Just after 9pm Wednesday evening (4/29), King County Public Health Department announced that three probable cases of swine flu (H1N1) have been identified in the county.

All three were reported to be in Seattle, with none reported as being specific to the Sea-Tac area, but keep in mind that no associated zip codes of where the victims were from were released.

Laboratory samples have been sent to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Public Health – Seattle & King County is awaiting final confirmation.

Also today, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic swine flu alert level to Phase 5 – its second-highest level, and one that includes the language “a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent.”

The CDC has determined that the swine flu virus H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Symptoms of swine flu include:

• A fever of more than 100°F
• Coughing
• Joint aches
• Severe headache
• And, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea

“Now that swine flu is likely in King County, we expect to see more infections, but it’s too early to say how severe the illnesses will be. We are working to provide needed information and assistance to these people and their families. We are also working with health care providers and community partners to prepare in the event that the situation becomes more serious,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

“We’ve prepared for this day for the past four years, and now we must all do our part to reduce its spread,” said Ron Sims, King County Executive. “We encourage everyone to get prepared at home, find out about plans at your job, and take steps to protect yourself, your family and the community by staying home when you are sick, washing your hands often and covering your coughs and sneezes.”

“In the last few years, Seattle has prepared for pandemic flu. We will activate our Emergency Operations Center at the first level so our emergency operations personnel can coordinate procedures and communications,” said Greg Nickels, Seattle Mayor.

As of April 29, there are three probable cases of swine flu in King County, in addition to two cases in Snohomish County and one case in Spokane County.

The three King County residents with probable swine flu include:

• A male child of Seattle who was hospitalized and is improving
• A male in his 20s from Seattle, not hospitalized and improving
• A woman in her 30s from Seattle, not hospitalized and improving

Officials did not release any other information, such as whether the victims had traveled to Mexico recently, or if they had passed through Sea-Tc Airport.

When should you seek medical care?

Use the same judgment you would use during a typical flu season. Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild symptoms for which you would not ordinarily seek medical care. If you have more severe symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or are feeling more seriously ill, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and if you need to be evaluated.

Public Health will continue to work with health care providers to test flu patients who develop severe illness or are associated with clusters, but does not currently recommend testing for all flu patients.

If the following flu-like symptoms are mild, medical attention is not typically required: runny nose or nasal stuffiness; low-grade fever for less than 3 days; mild headache; body aches and mild stomach upset.

What can I do now to get prepared?

This is an excellent time to get prepared at home and work for a possible influenza pandemic. See www.kingcounty.gov/health/pandemicflu

Everyday behaviors to stay healthy

• If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• To further prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with sick people

What is swine flu?

“Swine flu” is an influenza A (H1N1) virus normally found in pigs. There are many such viruses and they rarely infect humans. The virus currently causing human illness is a new type of swine flu that has developed the ability to infect people and be transmitted from person to person.

Although this new virus is called “swine flu,” it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, or from eating pork products. Like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.

Rest assured The SeaTac Blog will be following this story closely, and we urge all readers to be vigilant in following the directions listed above, as well as seeking immediate help if you suffer from any associated flu-like symptoms.

For more information and frequent updates: www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu, or call the Public Health Hotline: 206-296-4949.

Here’s a link to a PDF called “Pandemic Flu Planning Guide” which is probably now worth a close read.

Popularity: 95% [?]

At 3:30pm Wednesday (4/29), a Boeing 777 returned and landed safely at Sea-Tac Airport after reporting an engine fire, then dumping its fuel over Puget Sound.

We raced to the airport in hopes of getting a photo, but, alas, we chose the wrong end of the runway, then were thwarted by Port of Seattle security from getting any closer.

Here’s the release issued by the Port:

Media Advisory Uppdate – 3:30pm

The aircraft emergency has landed safely.

At this time there appears to be no other problem.

The aircraft is taxiing to the gate.

Previously…..

Media Advisory – 3:25pm

Sea-Tac Airport is currently responding to an aircraft emergency at this time.

A Boeing 777 aircraft, identified as Asiana Flight #271 has reported an engine fire.

Currently the aircraft is dumping fuel before returning to the airport.

The aircraft is set to arrive on Sea-Tac’s 16 Center runway.

Rescue crews are in place for response.

We will respond with further information as it becomes available.

Popularity: 85% [?]

And the winners are..

Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence announced its 2009 Gold Star Award winners:

Outstanding Administrator – Dr. Steve Grubb
Dr. Grubb is a leader who models integrity, respect and professionalism at all times. He has an ability to stay focused on what is most important – the big strategic picture and the end goal without losing sight of the impacts on fron line staff.

Outstanding Classified Employee – Zenaida (ZZ) Newman
ZZ Newman evaluates and enrolls students who speak other languages and is often the first contact for families arriving at schools. She is caring and reliable and puts her knowledge and her personal concern for other individuals into practice.

Outstanding Teacher – Linda Drahn
Linda Drahn is a 1st grade teacher at McMicken Heights Elementary. She is a 28 year teaching veteran who is a loving , patient instructor and a mentor to new teachers, as well.

Outstanding Volunteer – Tamera Nason
Tamera Nason is in her 5th year volunteering at Aviation High School. She travels from Maple Valley to volunteer and is willing to assist with whatever is needed including flying her airplane to Moses Lake to deliver legal documents to students.

Because the quality of nominees is always so high, the committee had a difficult time in making the above selections.

The winners will be honored at the Gold Star Benefit Luncheon at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Tukwila, on Friday, May 29th. The Master of Ceremonies will be local funnyman John Keister, former Host of KING TV’s “Almost Live!“, local celebrity bald guy and former co-worker of the publisher of this here blog.

For more information on how you can attend this luncheon, please contact the foundation at 206-248-5196.

The Highline Schools Foundation Gold Star Benefit luncheon is sponsored by Boeing, BECU and Rogers and Norman.

Highline Schools Foundation mission is to “provide community resources to help Highline Public Schools Succeed. By enriching the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level.” Since 2001 the foundation has distributed over $250,000 to the 32 schools in the Highline District. Donors include corporate, foundations and private citizens.

Congratulations to all the winners!

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Burien’s Highline Medical Center has been chosen as one of the “Top 10 Healing Hospitals” for 2008 by Baptist Healing Trust, a Christian foundation based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Highline was singled out as lucky number seven in the list. This year’s six-member selection panel reviewed hospitals coast-to-coast before making their decisions about the winners. Panel members consisted of Presidents & CEOs from hospitals and health systems across the nation.

The “Healing Hospital” recognition was created to honor hospitals and leaders that have made a special commitment to creating cultures that demonstrate compassion and quality. Each hospital honored in the list has “demonstrated extraordinary commitment to patient and employee-centered care,” according to the release.

They are also noted for embarking upon a journey of establishing a Healing Hospital environment.

In addition to Highline, this year’s recipients include:

• Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas
• Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut
• The 2006 Baldrige Award-recipient Sharp Healthcare in San Diego, California

“This is wonderful recognition and a real tribute to our staff and medical staff for all they do to support the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care at Highline Medical Center. We are honored to receive this distinction alongside such well-respected hospitals from across the nation,” stated Mark Benedum, CEO of Highline Medical Center. “This recognition supports our mission of providing high quality, compassionate health care in a healing environment to our patients and the community.”

More information on Highline Medical Center available here.

Popularity: 68% [?]

Spring has sprung, plants are blooming and that can mean only two things:

1. Spiky, irritating pollens are attaching themselves to suffering humans everywhere
2. Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 2nd, from 10am to 3pm.

Here are the details on #2:

WHAT: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens Plant Sale

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 3pm

WHERE: Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave South in Burien (map below)

INFO: The Puget Sound Daylily Club, King County Iris Society, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden Foundation, Heritage Roses Northwest, and the Seattle Rose Society will be hosting a plant sale at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 from 10 am—3 pm.

Joining us for the first time this year will be the Puget Sound Fuchsia Club.

Last year shoppers enjoyed bargains on a wide variety of plants, from rare collectibles to old garden standards.

Cuttings and divisions will be available of plants from the original Elda Behm Paradise Garden, and experts from each group will be on hand to answer your garden related questions. No trigonometry questions, please.

Shop early for best selection, as quantities are limited.

Proceeds from this sale will be used to improve the existing display gardens and install new gardens at HSBG.

For directions to the garden, click here.

For the latest pollen count for the area, click here.

Popularity: 67% [?]

Sea-Tac Airport seems to really be getting their green on lately, utilizing a wildlife biologist for bird control, and even winning a “Proggy” Award from PETA, and now they’re celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Earth Day Environmental Fair & Sustainable Art Exhibit Opening; Everything from Green Products to Recycled Clothing and Green Architecture

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals Hall

INFO: Are you looking for ways to ‘go green,’ reduce your environmental footprint or look at what the future may hold in sustaining our planet? You can get it all in one place at the Port of Seattle Earth Day Environmental Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sea-Tac Airport in the Gina Marie Lindsey Arrivals Hall.

As the grand finale of the Port’s Earth & Sustainability Month, there will be an array of booths with information about what others are doing and things you can do to help the planet. Learn about Port programs to save energy and water; reduce solid waste; and manage wildlife, storm water and air emissions. Speak with vendors about green products and services, recycling, green transportation, and get information about sustainability initiatives of various agencies and organizations. Highlights and topics include:

• A New Art Installation on the latest and future concepts of green architecture called “Innovative Design: Seattle Architects.” Nine of Seattle’s top architectural firms will be on hand with models and designs of their cutting edge projects. A reception with architects will be held at 11 a.m. Local green caterers are providing food and beverages for the reception.
• Green products, such as recycled content paper, reusable pens, recyclable notebooks.
• Puget Sound Skills Center, showing students demonstrating clothing made out of recycled materials.
• How to re-use building materials for your home.
• Samples of fresh organic food and learn how to purchase at lower costs.
• Learn to compost at home with Seadrunar.
• Sound Transit displays the future of light rail.
• See how the Port is recycling and encouraging others to recycle.
• The Washington State Recycling Association will talk about the future of recycling.
• Cascade Bicycle Alliance highlights bike commuting.
• Learn about Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife program.
• Port of Seattle Information Technology on telecommuting and how to hold green meetings.
• City of SeaTac will share information about their sustainability and recycling programs.

Popularity: 82% [?]

Over 150 area residents turned out Sunday to hear lawyers discuss an upcoming class action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle over the third runway.

by Jack Mayne

Big 757s taking off and landing right over your house can jar nerves and rattle lifestyles, yet a lot of people have to live that way every day – and many are ready to fight on in court.

“I can’t sleep at night,” said one person at a meeting Sunday afternoon at the SeaTac Community Center. “It got better for a while, but then they opened the new runway and now I can’t hear people in the room,” said another person, “or what is on TV.” Still another said people had moved from his rental properties and others said the value of their property, already hammered by the faltering economy, have gone lower because of the November opening of the runway.

Still another resident of the area told of flashing laser lights that “even after you get used to them, they startle you.” A spokesman said the Port would like to know more about this because there have been illegal usages of lasers focused at planes recently and it is working with police to find and stop this activity.

Anger and resentment is building in the area because people think the Port of Seattle is not keeping their promise not to use the new 8,500-foot runway except in bad weather or as a backup to the other two runways. The Sunday meeting was held so the downtown Seattle law firm of Pfau Cochran Vertetis Kosnoff could explain the class action lawsuit they are drafting that seeks to make the port stop using the runway for daily takeoffs and landings (see sidebar).

“The Port says they are operating within the law, but that is not true if it (negatively) impacts you,” said law firm partner Darrell Cochran to an estimated 150 to 200 people at the Sea-Tac Community Center Sunday afternoon. “We will be filing a lawsuit – June 15th is the estimate (when the suit will be filed).”

Area residents, some who have fought the Port and the runway for two decades or more, have complained of a variety of impacts, but what most infuriates people is that the third runway now is a main runway.

“What we hear is that the port has not told the truth on the third runway’s use as a backup,” said Cochran. “Every landing since it has opened has landed on it. We have seen documents that it will be in fulltime use – that the Port will continue to use it as a fulltime runway, even though the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was told it would be a backup runway.”

A Port of Seattle spokesman said there has been a temporary six-month closure of the airport’s longest and oldest runway because it needs to be rebuilt. The third and newest runway is now being used only in the interim fulltime. Airport spokesman Perry Cooper said Monday the project is costing $52 million in federal funds. The work is being carried out during the spring and summer months so that it is completed as quickly as possible.

A brand new control light system is being installed on the first (eastern most) runway because all planes using the other two runways need to cross it.

“It’s going to be noisier for a six-month period,” said Cooper.

Statistics by the Port on their Sea-Tac website show that prior to April 13, the number of landings and takeoffs on the new runway were close to the number of uses the Port had estimated in its Environmental Impact Statement.

“You’ll see that the runway use is virtually equal to the Environmental Impact Statement projection,” Cooper said, adding that the traffic on the third runway is up during the winter months when more separation between active runways is required.

“In the summer, those days drop off dramatically and would expect to lower the yearly average as compared to the winter numbers.” Cooper said.

When asked by nearby residents on Sunday if the suit should be against the FAA instead of the Port, lawyer Cochran said the Federal Aviation Administration “has immunity” because the decision to build the third runway where it is was a decision by the Port and not the government agency.

The Federal Aviation Administration controls the runways planes use for landing and takeoffs.

“The Port does not operate the runways,” Cooper said. “We built it and maintain it, but the actual operation of the runway, takeoffs and landings, etc. is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration.”

He says the Port “has been a proponent of the area community as soon as complaints were made and we went to the FAA and worked with them to make sure the operation of the runway has been consistent with the projections from the Environmental Impact Statement. That step also brought us to create the website with the usage statistics.

Members of the Federal Aviation Administration came to a recent Highline meeting to hear the community’s concerns, Cooper said.

The lawsuit lawyer, Cochran, said Sunday that people who felt they had personal injury cases against the Port should be gathering evidence to support their claim. For example, Cochran said people should take photos of soot on cars and surfaces from planes taking off or landing on the runway. They should document evidence of increase illnesses or other negative effects.

People should do this even if they have not yet decided on making a claim or filing a suit.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Third Runway Litigators Will Meet April 19th
• Re-Construction Of Runway Begins At Airport
• SeaTac Airport’s Third Runway Opens

Jack Mayne is a freelance writer and editor and may be reached at jgmayne@gmail.com

Popularity: 78% [?]

KOMO News reports that Friday night (April 17th) brought another flurry of laser beam pointing incidents of airplanes heading into Sea-Tac Airport for landings.

Four airplanes were targeted, beginning around 8:30pm, and this time the laser was red. Previously a green laser was used.

All airplanes landed safely without incident.

Investigators say that the laser was based in an area 2-3 miles north of the airport, near Glen Acres Golf Course and east of SR-509 (see map below).

Previously, the most recent laser incident happened last Saturday night (April 11th). Lasers have been pointed at over two dozen aircraft since February, and despite arresting and releasing a Burien man in March, police are still investigating.

It’s a felony to point lasers at airplanes, and if you saw anything unusual in that area, or know anything about this incident, please contact Port of Seattle Police immediately at 206-433-5400.

Read the full story here.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Has The SeaTac Airplane Laser Pointer Returned?
• Laser Pointer Aimed At Airplane Tuesday Night
• Police Arrest Airplane Laser Suspect
• Another Laser Incident Near SeaTac Wed. Night
• Second Laser vs Airplane Incident Near Sea-Tac
• Laser Pointed At Numerous Aircraft Near SeaTac

View Larger Map

Popularity: 90% [?]

Residents in the path of Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway, negatively affected by increased noise and toxic fumes, are meeting with attorneys on Sunday, April 19th to prepare a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.

The meeting will be held at 2:30pm, Sunday at the SeaTac Community Center, located at 13735 24th Ave. South in SeaTac. Area homeowners are invited. Trial attorneys Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran, known for a string of successful, high-profile verdicts and settlements, are partnering with Seattle personal-injury attorney Will Dixon.

Sunday’s meeting is a discussion of homeowners’ rights, and potential remedies available under the law. Concerned residents living near the third runway’s flight path first contacted and met with attorneys on Jan. 10th.

Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway went into use Nov. 20th, 2008. Originally, Port of Seattle officials stated in planning documents, such as the environmental impact statement, that the new $1 billion runway was needed to reduce delays during poor weather. But in recent public statements, port officials have said the third runway was always intended to be used at high-traffic times and 365 days a year.

Local homeowners believe the situation will only worsen as departing planes – not just incoming flights – use the new runway. Also, the port plans to shift more traffic to the third runway as it rebuilds the eastern runway.

There are at least two potential lawsuits that are likely to be filed by homeowners. The first, a class-action lawsuit, would focus on the legal principle of inverse condemnation. Basically, plaintiffs believe the fair-market value of their property has been diminished by government “takings” or damages – in this case, by the dramatic increase of planes flying the area for third runway take-offs and landings. Plaintiffs would seek to recover just compensation for damages based on measurably diminished property values.

The second case would be a nuisance or damages lawsuit representing individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries. Local homeowners say throughout the day, big commercial jets are flying over their homes, coating their lawns with jet fuel particles and leaving a wake of toxic fumes.

Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran are partners at the law firm of Pfau, Cochran, Vertetis, Kosnoff. Pfau and Cochran have years experience in personal injury and class-action lawsuits. In February, Pfau and Cochran secured a $14.2 million settlement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and a New York-based Catholic order on behalf of two dozen men, who were sexually abused at a Kent orphanage, the Briscoe Memorial School, during the 1950s and 1960s. In 2007, Cochran secured a $13.5 million settlement on behalf of thousands of Washington state students affected by the abrupt closing of the now-defunct Business Computer Training Institute (BCTI).

Earlier this year, Cochran and Pfau left their longtime law office of Gordon Thomas Honeywell to open their own firm, with offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

Will Dixon is a seasoned lawyer with more than a decade of legal experience representing clients in numerous multi-million dollar cases in Washington state and federal courts. Dixon focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. Dixon also worked in Gordon Thomas Honeywell’s trial group with Pfau and Cochran before opening his open firm. (Dixon Law Firm, http://www.dixon-law.com)

The meeting will be held in the Banquet Room of the SeaTac Community Center, which is located at 13735 24th Ave South:

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And the nominees are..

Nancy Paré, Executive Director of Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence has announced the nominees for the 2009 Highline Gold Star Awards.

Over 40 educators, volunteers and classified personnel were nominated by fellow educators, parents, citizens and students in the following classifications:

• Outstanding Administrator/Principal
• Outstanding Teacher
• Outstanding Volunteer
• Outstanding Classified Employee

If you want to see if you, a friend, a neighbor, a relative or your favorite principal/teacher were nominated, just click here.

The winners will be selected by a volunteer committee that has been selected to review the Gold Star nominations and make recommendations as to who will be the winners in each category. The committee consists of a Highline School District representative, a Foundation Board representative, a Retired Teachers Association representative, and a PTSA representative. The committee is staffed by the Foundation Executive Director. The committee will be reviewing the submitted nominations materials and meeting early next week for decision making.

Stay tuned to the SeaTac Blog as we will be announcing the winners next week.

The winners will be honored at the Gold Star Benefit Luncheon at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Tukwila, coming up on May 29th. The Master of Ceremonies will be local funnyman John Keister, former Host of KING TV’s “Almost Live!“, local celebrity bald guy and former co-worker of the publisher of this here blog.

For more information on how you can attend this luncheon, please contact the foundation at 206-248-5196.

The Highline Schools Foundation Gold Star Benefit luncheon is sponsored by Boeing, BECU and Rogers and Norman.

Highline Schools Foundation mission is to “provide community resources to help Highline Public Schools Succeed. By enriching the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level.” Since 2001 the foundation has distributed over $250,000 to the 32 schools in the Highline District. Donors include corporate, foundations and private citizens.

Popularity: 70% [?]