Hi there loyal SeaTac-ites (that can’t be right, can it?)…Leonard the goldfish here, with INCREDIBLE BREAKING NEWS!

I’m not usually one to type shout, but seriously, this is B-I-G big. After three long years of bugging the heck out of the Seattle Aquarium, they’re finally giving me a chance to get my own exhibit. I just have to prove that people (i.e. you) actually want me there. So I need to get 30,000 votes and I’m in. You can vote and find out more about my plight at VoteLeonardIn.com. Or follow me on my Facebook page.

Hopefully someday soon you’ll be able to follow me at the actual Seattle Aquarium, along with the otters, wolf eels, and moon jellies.

So please, SeaTacians (ok, that sounds better), help me prove to the Aquarium folks I’m not too common to get my own exhibit.

Remember, a vote for me is a vote for goldfish everywhere.

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email usfor details!]

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The Port of Seattle announced Monday (July 12) that, due to requests received at the last workshop, they’re holding a technical session on the “Part 150″ airport noise study on Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm at Sea-Tac Airport.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Port of Seattle “Part 150″ Technical Session.

WHEN: Thursday, July 29th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport’s Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

INFO: To download the session agenda, click here (PDF file).

From a press release:

In response to requests at the last Part 150 Noise Compatibility Public Workshop, a technical session regarding detailed noise modeling and input data topics will be held on July 29 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Sea-Tac Airport. Led by Vince Mestre, the Part 150′s noise analyst task leader, the meeting will be held in the Airport Office Building’s Beijing Conference Room on the mezzanine level.

Participants at the session will have the opportunity to discuss the mathematics and detailed data used to measure as well as model aircraft noise levels in the vicinity of Sea-Tac Airport. Participants will also discuss sound propagation effects associated with different types of meteorology. The discussions will be informal and focus on questions raised by the participants.

The comprehensive report from the June 9th public workshop is now available at Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Web site.

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According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, a 64-year old SeaTac man was critically injured when homemade fireworks exploded Sunday night (July 4), sending him to Harborview Medical Center.

Police say that a 52 year-old resident of a house in the 2800 block of South 138th Street built a homemade “aerial device” by tying together a bundle of sparklers. He placed the sparklers in a tube, and then into a concrete cinder block to brace it. When the man lit off the “rocket’, it exploded in place, sending pieces of the concrete block in all directions.

The 64-year old victim was standing about 15 to 20 feet away when the device detonated. He was hit in the head by part of the cinder block, causing a serious head injury, which, according to the fire department, was life-threatening.

Other pieces of the block struck a nearby car, denting the door and breaking the window. The house and the garage door were also hit.

Both men live at the residence, as does the victim’s adult daughter. No one else was injured.

The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Bomb Disposal Unit are investigating.

No arrests have yet been made and the investigation is continuing.

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The City of SeaTac will host the first of three community meetings Wednesday, July 7th from 6pm – 8pm to discuss how the Riverton Heights site can best serve the community.

The meeting will take place at the SeaTac Community Center located at 13735 24th Avenue South.

“The City Council wants to develop a plan that engages the entire community for input and active participation,” said Jeff Robinson, Interim Assistant City Manager for the city. “To that end, we hope that a broad range of community members will attend the meeting to develop and realize the best use for this land.”

The 8-acre parcel is the former location of the Riverton Heights Elementary School between South 148th Street and South 150th Street, near the 154th Street Link Light Rail Station. In 2007 the City purchased the property for $1.95 million. The site is now cleared and soil tests indicate the land is in good condition for public use.

The city will offer free childcare beginning at 5:45 p.m. and onsite translators will be available for Spanish and Somali speaking community members. Light refreshments will be served.

The City has been awarded a grant in the amount of $25,000 from the King Conservation District to fund initial planning for the site. Pomegranate Center, a non-profit community design and development organization, is working with the City to identify possible uses for the property. A portion of the land is reserved for a potential fire station.

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by Jack Mayne

The Port of Seattle has been accused by a taxicab company of violating the state open meeting act and seeks to have the Port restrained from signing a contract with Yellow Cab for exclusive cab service from the airport.

The legal dispute over the taxi contract for travelers arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport could make finding a taxicab impossible after the August 31 end of the current contract. The Port of Seattle and the Seattle Tacoma International Taxi Association, better known as STITA, say some sort of service will be found but no discussions have been held with any cab provider, say spokesmen for both sides.

Court orders sought by STITA and other cab companies have prevented the Port from signing a new contract with Yellow Cab as recommended by the Port staff. For 20 years, STITA has held the contract to provide all taxi service leaving the airport, but the Port was stung last year by a state auditor’s report dinging the Port for not making enough money on the contract.

The Port and STITA say there were no discussions about increasing income to the Port. Instead, for the first time last year, the Port issued requests for proposals, which resulted in Port staff recommending the contract be awarded to Yellow Cab.

STITA and other area cab companies have gone to court to stop Yellow from getting the contract, claiming various problems with the way the bid were evaluated.

In the latest filing, STITA is asking for the court to issue an injunction restraining the Port from signing a new contract with Yellow Cab because it violated the open meetings act by adopting changes in the provisions of the contract in a closed door meeting and without giving bidders notice of those changes. The changes should have been discussed in a public and open meeting, says attorney Michael A. Goldfarb on behalf of client STITA.

“Everything points to the Port of Seattle to go back to the drawing board, and clean up this mess,” says Jesse Buttar, a STITA spokesman. “We’re not asking for them to give us the contract, but to give us a level playing field. This has been stacked against STITA from the beginning.”

STITA says it also plans to appeal another case to the State Supreme Court to continue an injunction preventing the port from signing the Yellow Taxi contract. If the Court starts its summer recess before acting on the appeal, the injunction against a new contract could result in no contract for cab service being in place after the current one expires.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON THE B-TOWN BLOG:

• STITA Cab Challenges Yellow Taxi Lobbyist Over Role In Taxi Contract
• Court Ruling Prevents Port Of Seattle From Signing Taxi Contract. For Now.
• Taxicab Companies Request State Investigation Into Port Of Seattle
• Port Of Seattle Being Sued By Second Taxi Company
• UPDATE: After Brief Denial, STITA Cab Wins Stay Against Port Of Seattle
• STITA Taxi Files Lawsuit Against Port Of Seattle For Breaking Contract

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Own a '91-'98 Honda? You could get a "Club" for free.

Ten area police departments are participating in this program.

To get yours, contact Officer Doug Reynolds at 206-973-4904.

Here’s more info from a press release:

Due to the increase in thefts of Honda vehicles, several local police agencies are making The Club available to owners of 1991-1998 Honda Accords and Civics free of charge as part of the statewide authority to reduce vehicle crimes.

In 2007, the legislator created the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) in the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The Authority consists of 10 Governor appointees serving staggered terms. Representatives of law enforcement, prosecution, the auto industry, the insurance industry, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the private sector are included as members of the Authority. WATPA aims to reduce vehicle theft across the state and funds several regional task forces.

The Preventing Auto Theft Through Regional Operational Links (PATROL) Task Force is made up of all South King County police departments and Bonney Lake and Sumner Police Departments. Several cities which contract for police services with the King County Sheriffs Office also participate in PATROL.

As part of the PATROL task force’s auto theft prevention strategies, local police departments have a quantity of the steering wheel locking devices (The Club) available for free. To obtain the free Clubs, Honda owners must prove Honda ownership by showing a current Department of Licensing registration at one of the participating police departments. This offer is available only while supplies last.

“Vehicle thefts continue to be a crime plaguing the South King and North Pierce County areas. Remember, vehicle crimes are most of the time preventable. We know that auto thieves target certain vehicles and we hope through this initiative, the public will become better aware of their ability to prevent auto theft from occurring. Using devices such as The Club is absolutely recommended and a huge deterrent to auto thieves,” said Kent Police Lieutenant John Pagel, who also commands the PATROL Task Force.The Clubs are available for pick up at several police departments.

Other participating police departments and contacts are:

• Covington PD: Chief Kevin Klason, 253-638-1110
• Des Moines PD: Tonya Seaberry, 206-870-7619
• Federal Way PD: Kelly Crouch, 253-835-6710
• Kent PD: Sara Wood, 253-856-5851
• Maple Valley PD: Robin Larsen, 425-413-5158
• Newcastle PD: Aleta Phillips, 425-649-4444
• Renton PD: Cyndie Parks, 425-430-7521
• Sumner PD: Det. Troy Nikolao, 253-299-5655
• Tukwila PD: Chris Partman, 206-431-2197

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Seattle Southside Visitor Services Program Director Katherine Kertzman cuts the ribbon, as Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler and Tukwila City Councilmember Joan Hernandez look on.

The Seattle Southside Visitor’s Center held its Grand Opening last Thursday, May 13th, at its new digs in SeaTac, and on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were dignitaries from SeaTac, Des Moines, Tukwila and Kent.

The event included a ribbon cutting by Program Director of Seattle Southside Visitor Services Katherine Kertzman as well as speeches by other local public officials.

According to their website, the Seattle Southside Visitor’s Center:

We are the leading tourism and marketing organization in South King County. Seattle Southside Visitor Services (SSVS) –a program offered jointly by the Cities of Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac and Kent – is responsible for competitively marketing the area as an ideal travel destination for tourists who wish to explore Western Washington.

Scott Schaefer was also on hand, mostly to nosh on the free food and enter raffles (he didn’t win anything though…), as well as take the following photos:

SSVC Program Director Katherine Kertzman, left, and Business Relations Coordinator Meilee Anderson watch the festivities.

The sparkling new facility is located at 3100 S. 176th Street in SeaTac.

SSVC Staff were all smiles as the big day went off without a hitch.

Dozens of local businesspeople, residents and dignitaries showed up to support the new center.

Bowls of colored chocolate candy brightened up tables full of "Tourism Matters" buttons.

The Ink Stop's Barbara Panush, left, and Tamara Mackey of Heartland Payment Systems.

For more information on the Seattle Southside Visitor’s center, click here.

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The Highline Historical Society’s annual Highline Garden Tour fundraiser has been expanded to include five private gardens as well as the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and will be held on Saturday, June 12th.

Garden Tour participants will enjoy outstanding gardens, artist displays, musical performances, two separate plant sales, Master Gardener advice and coupon specials throughout the day.

There also will be a screening of the Ken Slusher documentary about the piece-by-piece transfer of the lovely Seike Garden out of the path of SeaTac Airport expansion to its new home at the Botanical Gardens.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s fundraising Highline Garden Tour.

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th, from 10am – 5pm.

TICKETS: Advance tickets are $12.00 for parties of 4 or more, and $15.00 for individual tickets.

Day of sale tickets will be $18.00.

Tickets may be purchased at Burien Bark and Herr Backyard Garden Center or from the Society by telephone at 206-241-5786.

INFO: To join the Highline Historical Society (we’re members), click here.

The Society thanks business sponsors John L. Scott Real Estate agent Susan Plecko, Burien Bark, Herr Backyard Garden Center, The Bean, and Sal’s Deli for their generous support of the Garden Tour.

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James Graddon, Chief of Police for the City of SeaTac, has been honored with the Crime Prevention Chief of the Year award by the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA).

“The award is based on Chief Graddon’s contributions made through his leadership with crime prevention projects, not just in SeaTac, but throughout the state of Washington,” said Vince Powell, vice president of WSCPA. “His support of the WSCPA has been instrumental in training, improvement and awareness in the field of crime prevention.”

The WSCPA is hosting its 2010 Awards Ceremony in Spokane, Wash., Wednesday, April 29th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Chief Graddon and I can’t imagine a better person for the honor,” said Todd Cutts, interim city manager for the City of SeaTac. “In just three years his leadership has resulted in continuous improvements in public safety and has helped to change some long-held perceptions of our community.”

Chief Graddon is a graduate of Kennedy High School in Burien, and he earned his AAS Administration of Justice degree from Highline Community College. He began his career with the Seattle Police Department in 1978. He was the Green River Task Force commander through the arrest of, and later plea agreement process with Gary Ridgeway. He was named Chief of Police for the City of SeaTac in 2007.

The Purpose of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association is to contribute to the reduction and control of criminal victimization in the State of Washington. For more information please visit www.wscpaonline.org.

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Seattle Southside Visitor Services, the official tourism department for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Kent and Des Moines, will be holding its Grand Opening event for a new visitor center in SeaTac on Thursday, May 13th from 4pm – 8pm.

This event will feature ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton of Tukwila, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and other local public officials.

If you wish to attend, you are encouraged to RSVP by Monday, May 10 by calling 206.575.2489.

Seattle Southside’s New Visitor Center is located at 3100 South 176th Street in SeaTac.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Grand Opening Event for Seattle Southside Visitor Services’ new Visitor Center. Event to feature ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton of Tukwila, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and other local public officials.

WHEN: Thursday, May 13, 2010, 4-8 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle Southside’s New Visitor Center, located at 3100 South 176th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188

INFO:  On Thursday, May 13, Seattle Southside Visitor Services will host a Grand Opening Event for the new Visitor Center located in the City of SeaTac. The Grand Opening Event will coincide with National Tourism Week and will feature a ribbon cutting and welcome speeches by Mayor Jim Haggerton, Program Director of Seattle Southside Katherine Kertzman and local public officials. Guests will enjoy wine tasting, appetizers, music performances and prize giveaways that include an Apple iPad.

In March 2010, Seattle Southside relocated the Visitor Center to its new location in the City of SeaTac. At this location, the Visitor Center will have greater visibility and access to airport travelers and hotel guests visiting the region.  It also offers flexibility for future growth and better transportation access for volunteers and interns from Highline Community College and South Seattle Community College, both of which have hospitality management and tourism programs.

Seattle Southside’s Grand Opening Event will take place from 4-8 p.m. RSVP by Monday, May 10 by calling 206.575.2489.

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