West Seattle Herald / White Center News - Business

Public comments not allowed on minimum work standards initiative at SeaTac council

ericm — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:41:17 +0000

Comments will be allowed later

City of SeaTac press release:

The SeaTac City Council received a proposed petition from an independent group known as the SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs, in order to collect signatures for an initiative entitled “Setting Minimum Employment Standards for Hospitality and Transportation Workers.”

Committee representatives are in the process of seeking the required 1,541 signatures, which is 15% of the registered voters from the November, 2011 City elections.
While the City will follow through on the initiative process as required by State Law and City Code, the Initiative was filed by the independent group.

It has come to the attention of the City of SeaTac that members of the public may attend upcoming Council Meetings to comment on the proposed initiative. While the City understands that members of the public may have strong opinions on either side of this issue, it is imperative that City facilities not be used to either promote or oppose any current or proposed ballot measure.

In accordance with guidelines from the State Public Disclosure Commission and State Law, the City wants to advise that members of the public and Council shall not give comments regarding a political candidate or a ballot proposition pursuant to RCW 42.17A.555.

In the event anyone begins making comments in violation of this statute, any member of the Council, City Clerk or the City Attorney may interrupt with a point of order in order to ensure compliance with State Law.

Should the sponsors of this Initiative gather enough signatures, the City Council will have to take action either adopting the proposed Initiative as written or submit the measure to the SeaTac voters for approval.

Should the City Council be required to make this determination, members of the public will be able to comment prior to Council action.

However, any comments at a Council meeting prior to this time would be premature. Should a member of the public wish to contact the City Council directly, they may access contact information at www.CityofSeaTac.com

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ericm

05/10/2013

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Mom’s Day brings a mother lode of scams

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:57:21 +0000

Mother’s Day Phishing Emails Top the List

Better Business Bureau press release:

Loving sons and daughters looking for thoughtful ways to show affection for moms this year should think twice before opening up hearts and wallets. A recent survey from the National Retail Federation estimates that total Mother’s Day spending will reach $18.6 billion in 2013, and scammers will employ all sorts of tricks to fool consumers. Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington wants this day to be safe and mom-entous.

As with most special occasions, schemers try to catch last-minute shoppers off-guard and BBB offers the following reminders:

E-cards: Email cards appear to be from known contacts or trusted retailers, but are actually fraudulent, contain malicious links or malware and seek personal information; verify senders before opening.

Gifts: Newly registered websites stock Mother’s Day gifts at reasonable prices and guarantee timely delivery, but the products are never delivered or don’t actually exist at all. Avoid online vendors lacking verifiable contact information.

Flowers: According to the Society of American Florists, Mother’s Day accounts for one-fourth of all holiday floral purchases. Be wary of websites offering unrealistically cheap flower arrangements; consider a local BBB Accredited Retail Florist.

Discount Vouchers: Coupons or vouchers arrive in mailboxes and inboxes highlighting significantly reduced prices on flowers, gifts or restaurant visits, but are actually just bait-and-switch offers and the resulting purchases are not great deals after all. Carefully read the fine print and understand the terms and limitations of unsolicited offers.

Visit the BBB News Center for more information on protecting loved ones.

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ericm

05/08/2013

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Burien is 10 tons cleaner after Clean Sweep

ericm — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:22:40 +0000

More than 10 tons of trash and recycled materials were picked up during this year’s Burien Clean Sweep event on April 20.

Discover Burien Event Manager Debra George reported 3.3 tons of garbage and 7.17 tons of recycled materials was gathered for a total of 10.47 tons.

She also reported on previous year’s totals:

2012 5.54 Tons + 942 Lbs Monitors + 389 Lbs of Mixed Electronic
2011 8.2 Tons
2010 5.9 Tons
2009 8.15 Tons
2008 7.61 Tons
2007 8.66 Tons
2006 6.75 Tons
2005 10.82 Tons
2004 9.88 Tons
2003 12.06 Tons
2002 7.72 Tons
2001 9.82 Tons
2000 13.72 Tons
1999 9.73 Tons

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ericm

04/29/2013

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Letter--High-tech businesses should contribute for STEM education

ericm — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:27:46 +0000

Most of our new college graduates have a hard time finding jobs, yet Boeing has to import young people to fill its positions that need math and science skills.

Well, of course--reducing taxes prevents schools from being adequately funded. If a student, in spite of that, finishes with a good background in technical subjects, he also finishes with a large debt.

He can't afford to pass on his knowledge by becoming a teacher; he needs the much larger pay he can get from a job in industry.

Science and math classes are left to be taught mostly by people whose primary interests and talents aren't in those subjects. Over the decades, fewer and fewer qualified people are available to even consider teaching them.

Should we keep on letting it get worse, or should we ask the investors in our high-tech businesses to pay a little income tax to finance a quality of education that will produce enough talented employees for both our schools and our industries?

Bruce Pringle
Normandy Park

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ericm

04/24/2013

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Highline High School students paying it forward to elementary students

ericm — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:04:26 +0000

Cedarbrook Lodge helping older students mentor younger students

Press release:

Global Connections High School students are teaming up with Cedarbrook Lodge to educate fifth graders from Bow Lake Elementary on childhood obesity, anti-bullying and classroom etiquette.

The DECA class at Global Connections developed a field trip for the Bow Lake students. Cedarbrook Lodge is hosting the field trip on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DECA is an international association that aims to prepare emerging high school leaders for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

“My Advanced Marketing students love the challenge of ‘thinking like a 5th grader’ as they consider their target market for the lessons they are planning,” said DECA teacher Alana Vinther. “It’s delightful to hear them comment on the challenges and rewards of working with the elementary students.”

The high school students have enlisted the help of Cedarbrook’s Culinary Director, Roy Breiman, and Executive Chef, Mark Bodinet, to teach the elementary students about nutrition and sustainability through a cooking demonstration. The students will then get to taste the food and go home with a few easy and healthy recipes to try at home.

“I feel it is our responsibility and obligation as members of the Highline community to help educate and inspire passion in our community’s youth,” says Cedarbrook Lodge General Manager, Scott Ostrander. “There is truly no better joy than paying it forward and helping to motivate and foster the growth and maturation of our future leaders.”

Cedarbrook Lodge is also assisting the DECA students in producing a short video that will teach the elementary students about good classroom etiquette. The video will be shown during the field trip.

During the three weeks leading up to the field trips, the high school students are challenging the middle school students to stand up to bullying. During the field trip, students will be recognized for their participation and success in the anti-bulling program.

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ericm

04/24/2013

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Tax Free Day in the West Seattle Junction

David Rosen — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:44:39 +0000

Tax Free Day in the West Seattle Junction Neighborhood Sale! Over 40 participants.

Junction Merchants have your back by paying your tax.

Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping (10% off) at these locations ALL DAY:

AAA West Seattle
Bakery Nouveau
Capers
Carmilia’s
City Mouse Studio and Store
Clementine
Click! Design That Fits
Computer Care
Curious Kidstuff
Edie’s Shoes
Fleurt
Funky Janes
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Heidi Fish Swimwear
Jan’s Beauty Supply
JF Henry
Many Moons Trading Co.
Merryweather Books
PC Mobile Inc.
Red Cup Espresso
Seattle Fish Company
Shoofly Pie Company
Sound Advice
Stop ‘N Shop
Sweetie
Terjung’s Studio of Gifts
The Beer Junction
The Discovery Shop
The Forsythe Studio
The Sneakery
Twala Intimates
Twilight Gallery & Boutique
Vain
Wallflower Custom Framing
Wild Rose’s
Zamboanga

Special Deals at the following locations:

A Terrible Beauty
Happy hour all day for food and drinks.

Bang Bar Restaurant & Lounge
Free spring rolls with 2 entrees ordered.

Capers
Tax FREE on all previously marked down floor models (20-40% off), pillows, sale merchandise.

Carmilia’s

City Mouse Studio and Store
Buy any 4 items in store and get a 5th item of same or lesser item free.

Clementine
Additional 20% off anything orange.

Hotwire Online Coffeehouse
Asking for donation of any-sized diapers to benefit Westside Baby.

Seattle Fish Company
2 Fish Tacos for $7.

Shadowland

Taqueria Guaymas

West 5
Come in for a Taxman Cocktail to lighten your spirits.

Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 9:00am - 11:00pm

Update: Discover Burien announces board candidates, explains voting procedure

ericm — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:16:04 +0000

Discover Burien release:

We're very excited to announce the nominations for the 2013 Board of Directors as selected by the nomination committee from interested applicants:

Lori Alden
Ali Levich
Lance McIntosh
John White
Brent Volle

Additionally, we have three applicants running by petition:
Virginia Wright
Suzanne Greive
Patricia Eslava Vessey

We are very grateful for the very qualified and enthusiastic leaders in our community that each, in their own way aid in the progress of Discover Burien's efforts in making our community a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Discover Burien’s Annual Membership and Board Elections meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 5:30 PM at Southgate Masonic Hall, 1004 SW 152nd Street Burien, WA 98166.

At this annual meeting, we will conduct the election for Board positions.

Discover Burien is updating and clarifying the voting rules for the upcoming election. To be in line with the spirit of "one person, one vote" each person will have to be present at the election, a member in good standing, show id, and sign the registration sheet to receive their voters ballot.

For individuals that are involved with Discover Burien through multiple memberships due to having their business (es), not-for-profit (s), and an individual membership, they must cast their individual ballot and designate one person to represent each additional membership.

Each designated person must be present at the election, show id, and sign the registration sheet to receive and cast the ballot.

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ericm

04/19/2013

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Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce selects new President/CEO

ericm — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:03:16 +0000

Press release:

After conducting a three-month search period, the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce their selection of a new President/CEO. Carol Kolson will assume the role on Monday, April 8, 2013. She was selected out of more than 40 applicants.   
Carol has been involved with the Southwest King County Chamber for the last 6 years and is excited to help lead the Chamber. She has a 28-year banking career, most recently at HomeStreet Bank for 13 years. She has also worked in Marysville, Camano Island, Everett and Bellevue as a banker. Most of her banking career has focused on building meaningful relationship with clients.

Carol has served on the Southwest King County Chamber Board of Directors in the Chair position, Golf Tournament Chair, Funding and Events Committee and the Ambassador Committee. She believes being an active member at the Southwest King County Chamber resulted in new and long lasting client relationships.

Volunteering at non-profits who serve South King County cities has been a big part of Carol’s life. She is a member of the Tukwila Historical Society, and has chaired events for DAWN and Habitat for Humanity. She has taught financial literacy classes for several non-profits in South King County. Giving back to local communities is important to her as a business leader.

She won the DAWN 2012 Hero Award, Southwest King County Chamber 2011 Outstanding Community Service Award and the Seattle Rotary 2007 Service Above Self Award.

Born and raised in Johnstown, PA, Carol has made the Seattle area her home since 1981. She loves to play golf, read and cook. She has had the opportunity to travel to Dubai, Qatar, China, Japan and Mexico City. Carol has two sons that also live in the Northwest, and her fiancée, John, works for Boeing.

Carol says, "I am looking forward to working with the Board of Directors, Chamber staff and our members!"

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ericm

03/28/2013

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The Mark and 909 win Burien Top Chef contest

ericm — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:48:27 +0000

The people have spoken.

So have the critics.

The people’s choice for Burien’s top chef is Rogelio Rios of the Mark Restaurant.

The food critics picked chef Ryan Nielcen of 909 Coffee and Wine.
Those were the results of the Burien Top Chef competition held March 20 at HomeTask Network in Burien.

All this was a preliminary event for the second annual Burien Bites on Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Participants will tour Burien restaurants sampling special bites prepared at each establishment. They will then vote for their favorite bite and the winning restaurant will be awarded the Burien Bites trophy.

Rios won the Top Chef people’s choice award with 56 points for his corn and black bean salsa fresca.

Second place went to 909 with 51 points and Sidestreet Kitchen garnered third place with 44 points.

Top Chef participants sampled dishes prepared at each competing restaurant. Each sampler was given five stones to vote with. They could use all five stones to vote for one chef or distribute them among multiple chefs.

The critic’s choice, Nielcen prepared two dishes—asparagus salad with a cilantro vinaigrette and fettuccine with mushrooms and asparagus.

The four critics awarded 98 points to Nielcen and 909. In second place was Joe Ladine of Chef 2 the Rescue with 93 points and Sidestreet Kitchen with 89 points was third.

“I’m pretty excited about this,” Nielcen declared. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

Nielcen has worked at 909 in Olde Burien for three years.

The competition began with the chefs picking up a sealed box of four ingredients supplied by Freggies.com, an organic produce supplier that services Burien and other neighborhoods. The ingredients were cilantro, asparagus, tangerines and garlic.

The chefs took the boxes back to their establishments and prepare dishes using the ingredients. They could use other supplies from their restaurants but needed to highlight the four ingredients in their preparation. They had to return to HomeTask within 90 minutes with their finished dish for the critics and participants to sample.

Meanwhile, a videographer who filmed their adventure trailed each chef. The films will be available on YouTube. The volunteer videographers are also competing for prizes.

Jerrod Sessler, HomeTask CEO, estimated 120 people plus 30 to 40 additional members of participating restaurants and film crews crammed into HomeTask’s small downtown Burien headquarters for the event.

Proceeds from the Top Chef and Burien Bites events will go to local charities including the Highline Schools Foundation, Highline Food Bank, New Futures, YETI and HomeTask Cares Foundation.

The four food critics share an interest in healthy eating.

Burien resident Julia Bringolf is a food and wine enthusiast with special experience in fresh, healthy family meals that are easy to make.

Candice Clem is a local nutritional consultant and certified kettlebell instructor.

Annie Easter is the mastermind behind Annieeatsclean.com.

Deanna Morauski writes for her food blog, theoldhen.com, as well as hosting guests at her Snoqualmie bed and breakfast.

Other participating restaurants were Arcadia, Archie’s Mexican, Bison Creek Pizza & Pub, El Fogoncito, Emerald Cove Catering, Mama Sambusa’s African Kitchen, Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub and Osteria de Primo,

More details on the upcoming Burien Bites are available at Facebook.com/burienbites or BurienBites.com.

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ericm

03/22/2013

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