Tukwila Reporter, September 16, 2015

tukwila reporter 09 • 2015

coverstory | page 10

MCMICKEN HEIGHTS: WITNESS TO TUKWILA’S STORY SCHOOL SCHOOLCONNECTIONS: CONNECTIONS: Tukwila TukwilaSchool SchoolDistrict Districtupdate, update,pages pages14-15 14-15

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Chamber to host candidate event The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will present “Meet the Candidates” reception on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Tukwila.

Candidates from Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and the Port of Seattle are invited to introduce themselves at the reception, which is open to chamber members, their guests and the general public.

Brad Goode, news anchor from KOMO 4 News, will emcee the event 5-8 p.m.

Candidates will each have three minutes

to introduce themselves and will have campaign material available to attendees.

The reception is at the DoubleTree Suites

by Hilton Seattle Airport Southcenter, 16500 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila.

The cost to attend the reception is $20, paid by Wednesday, Sept. 16. There will be appetizers, wine and beer provided.

Registration can be completed on the chamber’s website at www.swkcc.org or by phone by contacting Carol Kolson at 206575-1633.

tukwila’sstory

October 10 10:00am Check-in begins 9am

Foster Golf Links

FUN RUN & WALK

13500 Interurban Ave S.

Wear your craziest socks and help others by donating socks to the Spirit of Giving Campaign. Spirit of Giving volunteers collect household items and gifts to be distributed to Tukwila families in need. Raffle tickets will be given to those wearing unique & crazy socks and a ticket for each pack of socks donated. Course meanders through Foster Golf Links and along the beautiful Green River Trail to Fort Dent Park and back.

Sorry, no bikes, skates or skateboards will be allowed on the course. Baby jogger strollers are welcome, and dogs must be on a leash. Runners and walkers will receive coupons for drink and food specials at Billy Baroos Restaurant, so join us for lunch after the run!

CALL TO REGISTER 206.768.2822

THRU SEPTEMBER 30: $10 plus a pack of socks to be donated to our Socktober Spirit of Giving Campaign OCTOBER 1-9: $15 plus a pack of socks to be donated to our Socktober Spirit of Giving Campaign

DAY OF RACE: $20 plus a pack of socks to be donated to our Socktober Spirit of Giving Campaign. Day of race registration closes 30 minutes prior to race start. $20 Registration fee without sock donation.

Culture, Literature & Cuisine from East Africa

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Friday October 9 // 5:30-7:00pm Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S. Delicious recipes and traditional coffee from various East African countries will be prepared by graduates of the Project Feast kitchen skills training program. Guests will also have an opportunity to watch basic culinary demonstrations and learn a little bit about the history and culture of the featured countries. As part of The Big Read program, we will also discuss themes in the book, “The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears” by Ethiopia-born author, Dinaw Mengestu.

Registration is FREE but please RSVP: 206.768.2822.

The first 20 guests to arrive will receive a free copy of the book!

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Partners: King County Library System, King County Housing Authority, Highline College, Highline Public Schools, Refugee Women’s Alliance, White Center Community Development Association/White Center Promise.

The Tukwila Post Office was tucked away in a corner of Heemink’s grocery store, a “town meeting place.” Mail was not delivered but was picked up at boxes. Those gathered at the post office were from left; R.J. Hemstedt, owner of a variety store; Roy Rector, fire chief and proprietor of the local cold-storage plant, and three generations of Foutys, represented by Clifford, Mrs. William, and Mrs. F.B. Fouty. Tukwila Historical Society

Tukwila’s mail picked up at ‘meeting place’

BY LOUISE JONES-BROWN TUKWILA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A recent search into the Tukwila Historical Society archives located a newspaper article from August 1950. The photo features a way of life that is no longer found in our metropolitan area: mail was NOT delivered to homes but picked up at boxes located in a local business which created a “town meeting place.”

The Tukwila Post Office was in a corner of Heemink’s grocery store that was located on Interurban Avenue near the present-day Galliano’s Italian Restaurant.

There was a prominent sign with the words U.S. Post Office painted on both sides so it could be seen whether one was traveling northbound or southbound on the road.

A closer look of the photo shows some items that are recognized even today, such as Van De Kamp’s cookies, Ritz crackers and Wonder Bread.

The sign that identified this post office location was preserved and is now on dis-

Society calendar Sept. 17, 7 p.m. Regular monthly membership meeting at Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S. Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Special Presentation: “Defeating Racism Today” by Eva Abrams. This is a free event made possible by a Humanities Washington grant awarded to the Tukwila Historical Society.

It will be held at the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center. For more information, call the center at 206/244-HIST (4478). play at the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S. Tukwila.

Louise Jones-Brown is president of the Tukwila Historical Society. The society operates the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center, 14475 59th Ave. S., Tukwila. Reach the center by phone at 206-244-HIST or via email at tukwilaheritagectr@tukwilahistory. org.

How to get rid of wind debris, junk As a result of a recent windstorm, Waste Management will collect up to 96 gallons of storm debris without extra charge to residential yard waste customers on Sept. 25.

In partnership with Waste Management, City of Tukwila will conduct a Community Clean up Event at the Tukwila Community

Center and Saar’s Super Saver Foods 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19. In addition to electronic waste, scrap metal, appliances and large bulky items, residents will also have an opportunity to dispose of yard debris.

This special event is open to all Tukwila residents free of charge.

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www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com » SEPTEMBER 2015

Minimum wage applies to airport workers

BY DEAN A. RADFORD DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The $15 minimum wage voters in the city of SeaTac narrowly approved in 2013 applies to all workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the state Supreme Court has ruled.

The high court’s 5-4 ruling overturns a lower-court’s decision that SeaTac’s Proposition 1 did not apply to workers at the airport, which is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle.

The $15 minimum wage did apply to employees in the hospitality and transportation industries in SeaTac outside the airport, as well as other people who work in the city of SeaTac. About 4,700 workers are employed at businesses inside the

airport.

The Supreme Court heard an appeal of a King County Superior Court judge’s ruling in 2013 that the provisions of Proposition 1 didn’t apply to airport workers because it could affect airport operations and federal law preempted a provision that protects workers from certain types of retaliation.

The Supreme Court reversed those rulings and upheld Proposition 1 in its entirety.

“We hold that Proposition 1 can be enforced at the SeattleTacoma International Airport because there is no indication that it will interfere with airport operations,” the justices wrote. “We also hold that federal labor law does not preempt the provision protecting workers from retaliation.”

Work finishing on Link station Crews building the Angle Lake Link light-rail station are entering the restoration phase of the project, which involves streetscape improvements on roadways near the future South 200th Street Link extension.

Streetscape improvements include: • New bike lanes along both sides of South 200th Street between 26th Avenue South and International Boulevard • New sidewalks along 28th Avenue South between South 204th Street and South 188th Street • Lighting improvements along South 200th Street, 26th Avenue South, and 28th Avenue South near the station • Repaving and striping along South 200th Street between the vicinity of Des Moines Creek and Interna-

tional Boulevard and along 28th Avenue South between S 204th Street and the 26th Avenue South/28th Avenue South intersection • Roadway improvements along 26th Avenue South between South 200th Street and South 188th Street Other improvements include a new traffic light at the 28th Avenue South and South 200th Street intersection and new crosswalks.

Motorists can expect: • Frequent lane closures, traffic shifts, and motorist delays. Flaggers will be onsite during major traffic changes to help direct motorists around the work.

Notices will be distributed to announce future road closures.

• Night work and lighting to illuminate the work area

“We hold that Proposition 1 can be enforced at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport because there is no indication that it will interfere with airport operations.”

State Supreme Court

In a news release, the Port of Seattle stated it is “reviewing what effects the ruling may have on

operations, policies and employment standards related to tenants, customers and stakeholders who work at Sea-Tac Airport.

“We are pleased the court agreed with the Port of Seattle that we maintain sole jurisdiction over airport operations,” the port stated in the release.

The news release also indicated that Port of Seattle employee wages continue to exceed the initiative’s minimum-wage standards.

The port will work with the City of SeaTac, which is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Proposition 1.

State Sen. Karen Keiser, a 33rd District Democrat, said the ruling confirms that the voters’ approval of a higher minimum wage is legally binding.

“With this ruling, it is my hope

r a t S e h T

that the Port of Seattle will accept the imprudence of its unfortunate and counterproductive opposition, and instead shift its efforts to honoring and implementing the will of the voters,” she said in a news release.

The appeal of the Superior Court ruling was filed by minimum-wage proponents, SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs, and the City of SeaTac. The respondents were Filo Foods Inc., BF Foods, Alaska Airlines and the Washington Restaurant Association.

Alaska Airlines, Filo Foods and the Washington Restaurant Association were among the $15 minimum-wage opponents who had challenged Proposition 1 in Superior Court.

Dr. Robert Buda D.D.S., M.S.

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Believe it or not, there was a time in Tukwila when the mail was never delivered to your home.

Instead you went to Heemink’s.

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The Tukwila Reporter is urging Tukwila voters to approve an independently elected commission for the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District.

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The Museum of Flight in Tukwila is marking its 50th anniversary with a big celebration at the museum on Saturday.

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The McMicken Heights neighborhood is one of the bedrock Tukwila neighborhoods where families choose to raise their children.

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councilrace

Incumbent Kate Kruller and challenger Charles Tyson are locked in a battle for her City Council Position 6 seat.

tukwila reporter i19426 68th Avenue South i Kent, WA 98032 i253.872.6600 i www.tukwilareporter.com

SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

viewpoint

tukwilacommentary

Success defines schools

regional publisher polly shepherd publisher ellen morrison

EDITORIAL

Pool deserves own board

publisher@tukwilareporter.com

circulation jay krause 253.872.6610

The Tukwila Reporter encourages reader participation in your community newspaper.

Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor (200 words or less) including your full name, address and phone number.

HERE’S HOW To submit a letter to the editor, E-MAIL: editor@ tukwilareporter.com FAX: 253.437.6016 MAIL: 19426 68th Ave. S., Ste. A, Kent, WA 98032 STORY IDEAS: dradford@ tukwilareporter.com ONLINE CALENDAR: tukwilareporter.com

Chuck Parrish

editor@tukwilareporter.com

425.255.3484, ext. 5150

Tukwila voters have already shown they support their pool with the formation of the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District in 2011.

That saved the pool, which has served Tukwila residents for decades, from closing because the City of Tukwila didn’t have the money to operate.

But there’s one more issue that Tukwila voters should resolve.

They should vote yes resoundly in the Nov. 3 general election on a measure to change the pool district’s governance to a independently elected Board of Commissioners. At the same time, they’ll be voting on the first five members of the new governing board.

The commissioner election becomes moot if the governance change isn’t approved. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Since the park district was created, the members of the Tukwila City Council have also served as the district’s commissioners. That created some policy “conflicts of interest” when the council members had to decide what was best not only for the City of Tukwila but also for the park district.

COMMENTARY

editor dean radford

The plan always was to offer this measure to voters, but first the city had to transfer ownership of the pool to the park district. That happened earlier this year.

During this time there has been an active group of Tukwila citizens who first ensured the pool was saved and then worked just as hard to make sure it survived.

Now, members of that group are running for the commission. Frankly, there are no other individuals better suited to run the district in Tukwila.

They have spent their own time doing research that helped the City Council make informed decisions, attended meetings as advisers to the council and have spent countless hours promoting the pool.

They all deserve a big thank you.

Four of the candidates are running unopposed, which pretty much ensures their election. They are Vanessa Zaputil, Position 1, Ellen C. Gengler, Position 2, Christine Neuffer, Position 3, and Jeri FrangelloAnderson, Position 4.

There is one “contested” race: David Puki and Michael Robert Neher are running for Position 5 on the commission.

Nancy Coogan

iwrite staff

Welcome to the 2015-16 school year! I have been out in schools and classrooms, and I need to commend our students for showing up with great energy and enthusiasm for learning and our staff for embracing this new beginning like they do each student — with full expectation of unlimited potential. I can feel the optimism and hope, and I know that everyone — student and staff alike — is ready to give their best. Furthermore, I have the data and experience to show that our students are turning that self-belief into action. They are making progress, and even leading the state and nation in their growth.

That’s why it’s so disheartening to once again start the school year by mailing a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) letter to each household. Almost every single family in the state with children at public schools received a similar letter. Quite simply, the requirements of NCLB are not realistic. If anything less than 100 percent of students — including those in subgroups like special education and English Language Learners — does not meet standard on reading and math tests, the entire school is

COMMENTARY

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[ more COOGAN page 6 ]

Information drives who we should pick as leaders Let’s be honest. Most of us are lowinformation voters. We take short cuts to decide how to vote. We read the voters pamphlet and talk to whoever comes to our door.

Instead, let’s take a little extra time.

Let’s consider ourselves absentee owners of a government enterprise. We want competent, experienced people to run things so that we can get on with our lives. We can start, as any employer

would, by reviewing candidate resumes.

Their web presences are their resumes.

Why do they believe that they are the right person for the job? What informs us that they are ready to take the reins of government as mayor, council member or school board director? How long have they been a resident? How have they served the Tukwila community in the past? Are they past their prime or too inexperienced? What is their vision for

Tukwila or the school district?

And now the tough part. We have done our homework. How do we decide? That, friends, is up to each of us. However, let’s not succumb to the worst reason ever to vote for someone: Because they asked us first, and they are nice people.

Tukwila Reporter columnist Chuck Parrish can be reached via email at chuckparrish2009@gmail.com

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

City Council Position 6: In their own words

Kate Kruller

Society, which was formed by close friends, was another act of volunteerism. Another highlight of my giving back to the community was the development of the Tyson Plan as a means to economically meet future city facility needs.

No other citizen has brought forth a plan, and mine remains under consideration despite the hundreds of thousands of dollars that has been paid by the city to a Bremerton architectural firm to bring forth a proposal.

The duty of volunteerism, instilled in me at an early age, is why I am a candidate for Position 6 on the Tukwila City Council. I would be honored by your vote which will show your faith in me to provide my training and insight to deal with the complex problems of our city. Thank you.

[ KRULLER] Transit Commuter Rail Station renewal is complete, we are putting in sidewalks and paths to our schools, we’re cleaning up the Tukwila International Boulevard and now residents can watch their City Council live on television or online when it’s convenient.

Our success together will continue as we work for Sound Transit to build the Boeing Access light-rail station, encourage new high-rise development near the mall, have potential for a large-scale sports arena and continue to revitalize Tukwila International Boulevard. Tukwila is truly at a turning point with so many opportunities on the horizon!

Being in touch and having a servant-leader spirit, is fundamental to what I believe qualifies me to run for office again. I am devoted to representing what the people who live here in Tukwila want, and what makes sense for Tukwila. I ask you to cast your vote to reelect me to Tukwila City Council, Position 6.

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I want to thank you for the honor of serving you on Tukwila City Council for the past four years.

With your vote, I pledge to continue serving you with integrity, hard work and common sense.

As a homeowner, neighbor and volunteer, I’ve been living in Tukwila for some 23 years.

Currently, I advocate for you as the president of both Tukwila City Council and Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District. I also represent you in leadership roles on regional and national organizations for cities. Representing Tukwila, and in collaboration with 35 other cities, I currently serve as a member of the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (PIC), vice chair of Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee and was selected to the National League of “I am devoted to Cities Transportation, Infrastrucrepresenting what ture and Services Steering Comthe people who mittee. That means Tukwila’s voice live here in Tukwila is being heard at all levels of govwant, and what ernment. makes sense for I know the importance of an acTukwila.” Kate cessible, accountable government Kruller that respects the taxpayer, provides high-value and stretches your tax dollar. My goal is to encourage responsible city budgets, continue to support reliable public safety and aid services, make sure we have affordable housing and safe neighborhoods for everyone and capture improved transportation options for Tukwila residents through good government.

I also believe in building community through being actively involved with neighborhood groups, senior citizens, students, veterans and businesses. It is only with community feedback that I can make informed decisions that represent all who live and work here. How well is that working? Tukwila Reporter readers selected me as a top finalist in the Tukwila Reporter’s Best of Public Official Category two-years running (2014 and 2015)!

Together, over the past four years, we’ve made a BIG difference in Tukwila! We are building Tukwila Village, Tukwila Pool is updated and self-managed, the Sound

COMMENTARY

Charles Tyson

COMMENTARY

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[ TYSON]

Charles Tyson: Kate Kruller: Servant-leader I have insight After decades of both taking from and giving to my community, my wife Diane and myself have decided the time has come for me to offer my insight, professional training, and listening skills to my neighbors by serving on the Tukwila City Council.

My parents moved my siblings and myself to the small town of Tukwila to give us children the opportunity to grow up in the country. Feeding farm animals and tending to the needs of a large garden were two chores assigned me, as a means of gaining a sense of responsibility at an early age. A result of doing chores was a sense of contributing to the family and being a part of our community.

All about us, I learned by example. Everyone used their talents and skills for the ben“I would be honored efit of the community. Early atby your vote which tempts had been unsuccessful at will show your faith in me to provide my disincorporating our Town, and it training and insight was only by volunteerism that the town grew. to deal with the The annual budget of Tukwila complex problems was under $30,000. Yes. Monthly, of our city.” Charles I walked over to Mrs. Newton’s Tyson house to pay our water bill. All of the town records were kept in her roll top desk, and the town’s revenue from utility collections was kept in a tin can under her bed. Yes. Volunteerism in Tukwila took many forms. Certainly, most notable was the service of the men on our all-volunteer fire department. But there was more, such as my parents’ time spent cleaning up after dances at the Community Club.

The purpose of the dances was to raise money for the Bicentennial Fireworks Celebration (1958) on the Foster Golf Course. Years later I would serve on the Citizens Committee that negotiated with Joe Aliment for the purchase of his course, in order to preserve the green space from commercial development. Today, sadly, there are those who would like the city to sell this unique asset.

Serving as an early member of the Tukwila Historical

SEPTEMBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

New column Candidate forum Thursday about pool

bent Kate Kruller for council Position 6, and Kathy Hougardy and Dennis Robertson, who are both running unopposed.

This is the first mayor’s race in eight years; Mayor Jim Haggerton is not seeking a third term.

Candidates will be asked standard questions and members of the audience can submit questions to the candidates prior to the debate.

The moderator will compile the questions and each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will ask the questions.

BY DEAN A. RADFORD

DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Tukwila residents will have a chance to hear from the candidates running for mayor and the City Council at a Candidate Debate Thursday, Sept. 17.

The debate is at 6:30 p.m. at Tukwila Elementary School, 5939 S. 149th St. , Tukwila.

The moderator for the debate is Jonathan Joseph, a 2005 graduate of Foster High School.

Attending the debate are mayoral candidates De’Sean Quinn and Allan Ekberg; Charles Tyson and incum-

Editor’s note: The Tukwila Reporter this month begins a regular column about the Tukwila Pool by the pool’s staff. The idea is to let residents know about the value of learning to swim and the events at the pool.

For those of you not familiar with drowning statistics, they are quite disturbing. Drowning is the secondleading cause of accidental death in 0-14 year olds. The easiest way to reduce tragic drowning incidences is simple – teach children and adults how to swim.

SWIMMING SAFARI Children should have This Saturday, Sept. swim lessons each year.

19, from 1-3 p.m. is Our state is surrounded a chance to go on a with bountiful amounts swimming safari at the of open water and chilTukwila Pool, 4414 S. dren need to know the 144th St. Cost is $3. dangers of open water, as well as how to be safe in and around water. As kids’ bodies and minds grow, they can improve their swimming and water survival skills. Swimming is also great exercise and often a requirement to do water activities.

The Tukwila Pool offers swim lessons every night of the week, as well as Saturday mornings, and private lessons for all ages (including adults). There are scholarships available for families residing in the City of Tukwila. More information about water aerobics, open swims, family swims, lap swims, and party rentals can be found by calling the pool directly at 206-267-2350 or visiting our website online at www.TukwilaPool.org.

Marissa Fitzgerald Assistant Aquatic Manager

[ COOGAN from page 5] deemed “failing.” The President, congressional members, education leaders, and parents almost universally agree that this does not make sense, and they are actively trying to change the law. (U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says, “As it currently exists, NCLB is creating a slow-motion educational train wreck for children.”)

At issue is the fact that actual student progress is not being considered, and it is nonsensical call a school a failure if only one student does not meet a uniform bar of achievement. This is particularly true in Tukwila, where students make tremendous growth but often begin at a place of significant disadvantage.

So here’s what I want to say to each and every student and teacher: YOU ARE NOT A NUMBER. You can never be reduced to a number, and what makes you exceptional outshines any ill-conceived federal law. More than that— never start to let a

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label like “failing” define what you are capable of achieving. You are limitless.

I invite Mr. Duncan, our own lawmakers, community members – heck, even the President! – to come to Tukwila to see what actual student growth looks like, not just a static benchmark of proficiency. I invite them to consider expanding their definition of student success to include artistic expression, identity development, resiliency, happiness, global and humanitarian engagement, real-world job skills, and more. For many of our students, just the act of making it here, to Tukwila, and to the schoolhouse every day has required unbelievable acts of courage and strength.

To be sure, we have a long way to go. We are constantly striving to improve and serve students better, and our Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap toward the achievement goals that matter most for the Tukwila community. But I will say it again and again: Our district — our students, our educators, our

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courses to earn credits to date, and others participated in an Advanced Placement boot camp where they got a jump start to prepare them for the rigorous, college-level courses.

• We have created a Balanced Literacy Framework for all teachers and have begun a comprehensive training program for elementary teachers that will serve as a foundation for all students’ learning.

• Cascade View has reduced discipline infractions from 69 in 2007-8 to just 4 last year.

• Each day we serve a free breakfast to every elementary student through our Breakfast in the Classroom program.

• Our Transportation Department earned the top efficiency rating in the state last year.

As we begin this new school year, please join me in raising our voices louder than any outside law or critic. We are Tukwila. We have unlimited potential.

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families — are successes.

Let me tell you about just a few of them: • Foster High and Tukwila Elementary won the state’s highest award for student growth in math last year.

• Foster almost doubled the number of Advanced Placement tests administered last year compared to five years ago. On the AP Calculus test, our students had the highest median score in the state!

• Our preliminary graduation rate went from 55 percent to 69 percent last year. Our grads earned more than $3 million in scholarships.

• Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program is garnering local and national attention!

• 98 percent of elementary students averaged four months growth during summer school this year.

• Middle-school students with regular attendance doubled their math and reading scores on average.

• High school students completed more than 70

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

Flight museum marks 50th The Museum of Flight celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 19, with an all-day birthday party and 50cent admission – the original ticket price.

Visitors are encouraged to dress for the party’s 1960s theme. Festivities begin at noon with a nod to the museum’s artist-designed astronaut statue program, Astronauts on the Town. Next will be a 1960s costume and fashion contest that is open to all visitors. The audience chooses the winner.

Family activities throughout the day include a Scavenger hunt and a design-your-own-astronaut coloring project. A museum archivist will also be on hand to answer questions about preserving family photos and other personal treasures.

The astronaut artworks have been on display all summer in the Seattle area, with an associated Instagram contest. Contest winners and the final results from the Astronauts on the Town online auction will be announced at the noon ceremony. All 25 of the statues will be back at the museum and in formation below the M/D-21 Blackbird.

The museum was founded on Sept.

14, 1965. It was originally formed as the Pacific Northwest Historical Aviation Foundation (PNHAF), and was located in some small offices near the Space Needle at Seattle Center until 1979.

The name was changed to Museum

The main gallery at the Pacific Northwest Historical Aviation Foundation at the Seattle Center in the late 1960s was the forerunner to the Museum of Flight. Museum of Flight

of Flight in 1981, and the doors were opened at its current Boeing Field location in the newly restored Boeing “Red Barn” factory. Now the museum campus spreads across 15 acres with four buildings and one more under construction. There’s also the museum’s Restoration Center and Reserve Collection at Paine Field in Everett.

The museum’s archives include more photos than the Smithsonian

National Air and Space Museum.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 65 and older, $17 for active military, $12 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5.

SEPTEMBER 2015

i 7

Kids levy on Nov. 3 ballot The Metropolitan King County Council has placed the Best Starts for Kids initiative on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

If approved, the levy would generate about $58.3 million in 2016 through an increase in the property tax countywide.

The proposed six-year levy would provide funding for prevention and early intervention programs designed to increase the number of King County children and youth who reach adulthood healthy and ready to contribute to the region’s prosperity, according to a King County news release.

The proposed levy rate is 14 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would cost the average King County homeowner about $1 each week.

Half of the funding would go toward early childhood development—birth through age 5—followed by early intervention as problems such as depression and chemical dependency occur during teenage years. It would also support community-based programs that are designed to create safe, healthy communities that reinforce a child’s progress.

The levy’s proceeds would be allocated in this way: • 50 percent to early childhood development, from birth through age 5, when research shows that 92 percent of brain growth occurs.

• 35 percent to sustain the gain by providing early intervention services to address problems such as depression and developmental disabilities as the brain continues to develop through age 24.

• 10 percent to reinforce a child’s progress by improving the health, social, and economic outcomes in the communities where they live.

• 5 percent to pay for evaluation, data collection, and program improvement.

8 h SEPTEMBER 2015

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com Âť SEPTEMBER 2015

ÂŤ www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

City of Tukwila • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Online: TukwilaWA.gov

TUKWILA CITY PAGES !

ORGET DON’T F

City of Tukwila

Fall Clean-up Collection Event Saturday, September 19 – 8:30͛ͧ to 3:00ͪͧ Two locations!

Scenes from KidsFest – August 21 at Cascade View Park

Over 1,000 people participated in this year’s annual event hosted by Tukwila’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Saar’s Super Saver Foods 3725 South 144th Street

Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South

Tall crane towers over Tukwila Residents and visitors may have noticed that Tukwila’s tallest tower crane has gone up in the City’s central business district. This crane is being utilized to construct the 19-story apartment and hotel development at the former Circuit City site on Andover Park East. The -/,'" 1 /" "+1)6 Ćœ+&0%"! !/&3&+$ -&)&+$0 #,/ 1%" 2&)!&+$ 02--,/10 +! will soon begin above-ground construction. The Washington Place !"3"),-"/0 "5-" 1 1, Ćœ+&0% ,+01/2 1&,+ &+ ) 1" Ç—Ç•Ç–ÇœÇ˝ The crane itself is 290 feet and the crane hook sits at 237 feet, though the building will be only 190 feet. Delivery of the entire structure took 14 separate trucks and was assembled over a period of three days.

The crane is programmed by computer to ensure that it does not carry a load over adjacent buildings, and is built is such a way to actually lean backward toward the counter weight when there is not a load on the hook. While it may look odd, the backward lean is an important part of the safety mechanism for this mammoth structure.

% %

170%+.

140'4

by Kate Kruller, 2015 Council President

Government of the people, for the people and by the people. What do these words mean to you?

One of the most coveted rights in the world is active participation in one’s own government.

There are many ways to do that, but one of the most fundamental is by exercising the right to vote.

Here in the United States, our Constitution grants U.S. citizens, aged 18 years and older, the right to 3,1"Ç˝ -" &Ćœ ))6Çž &1 &0 /&$%1 1, 3,1" &+ )) -2 )& elections regarding governments that have jurisdiction over you.

With your vote, you take part in selecting who represents you – in your city, county, state and nation. This can include electing your water and sewer commissioners, school board members, city council, mayor, county council, county executive, judges, state legislators, governor and congressional representatives. This is certainly not a complete list, but when you cast your ballot, you are part of a very powerful collective – the voting public or “electorate� – which makes very important choices on who is in place to govern.

You may also know that in 1912, Washington 1 1" " *" ,+" ,# 1%" Ćœ/01 01 1"0 &+ ,2/ ,2+try to adopt the “initiativeâ€? and “referendumâ€?

check over the decisions made by the legislature.

Initiatives allow citizens, through the petition process, to place proposed law on the ballot.

Referendums allow citizens, through the petition process, to refer an act of the state legislature to the voter’s ballot before it becomes law. The referendum also permits the legislature itself to refer proposed legislation to the electorate for approval or rejection.

In 2014, the City of Tukwila passed the Southcenter plan, a roadmap for growth in the central business district with the goal of turning the area around the commuter rail station into a mixed-use urban area with housing, employment, easy transit access, and various nearby amenities such as shopping and dining. The construction of Washington Place begins the implementation of this vision. In the coming years, this area will become a new residential neighborhood, allowing for growth outside of Tukwila’s traditional residential neighborhoods, and providing housing opportunities for people who want a walkable urban experience.

Don’t delay, the ballots are mailed out to voters on October 13 for the General Election.

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Help prevent neighborhood flooding As our sunny summer migrates into rainy autumn, leaves are beginning to fall. Storm drains clogged with leaves can cause ), )&7"! Ć?,,!&+$ ,# /, !0 +! private property.

Tips to prevent clogged storm drains Keep an eye on nearby stormwater drains to see that they are free of leaves and other debris. Busy City crews appreciate your help!

Do not rake/blow or hose down leaves, dirt and debris from your property into the street. Compost or dispose of leaves and yard debris in your yard waste container.

What to do if you see a clogged storm drain Use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain. If this does not help, report the blockage to Tukwila’s Maintenance Shops at 206-433-1864.

NEVER remove the grate from a storm drain opening; this doesn’t help unclog the system and creates a hazard. Don’t attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.

Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.

Tukwila performs regular maintenance of its stormwater system, "0-" & ))6 !2/&+$ 1%" / &+6 0" 0,+ 1, *&+&*&7" ), ) Ć?,,!&+$Ç˝ "0&dents and businesses can help by maintaining their property and contacting the City if they see a problem.

For more information about Tukwila’s Surface and Stormwater Management program, email Greg.Villanueva@TukwilaWA.gov.

Saturday, October 10 Sign-in begins at 9:00AM Run starts at 10:00AM

To register, call 206-768-2822

at Foster Golf Links Wear your craziest socks and help others by donating socks to the Spirit of Giving Campaign.

You can hear from Tukwila candidates!

Council Chat Speak with a Councilmember about what’s on your mind!

Billy Baroo’s at Foster Golf Links 13500 Interurban Ave S 10:00͛ͧ to 12:00 ͨ͊͊ͨ

Next Chat: Oct. 10

," 2ƛ&" ș "++&0 , "/10,+ ș )) + ( "/$ "/+ " ) ș 1%6 ,2$ /!6 ș "ȉ " + 2&++

All Tukwila residents can dispose of yard debris at the Fall Clean-up Event on Saturday, September 19.

Waste Management will collect up to 96 gallons of storm debris – without extra charge – from its residential customers on the September 25 pick-up.

FUN RUN & WALK

So with your vote, you also have the power to enact, modify, approve and reject actual or proposed laws that are put before the people. In Tukwila this occurs at the City level as well.

Your vote matters and is an essential part of the power “we the people� have over our government. To do this, you need to register. It is so easy to do! You can register online or download a registration form to mail in at http://www. kingcounty.gov/elections/register.aspx, no later than the Monday four weeks prior to the election record (October 5, 2015), or go in person to King County Elections at 919 Southwest Grady Way, Renton, WA 09057, no later than the Monday one week before the election (October 26, 2015).

MAYOR: Jim Haggerton COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Kate Kruller

i 9

This year, the City of Tukwila produced its inaugural Video Voters’ Guide, which &0 ,ƛ"/"! 0 /"0,2/ " 1, 2(4&) 3,1"/0ǽ % +!&! 1" #,/ &16 ,ƛ& " 4 0 $&3"+ the opportunity to record a two-minute statement, which were then edited to produce a short video. Introduced by Mayor Haggerton, all candidates for the mayor and council positions participate in the video.

You can access the Tukwila Video Voters’ Guide at the City’s website TukwilaWA.gov or by searching “Tukwila voters guide� on YouTube.

The general election will be held on November 3. New voters have the opportunity to register online to vote until October 6 at KingCounty.gov/Elections and can register in person by October 26. For more information, call 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Tukwila builds on housing regulations The City of Tukwila, a recognized leader in Washington State for its Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Program, is building on its commitment to ensure safe housing for all by adopting additional residential standards. These new regulations will be discussed at the City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on September 28, beginning at 7:00ͪͧ in Council Chambers. To learn more about these changes, property owners, renters and all residents are encouraged to attend.

To ensure that minimum standards are met in all rental units in Tukwila, the City of Tukwila created the Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Program in 2011. Tukwila is only one of three cities in Washington State with this program. (The other two cities are Pasco and Seattle.) The program covers singlefamily homes, condominiums and multifamily apartments where people pay rent. It requires all rental units to be inspected on a regular basis, ,+Ćœ/*&+$ 1% 1 1%"6 *""1 --/,-/& 1" )&3 &)&16 standards. Each unit is inspected for a variety of issues, such as the availability of running water +! %" 1Çž 4,/(&+$ --)& + "0Çž Ćœ/" +! )&#" 0 #"16 issues, and problems with pests or mold. In order to pass an inspection, rentals must receive less than 25 non-compliance points. These points vary depending on the severity of the issue: the height of weeds in the yard versus the unit having + !".2 1" %" 1 0,2/ "Çž #,/ "5 *-)"Ç˝ &$+&Ćœ +1 life safety issues automatically prevent a property from passing. Units found out of compliance must be brought up to code within 30 days. If the unit fails a second inspection and the unit is declared ČŠ +Ćœ1 #,/ 2- + 6Ǟȋ 1%" 1"+ +10 /" /".2&/"! to vacate the unit. Landlords may be required to provide relocation assistance.

First and foremost, it has allowed the City to work !&/" 1)6 4&1% -/,-"/16 ,4+"/0 1, !!/"00 !"Ćœcient units, resulting in better housing for Tukwila residents. It has also provided a straight-forward, easy-to-understand program that is supported by most in the landlord community. By having a /"$2) /Çž $",$/ -%& ))6Č’!"Ćœ+"! &+0-" 1&,+ 0 %"!ule plus the ability to respond to rental housing complaints as they are received, the program ben"Ćœ10 #/,* ) + "! *&5 ,# -/, 1&3" +! /" 1&3" inspections.

Tukwila’s Code Enforcement has been using the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) since 2004, and its standards are a part of the rental housing inspection checklist. The 2015 version was recently released, and the City of Tukwila is proposing to adopt the new version, with amendments from the National Healthy Housing Standards (NHHS). The additional provisions proposed for adoption will give Code Enforcement even more tools when investigating housing code violations in rental units. Some of these new standards include better protocols for correcting pest infestation and repairing mold damage, as well as other criteria to ensure the health and safety of residents.

Adoption of these new standards is yet another way that the City is working to improve the stock of residential housing in Tukwila. Moreover, the City has forged relationships with key organizations such as the Tukwila School District, to help identify properties that may need additional inspections beyond the rotation cycle. Partnerships like the one between the City and District help enhance the City’s ability to improve residential neighborhoods. Residents also play a critical role &+ 1%"0" "ƛ,/10 +! /" "+ ,2/ $"! 1, ,+1 1 Code Enforcement to report problematic rental properties, as well as any other violations of the City’s zoning code. To report a violation, contact The Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Pro- Tukwila Code Enforcement at 206-431-3671 or gram has been a success for a number of reasons. email CodeEnforcement@TukwilaWA.gov.

Lower winter water rates return "$&++&+$ 4&1% 1, "/ȉ0 4 1"/ &))Çž 1%" )"00 ,01)6 4&+1"/ / 1"0 4&)) 1 (" "Ć›" 1Ç˝ 2**"/ 4 1"/ / 1"0Çž &+ "Ć›" 1 ++2 ))6 #/,* 2+" 1%/,2$% "-1"* "/Çž /"Ć?" 1 1%" %&$%"/ ,01 #/,* 1%" &16ȉ0 4 1"/ 02--)&"/Ç˝ ,2/ 4 1"/ &)) &0 ,*-/&0"! ,# Ć? 1 *"1"/ % /$" -)20 ,+02*-1&,+ #""Ç˝ %" Ć? 1 *"1"/ % /$" &0 Ę?ǖǛǽǕǕ per unit for single-family residences or multi-family housing units. For commercial and industrial ac,2+10Çž 1%" % /$" 3 /&"0 #/,* Ę?ǙǚǽǕǕȔĘ?ǛǕǕǽǕǕ -"/ *,+1% 0"! 2-,+ 1%" 0&7" ,# 1%" *"1"/Ç˝ %" ,+sumption fee is based on usage of cubic feet of water: 100 cubic feet (CCF) = 748 gallons of water.

Summer and winter water rates are compared at right. Bill payers who qualify as senior low-income or disabled low-income are charged 50% of the single-family residential rate.

Please call 206-433-1835 for more information.

CONSUMPTION RATE

BY CATEGORY

Summer Rate, Winter Rate, Price per CCF per CCF !&Ć›"/"+ "

Single Family Residence

$3.90

$2.80

$1.10

Multi-Family

$4.49

$3.21

$1.28

Commercial/Industrial

$6.00

$4.38

$1.62

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

10 h

SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

coverstory Survey paints a profile of McMicken Heights The canvas of neighborhood sentiment in McMicken Heights was conducted by volunteers from all city departments.

They surveyed 175 residents, which was a 36 percent response rate overall, according to Rachel Bianchi, a spokeswoman for the City of Tukwila.

In conducting the survey, she found many original homeowners in McMicken Heights, which she said is a “real testament to the neighborhood.”

The city will look at speeding issues on 51st Avenue South and other streets, she said.

Here’s what the canvas found out about those surveyed in McMicken Heights and their neighborhood.

• 19 years is the average residency • 30 percent have lived in McMicken Heights for 25 years or more • 90 percent own their homes • 6 years is the average stay for renters • 70 percent plan to live in the neighborhood in five years • 59 percent are 50 or older • 16 languages are spoken • 81 percent are English speakers • 26 percent have children in the home • 88 percent find it easy to come and go in their neighborhood • 76 percent find it easy to get to a bus or light rail but also complain about the lack of parking at the Link light-rail station • 71 percent agree there is adequate street lighting • 24 percent identify speeding on 160th, 164th, 42nd and 51st as a top concern • 20 percent expressed concern about the look of the neighborhood, including specific homes, lack of home pride and junk cars • 52 percent feel a sense of community; most know their immediate neighbors but not many others The city is planning to survey two neighborhoods yearly, Bianchi said, as part of its ongoing efforts to reach out to residents to find out how to work with them to improve their quality of life.

ON THE COVER William Gorjance stands in the big toy at the Crystal Springs Park not far from his home on McMicken Heights. Dean A. Radford/ Tukwila Reporter

MCMICKEN HEIGHTS: Still a great place to raise a family

BY DEAN A. RADFORD DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

For 57 years Pat and William Gorjance have watched from their birds’ eye view on McMicken Heights – literally – as Tukwila and especially Southcenter have grown up.

In-laws asked William why the family decided to move to the country in the early 1950s. What’s out there? they asked.

“Well, right now, I say it’s so marvelous,” William said. “I can connect to I-5, 405, Southcenter. Anything I want, there it is.

“We’re isolated enough; even though I can hear the freeway noise. To me, the freeway noise is like the surf. I love it here.”

Apparently, so do a lot of other residents of Tukwila’s share of McMicken Heights, a broad geographic area west of Interstate 5 that Tukwila shares with SeaTac. The results of the second neighborhood canvass in Tukwila show that most McMicken Heights residents are generally happy with their neighborhood.

“We got a lot of ‘things are fine,’” Rachel Bianchi, the City of Tukwila’s communications director, told the Tukwila City Council recently in presenting the canvass results.

Earlier this year, city workers surveyed Allentown, where a meeting with residents was held to talk about what community-based projects were needed to fix some of the problems residents reported.

Such a meeting isn’t planned for McMicken Heights because of the general satisfaction of residents. Issues that were raised, such as sidewalks, street repairs and localized flooding or speeding or the neighborhood’s “look,” were reported by only about a quarter of the respondents.

Some traffic problems “With the exception of traffic on a couple streets, the neighborhood, and with the exception of one street, is satisfied,” said Dennis Robertson, who is one of two City Council members (the other is Allan Ekberg) who lives in McMicken Heights.

“We have great police protection. We get a response within three minutes for anything.

You just don’t see that anywhere else. The fire department does a wonderful job, although normally the first fire trucks here come from SeaTac,” he said.

Safety concerns were raised about Crystal Springs and Crestview parks, especially at night and especially Crystal Springs, which Robertson said gained a “very very bad reputation within the neighborhood” several years ago. Crestview Park hosted this year’s National Night Out against Crime.

Crystal Springs still is not a busy park. “The

Tukwila City Council member Dennis Robertson stands on his street in McMicken Heights, where neighbors worked together to rid their street of a drug house. Dean A. Radford/Tukwila Reporter

neighborhood doesn’t consider this a neighborhood park. Look around. How many people do you see here?,” he asked. The park’s location near ramps from I-5 or I-405 make it a convenient spot for drug dealers to exchange their “product,” he said.

But it’s this mostly wooded hillside, now covered with grass, big toys and basketball and tennis courts, that helped McMicken Heights residents decide to annex to Tukwila in 1985. Robertson and other community activists led the annexation drive.

“It all started right here,” said Robertson, sitting at a picnic table at Crystal Springs.

A developer was working through the city process to build high-density apartments on the land nearly 40 years ago. Upset residents showed up at a public hearing, including Robertson, who at the time lived in unincorporated King County and was active in the McMicken Heights Community Club.

‘We need more time’ “We were all saying, ‘We need more time to think about this and everything else’, because we were upset with what we could look at across the big intersection and see over there,” Robertson, motioning toward the apartment complexes above City Hall in the distance.

A second meeting was planned for City Hall, then at what is now the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center on 59th Avenue South. So many people showed up, about

200, that the meeting was moved to a nearby grade school.

There were assurances that the neighborhood’s worst fears wouldn’t happen. Then a project architect spoke, describing the plans for three to five stories with not a bit of glass, as Robertson described. “An angry growl went through the crowd,” he said.

The city stepped back. The apartments weren’t built. Another fight occurred over another proposed apartment complex closer to I-5. It wasn’t built but the land-use battle is what Robertson said propelled him to run for the City Council.

Not listened to But they also were ready to annex, after discovering how hard it was to work with King County, according to Robertson. Officers of the McMicken Heights Community Club would set up meetings with county officials, who would then reschedule.

“It didn’t take much to decide this wasn’t the way for us,” he said. “We weren’t getting listened to at all.”

Robertson has gone on to work closely on land-use issues and in recent years he’s worked with his neighbors to stop a marijuana-grow operation on their street, after a long process. They’re keeping an eye on another house, waiting to smell the pungent odor of growing marijuana so they can call police, [ more MCMICKEN page 11 ]

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

[ MCMICKEN from page 10] who have said they will respond quickly.

“One of the reasons we are seeing this is house prices aren’t very high here. And for some reason the word was out you could do it and get away with it,” he said. “We hope the word is getting out that that’s not true.”

He expects that marijuana-grow houses will eventually disappear because of changes in state law. The City of Tukwila has also rewritten its ordinance regulating marijuana.

Robertson, who said he’s walked the city at least 10 times doorbelling, said his neighborhood is no different from the rest of Tukwila in the need for code enforcement or drug houses or the quality of housing. He said it’s maybe just serendipity that there were two grow houses on his street, which he said is on the mend.

Also on the mend is South 164th Street, where the City of Tukwila has ordered a property owner to secure a house against illegal entry and remove rubbish, garbage and debris and junk vehicles on the property by Oct. 2.

This is how Robertson would describe his neighborhood to a young family looking to buy a house: “It’s a wonderfully peaceful quiet neighborhood where we generally respect each other’s rights. We help each other and stick together. But it’s not a neighborhood where we’re over for coffee every day.”

William Gorjance remembers the day when neighbors did have coffee, hosted their neighbor’s children and knew everyone up and down the street. They bowled

[ COUNCIL from page 12] son’s plan.

“We are pleased that Mr. Tyson agrees with us on the importance of developing a plan to replace critical city facilities, and we are always happy when members of our community take an active role in major issues facing Tukwila,” said Bob Giberson, the director of Public Works.

“However, the Steering Committee, which has been working on this issue for

William and Pat Gorjance have lived in their McMicken Heights home for 57 years, enjoying for a long time an expansive view of the Valley and raising their family of four children. DEAN A. RADFORD, Tukwila Reporter at the long-gone Lewis and Clark bowling alley on what was then known as Highway 99 or Pacific Highway South.

“It was one big family complex,” he said.

Just a handful of the original homeowners remain.

The Gorjances have lived in McMicken Heights for 57 years. They bought one of 16 lots on 53rd Avenue South and hired an architect to design their first – and only – house. It was featured as the House of the Month in The Seattle Times in April 1958, a feature that looked at what’s new in architecture in the Seattle area.

And these lots came with an expansive

more than two years and includes several community representatives, recommended that the city move forward with a different approach for planning new facilities.”

That approach recommends renovating the current City Hall and constructing a new Public Safety Building to house police and courts. The 6300 Building next to City Hall will be used as interim space during the renovation and construction of the Public Safety Building.

views – until all the trees grew up.

“Before all this growth, the Valley was visible. We could hear the announcements at Longacres. It was so quiet. No freeway.

Nothing. Cows used to come from over this direction and trample the front yard,” Gorjance said. And there rose Mount Rainier.

Even though they couldn’t easily see it, they could hear what was happening around Southcenter.

“We listened to the pile drivers for two years - ca-thunk, ca-thunk, ca-thunk,” Gorjance said as the big mall was being built in the mid-1960s. Now they hear the

5

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W

e had a great turnout for the annual Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 4.

Thanks for all the great food, warmth and community. Twenty-one locations participated bringing out the best in people. This is what makes Tukwila special and I’m proud to call it my home. Our community is my priority.

EKBERG FOR MAYOR

www.LetTukwilaShine.com Paid for by Citizens Voting for Ekberg 1414939

NE 85th St

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SEPTEMBER 2015

i 11

pilings being driven for the new 19-story Washington Place.

They miss the views, which were the reason for putting in the big picture windows.

But Gorjance has turned his backyard into a private garden.

Gorjance, 89, worked for The Boeing Co. in the military division for 37 years. The Gorjances raised their four children, Bill, Mary, Theresa and Vincent, in the house, where three of whom were born. They attended Crestview Elementary School, then Kennedy High School.

Their street was part of Tukwila before the 1985 annexation.

Today, their neighborhood has become diverse, “without anything binding us together anymore. When we all had kids, we related that way,” he said. Like most others in McMicken Heights, he doesn’t have any complaints.

“It has remained a very pleasant neighborhood. We have no complaints,” he said.

But it was also “really useful” to have a mayor (Ed Bauch) living across the street, which got sidewalks and underground utilities.

The city’s canvass showed that some McMicken Heights residents feel a tug toward SeaTac, probably because many of their children go to Highline schools. Robertson estimates that about 20 percent of what’s traditionally considered McMicken Heights is in Tukwila.

But Gorjance identifies with Tukwila, “for sure.” He served on the city’s arts commission for 29 years and has almost every Tukwila Days t-shirt.

“I hope to die here,” he said. “This is the only home I’ve ever owned.”

Rush through rush hour.

The new I-405 Express Toll Lanes are opening soon, and they’re the fastest way to get where you need to go between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

Only a Good To Go! Flex Pass lets HOVs ride free on the I-405 Express Toll Lanes. Carpoolers will need a Good To Go! Flex Pass set to HOV mode and 3+ people to ride free during peak hours (weekdays, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), 2+ people at all other times. The new toll lanes open soon, so get your Flex Pass

today at GoodToGo405.org.

12 h

SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

election2015

Kruller, Tyson square off for council Pos. 6

BY DEAN A. RADFORD DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The race for Tukwila City Council Position 6 features two candidates with diverse backgrounds and differing views for the city but both with a desire to serve the city’s neighborhoods.

The first-term incumbent Katherine “Kate” Kruller, this year’s council presi-

dent, is facing Tukwila resident Charles Richard “Dick” Tyson, who says that following a close loss for a council seat in the early 1970s, he’s been working quietly behind the scenes in the city.

The two will square off in the general election on Nov. 3. Ballots will be mailed to Tukwila voters in mid-October.

Besides serving as council president this year (a position that rotates among coun-

cil members), Kruller is also the president of the Board of Commissioners for the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District, which owns and oversees the operations of the Tukwila Pool.

In recent years Tyson has promoted his proposal for a new City Hall campus, which he calls the Tyson Plan. His idea is to consolidate City Hall facilities on 14 acres of land lining Interstate 5 from roughly

South 144th Street to roughly South 151st Street.

The model of his campus has been on display at city buildings, while the City of Tukwila has gone through an extensive process to decide how best to renovate or build new city facilities, including a renovated City Hall.

However, the city is not considering Ty-

TYSON: Facilities will mark four years

[ more COUNCIL page 11 ]

KRULLER: City poised for bright future

BY DEAN A. RADFORD

BY DEAN A. RADFORD

DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

Charles Tyson says the Tukwila City Council needs someone with professional expertise, who will ask questions and make sure all solutions to the city’s problems are considered.

Today’s council, he said, is “largely ceremonial,” appearing in the community and considering recommendations from city departments – and voting with “virtually no questions asked.”

He wants to change that.

“I think the fact that I am not endorsed by any member of the council speaks for the need for me to run,” he said. His opponent, incumbent Kate Kruller, is endorsed by her fellow six council members.

In an interview with the Tukwila Reporter, Tyson talked about the issues facing the city.

He expects the four years “will be noteworthy” because the city is planning its facility needs for the future. Because of his training in geography and urban planning, he said he thinks he can provide “hands-on input.”

For years he has worked on his “Tyson Plan,” a proposal to build a City Hall campus along Interstate 5, making presentations to city officials and the City Council. The city is headed in a different direction on its facility planning, but Tyson thinks the city will eventually consider his proposal, which he says will cost less than what the city is proposing.

It sounds like a broken record, she says, but Kate Kruller has her list of things she really cares about as she runs for her second term on the Tukwila City Council.

“I really care about responsible budgets. I really care a lot about sustaining our emergency services at a high level of service. I care about affordable housing for everyone. I care about safe neighborhoods,” she says.

The city still has transportation issues to resolve, she said, but her mantra – still – is to continue to improve “our transportation system for our residents and those who work here.”

Kruller has served on a number of City Council and regional committees, including one that has explored the feasibility of Tukwila joining the Kent Regional Fire Authority. This year she’s the council’s president and is president of the Board of Commissioners of the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District For sure, Tukwila is at a “significant point in time” when it will transform itself, she said.

For example: • A recommendation will go to the Tukwila City Council by year’s end whether to send to Tukwila’s voters a measure to contract for fire services with Kent’s fire authority, which already provides fire services to Kent, SeaTac, Covington and Fire District 37.

• With a new state transportation

[ more TYSON page 13 ]

CHARLES RICHARD TYSON PERSONAL: Age 69, married to Diane. He has a special-needs daughter, Stephanie, 36, who lives on Camano Island with her mother. He lived his early years in Tukwila, until his family moved to West Seattle. He still considered Tukwila his home. He returned to Tukwila in 1970; he bought property and built a house.

EDUCATION: 1964 graduate of West Seattle High School; 1969 graduate of the University of Washington with an education degree and a minor in art. He also studied architecture, landscape architecture, geography and urban planning.

PROFESSION: Taught a variety of subjects in the Seattle School District but predominately drafting and history.

He also was a substitute teacher. He retired from the school district on disability.

POLITICAL/COMMUNITY: Candidate for City Council in 1973, won primary election but lost in the general election. Early president of the Tukwila Historical Society.

Served on the committee that recommended the City of Tukwila purchase the Foster Golf Links.

ENDORSEMENTS: M.L. King County Labor Council.

CONTACT: By phone: 206-790-9444; by email, uwcharliet@yahoo.com

KATHERINE KRULLER PERSONAL: Age 56, single, bought a house in Cascade View in 1992. Worked for a year overseas. A “military brat,” she was born in Savannah, Ga., but the family has always considered itself residents of Washington.

EDUCATION: 1977 graduate of Bainbridge High School; 1982 graduate of Washington State University, with bachelor’s degrees in communications; Master of Business Administration in Engineering/Technology Management, City University of Seattle, 1992; Project Management Certificate Program, Bellevue College, 2007 PROFESSION: Information Technology project manager for the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts POLITICAL/COMMUNITY: Tukwila City Council, 2012-2015; volunteers and works closely with a number of Tukwila organizations; trustee for Puget Sound Access Channel 77; elected precinct committee officer.

ENDORSEMENTS: All Tukwila City Council members; other political and community leaders in South King County and countywide; Washington State Conservation Voters; Seattle/King County Building and Construction Trades Council and other labor organizations; 11th Legislative District Democratic Organizations; King County Young Democrats.

CONTACT: By phone, 206-853-9330. Website, www.

Kate4Tukwila.com

[ more KRULLER page 13 ]

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

SEPTEMBER 2015

i 13

Position 6 race uses social media, internet

BY DEAN A. RADFORD DRADFORD@TUKWILAREPORTER.COM

The City Council race between incumbent Kate Kruller and Charles Tyson has played out early on social-media sites in Tukwila an on the internet.

The social-media sites are where Tyson revealed background information he found about Kruller, through online research and through public-records requests.

An emotional Kruller, who is president of the Tukwila City Council this year, used a few moments at the end of a recent council meeting to talk about someone – she didn’t name anyone – whom, she said, was bullying her online and in public.

Tyson and Kruller have been invited to a candidates forum on Sept. 17 that will feature all the local candidates on Tukwila’s general election ballot Nov. 3.

Tyson posted a comment on the socialmedia site Tukwila Talk on July 23, challenging Kruller to a debate on the site and gave her 24 hours to respond.

She didn’t respond and the online debate didn’t occur, although Tyson has posted “position pages” and Kruller has posted items about community events on the site.

Tyson also reached to out Kruller on NextDoor, a social network for neighborhoods. He mentions Kruller’s Code of Ethics violation in 2012 that was well-covered by the Tukwila Reporter. And he had other “revelations” about Kruller.

He writes: “I urge you to quietly resign

[ TYSON from page 12] He calls residential crime an “epidemic.” The police chief has indicated the Police Department has sufficient resources, but Tyson asks, why does the city still have a problem?

“I think we should give police the resources and hold them accountable,” he said.

According to the Police Department’s 2014 annual report, in the last five years reported property crimes have ranged from a low of 2,976 in 2010 to a high of 3,402 in 2014. Those numbers include shoplifting cases at Westfield-Southcenter.

Tyson deferred comment on a proposal for Tukwila to join the Kent Regional Fire Authority until he sees the final recommendation. But he said he doesn’t feel the Tukwila Fire Department is adequately funded now. “They are true professionals doing a wonderful job,” he said.

Tukwila Village Tyson said the new multi-use development called Tukwila Village in the long run will help revitalize Tukwila International Boulevard.

“But I don’t know if we’ve eradicated the problems we have up there or if we’ve just kicked them down the street,” he said, pointing to the ongoing crime issues at the Link light-rail station.

“Priority-wise, when we are dealing with unmet needs in the fire depart-

from Position 6 on the council, and I will not feel the obligation to bring facts, (not gossip or hearsay), before the public for review.”

Kruller filed her bullying complaint against Tyson on July 27 after he ap-

“Online communication shows the suspect [Tyson] made politically based complaints and was careful to limit his discussion to of disclosing his information to facts and not gossip.”

Aaron G. Walls, Tukwila city prosecutor

proached her on July 25 while she was volunteering at Touch A Truck at Westfield-Southcenter. According to the police report, he asked her several times to agree to a political debate.

According to the police report, because of Tyson’s emails and his appearance at Touch-A-Truck, Kruller told the officer she feared Tyson’s behavior would escalate and he could become violent.

Tyson told the officer he never threatened Kruller and the information he had gathered about Kruller was available to

ment, when we have the people needs that we have, I just begin wonder about investing in things as opposed to people,” he said. He noted he doesn’t want to “come on strong” as opposed to Tukwila Village.

TIB revitalization Tyson questioned why local tax dollars were used to buy crime-ridden motels on Tukwila International Boulevard after they were seized by federal authorities. He understands that the properties are part of a larger vision the city has for improving the Boulevard.

“The feds had a blighted piece of property in Tukwila. Whose responsibility was it to unblight it?” he said.

The answer is the federal government, he said, and then sell the land as surplus property.

Eventually, the city will sell the land, but it won’t recover all its costs, he said.

Tyson said he’s hopeful about Tukwila’s future, but “we have a long ways to go to meet this slogan: City of Opportunity, Community of Choice. For whom? We have not met that.”

The city’s problems are complex, he said, and “I think that we need a hands-on approach by leadership, as opposed to leaving all decisions to the staff.”

He said that’s what the City Council did in the past. “I think the council position is more than ceremonial,” he said.

anyone through a public-records request.

The city’s prosecuting attorney, Aaron G. Walls, declined to pursue the complaint against Tyson in August, because Tyson’s comments were protected political speech.

“Online communications show the suspect [Tyson] made politically based complaints and was careful to limit his discussion of disclosing information to facts and not gossip,” Walls wrote.

Walls also explained that Washington state doesn’t have a crime of bullying. The closest crime would be cyberstalking or harassment, which as speech – especially political speech – is “limited to prevent First Amendment violations,” he wrote. The evidence must show “true threats” of physical harm, he wrote, which didn’t occur.

In doing online research about Kruller’s background, Tyson said he found court documents regarding Kruller’s guilty plea in 2008 to first-degree negligent driving.

That was three years before Kruller was elected to the Tukwila City Council.

Several months later she changed her name from Susan Grace Kruller to Katherine S.G. Kruller. Tyson maintains she did that to hide her negligent-driving record; in an interview and in public comments, Kruller said she changed her name to honor her great-grandmother and “Kate” felt like a better fit for her.

The ethics violation in 2012 stems from Kruller’s efforts to rent a room at the Tukwila Community Center for a campaign event for State Rep. Bob Hasegawa. The al-

[ KRULLER from page 12] budget, the City Council must press forward, she said, for funding for the Boeing Access Road light-rail station in the Sound Transit’s ST3 bond measure. And there’s grant money available for extending Strander Boulevard and building a bike and pedestrian bridge across the Green River.

• The city is in the final phase of a city facilities study, with decisions about priorities and funding over the next 25 years to be made in the next four years.

“I smile a lot. We’re at a turning point where things get a lot better in Tukwila because of a whole lot of chain reactions going on,” she said.

‘Chain reaction’ One of those “chain reactions,” taken as a whole, is the development of Tukwila Village and the revitalization of Tukwila International Boulevard.

“I consider Tukwila Village a catalyst to change on Tukwila International Boulevard,” she said. “It exemplifies the reason for the revitalization zone that we created up there.”

The city worked hard and spent a “pretty good amount” of money on the Boulevard to condemn busineses that didn’t adhere to the “future and vision that we have for Tukwila. And that’s clearing the way for exciting things that may occur up there.”

At the same time, Kruller said, the city needs “to do more to manage our finances well, stay up with increasing public safety and infrastructure demands, provide affordable housing and safe neighborhoods, and improve city services to meet the needs

legation from staff at the community center was that Kruller used her position as a City Council member to get special privileges while renting the room.

Mayor Jim Haggerton ruled that Kruller violated the city’s Code of Ethics, which includes even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Kruller was fined and warned against using her position as a council member to “secure special privileges or creating the perception of engaging in such activity.”

Kruller appealed, but a hearing examiner upheld Haggerton’s ruling.

Kruller said in an interview she was following the process to rent the room that was outlined to her by city staff. She said there was a “miscommunication.”

What she learned, Kruller said, is that she won’t put herself in situations ever without asking the question, “Are you treating me any differently than you would treat someone else?”

“I have no intention other than showing contrition for ever allowing myself in a situation like that,” she said.

Since then, the City Council has changed the ethics code to remove the “appearance” of a conflict of interest. And a Board of Ethics, rather than the mayor, rules on whether a conflict of interest has occurred.

“I feel better that things are better than they were before. I am humbled by the experience. I did the best that I could do. And that wasn’t good enough. I am sorry,” she said. of our residents, people who work here and visitors.”

Occasionally, national websites will report that Tukwila has some of the highest crime rates in the nation. But, Kruller said, that’s using FBI statistics in “funky ways.” “Not anything like it,” she said of the rankings.

“They are comparing our crime numbers to our nighttime population,” she said, when Tukwila has about 19,000 residents. But what the online analysis doesn’t reveal is that Tukwila’s daytime population grows to about 150,000 because of workers and shoppers at the retail complex in Southcenter, where shoplifting occurs.

Neighborhood crime For the neighborhoods, major concerns are thefts from mailboxes and porches and burlaries, she said, as evidenced by what she hears from neighbors and her Block Watches. Being aware can help slow down criminals, as can alerts on social media of anything out of the ordinary, she said.

“The future of Tukwila belongs to the people who live here,” she said, and not just her or the City Council or the Planning Commission or city staff. “Everybody.”

For her, the questions are: “What is best for our neighborhoods? What makes sense for us here in Tukwila?”

“In terms of the future of Tukwila, what we as the council would like to see is that we turn to the neighborhoods and they get to have a heavy role in what the future looks like for them,” she said.

“We want Tukwila to be a very livable city,” she said.

14 h

SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

school connection Tukwila School District #406

September 2015

What a start to the 2015-16 school year!

Schools were filled with smiles and excitement when doors opened for the first day on Sept. 3.

For all the pictures, go to the Tukwila School District’s Flickr page, www.flickr.com/tukwilaschools.

on and sophomores Junior Isabella Lemm James, Victoria Megan Kirby, Le Onna er an, and Moniece Bomb Jametsky, Danielle Ch l— oo y to be back at sch (from left) were happ ited—on the first day! or at least to be reun

Cascade View se cond-grader Gh adeer Ali Abdulhussei Al -Saedi got a jum pstart on the school year, an d her parents w ere extremely proud of her w hen she gradua ted from the International Re fugee Committ ee’s Newcomer School Readines s Program in Au gust.

vin Lam kept track Thorndyke teacher Ke ive eat ideas about Posit of his colleagues’ gr IS) (PB ts ions and Suppor Behavioral Intervent st. k off in Augu during the all-staff kic

New Tukwila School District logo WE NEED YOUR INPUT! We all know that Tukwila is one of the most unique, diverse, amazing, learningfilled, and caring school districts in the nation—and now we are updating our logo to reflect our vibrancy!

Our current logo was created by a student (thank you, Adrien Yorozu!) in the mid-1990s, and it has served us very well. It reflects the themes of connectivity, diversity, and studentfocus that are going to carry over into our updated design.

We are working with a design company to both revamp our logo and redesign our entire website. Once we collectively decide on a new logo, the website redesign will soon follow modeled on the colors and art of the new logo (hopefully in the latefall time frame). To start the process, the design company had conversations with many staff members, parents, students, and community members to get a sense of the personality of our district.

Based on that work, we now have several draft logos. See what you think!

We welcome all community members’ feedback. Please go to the district homepage, www.tuwkila.wednet.edu, to view the draft logos and take a survey.

Ultimately, our logo has to be able to stand on its own and convey a sense of the Tukwila School District in a glance. Thank you for taking the time to provide your input because you need to see yourself reflected in the new design!

Update your contact information Schools need current phone numbers and addresses Parents and guardians: If there is an emergency at school, we need to contact you immediately for the safety of your student.

Unfortunately, many families have old or incomplete contact information on record. This also stops parents from receiving critical school news and event information. Please take the time to check your contact information—phone numbers, address, and email address—by logging into Family Access or inquiring at your school. Any updates can be made through your school’s main office.

www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com »

Tukwila School District #406

Students state assessment results coming in September Smarter Balanced Assessment scores reflect rigor of new test Student scores from last spring’s state assessments will be mailed home in September. State tests provide a snapshot of how your child performed during testing and are not indicators of classroom performance; classroom performance should be the primary measure of your child’s skills and knowledge. If you have concerns about your child’s testing performance, please talk with his/her classroom teacher.

Each spring, all Washington public school students in grades 3-8 and high school are tested in English language arts and math. Students in grades 5, 8, and high school are also tested in science. This testing meets state and federal requirements. The state’s Resources page (www. k12.wa.us/Resources) has many handouts that provide more information for families about testing and learning standards.

This past spring, schools statewide administered new Smarter Balanced Assessments in math and English language arts for the first time. Because these tests are more rigorous than past years’ tests, fewer students across the state reached “proficiency” in these subjects. Some students who are used to passing the state test might find they don’t quite pass the new tests when they receive their results. Those students and their parents should not interpret those scores as the student’s failure, but rather as a new baseline for moving forward with learning the new skills.

State education experts expected the drop in test scores, and they also expect scores to climb steadily in years to come as students and staff get comfortable with the new learning standards and tests. In Washington, we have high expectations for our students and are confident in our teachers who are helping students grow academically in these areas, along with other subjects.

Free flu shots, immunizations, and physicals Keep your children safe and healthy!

The district is proud to partner once again with HealthPoint to offer free fall medical clinics for Tukwila School District children. Services will include immunizations, flu shots, and physicals. Immunization and flu shots are available on a walk-in basis; physicals require an appointment. Call 206439-3269 for more information.

•10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 •HealthPoint Tukwila, 13030 Military Rd. S., Suite 200 We are also working with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association to provide a flu-shot only clinic for all family and staff members. Influenza is a serious and potentially dangerous disease. Each year, students miss about 38 million school days due to flu, and parents miss more than 10 million workdays caring for sick children. The best way to protect yourself and your family is the flu shot. All participants will be asked to provide their health insurance card (usually flu shots do not require any deductibles or co-pays). Students under 18 without insurance will be free. Adults without insurance may pay the $28 fee with cash or check.

•5-8 p.m. Oct. 23, at Showalter Middle School, 4628 S. 144th St.

SEPTEMBER 2015

i 15

SEPTEMBER 2015

Support your Bulldogs!

Home athletic schedules for fall varsity sports Please check www.seamountathletics. com closer to each competition for any updates in schedules.

Football (at Neudorf Stadium, 4242 S. 144th St.) • 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, against Hazen • 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, against Highline (homecoming) • 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, against Kennedy Catholic Boys and Girls Golf (at Foster Links, 13500 Interurban Ave. S.) • 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, against Hazen • 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, against Highline, Evergreen, and Tyee • 3:30 p.m. Monday, 12, against Lindbergh and Renton Boys Tennis (at Foster High, 4242 S. 144th St.) • 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, against Highline • 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, against Renton • 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, against Kennedy Catholic • 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, against Hazen • 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, against Lindbergh Boys and Girls Cross Country • 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, against Lindbergh and Renton (at Seatac Park, S. 128th St. and 20th Ave. S., Seatac) • 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, against Highline, Tyee, and Kennedy Catholic (at Valley Ridge, 4644 S. 188th St., Seatac) Girls Soccer (at Neudorf Stadium, 4242 S. 144th St.) • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, against Tyee • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, against Evergreen • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, against Highline • 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, against Renton • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, against Kennedy Catholic • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, against Hazen • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, against Lindbergh Girls Swim (at the Tuwkila Pool, 4414 S. 144th St.) • 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, against Renton • 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, against Evergreen, Highline, and Tyee • 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, against Hazen Girls Volleyball (at Foster High, 4242 S. 144th St.) • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, against Hazen • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, against Lindbergh • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, against Tyee • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, against Evergreen • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, against Highline • 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, against Renton

SEPTEMBER 2015 « www.TUKWILAREPORTER.com

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