Fundraiser | The B-Town (Burien) Blog TEST

Burien City Council asks for help for evicted residents of Fox Cove Apartments

Scott Schaefer — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 23:47:09 +0000

The Fox Cove Apartments are located at 149 SW 160th Street in Burien.

By Jack Mayne
Residents and supporters of residents of a dilapidated apartment building in Burien told the City Council meeting on Monday (Oct. 1) of new owners ordering residents evicted so the facility can be upgraded.
Fox Cove Apartments took up the majority of the meeting and the public comment period. Tenants of the apartments, located at 149 SW 160th Street in Burien, are upset about recent eviction notices, which gives several an Oct. 31 deadline to vacate their homes.
Residents got a letter on Sept. 14. City Manager Brian Wilson said Monday night, adding that the property ownership had changed hands to SUHRCO Residential Properties in Bellevue.
According to several reports, many residents get by on low incomes, and worry that the evictions – while legal – may push them into homelessness within weeks (read our previous coverage here).
Wilson said the Bellevue property owner wants to upgrade and rehabilitate the structure, but if it reopens it will “likely be at a higher rent rate” adding the city is “working to make contact with those property owners” and they “have told the city it wants to work with Burien” and that “those efforts are ongoing. We will work on plans to address these issues and to ensure that all legal requirements are being followed,” the city manager said.

Marx says ‘city emergency’
Councilmember Krystal Marx said she was glad the city manager made contact and was having conversations with the property owner, but “conversations don’t keep people housed.” She moved to “direct staff to declare the displacement of these citizens to be a … city emergency” and “to prepare a draft temporary ordinance that requires residential landlords to provide 90 days written notice prior to terminating a tenancy for reasons that would otherwise not be cause for an eviction .…”
She also wants the Council to review “options for expanding tenant rates in Burien” to go the city human services commission for review and make recommendation to the Council by its Nov. 5 meeting.
“I remain hopeful that, through a combination of community engagement, Staff effort, Council support and communication with the new owners, we can come to a resolution that will not leave these tenants out in the cold,” Marx said in a Facebook post.
Olguin says ’disingenuous’
Councilmember Pedro Olguin said he thought it was “disingenuous … to just fix one right when there is a slew of rights than need to be encompassed and I would rather take up a total fight that is going to make sure than everyone is protected.” He suggested relocation cost assistance “because there really isn’t anything on the books that is going to protect them.”
Marx agreed with Olguin, but said her proposal would sunset after 90 days and she wanted something to help the people in Fox Cove Apartments now and not wait for a longer term solution. She said she had seen videos of people at Fox Cove having water from an upstairs apartment “pouring down through an overhead ceiling light,” hearing about people with a stove that has not worked for over a year, and a refrigerator for over three years.
While the new owner will “rectify these issues” it still means that low income people will be displaced “and may be facing homelessness,” Marx said. “If we want to talk about addressing the root causes of children being attracted to gangs, maybe not standing idly by while they are displaced from homes is a good point to start from.” There was sporadic applause from the audience.
Still, her proposal died for lack of a second.
The people speak
As the mayor prepared to call for comments from the 35 citizens who have signed up to comment, Councilmember Nancy Tosta said that too often the Council does not get to the matters before it, while time is used to hear comments from citizens.
“We have issues we have prioritized, but we never get them on our schedule,” she said. I’d like to stick to the 20 minutes” normally allotted to public comments or have a town hall meeting to allow full comments on subjects the people want to tall the Council about.
“Our job is govern, it’s to pass policies and laws,” Tosta said. “If meetings don’t allow us time to do that, then we aren’t governing. It doesn’t do any good to hear from everybody if we don’t have time to address the issues that they are asking us to deal with.”
Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak said all 35 people should get two minutes, and Tosta agreed and moved to give two minutes each to commenters.
Several of the residents and some others speaking for them were given time at the meeting.
‘Severely incapacitated’
One woman told of being a caregiver for a severely incapacitated resident of the Fox Cove Apartments, and said the woman she worked with had suffered from “black mold everywhere” in her apartment that she;s rented for many years. The owners would “never do anything about it.” She asked for time to find another place or assistance for the woman to find a new place in which to live, “in peace.” “There is no other place to go but on the streets,” she said.
Heather Pierce of the Rental Housing Association of Washington – which represents small rental owners – said the new owners of the Fox Cove units, which needs renovation, need to give time for tenants find other places to live. She said the association wants to consider how they can partner with the city to find a solution “including pooling of resources” for the evicted residents to find new places to live.
Stephen Whitney said he and his finace have lived in the apartments for three years and co-parent two nine-year-old girls and recently adopted a 15-year-old boy with disabilities, and also have a disability abled baby in their care. The previous owner “neglected any warnings of any of these tenants here tonight” which left “us continuing …to live in unlivable conditions.” No one answers resident’s calls because “the new owner is on vacation.” More stress comes from waiting to be “booted out,” Whitney said.
“We in the community are desperately asking somebody for help and none of us deserve this.”
Many of the other community comment presenters were advocating or supporting other causes not associated with the Fox Cove Apartment situation.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help those in need – donate online here:

https://www.gofundme.com/6735880?member=852032

Here’s a video courtesy KING5:

Also, some info about tenant’s rights is available here:

https://tenantsunion.org/en/rights/low-income-housing-eviction

Public safety
City Manager Brian Wilson told the Council he has carried out a Council directive made at the Sept. 24 meeting to enhance a plan to “enhance public safety” and the “effort is underway and we gave a multiple prong approach” that includes community feedback, have increased policing and “talking about increased social services for our youth and our community.”

VIDEOS/PHOTOS: 750 runners cross finish line of 2018 Burien Brat Trot

Scott Schaefer — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:03:26 +0000

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following Sports story is sponsored by the Kenner Dental Group:

Story, Photos & Videos by Scott Schaefer
Under partly cloudy skies with an occasional shower, 750 exuberant runners crossed the finish line of the 2018 Burien Brat Trot 5K on Sunday, Sept. 30.
This grass roots, local fundraiser benefits the Highline Schools Foundation. In addition to a 5K and kids run, it included a Bavarian Fest complete with beer gardens, live bands, sausage, bouncy toys, food, and more.
Here’s video of the Top 3 finishers as they crossed the finish line – Cameron Colpitts, Nicholas Ankuta and James Roach:

Cameron Colpitts, 36, was the top finisher with a time of 17:06.
Abigail Bever was the top female finisher with a time of 19:18.
TOP 10 FINISHERS:

1. CAMERON COLPITTS: 36 | M | 17:06
2. NICHOLAS ANKUTA: 16 | M | 17:24
3. JAMES ROACH: 33 | M | 17:33
4. ELLIOT COREY: 33 | M | 18:10
5. STEVEN COLMUS: 45 | M | 18:16
6. TROY HAESELER: 37 | M | 18:48
7. HODGES MAXIM: 15 | M | 18:49
8. JEREMY TOPPING: 40 | M | 18:51
9. ANAWAT BRAD: 56 | M | 19:09
10. ABIGAIL BEVER: 28 | F | 19:18
11. BENJAMIN FADER: 28 | M | 19:27
12. JOSHUA CHO: 16 | M |19:38
13. LAURA BREYMANN: 37 | F | 19:56
14. JACOB KLIKA: 39 | M | 20:08
15. ERIN CHINCHAR: 25 | F | 20:25
16. CARMEN STORER: 33 | F | 20:32
17. MARK DOOLEY: 43 | M | 20:54
18. HOUSE MAX: 14 | M | 20:54
19. BRIAN HANSEN: 42 | M | 20:58
20. HODGERS DARO: 53 | M | 21:01

OLDEST FEMALE:

CAROLINE ERICKSON: 76 | F | 53:48

OLDEST MALE:

ROBB SHIRLEY: 78 | M | 25:34

SLOW-MO OF THE START
Here’s a slow-motion video of the start of the race – can you find yourself (or anyone you know) here?

PHOTOS
Here are some photos from the event, shot by Scott Schaefer (click images to view larger versions/slideshow):

Runners were all smiles at the starting line.

This view of a sea of runners heading south on 10th Ave SW never gets old!

A dancer struts to the music of Los Flacos.

Tin Room staff got into the spirit while cooking sausages.

Tin Room owner and race co-founder Danny House congratulates Carmen Storer as she crosses the finish line.

Danny hung out at the finish line to congratulate runners.

A running Dad pushes a stroller while a kid enjoys the ride.

After running a race, this is the best way to watch the finish line.

Burien Police Chief Ted Boe ran with his family, and came in 406th with a time of 37:25.

The family that runs in Lederhosen together, stays together…

When you live in a great community like @Burien there are some great events and people that mark the years…13+ and counting @tinroombar #DannyHouse @HighlineSchlsFd @BurienBratTrot pic.twitter.com/ydjJ9y30GM

— Maya Mendoza-Exstrom (@Maya3rme) September 30, 2018

ABOUT OUR SPORTS SPONSOR:
Dr. William C. Kenner, V

“Having the opportunity to utilize my expertise and help patients achieve optimum, functional oral health is what drives my passion for dentistry.”

About our office:
Our patients have a great appreciation for the care that we provide, and many of them have been with the practice since it was opened by my father in 1978. It is extremely rewarding to see those patients entrust our office with their own care, the care of their children, and their friends and family. We strive to provide quality, patient-centered dental care. Our goal is to create a unique dental experience for our patients, where their needs and comfort come first. Each Team member brings their individual element to the office, making everyday entertaining and enjoyable.
For the past four years the Kenner Dental Group has been an event sponsor for the Burien Brat Trot, benefiting Highline Schools Foundation. We have also worked to raise awareness of children’s oral health and provided pediatric dental care in the community.
I am a Burien native born and raised. My wife Dr. Leigh Kenner, who I met in dental school, and I have been married since October 2009. We have two beautiful children, daughter Brynn and son Liam, along with two dogs, Lilly and Cali. Our house is always a bit busy, but when there is time to relax and get away, our family loves outdoor activities together, watching the Seahawks, traveling to see family in San Diego and Palm Springs, and enjoying the beach along Alki. My individual outdoor passion is fresh-water fly fishing, although I’ve been known to throw saltwater flies off Alki Point and Fauntleroy occasionally.
For more info, visit https://www.kennerdentalgroup.com, or call 206-248-1339.

Fred Hutch Obliteride bike riders will spin through Burien on Saturday, Aug. 11

Scott Schaefer — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 20:03:31 +0000

Photos courtesy Fred Hutch Obliteride

Nearly 2,500 Fred Hutch Obliterideriders will pedal through Puget Sound communities – including Burien – on Saturday, Aug. 11, raising funds to help obliterate cancer.
The 100-mile ride will travel through our area:

Maps of all routes are on Obliteride’s website.
This year people will also be able to participate in a 5K walk during Obliteride weekend, which starts at the University of Washington. Participants will enjoy a jaunt down the Burke-Gilman trail to Gas Works Park, where they will join bike riders for a finish line celebration.
Obliteride quickly established itself as the region’s premier fundraising bike ride, and organizers expect hundreds of new participants to join the inaugural walk. “We’re excited to add this new way for people to support the innovative work we’re doing at Fred Hutch,” said Andrea Gomes Morrison, director of Fred Hutch Obliteride. “The Obliteride 5K is the only walk that gives people a ticket to the awesomeness of Obliteride weekend. Thanks to our generous sponsors, walkers and riders who raise $500 or more are treated to an amazing kickoff party at Seattle’s Gas Works Park with a delicious Tom Douglas dinner and rockin’ live entertainment.”
Thousands of people have pedaled in Obliteride and raised more than $12 million for Fred Hutch since the annual event began in 2013. Every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Fred Hutch. Obliteride has funded a variety of research projects, including immunotherapy and studies related to brain, breast, lung, ovarian and prostate cancers.
Fred Hutch’s pioneering research has saved hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide since its doors opened in 1975, and it is one of the world’s leading research organizations. Hutch scientists are working to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Sign up to ride, walk or volunteer at Obliteride.org. Online registration closes Aug. 3. Onsite registration will be available until one hour before the start of each route.

“We are a community determined to cure cancer faster by raising critical funds for lifesaving research at Fred Hutch. Obliteride is fun, focused and full of energy! It’s so much more than a bike ride or walk. Participants are treated to a first-class experience with live entertainment and fantastic food from Tom Douglas Catering.”

Here’s raw footage from a Live Facebook video we broadcasted in 2017:

For more information on how to be part of this exciting event on Aug. 11, 2018, visit Obliteride.org and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.

REMINDER: Poverty Bay Wine Festival is this weekend!

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 16:08:52 +0000

REMINDER: The 14th annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival opens TONIGHT (5–10 p.m., Friday, Mar. 2) and continues through Saturday (Noon–8 p.m., March 3)!
This is an outstanding, local/grassroots wine festival put on by the good people from the Rotary Club of Des Moines and Normandy Park, and will be held at the Des Moines Beach Park Event Center.
Changes this year include:

Magician Nate Jester from ‘America’s Got Talent’ will be amazing attendees with closeup magic
Six Fred Meyer stores will provide support in terms of winery selection and ticket sales
A silent auction for a chance to bid on different wines
A fun game to test your hand/eye coordination and win drink tokens

Tickets are available in advance for $35 at the event website www.DrinkToMusic.org and $40 at the door. Admission includes 10 tasting tokens. A variety of foods will be for sale from vendors including Fred Meyer, Ivar’s, B & E Meats, and Nibbles. Entertainment will be provided by Nate Jester, Ace of Illusions, one of the nation’s top magicians.
The hours for the event are Friday 5-10 p.m., and Saturday Noon-8 p.m. Parking is available at the Des Moines Marina for $1 per hour with a shuttle continuously running. Attendees must be 21 years or older. Reduced price Designated Driver tickets will be available for $15.
Special events include a raffle highlighted by a 7-day Denali-Talkeetna coach and rail tour provided by Gray Line Alaska and a Wine Grab offering chances to win bottles of premium wine. Fred Meyer and a number of their participating wineries have generously contributed some of the finest wines from Washington State.
Supported charities include the Des Moines Food Bank, Highline Schools, Coats for Kids, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, and Highline Music4Life. The latter provides new and used musical instruments to low income students.
This is a 21 and over event held at Des Moines Beach Auditorium (map below). A shuttle will be available to take festival goers from the parking at the marina ($1/hour) to the venue. There will be designated driver tickets available at the door for $15 each. Pets are not allowed.
For more information and tickets visit www.DrinkToMusic.org.
Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium is located at 22030 Cliff Ave S., Des Moines:

Judson Park's annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser will be Saturday, Mar. 10

Scott Schaefer — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 18:34:00 +0000

It’s Pancake Breakfast Time!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., the Annual Pancake Breakfast is a delicious and eagerly-anticipated tradition at Judson Park.
Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Food and the cooking of it are supplied by Koester Landscaping, coffee by Starbucks, and supplies by Sodexo. Thanks to these donors, all proceeds benefit the Benevolence Fund of Judson Park Resident Foundation.

Public is welcome.
Invite your friends and family.
No reservations required.
Minimum donation is $5 for children 10 and younger; $9 for those over 10 years old.

Judson Park Retirement Community is located at 23600 Marine View Drive S., Des Moines, WA 98198; 206-824-4000

St. Francis of Assisi School's fundraiser Auction(s) will be March 9 & 10

Scott Schaefer — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:43:42 +0000

‘Diamonds Are Forever’ – a fundraiser for Burien’s St. Francis of Assisi School – will be held on Friday, March 9 (silent auction), and Saturday, March 10 (live auction).
Saturday’s live auction will be held at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront in the Grand Pacific Ballroom.
Event Details:

WHAT: ‘Diamonds are Forever’
WHERE: Seattle Marriott Waterfront – Grand Pacific Ballroom, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER: To register, visit https://stfransea.auctionreg.org/registration
INFO: Contact Dianna Leppa or Amy Rosenfield:

P: (206) 243-5690

E: auction@stfoa.org

Luau Lunch fundraiser & free slot car racing at NPUCC on Sunday, March 4

Scott Schaefer — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:24:23 +0000

On Sunday, March 4, Normandy Park United Church of Christ will be holding a Luau Lunch fundraiser ($20 plate lunches), along with free Slot Car racing!
The lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., and Slot Car racing (a FREE event) begins at 1 p.m.
This will be an afternoon of social activity with the slot car race as the primary attraction.
For kids under 9 they will provide some tracks to run, but any official races will be for 9+ age group.
They will also have beverages and snacks.
“If you have your own cars, feel free to bring them and dust them off. I have lots of tools and parts!”
The main track setups are shown below:

Fellowship Hall, NPUCC Church, is located at 19247 1st Ave South:

Highline High National Honor Society's Bingo Nights will be Mar. 2 & 16

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:06:42 +0000

Highline High School’s service club – the National Honor Society – will be holding Bingo Night fundraisers on Friday, March 2 and Friday, March 16 at the Pit Stop Taproom & Pub.
They will begin selling bingo cards at 6:30 p.m., and the actual bingo event will begin promptly at 7 p.m. on both Fridays.
Here’s more info:

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Highline’s NHS chapter is a student-led club that focuses on building character and leadership in high achieving students through participation in service opportunities in the community. Our group’s mission is to inspire a love of service in students and help members further develop as leaders. Previous projects we’ve done include planting trees in Mathison Park, tutoring fellow students, and helping run carnival games at Gregory Heights Elementary among many other projects. It is a very beneficial experience for students as it fosters a love of service and is a highly regarded activity on their college applications.
At our high school’s chapter, most of our students are from low-income backgrounds and so they are allowed to join without paying for membership. However, our chapter is still responsible for paying $400 to the national organization in order to maintain our chapter title. In order to do this, our club must actively fundraise during the school year.

Pitstop is located at 216 SW 153rd Street:

REMINDER: Burien CARES 'Open Bite Nite' fundraiser is this Saturday, Feb. 17

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 18:15:17 +0000

REMINDER: ‘Open Bite Nite’ – benefiting Burien CARES animal shelter – will be held this Saturday, Feb. 17, starting at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be held at the Burien Elks Lodge, located at 14006 1st Ave S, Burien (just north of Fred Meyer).

Live music, comedians, and more!
Comics led by headliner Robert Pidde, local boy turned professional comedian
Appetizers – No-host bar – Silent auction

Tickets are $20, on sale online at buriencares.org or at the CARES animal shelter/Paws and Relax doggy daycare located at 909 SW 151st Street.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
For more information, call 206-812-2737.

Boy Scout Troop #375 holding annual Fish Dinner this Friday, Feb. 16

Scott Schaefer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:57:19 +0000

Boy Scout Troop #375 will be holding its Annual Fish Dinner for Lent this Friday, Feb. 16.
Scouts will be serving 75 pounds of wild salmon and 95 pounds of wild cod, plus all the fixings, from 5-7 p.m. this Friday (Feb. 16) at St. Francis Parish Unity Place in Burien (15236 21st. Ave. SW; map below). Unity Place is around back with the large parking lot.
The public is invited.
“We will also have Dutch Over desserts and the scouts spent a day in a commercial kitchen making cookies for the event as well.”
Cost:

Adults $15
Seniors $12
Children Ages 5-12 $7

Scouts will also have camping displays and do a Powerpoint of the Troop’s activities and service projects last year. Funds ensure that all of our scouts can attend summer camp regardless of their family financial situation.
“We have 24 active scouts in our troop and 2018 is a big year, as seven of our older scouts are on track to complete their Eagle Scout award.”
For more information visit www.bsatroop375burien.com.