consulting company that focuses on community impact. I have some ideas to really involve the community while offering marketing services at a lower cost. At the heart of what I want to do is not necessarily make a ton of money for myself, but simply help local businesses improve how they integrate into the community while improving their brand or growth potential.

I would like to get some thoughts from locals on this idea. I welcome any thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc.

Thanks,

Scott

[NorthbyNorthWest]

Ok, I started reading this wondering what the issue was with a local business, then got amused at some of the posts, finally getting agitated with them. Let me add to the posts of admiration for Alki Bike and Board. I own a Trek I bought 20 years ago in college, so am definitely not into bike “culture”, but after reading this I can truly say that some of you come across as unbelievable snobs. With that said, let me give my own recent experience with the store.

The day after Christmas my 4 year old daughter received a hand-me-down starter bike from her cousin, which she promptly started riding all over the neighborhood. My wife and I could have afforded a new bike, but the free one seemed great. My daughter was the picture of pure joy, until one of the training wheels broke. The very next day I called Alki to see if they had replacement training wheels and zipped over to pick up a set. I had fully planned to install them myself, but they offered to do it for free on the spot. I’m glad I took them up on the offer because it certainly would have taken me longer to figure out. They also adjusted the pedal brake when they tested it, without being asked, and at no charge. Within 30 minutes of leaving my house my daughter was back in action, and a grateful father will remember the service I got from Alki Bike and Board. While I realize this amounted to a $30 sale, let me assure you that when my daughter is ready for her next bike in a few years there will be only one place I will go. Same goes for when I finally upgrade the 20 year old Trek when she is ready for me to ride with her. I might not be a “bike” person, but I do like to have fun. I also have enough disposable income to do so and I will remember those that treated me well and helped to make my daughter smile. Thank you Alki Bike and Board!

PS: I shared with my wife before posting and she asked me to add this to reinforce the point… “I also stopped in to Alki B&B to pick up a new helmet for our daughter and the man who helped her was patient and gentle with our easily distracted daughter. We were in and out of the store with a new, properly fitted helmet within 15 minutes and because my daughter chose it herself she has been more willing to wear it.”

[melissa]

My husband posted this on another board and it seems fitting to cut and paste it here. Short version: he loves the work Stu does. Oh, and btw, we call my husband’s bike his girlfriend. He loves it that much. (PS Typos are husband’s own.)

“My beloved road bike needed some care. After 7 years of consistent rides in the rain and covered in grit and layers of gunked oil, I took it to Stu for some work. Yeah, I know should clean it more often myself, but I’m usually pretty thrashed after early Sunday morning long ride in the rain..

The rear derailleur jockey wheels were shot, brake pads needed replaced. Thought that I’d need a new rear derailleur, but no. Stu proposed has 1/2 off January tune up. $65 vs $130 for tune up. I was out the door for under $100 , including parts. Got my beloved bike back, cleaner than it has been in too long, tuned perfectly. New jockey wheels. Dead silent pedaling and adjusted all around.

If you need your bike worked on. Go see Stu!”

[Paul Loeb]

I don’t have a high-end regular bike. But I do have a high-end electric bike that I got from Alki Bike and Board, and I took my previous electric to them for about 8 years. So 10 years as a customer, and I can’t imagine a better bike shop. I’m sure things mess up from time to time–that’s inevitable. But I’ve always found Stu and his team just incredibly helpful–trustworthy, reasonably priced, caring about what they do. Pretty much everything you’d want. To me they’re the equivalent of my beloved Foreign Car Workshop (except FCW doesn’t sell cars), where we’ve been taking our cars for 20 years. I’m sure the other places that people mention are fine, but from all my experience, I’m delighted with them.