The Briefing Project is a documentary blending investigative journalism, citizen activism, editorial commentary, and a bit of reality-show “it’s happening right now” intensity.
Permitted only two-minute public comments, a citizen seeks to provide a ten-month briefing to five elected officials making a choice between untethered economic growth and harm to humans and the environment. At the fastest growing airport in the U.S.

View more episodes here: https://www.quadrant45.com/#/thebriefingproject/
Learn more here:

• https://www.facebook.com/thebriefingproject/
• https://www.thebriefingproject.com

About Steve Edmiston
Steve is a Seattle business, intellectual property, and entertainment lawyer, screenwriter, and independent film producer. He has written and produced many feature-length and short films which have won festival awards and accolades (including “Crimes of the Past,” “A Relative Thing,” “The Day My Parents Became Cool,” and most recently “The Maury Island Incident”). He serves on the Port Townsend Film Festival Board of Directors, has juried for the Washington Film Works Innovation Lab, has taught screenwriting and producing at Seattle University, University of Washington, and the Seattle Film Institute, and is a frequent speaker on the subject of the business of independent film.

Letter to the Editor:
This is a note of thanks and appreciation to Dr. Tara Luckie and Karli Rose from the Environmental Science Center, the Burien Parks Department and the many volunteers for organizing and putting on the February 17, 2018 Birdfest.
Kharli Rose of the Environmental Science Center delivered tips on how to ID birds and helped participants learn to recognize and count them at Dottie Harper Park.
Andy Waters, who is one of the owners of Wild Birds Unlimited in Burien, presented on how to attract birds to your backyard, demonstrated what new devices are helpful to feeding and attracting birds and, shared anecdotal stories about the birds most commonly found in Burien. Wild Birds Unlimited is one of the twenty-year sponsors of this event.
The Seattle Audubon Conservation Science Coordinator, Jennifer Lang shared data and stories from 10 years of Puget Sound Seabird Surveys. Seahurst Park was one of the first sites for this study project. And, the project is still looking for coastal bird sighters to help gather data on these open sea birds that come in close to humans for six months of the year. If you are interested in working on this project contact her at Seattle Audubon. Burien Seahurst Park’s waters have lots of these open sea bird visitors annually.
Myself and the kids at the Birdfest event loved pulling a part owl pellets to see what owls eat. We found mostly mice and voles skulls, jaw bones and rib bones. We also discovered a Bushtit nest right outside the window of where the event was held. A serendipitous and delightful surprise. A fun and educational time was had by all. Many thanks!
In Asian cultures, this is the Year of the Dog. For scientists and the Audubon, this is the Year of the Bird in recognition of Audubon’s 100-year anniversary.

– Bob Edgar

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Cass Huff is a special needs student at Mt. Rainier High School. In 2016, she was named “Citizen of the Year” by the City of Burien.

By Cass Huff
Hey B-Town Readers!
I’m so sorry it’s been such a long time since I’ve written! There’s been so much going on lately, it’s crazy. I will have other blogs coming out very soon! But this one has been highly requested. The whole night was a whirlwind and went by so fast. But I will try to put in as many details as I can. It will probably be a longer blog than usual! I know it’s a couple of months late but here ya go:
November 10, 2017 will go down as one of the best days of my life. It started out as any other day, we had no school, so I slept in. It was very hard for me to sleep the night before. I woke up instantly knowing that it was one of the biggest days of my life. I got up, showered, packed and my family and I left the house at about 1:30 in the afternoon.
Now, if you know my family, we are a family of five. So it’s very hard to get two adults and three teenagers out the door on time. So I was prepared to be late walking out the door. But, (props to my Mom) we were all out of the house on time! We got the five of us, my wheelchair, my uke, makeup, dresses, a suit, shoes, purses, etc. in the car and we were on our way.
We got downtown to Benaroya Hall around 2:30 p.m. We walked into the stage entrance and immediately, we could feel the excitement. We went upstairs to the stage and Mom rolled me out in my wheelchair while the rest of my family stepped side stage.
I looked around and was amazed by the beautiful stage. The lights were cool tones, purples and blues. And there were small fairy lights giving the stage a kind of ‘magical vibe’. There were about 50 empty seats for the orchestra beside me, and in front of me sat a shiny, black piano. I looked beyond and saw the seats for the audience, they looked like they went on forever.
I wasn’t feeling nervous, more excited. I put my brakes on, took a deep breath and stood up. I unzipped my ukulele case and took it out. People were running on and off of the stage. There were some who were setting up microphones, some were in front of the stage talking in walkie talkies, some were fixing sound and decorations. There were even more people backstage running around – there were people everywhere!
Mateo came over to greet me and asked me if I was ready to rehearse, I shakily nodded. He walked me out to downstage center. He talked to some of the techs about getting a stand for my uke and someone asked me to face the front so they could put the mic at my level. They got me a mic, and then we tried out a couple of stands for my uke.
Mateo walked over to the piano, made eye contact with me, and started to play the intro to my song.
I sang it and Mateo gave me a few pointers. Then I grabbed my uke and my wheelchair, and my family and I went back to my dressing room. (I absolutely loved the fact that the door said my name on it. I begged my mom to take a photo of my sisters and I in front of it.)
The next couple of hours went by fast and they were pretty boring. Mainly my family and I sat in my dressing room, talked, ate, laughed. And then I was called on stage for dress rehearsal with the entire orchestra. It took a little longer for them to get to my song because they were doing all of the songs. So I was waiting side stage for awhile, but I didn’t mind. I loved listening to them rehearse everything.
When I got back to my dressing room, my entire family plus all of my closest friends were there. I was so happy to see all of them. Then I changed into my dress and heels and talked with everyone for a little bit. And of course we took a ton of photos.
We all then went to our seats and the show started. It was incredible. I’ve never seen a concert like that before. It was heartfelt, funny, and very entertaining.
Our family liaison came and got me at intermission and brought me backstage. She left me alone in my dressing room and I couldn’t hold all of my excitement in by myself so I decided to call one of my best friends who couldn’t make it to the show. I rambled on about random things and soon, our family liaison came back with tea for my voice. She left again and told me that she would come back when it was time for me to come out.
I spent the next 20 minutes drinking my tea, warming up, tuning my uke, and listening to the people on stage.
It felt like no time at all and it was time for me to go out and perform. I was wheeled out to side stage right, and watched while Mateo introduced each of the four kids who had previously done this concert in the past years. (They were my backup singers.) You could feel the excitement in the whole theatre, including backstage.
I got out of my chair and stood, balancing in my heels for a second. I walked to the edge of side stage while the video of me and Mateo was playing on the big screen. Mateo walked over to me and said:

“I noticed that you’re in heels and there are wires and chords all over the stage. I really don’t want you to trip. Can you hold onto my arm and we can walk out together please?”

We both chuckled and I nodded. I took his arm and we walked out onto the unlit stage. I carried my uke tightly in my hands and stepped in front of the microphone on center stage. Mateo put his hand on my shoulder and walked to his piano, I rested my uke on its stand and looked behind me at my backup singers. They all gave me big smiles and thumbs up gestures.
The video finished and the stage lights came up. After the applause died down, I looked at Mateo and he nodded. I listened to the intro, looked forward, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.
I sang and hit all my marks! More importantly, I looked out into the crowd and saw people smiling. I saw that I was actually making an impact on people’s lives. I was doing what I love, telling my story, and having fun.
When it was over, I got a standing ovation and I’ve never felt happier. I didn’t feel happy or proud because people were clapping for me. I felt happy because I had accomplished something that I had worked hard on for months, I had shared my story with hundreds of people and I was doing what I love most in this world. It was one of those moments that I realized that that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life (as cheesy as it sounds).
I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this journey, everyone who came to the show and supported Seattle Children’s, and everyone who continues to support me no matter what I do with my career. I also want to thank Mateo Messina and his wonderful team who helped me accomplish so much. Thank you to everyone in my life, without all of you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.
I promise that I will write some blogs soon. I’m so glad that I got to share this incredible experience with all of you (even if it is a few months late!)
Thanks for your guys’ patience!
Over and Out!
– Cass

EDITOR’S NOTE: One of Cass’ most recent appearances is in this video she did for the upcoming Highline Public Schools Levy special election on Feb. 13;

Dear Editor,
It is not the experience of the mayor, it is the agenda and the priorities of the Council Members that matter.
A lot of people seem to be concerned about the level of the experience of the new mayor of Burien, Jimmy Matta. I believe Jimmy Matta is a personable politician who can operate well as mayor of Burien.
What really matters is the agenda and the priorities of the Council Members. From the first council meeting it appears to be very clear that especially two new councilmembers are influenced by a former councilmember that does not even live in Burien anymore. Lauren Berkowitz with her Demand Change Now agenda is having a big influence on the priorities of the new council. She considers the new councilmembers her puppets and jokingly refers to it as the Burien City Clowncil, but this can become reality before you know.
I would say all the people that are disappointed that Nancy Tosta did not become mayor stop complaining, but pay attention to the actions of your other newly elected councilmembers and by whom they are influenced.
My message to Jimmy Matta is congratulations and welcome as the new mayor of Burien. I hope you make this a better city by looking at the priorities of the Burien citizens.
– Matthys van Leeuwen

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Dear Editor:
I am somewhat distressed by last Monday’s City Council meeting and the election of Jimmy Matta as Mayor.
I voted and worked for Jimmy and the four progressive candidates.
However, when anyone at all starts in a new organization, he/she does not start at the top. You need to learn the ropes, study, and work your way up, no matter what your position or status was in a previous organization. It seems to me arrogant and actually not smart to try to start in the top spot. It is not smart because one can find oneself failing badly in an attempt to bypass the accepted order of things.
I do not want Jimmy and the progressives to fail. The election for Matta and Olguin was closer than I expected it to be (Olguin (51.51% – 48.85%, Matta 51.68%-48.32%). Jimmy and the progressives now represent everyone in Burien, including those who did not vote for them.
I had the impression that the Mayor in Burien has usually been chosen by seniority. The senior person among the progressives, and a highly experienced person in government as a government consultant during her working career, is Nancy Tosta. Nancy also won by the largest margin ((58.39% to 41.61%).
Olguin, Matta, and Marx have a lot of ramping up to do. Just getting through the inch-thick packets each week alone is a challenge along with one’s other responsibilities. Starting with the attitude “I know it all already” is not a good beginning.
Very truly yours,
Claire Yurdin
Burien voter

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I returned from tonight’s City Council with a feeling of concern and sadness for our City.
I also went door to door campaigning for the newly elected members of the Council.
Congratulations to our new Mayor, Mr. Matta. When I walked neighborhoods & spoke to community residents about why the new, inexperienced Councilmembers should be elected, it was with the idea in mind of the strong body that could come to represent our city and how they would have a chance to learn about issues before the City of Burien and gain experience working on issues concerning all of our citizens. A primary focus for me was the chance to bring the needed voices of diversity to our Council. That goal has now been accomplished.
Gratitude is a concept each of us experiences in different ways. It is with great disappointment I now experience just how different that personal concept can be. Without Ms. Tosta’s deep commitment to our City and extensive involvement here and county wide, I doubt that the three new council members would have gained the opportunity to be seated on the council as they presently are. They have a great deal to learn and I had hoped the election process would help them to realize how lucky they are to have had her support and by extension, the votes of many citizens in this community.
May the City of Burien come together and work collectively for the betterment of our community, not the respective issues of each member of the Council whether they be new or experienced, long term members of the council. It is the success of Burien that’s the primary agenda.
– Karen Moore

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Dear Jimmy,
I wanted to write you personally and I hope you take the time to read and consider my letter.
This letter is in support of Nancy Tosta as our next mayor of Burien. She is currently Deputy Mayor, the most experienced, and the most deserving. She was THE most diligent, and most prepared member of the council at every meeting. I don’t question that your heart is in the right place. I went door to door for you; I voted for you; I support you. But not as our next Mayor. What makes the most sense is that you two work together and make a dynamite team – Not to start the new term for three new councilmembers in a disrespectful (to Nancy Tosta) and non-unified way. You have never served Burien before; why does it make sense that you start off as Mayor of our city?
I urge you to re-consider your decision and explain to your supporters that for the above reasons, you will be showing respect, humility, – and nominate Nancy Tosta for Mayor. It would be THE stellar way to start your first (of many) terms as a city councilmember of Burien. Together, in a unified, progressive front, you all can make Burien brilliant!
Sincerely,
Sybil Davis

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During the first meeting of 2018, the City Council is likely to consider the issue of which Councilmember will serve as mayor. Current Mayor Krakowiak has served honorably in this role for the past four years. I’d like to thank her for her service through often challenging circumstances.
Should members of the Council decide they would like to nominate members other than Mayor Krakowiak to serve in this position, I would like to draw their attention to the experience and dedication of Deputy Mayor Tosta. Nancy has served the City of Burien for many years, including numerous instances in which she has represented and advocated for our City’s interests at the local, regional, state, and national levels (see: http://www.burienwa.gov/directory.aspx?EID=118).
Given the turmoil of the 2017 elections, it’s clear that we need a mayor who can pull together a divided community and lead with the experience, hard work, and know-how it will take to help us maintain momentum and move toward a vision of Burien that successfully advances our community’s collective interests. While I don’t always agree with all of Deputy Mayor Tosta’s positions, I think it’s time that we all move beyond political factions and collectively support an experienced candidate who is clearly familiar with our city’s legislative processes, respectfully listens to all stakeholders and citizens, and seeks to find creative ways to resolve differences between conflicting points of view.
In short, if the council decides to make a change, we need a mayor with a demonstrated history of commitment to the betterment of Burien and clear familiarity with the legislative processes necessary to do so. By way of comparison, some of our neighboring communities have seen the need ensure just that. The City of Des Moines Council Rules of Procedure for nominating its mayor dictate that “each member of the City Council shall be permitted to nominate one (1) person who has previously served on the Council for a minimum of two years, and nominations shall not require a second…Candidates for Deputy Mayor shall have previously served on the Council for a minimum of one year.“
I urge all citizens to contact Council members directly (council@burienwa.gov), attend the Council meeting on January 22nd @7:00PM, and voice your support for the Council member whose experience and qualifications make her the obvious candidate for leading the future of our City: Deputy Major Nancy Tosta.

– Jay Hasbrouck, Ph.D.
Principal, Hasbrouck Research Group

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