Tukwila Reporter, January 20, 2012

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Restoring • THE • PAST Page 2

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Restoring the past one car at a time for Studebaker.

West found his first DBOX@ Rockne, Model 10, at the TUKWILAREPORTER.COM age of 13 in 1959 in Idaho where he was raised.

His neighbor asked him life-long passion for to help clean out his gacars past and presrage. ent has led Mike “He opened up the gaWest along a very interestrage and here was this 1933 ing road over the past five Rockne, � West said. “He decades. asked me if I knew anyRestoring the past is a one who would give him special talent West has de25 bucks for it.

I said, ‘You veloped over his life, and want to get rid of this?� the results are remarkable.

The neighbor asked West During a 50-year career if he wanted it and of fixing banged-up the answer was cars in his Tukwila easy. body shop, South“I told him, ‘I towne Auto Resure do,’� he said build, West has also with the idea of displayed his love of putting a big V-8 cars from the past Mike West engine in the by restoring many Rockne. “My dad classics. put it in the garage One of the beauties at his home, safe in a garage, is until I got more mature.�

West restored the Rockne a 1933 Rockne, Model 10, in 1980 and by 1981 he won four-door sedan. It is picthe Best of Show at the Fortured on the left front of the est Grove Concours in OrTukwila Reporter cover.

Completely restored, it is egon.

Studebaker, based in considered a special-interSouth Bend, Ind., started est car from the past in the as a wagon company and collectable car world. jumped into the automobile The Rockne was made by manufacturing business in Studebaker for two years, 1902.

By 1933 the company 1932 to 1933. It was named after Knute Rockne, the fa- was having financial probmous Notre Dame football lems due to the Great Decoach and athlete. He died pression.

West said the Rockne in 1931 in a plane crash at came with a six-cylinder the age of 43. engine and the car cost Rockne had been work$585. ing as vice president of sales

BY DENNIS BOX

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Mike West’s 1933 Rockne sedan delivery Studebaker was used in the 1954 film “The Glenn Miller Story,� starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson. Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

“Ford came out with a V-8 in 1932 that cost 485 bucks,� West said. “Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde) sent a letter to Ford stating, ‘I really like that car.’�

The price difference and speed of the Ford caused some of the financial problems Studebaker faced in 1932. The company was reorganized and became profitable again in 1933 and continued producing automobiles until 1966.

The second Studebaker project West bought was a 1933 Rockne sedan delivery. He has owned it since 1985. There are only two left in the world, and West has one.

He also owns a 1934 Pierce Arrow rumble-seat coupe. The Pierce Arrow is considered a classic and the sedan delivery a special interest.

One of the stories behind the Rockne sedan delivery is it was used in the movie industry. One film in particular was “The Glenn Miller Story� shot in 1954 starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson.

Stewart and Allyson can be seen in the car during several sequences in the film. The car was also

The 1933 Rockne Model 10 four-door sedan was restored by Mike West in 1980. He found the car when he was 13 in a neighbor’s garage. Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

filmed in the television series, “Hogan’s Heroes.�

West has retired from the daily auto-body repair business, but still owns his shop on Tukwila International Boulevard where he is currently restoring the Rockne sedan delivery and will soon begin work on the Pierce Arrow.

Other collectable cars he has restored over the years include a 1933 Duesenberg, J-272, convertible Victoria that was originally owned by bandleader Paul Whitehead.

West said the Duesen-

berg had 180 lubricating points on the chassis, “It automatically lubricates every 80 miles.�

The wheels alone cost $1,500 each to restore.

West said it took eight years to complete the restoration and cost about $300,000. The owner purchased it for $175,000 and after West completed restoring the Duesenberg it sold for $1.475 million.

Other restoration work he has completed included a 1949 Cadillac. After the Duesenberg, he restored a Rolls-Royce.

West said the secret to restoration is to, “Make sure everything functions correctly before taking it apart. The biggest mistake is to take it apart before finding out if everything works and fits.�

The work on the Rockne shows West is an artist who rediscovers the past through his love of cars.

He is a classic.

Reach Dennis Box at dbox@ tukwilareporter.com or 253872-6600 ext. 5050.

To comment on this story go to www.tukwilareporter. com.

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com » JANUARY 2012

Big changes coming to 11th District lineup

BY DEAN RADFORD DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The political career of Margarita Prentice – including 20 years as a state senator, will come to an end early next January.

Prentice no longer lives in the 11th Legislative District, now that statewide redistricting has moved her home on Langston Road on unincorporated West Hill near Renton into the neighboring 37th Legislative District.

It was a move of just a block or so, but it took her out of what she herself called the “Prentice bulge” into the 11th District.

She has lived in Skyway since 1958 and her daughter and son are nearby.

Already, Prentice had expressed doubts

about running again for a sixth term, a reticence she also felt a bit four years ago. But she did run; this time, the decision was taken out of her hands.“I will not be active in poliMargarita tics anymore,” she said.

Prentice Still, she said she could get elected anywhere.

Prentice had spoken with Tim Ceis, the Democratic member of the state redistricting commission, about her doubts, but she said she didn’t expect to lose her district.

But, she says she’s not disturbed.

Prentice will remain in office as the 11th District senator until Dec. 31, when her

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Two candidates have already announced they intend to run to replace Prentice and Hudgins.

Dr. Bobby Virk, 40, of Renton will run for Prentice’s seat. Prentice endorsed Virk.

Virk practices orthodontics and consults in the field of dentistry in the Puget Sound region. He and his wife, Dr. Helena Skountrianos, have two sons, Aris and Karan.

Jim Flynn of Renton, a retired union electrician, will run for Hudgins’ seat in the House.

Flynn has lived in South King County since his honorable discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1969. Flynn and his wife Lynette, a pharmacy technician, live in the Benson Hill area of Renton where he serves as a Democratic Precinct Committee officer. He is active with the 11th Legislative Democratic Organization.

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Prentice’s district includes Tukwila.

“I have served long and well,” said Prentice. In her last elecZack Hudgins tion, she won in every precinct in the district.

“I guess that my constituents agree that I did a good job,” she said.

Prentice’s retirement is one of two major changes coming to the 11th District’s legislative representation.

Jack Hudgins of Tukwila, who has served five terms in the state House of Representatives, announced last November that he would run for secretary of state, rather than seek another term in the House.

“I believe I bring the management experience and commitment to democracy needed to ensure the office of Secretary of State meets the highest standards,” Hudgins said in making his announcement.

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The 11th Legislative District will see change with the retirement of state Sen. Margarita Prentice; Zack Hudgins is running for secretary of state

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New Tukwila City Council member Kate Kruller has Tukwila’s future on her mind

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Foster High School’s Ammar Husanovic isn’t your typical high school basketball player

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Voters in the Tukwila School District will vote Feb. 14 on renewing key school levy

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tukwila reporter ›19426 68th Avenue South › Kent, WA 98032 ›253.872.6600 › www.tukwilareporter.com

4 ‹ JANUARY 2012

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Mayor, City Council members sworn in

AT LEFT: Mayor Jim Haggerton, left, is sworn in to his second term at the Jan. 4 Tukwila City Council meeting by Tukwila Municipal Court Judge Kimberly Walden.

BELOW: Signing their oaths of office, are, from left, council members Kate Kruller, Kathy Hougardy and Dennis Robertson and Mayor Haggerton. Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

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Clarification on Joan Hernandez story In the December edition of the Tukwila Reporter in a news article titled “A life of community service and great times,” it was stated former Councilwoman Joan Hernandez was not selected during her first time running. To clarify, Hernandez was

not selected by the City Council members to fill a vacant council position.

Hernandez filed for the open seat after the appointed council member resigned and won the election against three opponents. She never lost an election.

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6 ‹ JANUARY 2012

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regional publisher polly shepherd publisher@tukwilareporter.com

publisher ellen morrison regional editor dennis box editor@tukwilareporter.com

editor dean radford staff writers steve hunter › reporter tracey compton › reporter sarah kehoe › reporter adam mcfadden › sports

circulation james kostoroski 253.872.6610 The Tukwila Reporter encourages reader participation in this community newspaper.

Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor (400 words or less) including your full name, address and phone number.

HERE’S HOW To submit a letter to the editor, EMAIL: submissions@ tukwilareporter.com FAX: 253.437.6016 MAIL: 19426 68th Ave S, Ste. A Kent, WA 98032 CALENDAR/EVENTS: calendar@ tukwilareporter.com

Seeing the light of slow improvement Economically, things are looking up for Tukwila. In the first nine months of 2011, sales tax revenues increased more than 7 percent. When one time constructionrelated sales-tax events are removed from the totals, we are at just under 5 percent. This is an excellent number because it is higher than expected considering that the Klickitat project greatly restricted access to the mall/ urban center area during the second and third quarters.

The Department of Community Development outlook for 2012 does not anticipate many new construction projects. The new facility for Aviation High School is being built adjacent to Boeing Field on the Museum of Flight campus. Checkout the new Starbucks on East Marginal Way South near the Museum of Flight and Randy’s Restaurant. Built with four shipping containers and measuring 448 square feet, this drive through Starbucks is a novel approach to building green. commentary

photographer charles cortes

W

Guest Column

viewpoint ›write staff

recovered in 2033.

Tukwila had the opportunity to host the starting line for the Seattle Rock ‘n Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon in June 2009. An agreement with the competitor group lasted three years and I am so proud of how all city departments performed in hosting the start line of this event. It brought approximately hen asked to provide this 28,000 participants each year, reeditorial piece, my apJim sulting in a very positive economic proach was to recap the important Haggerton impact to Tukwila. activities of the past four years, give Unfortunately, the last quarter a realistic review of how the city is of 2008 signaled the beginning of positioned in this current economy, the economic downturn that we and finish up with a glance into the have been dealing with ever since. coming four years.

Adding additional concern to the In January 2008 we held the “kickcity was the condition of the Howoff ” of our Centennial Celebration ard Hanson Dam. This presented a the morning after I took my oath of potential problem for all the Green office for my first term as your mayRiver Valley cities and we respondor. What a celebration it was and ed by placing Super Sacks and Hesit lasted approximately 18 months, with various events throughout the city. In July co containers along our portion of the Green 2008 we held the grand opening ceremony for River. This was very expensive and completely the major expansion of the south side of the unbudgeted, but we had no choice – we had Westfield Southcenter Mall with Gov. Gregoire to respond when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers detailed the potential danger to valley and many dignitaries in attendance.

We held the recovery of the Tukwila time cities.

In July 2009 it was my privilege to join Sound capsule ceremony at City Hall and had fun reminiscing over items that had been tucked Transit and the City of Seattle in dedicating the away since 1978. Later in September 2009 we opening of Link Light Rail and the Tukwila Stare-buried the time capsule with many items tion.

In 2010 we were able to move forward many that should be of interest when that capsule is

Looking back and looking forward

Vote yes for schools Soon you will receive your ballot for the Feb. 14 special election. The current maintenance and operations levy for the Tukwila School District expires at the end of 2012. The school district is asking for voter approval of a replacement levy. More than 27 percent of the money received by the district to provide educational services to students comes from the local levy. You can find a list of programs that are funded by local levy money and could be eliminated if the levy is not reauthorized at www.supporttukwilaschools.com.

There are many essential programs on the list

construction projects that had been in the planning stages for several years. We dedicated the completion of Tukwila International Boulevard Phase 2 and 3, awarded a contract to construct a new five-lane road extending Southcenter Parkway from South 180th to South 200th Street, dedicated Phase 1 of the Riverbend Hill Reserve Project, rolled out the first black and white police vehicles and converted the old City Hall into the Tukwila Historical and Cultural facility.

On March 28, 2011, we closed the Klickitat entrance into the Tukwila Urban Center, constructed a completely new interchange and had it re-opened to the public on Oct. 15.

Looking forward, we are working with a developer for the Tukwila Village Project; Sound Transit is now planning the new commuter rail station for Sounder and Amtrak replacing the temporary wood platforms, and if all goes well this rainy season we plan to remove the sandbags along the river trail system pending notification from the Corps of Engineers.

As we move forward in an improved economy, we are committed to improving our residential streets and sidewalks and place a high priority on public safety throughout the city.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your mayor and I am enthusiastic about Tukwila’s future.

Mayor Jim Haggerton can be reached at jim. haggerton@tukwilawa.gov.

Tenant improvements (TI) are looking robust.

This is when the owner of a building upgrades or improves a building for an existing or new tenant. Examples include the Toys R Us move farther south and across the street on Southcenter Parkway and the Value Village store moving into the old Toys R Us building.

While things are improving slowly, we are still way behind where we were just Chuck three or four years ago in terms of Parrish sales-tax collection. The voters of Tukwila made an intelligent financial decision (60 percent in favor) in this last election to retain card rooms. This means that we are able to retain more than $2 million in gambling tax revenues. It is expected that those revenues will increase as time goes by.

With the retirement of Councilwoman Joan Hernandez, we gained a new council member, Kate Kruller. Kruller brings a rigorous intellect, political experience and project management experience to the dais. These qualities are sorely needed as our city grows and participates in the inter-city and regional web of governing jurisdictions.

While things are getting better, we have major financial challenges. The structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures still exists.

Cost of goods and services including health care, salaries and benefits are going up at a rate higher than the rate of increase of revenues to our city.

This is largely due to tax limitations required by state law and voter approved initiatives. Over time, residents can expect to see less and less in terms of services. Until a more sustainable economic paradigm evolves, we are stuck with the same situation as everyone else. We have to promote and support economic activity to increase revenues. As the Planning Commission works to help develop the Tukwila urban center plan before it forwards its recommendation to the City Council, this economic reality needs to be kept in mind. Hopefully the City Council will make smart decisions that will leverage our tax dollars in the most efficacious fashion.

The replacement levy for the Tukwila school district is coming up for a vote in February.

While we would all like to see the state Legislature meet its obligation to fund education, we voters have made it impossible for them because we have not supported measures that would allow the state to collect sufficient revenues. This drives the need to help fund education to the local level. The upcoming levy deserves our support. It funds approximately 27 percent of our Tukwila school district budget which has been hit hard by cuts at the state level. For more on this, visit supporttukwilaschools.com.

Letter to the Editor

to give more time to all students. This additional attention can help determine whether a student makes good progress or falls behind.

State support to schools has been cut the last few years and will probably be cut again during the current legislative session. That makes it even more important that the local levy be renewed. For more information or to help with this effort, visit the website.

When you receive your ballot, please vote yes!

but two stand out for me. They are maintaining lower class size and instructional assistants to support classrooms. As a retired teacher here in Tukwila, I know how important these two factors are to student success. We have a large number of students who no longer qualify for English Language Learner services but still need support in the classroom because of language-related issues.

Instructional assistants work with small groups of students to help them understand material and concepts when they need additional explanation or practice. A smaller student load allows teachers

Marie Parrish Tukwila

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť JANUARY 2012

›7

coffeewith

NEW PATIENTS SEEN THE SAME DAY!

New Year, New You!

Kate Kruller, right, is sworn in as a Tukwila City Council member by Mayor Jim Haggerton.

Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

Tukwila’s future on mind of Kate Kruller

BY SARAH KEHOE SKEHOE@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Kate Kruller took a year off from work to travel around the world by plane, only to find Tukwila was the place she wanted to be. “Tukwila is just such a cool community,� said Kruller, 52. “I came back home and realized our city is full of all different kinds of great people and I felt happy to be part of a community as diverse and culturally significant as ours.�

The love of her community is one of the many reasons Kruller decided to run for the Position No. 6 spot on the Tukwila City Council in the NoKate Kruller, v e m b e r newly elected Tukwila City election.

Council member Kruller won and was sworn in, replacing long-time member Joan Hernandez, who retired after 24 years of service. “It’s such an overwhelming emotion to think about the fact that I won this election,� Kruller said. “It’s big and it’s exciting to realize all these people who stood behind my campaign and trusted me to represent them. I have a strong sense of duty to perform well for them.�

Kruller works as an information technology project manager in SeaTac and Olympia for the state Administrative Office of the Courts. She has lived in Tukwila since 1992 and previously ran a small business in town. “I really want to reflect the voice of the people,� Kruller said. “After spending 20 years here, I have the ‘Pay it Forward’ mentality that propels me to work for the com-

“I really want to reflect the voice of the people.�

munity to ensure it’s the best it can be.�

She brings with her a 30-year career, featuring broad experience in project management and information technology.

Kruller’s professional track record includes positions in government public affairs and business management, international business and trade, corporate communications and project management, commercial media production and television broadcasting. “I have many goals I want to see through during my time on the council,� Kruller said. “I’m the new guy, so I realize I need to get caught up on many things that are underway. But, first and foremost, I want to focus on city plans and services for things like our transportation, safety, jobs and schools.�

Kruller believes the city needs to examine their finances and make some budget changes. “We need to keep a close eye on the city’s purse strings, taking a hard look at the budget and trim it where we can,� she said.

Kruller wants to create a plan for a future Tukwila. “It would be a good idea for us to sit down and create some long-range plans that transcend and preserve what we have now that is good,� she said. “Part of what will make Tukwila a great city is to attract businesses that fit our model for what we want in our area.�

Kruller has already talked to council members about utilizing social media to improve the city’s transparency and communication. “Sometimes people can’t facilitate an opportunity to come to a meeting,� Kruller said. “It would be create to find a cost-effective way to set up a system where people could watch our meetings on television.

The more public input we get from people, the better we will be.�

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MAYOR: Jim Haggerton COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Verna Seal

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For more information about Residential Rental Business Licensing, please call Code Enforcement officer Kathy Stetson at 206-4313682, or visit the City’s website: www.TukwilaWA.gov/DCD/RentalLicensing.html

Plan ahead

â?„

It’s not too late to winterize your car; this includes making sure your car and tires are in good condition and maintain a full tank of gas. Also be sure to store supplies such as blankets, shovels, a bag of sand and a window scraper in the trunk.

Tukwila Street Department employee Dave DeGroot displays one of the City’s new LED street lights.

â?„ Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

â?„ Listen to local radio and news channels for the latest information on school closures and schedule changes. Familiarize yourself with school, daycare and employer snow policies.

When the storm strikes

â?„ â?„ Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disStay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.

orientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

â?„ Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and provide non-frozen drinking water.

â?„ If the power goes out, call your energy power company to report it. Tukwila has two power

company providers, so be sure to contact the appropriate company. Puget Sound Energy Customer Service is 1-888-225-5773 (select menu option #1). Seattle City Light Customer Service line is 206 684-CITY (2489). To report an outage, call 206-684-3000, or if you want to contact the “Outage Hotline�, call 206 684-7400.

� Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during daylight, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Take your time and stay on the main roads. Listen to local radio stations for the latest road conditions and traffic reports.

In the aftermath

â?„

Depending upon the severity of the storm, it may take time – several hours to days – to return to normal. Following the storm, be patient and travel only if it’s absolutely necessary.

â?„ Continue to rely on public transit whenever possible; dress warmly and be prepared for delays in bus schedules.

â?„ If you must drive, stick to your winter travel routes.

Remember, snow removal crews will

clear major arterials, highways and bus routes first.

â?„ Snow and ice storms affect everyone, including service providers. In spite of improving weather conditions, you may continue to experience disruptions in service such as power and garbage/recycling collection after the storm has passed.

â?„

Listen to the radio for updates on key services.

For more information about winter readiness – or anything related to emergency preparedness – please contact Tukwila’s Office of Emergency Management at 206-971-8742, or visit the website at www.tukwilawa.gov/disaster/disasterprepare.html.

COUNCIL CHAT

All owners of residential rental property are reminded that they must obtain an annual Residential Rental Business License and periodic inspection. Renewal notices have been mailed to owners who submitted applications for 2011. New applicants can download and print an application form from the City’s website. Applications and renewals are due by Tuesday January 31, 2012.

The month of January has been host to some of the most severe winter storms, knocking out power and bringing cold, frigid temperatures along with it. Although the region hasn’t experienced any major winter storms so far, Tukwila’s Emergency Management Office would like to take the time to remind the community that the threat of winter storms is still present. There are steps you can take – before a storm hits, during and after – to keep you and your family safe.

Tukwila’s getting greener (and brighter) with the addition of new LED street lights In the fall of 2000, the City of Tukwila was one of the first agencies in the region to adopt the use of LED traffic signal displays at all of its signalized intersections. At that time we didn’t know that this would only be the first step in realizing the benefits that are associated with completing lighting upgrades throughout the City.

LED technology has given us an opportunity to save even more and get even greener‌ now that LED streetlights are available to light our roadways. Most people find the crisp “white lightâ€? produced by the LEDs to greatly improve visibility and make it easier to clearly identify colors and details. These new streetlight fixtures are also enabling cities and public utilities to achieve significant energy savings, improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs, while reducing greenhouse gases and mercury waste.

In the near future, the Public Works Street department hopes to adopt LED street lighting as a design standard and incorporate LEDs in all new roadway projects. The Tukwila Urban Center Access Project at the Southcenter Parkway and Klickitat Drive interchange was the City of Tukwila’s first LED roadway project; the response has been very positive. Currently, our Street crew has begun retrofitting many LED fixtures throughout Tukwila’s central business district and several neighborhood corridors.

The City is looking forward to significantly lower utility costs, reduced maintenance, and crisp white (green) lights!

In addition to improving our roadways, the City has also been working to complete lighting upgrades in City facilities: the City Hall buildings, the Tukwila Community Center, old City Hall (now the Tukwila Heritage & Cultural Center), and the parking lot lights at Fort Dent Park, Foster Golf Links, and the Community Center. It is estimated that the City will save over 230,000 kWh per year with these facility lighting improvements. The facility lighting upgrades will also save the City nearly $20,000 a year in annual electricity costs. Not only are the completed improvements good for the bottom line, but they are also good for the environment. The City has estimated that the energy saved will reduce carbon dioxide emissions due to City facility electrical consumption by nearly 144,000 pounds annually.

These facility and roadway lighting upgrades were funded by a Federal grant provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and securing rebates from Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy. Did you know that businesses and homeowners can take advantage of many of the same rebates that the City of Tukwila used? Just call your electric company to find out how YOU can save!

Seattle City Light – 206-684-3000

Puget Sound Energy – 1-800-562-1482

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Some suggestions for 2012 New Year’s resolutions: Emergency Preparedness and Active Community Involvement January 31 is deadline for Residential Rental Business Licenses

Winter Weather: Are You Prepared?

›9

Join us between 10:00am–12:00pm on the second Saturday of each month, at the FOSTER GOLF LINKS CLUBHOUSE 13500 Interurban Avenue South Council Chat is an opportunity to stop by and informally talk with a Tukwila City Council member about anything on your mind regarding your community.

Board and Commission vacancies: there’s room for you!

The City of Tukwila currently has several volunteer opportunities for citizens interested in serving on a Board or Commission. Your time and expertise in a particular area can be valuable assets in providing recommendations to the City. The application form can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.TukwilaWA.gov/mayor/boards.pdf.

ARTS COMMISSION

Tukwila served by pilot Global to Local program

The Tukwila Arts Commission represents the City’s interest in art matters. It renders advice in the area of art/aesthetics/beautification, and makes recommendations for City expenditures on works of public art.

It encourages citizen participation in the arts, promotes art projects for cultural enrichment of the community, and explores ways to obtain private, local, State or federal funds to promote art projects in Tukwila.

The Global to Local Health Initiative (G2L) is a unique public private partnership of the Washington Global Health Alliance, Swedish Health Services, Seattle and King County Public Health, and HealthPoint. Partnering with communities in SeaTac and Tukwila, G2L presents innovative, holistic and community-driven solutions to providing healthcare and economic development strategies in ethnically diverse, low-income populations.

Additionally, Tukwila’s Arts Commission supports live performance art, including Rainier Symphony concerts and the summertime performances of the Community Actors’ Summer Theater in Tukwila (C.A.S.T.T.).

Seeking care can be a scary, intimidating experience for a family or individual, particularly for those who are less advantaged or don’t speak fluent English. Unfamiliar laws and government systems, as well as cultural differences, compound these barriers. A recent survey of the Tukwila School District found more than 70 different languages were spoken by students, making on-demand translation services available 24/7 nearly impossible. However, speaking a common language is fundamental to successfully delivering healthcare services.

The Arts Commission meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm, at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 - 42nd Avenue South.

Next Chat: Saturday, February 11

Building on the expertise of Washington State’s global health institutions, G2L brings home strategies that have proved effective in addressing health care in developing countries. These include, but are not limited to, training and developing community health workers, partnering with cities to link health with economic development programming, mobilizing community-based organizations to make it easier for residents to select and choose healthier foods for their families, generating educational campaigns around priority health issues and using technologies and communications tools to transform practices.

People won’t seek care if there aren’t health-care workers who speak their language or understand cultural values. Community health workers will be building trust with individuals in the community, providing a culturally-aware approach to educational or treatment-related situations that will help with major health issues in underserved groups. South King County, in particular, has been selected as the pilot site because its health demographics mirror those in certain developing countries. The initiative’s leaders hope to create a program that can be replicated throughout many other communities that have similar health disparities in our state and across the country.

During the early phases of the Initiative, work was done engaging the communities to define health-related needs and identify possible global health strategies, then developing project strategies and providing support for partnering organizations. Beginning in January 2012 G2L will provide services to targeted communities.

Success of the G2L initiative is dependent upon active community involvement, through the identification of major health needs/health-related issues, or participation on governance or advisory committees. To get involved or to learn more about the Global to Local Health Initiative, please contact Adam Taylor at 206-2932485, or email Adam.Taylor@KingCounty.gov.

– Cold Weather Driving–

A few tips from the Tukwila Police Department for winter driving.

t 8IFO ZPV OFFE UP TDSBQF JDF PGG ZPVS XJOETIJFME t &WFO JG FWFSZUIJOH FMTF JT DMFBS CSJEHFT BOE PO PGG ramps are often icy. also pay attention to your headlights and taillights to prevent them from being hidden by frost. t $POTJEFS GJMMJOH UIF XJOETIJFME DMFBOFS SFTFSWPJS with de-icing cleaner. t *G UIFSF JT JDF PO ZPVS DBS XJOEPXT BOE PS GSFF[JOH temperatures, anything on the roadway that looks wet is probably ice.

t ,FFQ ZPVS HBT UBOL BU IBMG GVMM PS NPSF JO DBTF ZPV get stuck in traffic caused by “snowflake panic�. t 4MPX EPXO

HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Tukwila’s Human Services Advisory Board advises City officials on the status of human service needs and programs in the City. It assists in monitoring and assessing resources and services funded by Tukwila, providing recommendations and prioritization of programs to fund.

It also reviews the Human Service applications. The seven-member Board represents a wide range of experience with human service issues although experience is not required – just an eagerness to contribute.

The Human Services Advisory Board meets every other month on the second Friday at 10:00am in the Human Services offices, 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #115.

LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD Tukwila’s Library Advisory Board provides advice to City officials regarding library services in Tukwila. It meets with a variety of public groups and recommends programs to promote library services for Tukwila citizens, and to make the public aware of these facilities. It sets standards for and promotes library gift giving.

The Board conducts an annual review of the agreement between the City and the King County Library District, recommending programs for incorporation into such agreement. It reports annually to the Mayor and City Council on the status of library services and needs in the City.

The Library Advisory Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm, at Foster Library, 4060 South 144th Street.

If you’d like more detailed information about any of these openings: GROUP

CONTACT

PHONE

Human Services Advisory Board

Evie Boykan

206-433-7180

Rick Still

206-767-2342

Arts Commission Library Advisory Board

Meeting agendas, City programs, recreation activities, publications and more‌ get the most current information at TukwilaWA.gov!

10 ‹ JANUARY 2012

« www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

tukwilasports Dodgeball tournament The Tukwila Parks and Recreation department will host a teen dodgeball four-on-four tournament in partnership with the South Park Community Center.

The tournament begins at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Come as a team or sign up individually.

For information, contact Nate Robinson at 206-768-2822.

bulldog basketball

Foster finds the winning formula

BY ADAM MCFADDEN A M C FA D D E N @ TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

F

oster’s Ammar Husanovic isn’t your typical high school basketball player. You won’t find him playing video games very often, or hanging out in front of the TV all night. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a moment in the day he isn’t putting to some good use.

In addition to basketball, the senior is earning college credits through Running Start and tutors at Cascade View Elementary.

“I have no free time anymore,” he said.

The activities may not leave him with much spare time now, but he knows it will be worth it down the road.

“I like working and I’m a hard worker,” he said. “I don’t mind doing all of this just to succeed.”

Husanovic was born in Bosnia and moved to America with his family in 1997 when he was three.

Growing up as an only child, he learned early on that schoolwork came first.

“If I don’t get good grades, nothing turns out well,” he said. “Even if it means staying up until 3 a.m. to finish my project, I’ll finish it.”

The emphasis is working.

Husanovic finished with a 3.9 GPA last quarter, even with the increased heft of the Running Start college courses. He plans on pursuing a degree in teaching next year.

That same work ethic has made Husanovic a huge asset to the Bulldogs basketball team.

“I rely on Ammar to do a lot of things,” said Foster coach Mike Broom. “He doesn’t back down from anything and he’s really somebody that I can count on all of the time.”

And Husanovic delivers more than those intangibles Broom loves. He’s leading the Bulldogs in rebounding with 6.2 rebounds per game. He also leads the team in field goal percentage, at 59 percent, and is tied for the team lead in charges taken.

This is also his first year on the varsity team. Husanovic played for the Foster JV team his freshman year, but then decided to focus on his academics. He made the choice to return last spring.

“He’s been very very committed, hard-working and reliable since the moment he agreed to play,” Broom said.

Foster is off to a 4-9

The parks and recreation department has set up a No School Day Camp for Jan. 30 and Feb. 21.

The camp is for grades kindergarten through sixth at the Tukwila Community Center. The cost is $42 for non-residents and $35 for residents.

start overall with a 3-4 record in Seamount play.

The Bulldogs are tied with Lindbergh and Renton for the second 2A seed in the league, and the top two seeds earn a guaranteed

trip to the district tournament.

The team snapped an eight-game losing streak Jan. 11 with a 62-52 win against Lindbergh. Husanovic scored a season-

high 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting in the game. He also picked up nine rebounds and two blocks.

Foster’s final regular season game is Feb. 3 at Lindbergh.

An early look at basketball playoffs

BY ADAM MCFADDEN A M C FA D D E N @ TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

No School Day Camp

Foster’s Ammar Husanovic shoots Jan. 11 against Lindbergh at home. Foster took down Lindbergh 62-52. CHARLES CORTES, Tukwila Reporter

With less than a month to go until playoff basketball games start in early February, here’s a look at how Seamount teams stand.

2A All five 2A Seamount teams (Renton, Lindbergh, Evergreen, Foster and Tyee) advance to the sub-district tournament, but the top two seeds have a significant advantage in that they are locked in to the district tournament. So for the top two seeds, sub-districts simply determine which seed they have at

districts. The bottom three seeds face a loser-out game in the first round of sub-districts.

On the boys side right now Evergreen (9-5 overall, 6-1 Seamount) has the top 2A seed, with Lindbergh (6-6, 3-4), Renton (5-8, 3-4) and Foster (4-9, 3-4) tied for second. Tyee (1-10, 1-6) is in last.

For the girls, Renton (8-4, 7-0) and Lindbergh (6-6, 5-2) have separated themselves somewhat from Tyee (7-6, 3-4), Foster (2-10, 2-5) and Evergreen (1-11, 0-7).

3A Things aren’t quite as simple for the league’s three 3A teams (Hazen, Highline and Kennedy Catho-

lic). Those teams stand up against Bremerton, and the top three teams advance to sub-districts.

The teams compare via league record. One point is awarded for wins over a 1A or 2A opponent, 1.5 points for a 3A or 4A win.

As for what happens when they get to sub-districts, the top overall seed is the only team guaranteed a berth into districts. The second seed would face a loser-out game in the second round if it loses in the first. The third seed takes on two loser-out games in a row.

For the 3A Seamount girls, it’s Kennedy (6-6, 5-2), Hazen (5-7, 4-3), then Highline (4-8, 2-5). The Bremerton girls team is having a

strong season at 7-1 in the Olympic League.

Current standings (top three make sub-districts): Bremerton - 7 points Kennedy - 6 points Hazen - 4.5 points Highline - 2 points On the boys side, it’s Kennedy (92, 7-0), Hazen (7-6, 5-2) and Highline (0-11, 0-7). The Bremerton boys team is 5-3 in the Olympic.

Current standings (top three make sub-districts): Kennedy - 8 points Hazen - 5.5 points Bremerton - 5 points Highline - 0 points

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť JANUARY 2012

› 11

AT LEFT: Foster math teacher Austin Biel helps Sadiya Abdi with a math problem.

Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

AT LEFT: Foster sophomores Alexus Malina, left, and Edgar Lopez, log on to computers at the beginning of class in the school’s computer lab. Charles Cortes, Tukwila Reporter

SKEHOE@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The Tukwila School District wants residents to vote “yes� to a levy used for instructional technology and school improvements in the Feb. 14 election. “The School Programs and Operations Levy is a renewal of the local dollars that cover the gap between state funding and the cost of a quality educational program,� said Ed Hougardy, campaign chair for the Tukwila Schools Advisory Committee. “School levies are critical for student learning and often called learning levies.�

The levy is a replacement levy, not a new tax. Homeowners are currently paying taxes for the school levy approved in 2008, which expired at the end of 2011. “To me, investing in our local schools means acknowledging that children are our No. 1 priority and need the best we can offer,� Hougardy said. “Like most investments, the real payoff will be in the future, when our students can use their education to get a job, make decisions, vote, pay taxes and contribute to and experience the quality of life in their community.�

The levy is 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for six years.

It provides approximately 27 percent of Tukwila School District funding, which is used to maintain and operate current school programs. “Commercial property owners in Tukwila pay a significant amount of the total levy assessed,� Hougardy said. “That means Tukwila homeowners pay a lower percentage of the total levy cost than those who live in jurisdictions who have also have levies, but less commercial property. Good schools enhance the value of homes and neighborhoods.�

If the levy doesn’t pass, partially and fully funded programs will be eliminated or significantly reduced. “If the levy fails, programs will have to be severely reduced or eliminated, such as art, music and foreign language, as well as school athletics and other extra-curricular activities,�

Hougardy said.

Finances currently go toward ensuring teachers maintain lower class size, administrators, office professionals and technical support staff,

“Good schools enhance the value of homes and neighborhoods.�

Ed Hougardy campaign chair

bus transportation costs for existing routes, school athletics and extracurricular activities, special education programs, ELL (English Language Learners), elementary gifted programs middle and high school security services and safety personnel, arts, music, foreign language and elementary physical education, textbooks, classroom instructional supplies, computers and software, school nurses, social workers and classroom instructional assistants.

The levy would authorize the district to acquire and install instructional technology equipment, infrastructure and systems to improve student learning; make health, safety and energy efficiency improvements to existing school facilities and levy excess taxes, on all taxable property within the district.

Tukwila is the only school district in the greater Seattle area that does

not fund technology through a voterapproved bond or levy. The state does not pay for technology, and other sources are not keeping up with district technology needs, according to Hougardy.

School district administrators say most students don’t have a computer at home. An independent study found that the school district is in need of many improvements.

As a result, Tukwila students are at a disadvantage when they graduate and go on to further education or out to compete for jobs. The technology levy on the Feb. 9 ballot will begin to close that gap.

Tech levy money will be used to put new computers and technology into the classrooms of all of the schools in the district, as well as make infrastructure improvements that will allow higher-speed access and wireless connections. A small amount will go toward necessary repairs to the school buildings to protect the investment voters have already made.

The proposed six-year capital levy would authorize the collection of taxes to provide $1,350,000 in 2011, $1,350,000 in 2012, $896,250 in 2013, $896,250 in 2014, $896,250 in 2015 and $896,250 in 2016. The tax levy rate is estimated to be 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2011, 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2012, 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2013, 26 cents per $1,000 in 2014, 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2015, and 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2016.

The tax rate of approximately 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed value projected for the first year of collection in 2011 will equate to $130.95 per year (or $10.91 per month) for a $300,000 home. Rates then will decline each year.

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School learning levy on Feb. 14 election ballot

12 ‹

JANUARY 2012 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

Tukwila Village nears final agreement SHUNTER@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Developer Bryan Park sees plenty of good things ahead for the proposed Tukwila Village.

“The project is attempting to implement the city’s vision that we share to create a meeting or gathering place for all residents in the city,” said Park. “It’s a mix of uses from residential to retail and a public plaza.”

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• Millions of school hours are lost each year to dental-related diseases.

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Regular visits to Southcenter Children’s Dentistry are the best way to combat these problems. Dr. Buda and his staff will make your child’s visit a fun and comfortable experience from the very first visit.

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Park is president of Puyallup-based Pacific Northern Construction Co, Inc., which is part of Tukwila Village Development Associates, the development group selected by the city to build the project.

The Tukwila City Council received a briefing about Tukwila Village at its Dec. 19 meeting. City officials, Tukwila Village Development Associates and the King County Library System are nearing completion of the main terms to be included in a development agreement that could go to the council for approval in February or March.

The project covers 6 acres of city-owned property at South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard.

The city hopes to turn the area into a mixed use development that will include a library, apartments, a neighborhood police resource center, retail, restaurants, public meeting space and an outdoor plaza.

Park’s company has proposed an 8,000-square-foot library; a 2,000-square-foot police resource center; 20,000 square feet of medical and dental offices; 7,000 square feet of retail; a 2,000-square-foot indoor community commons; 20,000 square feet for an outdoor community plaza; 300

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www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com » JANUARY 2012

› 13

…local cuisine Located inside

Public plaza a highlight; new library is part of plan [VILLAGE from page 12] age-restricted apartments; and 80 non-age restricted apartments.

Phase 1 of the project would involve property north of South 144th Street. That project is scheduled to be submitted to the city for design review by June and be approved

by October. Construction could start in June 2013 and be completed by December 2014.

Park said the public plaza looms as a major highlight and focus of the project.

“Lots of things could be done at the plaza from concerts to festivals to fairs,” Park said. “The real focus is on a community gathering place for social interaction.”

Several residents commented about Tukwila Village at the council meeting and emphasized the importance of the new library to the project. Park agreed.

“The library is a very important part of the plan,” Park said. “We are working with the county on site planning.”

The library is proposed to be built at the northeast corner of Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144th Street.

Bill Placek, director of King County Library Services, told the council a new high-quality library for Tukwila has been in the works for a long time. He said funding exists for at least an 8,000-square-foot library and maybe as large as a 10,000-square-foot facility.

The council selected Tukwila Village Development Associates last June as the developer for Tukwila Village. Members of the group have built several mixed-use projects in the Seattle area similar to the proposed Tukwila Village.

Park said several potential retail tenants already have shown interest in the village.

“We were attracted to the mixed-use concept and the city’s vision,” Park said about choosing the Tukwila project. “We like the potential. We feel it will be very, very successful and well-accepted in the marketplace.”

For more information, go to www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/tukwilavillage.html.

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JANUARY 2012 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

Chamber honors businesses, individuals

BY SARAH KEHOE SKEHOE@ TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce members honored chamber member businesses for outstanding efforts at its January Membership Luncheon Jan. 13.

The purpose of the luncheon was to recognize the efforts, commitments and achievements of businesses and organizations that help make the Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines communities a viable place to work and reside. The chamber also introduced new board members for 2012 and provided an annual report on the chamber; filling attendees in on projects, programs and initiatives undertaken during the past year.

CleanScapes won the Large Business of the Year, which is given to a business with more than 10 employees achieving excellence through innovative business practices, products and/or employee programs and community commitment.

CleanScapes has grown to become a $40 millionyear operation with more than 250 employees. The employees and company served on committees and boards throughout the county committed to help the public cut down on

waste and recycling.

Small Business of the Year award went to a business with 10 or less employees that demonstrating community involvement. The family owned business, AAAA Mini Storage, took the prize for supporting education for employees and others in the community.

Ambassador of the Year went to Chuch Riess of Riess Insurance Agency for volunteering and brining an upbeat attitude to every Ambassador meeting. The award is presented to an outstanding Ambassador who has served on the committee for at least one year.

Judy Coovert of Printcom, Inc., took home the Business Advocate award for demonstrating outstanding commitment to advocacy on behalf of business rights. Coovert is an active member of the Burien Economic Development Partnership and AWB named an award after her for Coovert’s volunteer work.

The Outstanding Leadership award went to an individual or organization that has demonstrated leadership through turning an idea into a reality, which benefits the community at large. Lynnyetta Keller of Allied Waste Services took the prize for leading her team to reduce Tukwila’s multifam-

Judy Coovert of Printcom, left, accepts an award for Business Advocate from Randy Coplen during the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce recognition and award luncheon Jan. 13. Sarah Kehoe, Tukwila Reporter ily sector’s recycling rate to 98 percent. Keller also conducts outreach with schools and businesses throughout southern

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Carol Kolson of HomeStreet Bank took home the Outstanding Community Service award for enhancing the community through an outstanding demonstration of community service and volunteerism. Kolson is an advocate, supporting the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network, the Tukwila Historical Society and Habitat for Humanity.

Any business or nonprofit that is a member in good standing of the Southwest King County Chamber was eligible to be nominated by the public. Chamber members could also self-nominate or nominate other members.

Reach Sarah Kehoe at 253-872-6600 ext. 5056.To comment on this story go to www.tukwilareporter.com.

Lynnyetta Keller of Allied Waste Services receives the award for Outstanding Leadership. Sarah Kehoe, Tukwila Reporter

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť JANUARY 2012

BY TRACEY COMPTON

localflavor

TCOMPTON@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Jan. 23 starts the Chinese New Year in 2012, ushering in the year of the Dragon. In preparation, here are three recipes provided by Mei Chen, who is a member of the Buddhist cultural organization, SGIUSA, that has a branch in Tukwila. “On Chinese New Year we have a lot of food,� said Chen.

Important to traditional celebrations are fish, chicken and pork, she said.

Fish represents the increase in money that you hopefully gained from last year. Chicken and pork represents future prosperity and the hope that you will have a lot to eat everyday, according to Chen.

Rice cakes are also common to new year’s festivities and Chen recalls her grandmother making them for the family. But, now she prefers to buy them from the store, saying they are difficult to make.

She is the leader of the Chinese language group for SGI-USA in Tukwila.

There are about 100 Mandarin or Cantonese-speaking members in the local organization, but between 1,500 and 2,000 overall members who come to the Tukwila branch.

The group will host a public Chinese New Year celebration from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 in Seattle.

WHAT: Celebration to mark the start of the There will be a year of the Dragon prayer for world WHEN: 10 - 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 peace, food, singing, dancWHERE: Leschi House, 1011 S. Weller St. in ing, a harmonica Seattle performance, a COST: Free message from Daisaku Ikeda, SGI-International president and members sharing their experiences in their Buddhist faith.

Chen is originally from Taiwan and has been practicing this form of Buddhism for 24 years.

Although there are some Chinese members who attend SGI-USA in Tukwila, membership is diverse, spanning different ages, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The center is a zone office for the Pacific Northwest and has members from Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon as well as Washington.

SGI stands for Soka Gakkai International, meaning value-creating society international. “What happens here is really what SGI stands for, which is the promotion of peace, culture and education,� said Shawn Boyd, office manager.

Everything from weddings, funerals, meetings and conferences happen at the center, 3438 S. 148th St. There are also non-denominational community programs that the public can attend.

They celebrated their 20th anniversary at that location in September 2011. “There’s so many different types of people here, that’s what makes it so wonderful because it’s so diverse,� Boyd said.

For more information on SGI-USA visit, www.sgi-usa.org or www. sgi.org.

›› A CELEBRATION SGI-USA CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year recipes STEAMED FRESH FISH - fresh Tilapia fillets - 1 teaspoon of cooking oil - as much green onions and ginger as you like, for topping

tukwilacalendar

Food ushers in Year of Dragon

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Teen program The Tukwila Late Night program for teens provides a safe environment with activities and games for teens who want to have a fun experience and hang out with their friends. The January programs are Jan. 20 and 27 for grades 6-12.

Times are 8-11 p.m.; the fee is $2. Call the Tukwila Community Center, 206-768-2822, for more information.

No school day camps

- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 1) Steam the fish fillets for 15 minutes, until cooked.

2) Cut green onions into shoestring-like strips and chop up ginger into tiny pieces. Mei Chen 3) Pour the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over the fish.

4) Heat the cooking oil and cook the ginger and green onions until they are hot and top the fish with them. Serve.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CHICKEN

Two day camps for when the Tukwila School District is not in session are being offered on Jan. 30 and Feb. 21 at the Tukwila Community Center. The day offers all sorts of fun activities.

It’s for grades kindergarten-6, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost is $42 and $35 for residents. Call 206-768-2822.

- 1 whole free-range chicken with neck and giblets removed - 3 tablespoons of cooking wine

SBA administrator to speak

- 1 tablespoon of salt

Calvin Goings, regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, will speak at the February Calvin Goings Membership Luncheon of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Holiday Inn Seatac, 17338 International Boulevard, Seatac.

Registration is available online at the chamber website, www.swkcc. org/

- your preferred combination of ginger, salt, cooking oil and a little MSG to taste and mixed together for dipping sauce- one chop stick or fork 1) Mix together wine and salt and rub all over the chicken.

2) Let the chicken marinate or about 30 minutes.

3) Then steam chicken for 1 hour. Poke with a chop stick to test if it is done. If blood comes out when chop stick is removed, cook longer.

4) Wait for the chicken to cool, then cut it into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. Serve with dipping sauce.

DEEP FRIED PORK - 1 lb. pork tenderloins cut into 1 inch pieces - salt and pepper to season - garnish with chopped green onions, green peppers and sesame seeds (if desired) 1) Coat the pork in flour, then fry until it turns golden in color.

2) Season to taste with salt and pepper mixture.

3) Garnish with green onions, green peppers and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy.

Learning about the stars The Boy Scout Astronomy Merit Badge Program is 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. Learn all about stars, telescopes and observing before climbing into the digital planetarium to view the constellations, the planets and the Solar System. Information about museum activities is available by calling 206-764-5720 or online at http://www.museumofflight.org/

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JANUARY 2012 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

2012

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