Over 3,600 residents in parts of Southwest King County lost power at 12:36pm Tuesday (June 30th) due to a brush fire at a substation that “burned cables on a telephone pole,” according to Mike Eagan of Seattle City Light.

“It seems a cable fault at a terminator on a tower at the Duwamish Substation (located at 10000 W. Marginal Way So.) caused the outage and the brush fire,” Eagan added. “A terminator is a device at the end of an insulated high-voltage cable that connects it to the distribution system.”

Power was lost in an area spanning, from the north end, South 96th Street, on the south by SW 175th Street, between 24th Ave.SW and 33rd Ave SW.

Here’s City Light’s original statements as posted on their website:

Power went out for approximately 3,671 City Light customers in Burien, SeaTac and unincorporated King County at 12:36 p.m. today.

The cause of the outage is currently unknown, but City Light crews are heading to the area to investigate. An estimated time of restoration is unknown at this time.

The area affected is bordered on the north by So. 96th St., on the south by S.W. 175th St, between 24th Ave. S.W. and 33rd Ave S.W.

Power has been fully restored for the approximately 3,671 City Light customers in Burien, SeaTac and unincorporated King County whose electricity went out at 12:36 p.m. today.

The area affected was bordered on the north by So. 96^th St., on the south by S.W. 175th St, between 24^th Ave. So. on the east and 33^rd Ave S.W. on the west.

Tracy Clark, the man accused of trying to “gut” a cat named Scatt that served as the therapy cat for White Center’s Cross Church, plead guilty Monday (June 29th) to first-degree animal cruelty charges.

Clark originally plead “not guilty” in May for the April 20th attack that left the cat with multiple stab wounds, including a 7-inch gash on its side.

As we reported April 21st, Clark, 47, was arrested by King County Sheriff’s officers on animal cruelty charges after he allegedly severely injured the animal with a box cutter knife.

Another resident was awakened by Clark around 1am on Monday, April 20th, who told him that he had “gutted the cat.” The resident thought the suspect was intoxicated, and both men ended up going to bed.

The next afternoon the church pastor found the severely-injured cat in the parking lot.

According to court documents, Clark claims that the cat “attacked him” first, forcing him to defend himself. He said he grabbed the cat by the throat, threw it against the wall and then stabbed it with his own knife.

Scatt spent ten days at the South Seattle Veterinary Hospital and is still recovering.

Clark is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17th, and if convicted, could face up to a year in jail. He is being held on $50,000 bail.

A 40-foot mobile RV lab (see photo above) will be parked at the Walgreens Pharmacy in White Center today (Mon. June 29th), offering FREE health screenings to check for high cholesterol, bone density and other early signs of potential health problems.

Walgreens is located at 9456 16th Ave. SW, and the lab will be there from Noon to 6pm.

No appointments are necessary.

The totally-free health tests are worth $140, and will include checks for:

• Glucose Levels
• Cholesterol Levels
  
• Blood Pressure
• Waist Size
• Bone Density
  
• Body mass index

The free service is for anyone 18 and older, and the campaign is sponsored by Walgreens and AARP, which is also offering a free one-year membership to participants.

According to the AARP website:

This new two-year joint national mobile tour features nine customized buses that will travel across 48 states, visiting more than 3,000 communities. One of the nine buses – called the AARP/Walgreens La Gira Del Buen Vecino -is solely dedicated to Puerto Rico.

Last year alone, the Wellness Tour provided more than one million free health screenings to over 180,000 customers. Over the next two years the Tour has a goal to deliver more than 2.5 million free health screenings – a value of over $60 million!

Available screenings are worth over $140* per person, and no appointment is necessary. Screenings include:

• Total Cholesterol Levels • Blood Pressure • Bone Density

• Glucose Levels • Waist Circumference • Body Mass Index

The National Urban League/Walgreens Wellness Tour bus will be on the road this year as well.

The mobile RV’s next stops will be at Walgreens locations in Tacoma and Spanaway.

For more information, call 1-866-484-8687 or visit www.aarpwalgreens.com/tour.

The King County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a white, 1990s-model 4-door BMW 5 Series car (see included reference photos of a similar vehicle) driven by the suspects in a shooting that left an 18 year-old man dead on Wednesday night.

As our sister site The B-Town Blog reported, the incident occurred about 11:30pm on Wednesday, June 24th. The victim was in the back seat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him in the car. A second vehicle began following the victim’s car but turned off at South 140th. As it did, several rounds were fired and the man was hit.

The men drove straight to Highline Medical Center in Burien, and the victim collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The dead man is believed to be from California and was in the area visiting relatives.

If anyone recognizes the vehicle or has information on the shooting they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

We’d like to offer a “may the best person win” welcome to Ross Hunter, candidate for King County Executive, our latest Advertiser.

We recently met up with him at a local farmers market for a get-to-know-you chat.

“I’m an agent for change,” said Ross, who is in his fourth term in the Washington State House of Representatives, and worked at Microsoft for 17 years.

“I have the skills to make things happen.”

We asked Ross to talk about former Executive Ron Sims, namely the thing Sims did best while in office, and that which he did not do so well.

“You’d have to include the council in on my answer,” Ross responded. “They really work together. I’d say that they put us on the map environmentally in a positive way.

“But over the years the executive and council showed a lack of attention to financial reality.”

We asked what experience not commonly known about him would suggest he is ready to run the state’s largest county.

“Not many people know this, but I spend time now and again helping Habitat for Humanity,” he said, referring to the group that helps build houses for those who otherwise might not be able to afford one.

“I like to frame. If I can swing a big hammer, I’m happy.”

A hint of the style of a Hunter Administration?

“No,” Ross said with a laugh. “It’s just how I build homes for those who need them!”

Primary Election day is August 18th. The two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election in November.

For more information on the Ross Hunter campaign go to: www.RossHunter.com.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by over 15,000 interested Local Readers per month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The Dub-C will be jammin’ with some free jazz this Thursday, June 25th from 4pm-6pm at the Greenbridge Plaza (in front of the Southwest Boys and Girls Club near 9800 8th SW) as well as other entertainment, prizes, vendors, activities for the whole family and free lightly used books and toys.

Sponsored by KCHA, WCCDA, Hope VI, Neighborhood House, YWCA, Southwest Boys and Girls Club and the Greenbridge Community.

For more information call (206) 574-1167.

We are happy to extend a spine-tingling and extremity-adjusting welcome to the talented crew at Premier Chiropractic as our latest advertiser on the White Center Blog.

At the heart of Premier Chiropractic is Dr. David Trueblood, DC, CCEP. He is a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner, recognized since 2005.

Dr. Trueblood has vast life experience. He didn’t jump immediately into medicine.

“No, actually, I served in the U.S. Navy for six years,” he said recently. “Probably the most memorable experience for me was passing through the Suez Canal on board the Kitty Hawk.”

The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk was recently retired after some 48 years of service.

Dr. Trueblood continued: “After my Navy duty, I toured the world as a civilian, cleaning up toxic waste during most of the 1990’s.”

And all along the way, he’s been playing rugby. A lot of rugby. Twenty-five years of rugby.

In fact, Dr. Trueblood has for some time served as the chiropractor for the Valley Kangaroos Rugby Club here at Seatac Park. Players are from our community.

“We take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic care to our all of our patients, athletes and non-athletes alike,” Dr. Trueblood says.

Here is a sampling of the different chiropractic services Premier offers in their Burien office:

• Chiropractic Care
• Corrective Exercises
• Lifestyle Advice
• Nutritional Counseling
• Spinal and Postural Screenings
• Custom orthotics
• Massage Therapy

Also on board for expert and experienced massage is Julia A. Williamson, LMP. Her practice, called Aqua Massage, works right inside the offices of Premier Chiropractic. To schedule an appointment, here’s how to reach Julia: Call 360-584-0412 or email her at 03jules@comcast.net.

Helping to run the ship is Troy Butler, Dr. Trueblood’s “right hand man” in the office (the latter description is an Official Pun-Unintended©™ comment brought jointly to you by Dr. Trueblood and the WCB staff!).

Troy says:

“We accept various insurance plans. We happily handle auto injuries, on-the-job injuries, and sports injuries. They’re all covered at Premiere.

“Also, cash payment plans plus Gift Cards are available. Call anytime, walk-ins welcome.”

Premier Chiropractic
14245 Ambaum Blvd. SW Ste. F
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206.431.1111

Website:

• www.premierchiropractic.net

Email:

• PremierBurien@yahoo.com

Hours:

• Monday: 9am-1pm & 3pm-6:30pm
• Tuesday: 3pm-6:30pm
• Wednesday: 9am-1pm & 3pm-6:30pm
• Thursday: 3pm-6:30pm
• Friday: 9am-1pm & 3pm-6:30pm

Our neighbor to the south, Burien, is holding its annual, FREE Strawberry & Arts Festival this weekend (rain or shine), and it’s gonna be chock-full of live music, arts, dance, food vendors, kid’s activities, a skate competition and more, as well as over $2,100 worth of local prize giveaways (scroll down to see the latest list) from our sister site The B-Town Blog.

The fest will be held at the Burien Community Center, which is located at 425 SW 144th Street at the intersection of 144th SW and 4th Ave SW. From the Dub-C, just head south on 16th SW to Ambaum, then turn left (east) on SW 146th and look for the tents and stuff. Parking is available on the street, and there are plenty of helpful people to guide you.

Here’s Saturday’s schedule:

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th:

MAIN STAGE:

10:00am – 10:30am: New City Dance Academy
11:00am – 11:30am: Youth Sounds NorthWest
11:45am – 12:30pm: Momentum Dance
12:30pm – 1:00pm: Burien’s own Block Party B-Boys
1:15pm – 2:30pm: Dyno Jamz
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Pearl Django
4:30pm – 6:00pm: The Tempos with Swing-Amajig and the Aviation HS Ballroom Dancers

GALLERY STAGE:

10:00am – 10:30am: Hi-Liners
11:00am – 11:45am: Abysinnian Dance
12:15pm – 1:00pm: Sohoyini
1:30pm – 2:30pm: Jump Ensemble
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Central Services presents The Board of Education
4:30pm – 6:00pm: The Jangles

FESTIVAL GROUNDS:

10:30am – 12:30pm: The Whisky Swillers
1:00pm – 2:30pm: Skate Competition
4:15pm – 5:15pm: Bubbleman (located at 4th &146th)

1PM: SKATE COMPETITION:

• Noon: Registration Starts
• 1:00pm: Competition starts
• $5 Registration Fee
• Register the day of the event at the skate competition tent.
• A registration form must be completed and signed by an adult prior to competing.

Four Age Divisions:

• 9 & Under
• 10 – 12 years
• 13 – 15 years
• 16 & older

RULES:

1. Riders WILL be disqualified for interupting another rider’s run.
2. Handle all property and equipment safely and properly.
3. No vulgar, offensive, or derogatory language.
4. Helmet required
5. Have FUN!

JUDGING:
The performance of the rider will be judged in the following three categories:

• Consistency
• Technicality
• Style

Each contestant will get two 1-minute runs. Contestants will be judged and scored on each run then totaled for a final score after both runs.

Music:
Live Performance by the Dyno Jamz during the Skate Competition. Check them out and listen to their music here!

Kids Activities:

• Make Superheroes Art Garb at the Art Garage: Hats, headbands, vest,capes, and more! Used recycled materials to make fun costumes to wear as you wander the fest, or to wear as you run in the 1K Fun Run on Sunday (run sign-up booth at the fest!)
• Create Chalk Art at the Burien Art Gallery!
• All Day: Bouncers

10:30am-3:00pm: Face Painting

3:00-4:00pm: Central Services presents The Board of Education on the Gallery Stage.

Here’s the latest, greatest, and most updatedest B-Town Blog Prize List – just drop by their booth, fill out an entry form and enter to win one of these great prizes:

BUSINESS		VALUE	PRIZE
Bistro Baffi		$25	Gift Certificate for Dinner
Poggi Bonsi		$25	Decorative Italian Plate
909 Coffee & Wine		$20	Gift Card
Moss Chiropractic		$185	Gift Certificate for Complete Chiropractic Exam & Adjustment
Moss Chiropractic		$23	Ice Pack
Highline Athletic Club		$234	One-Month Free Membership & Enrollment Fee
1-Stop Computer Repair		$50	One-Hour Computer Service
1-Stop Computer Repair		$50	One-Hour Computer Service
Herr Backyard Garden Center		$10	Gift Card
Burien Auto Repair		$89.95	Oil Change & Filter Service, Inspection, Car Wash & Mini Detail
Howard & Marge		$25	Gift Card
Advanced Massage		$65	One-Hour Massage
Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub		$25	Gift Card
Reiki by Anita		$85	Reiki Session
Mark Restaurant & Bar		$40	Gift Card
Vision Collision		$50	$50 off Interior Detail
Mark’s Expert Auto		$25	$25 off Coolant Flush
Digi Guys/CPI		$15	B-Town Blog T-Shirt
Digi Guys/CPI		$15	B-Town Blog T-Shirt
Digi Guys/CPI		$15	B-Town Blog T-Shirt
Digi Guys/CPI		$15	B-Town Blog T-Shirt
Digi Guys/CPI		$15	B-Town Blog T-Shirt
Philip Kelley Acupuncture		$90	Acupuncture Treatment
Shining Star Massage		$50	Foot Reflexology
Ace Hardware		$39.99	43-Piece Hanging Tool Kit
Park Place Bar & Grill		$50	Gift Certificate
Sal’s Deli		$10	Certificate for One Free Breakfast
Sal’s Deli		$10	Certificate for One Free Breakfast
Sal’s Deli		$10	Certificate for One Free Breakfast
Tin Room Bar		$25	Gift Certificate
Photography by Michael Brunk/NW Lens		$475	1-Hour Photo Shoot, Post Production, CD and 3-5 Minute Video Story
Market Place Salon		$175	Helix Cordless Flat Iron
Economy Wiring/YB Tubless		$30	$30 Credit Towards Electrical Call or Hot Tub Service
Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub		$40	Gift Card
Emerald City Smoothie		$90	Five Re-Usable Smoothie Mugs with Free Drink Coupons
Cheese FX Cheesecakes		$15-$18	6-inch Basic or Deluxe Cheesecake
Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar		$25	Gift Certificate
Wow Window Washing		$75	Gift Certificate for Window Cleanin

So…we’ll see you at our booth, which will be located near the Skate Park, this Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm!

The Highline School District will be offering up free meals all summer long, including both breakfast and lunch at 13 different locations, most beginning on Monday, July 6th.

The district has been offering free summer meals for at least the last ten years, and the USDA-funded program has expanded significantly to include community sites as well as schools.

“Based on the estimation from our sites, we may serve up to 1,000 breakfasts and 2,000 lunches plus offer snacks to some sites,” said Brianna Smith, RD, Nutrition Services Manager.

Who is served by the Summer Food Service Program?

• All children 18 years and younger are eligible for the Summer Food Service Program. There is no registration or fee.
• All children are welcome to eat a meal at summer school sites, even if they are not enrolled in a summer program.
• The meal must be eaten at the site and be finished within 15 minutes of the final serving time.

Who pays for it?
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded child nutrition program that feeds children nutritious meals during the summertime when school is out and children don’t have access to school meals. It was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided with federal dollars and is sufficient to meet expenses related to sponsorship of the program.

What is the purpose of the program?
Clearly, the nutritional needs of large numbers of children who depend on school meals during the school year are not being met in the summer. Good nutrition is essential for learning.

How are site locations determined?
Service sites for the Summer Food Service Program are determined based on:

1. Eligibility criteria.
2. Interest and need at the school building level.
3. Interest and need at community centers.

Here’s where and when the FREE Summer Meals will be available:

• Bow Lake School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  18237 42nd Ave S SeaTac 98188
• Evergreen School
  Breakfast: 7:15-7:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 10:45-11:15
  830 SW 116th Seattle 98146
• Gregory Heights School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  16201 16th Ave SW Burien 98166
• King County Parks – White Center
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00 July 7-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 4:00-5:00
  1321 SW 102nd St Seattle 98146
• Midway Elementary School
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:45 Jul 6-Jul 24 M-F
  Lunch: 11:30-12:45
  22447 24th Ave S Des Moines 98198
• Mt. Rainier School
  Breakfast: 7:15-8:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
  Lunch: 11:00-12:00
  22450 19th Ave S Des Moines 98198
• Mt. View School
  Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 Jul 6-Jul 30 M-Th
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30
  10811 12th Ave SW Seattle 98146
• Schoenwald Park
  Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 Jul 6-Jul 15 M-F
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00
  16030 Sylvester Road Burien 98166
• Seahurst YMCA
  Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 Mon-Fri
  Lunch: 11:30-12:30
  14603 14th Ave SW Burien 98166
• Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 7-Aug 14 T-F
  Snack: 4:00-4:30
  15003 14th Ave SW Burien 98166
• Shannon South
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 3:00-4:00
  3508 S 180th SeaTac 98188
• Southwest Boys and Girls Club
  Lunch: 12:00-12:30 Jul 6-Aug 14 M-F
  Snack: 3:30-4:00
  9800 8th Ave SW Seattle 98106
• White Center
  Breakfast: 8:15-9:00 Jul 6-Aug 7 M-F
  Lunch: 12:00-1:00
  10015 6th Ave SW Seattle 98146

• Food cannot be taken off the premises.
• The child does not need to be a Highline Public School student.
• There are no forms to fill out and no names are taken.
• Program is open to age 18 and under.

More information available at the Highline School District website.

White Center for the Arts is having its monthly Art Event this Saturday, June 20th, from 5pm to 10pm, and will showcase the following artists:

• Carlos Espinoza
• Ken Torres
• Bob Bevis
• Michael Rioux
• Adelaide Altares
• Bossaiya
• Joanne Houk
• Madeline Nicole Cain
• Van Lam J
• AND
• Special musical guests:
• The Tin Can Tobacco Band

Every third Saturday of each month, White Center for the Arts opens its doors to the public to share new works from WCFTA resident artists, and to showcase four or five other artists.

There are always small, affordable pieces of art available.

Each artist also provides wine, and foods to nibble on, to entice you to come see what is happening with the arts in White Center!

You will walk away satisfied.

WCFTA’s recent mission to secure the Southgate Skate building, at 9639 16th Ave SW, for the community of White Center has failed.

According to their website:

We are moving out of the building this week.

But this is only a detour.

White Center for the Arts is moving across the street, and will continue to grow, bringing the arts to the people!

For more information, call 206-306-6230 or visit their website here.

by Gina Bourdage

Long has been the debate over Phở – who has the most authentic, largest variety, what do you do with the dish of stuff on the side and not to mention how the heck do you pronounce it correctly without sounding like a tourist?

Fear not faithful blog fans, I have come to rescue you from the overwhelming list of options, narrowed it down to the top five locations between Burien and White Center and can tell you it’s NOT pronounced “fo.”

With French and Chinese influences it is the Vietnamese whom perfected this dish. Pronounced “fuh”, this popular lunch dish can be eaten at any time of day and is commonly served as breakfast in the Vietnamese culture.

Varieties of ingredients vary depending on location, however most commonly you can find the brisket, meatball, tripe, tendon and tofu for the veggie eaters out there. One thing to keep in mind if you are a vegetarian, just because you ordered tofu does not make this an animal-free dish…the broth is meat-based so be sure to verify with the server if they have a vegetable broth as an option. Each bowl, no matter what protein you choose, will come with rice noodles, broth and onions, what you choose to add from the plate on the side is up to you.

Purists each have their own way and will debate authenticity, however I say add what you like ‘cuz it’s your lunch! I suggest going for a handful of bean sprouts, squeeze of lime, torn up Thai basil, a generous squeeze of Siricha (the red sauce with a rooster on the jar) and a splash of soy.

On the table at most places you can usually find Hoisin or fish sauce, an intense looking chille paste concoction, and jalapeños if you dare. I am personally a no more than 2-3 star kind of gal so how you turn up the fire is your call. Break up the noodles, stir in your additions and don’t be a wimp… eat this dish with chop sticks and a spoon!

If you’re not craving Phở by now, you need to wake up and get into one of my top five faves and see what the fuss is all about. In a very particular order from most consistent, most authentic, and best price I give you my Phở Five:

	1. Phở: 9642 16th Ave SW, White Center 98106
	2. Phở Tai: 148 SW 148th St # B100, Burien 98166
	3. Phở Lily: 14611 1st Ave Burien, 98168
	4. 88 Restaurant: 9418 Delridge Way SW, Seattle 98126
	5. Phở Mỹ Lợi: 10439 16th Ave SW, White Center 98146

I tried each and every Phở place I could find in the area (some more than once) and these are the ones I know you will find a dish that tastes like you are visiting your long lost Vietnamese relatives not matter what culture you’re from.

Thursday, June 18th is National “Dump The Pump” day, an annual event sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association to raise awareness of the benefits of public transit.

Everyone is concerned about saving money and cutting down on expenses these days. And as local gas prices again begin to creep up to $3 a gallon, one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your wallet is to park your car at home and hop on public transportation.

Once again this year, the region’s transportation agencies are urging residents to ride a bus, train, boat, bike, take a walk, or share the ride this Thursday.

National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life. APTA’s monthly Transit Savings Report consistently ranks the Seattle metropolitan area as one of the top ten regions for potential transit savings.

Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and the WSDOT Ferries Division (Washington State Ferries) are joining agencies across the country to ask those who’ve never tried public transportation to get on board with saving and take a new ride on Thursday. Regular transit users are encouraged to make it a “zero drive” day, and only use transit.

“Puget Sound residents have so many great alternatives to driving—buses, streetcars, vanpools, trains, the iconic ferries, and in less than a month we’ll be adding 16 miles of light rail to that long list,” said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.

The agencies in the Puget Sound region share a common goal of offering safe, reliable, and low-cost transportation choices. Yet, each offers a unique array services that interconnect with other agencies to create a very useable transportation network for the region.

Some are hosting special activities for Dump the Pump Day, and others are featuring regular services that can help you save money every day.

King County Metro Transit:
Dump the Pump Day also coincides with the start of summer, and King County Metro Transit wants people who are “staycationing” close to home this year to see how much farther their vacation/holiday dollars stretch when they travel by bus.

In addition to bus routes serving the big-city attractions in Seattle and Bellevue, Metro also has regular service to parks, beaches, malls, movie theaters, ball parks, and hiking trails. There are discounted fares for children and families to help make summertime fun more affordable.

Sound Transit:
Sound Transit, the regional provider of commuter rail and express bus service, has been calculating savings to help its customers “ride out the recession.” Riders have responded by sending in their personal savings stories. Here’s one:

“I live in Queen Anne and work for a non-profit in Redmond, about a 40 mile commute round trip each day. Last year, my employer purchased bus passes for employees and sold them to us for $30. Once I started taking the bus to work, I went from spending about $150 – $200 a month in gas to now about $30. I take the bus more than just to work now; I hardly ever even drive my car at all anymore.”

Sound Transit offers commuters throughout the region several ways to dump the pump to save money and help the environment. Sound Transit operates regional express bus service, Sounder commuter rail service, light rail in Tacoma, and on July 18, Central Link light rail line will launch service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila.

In the Puget Sound region, eight public transportation agencies carry more than 500,000 passengers every weekday and serve a population of more than 3.8 million in the five-county area.?c

The King County Police Chief’s Association is hosting a County Executive Candidate’s Forum tomorrow (Thursday, June 11th), from 10am to 11am at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center located at 19010 First Avenue South in Burien.

The candidates running for King County Executive are invited to the forum, which is open to the public and press, and according to Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer, so far here’s who’s confirmed:

• Dow Constantine
• Ross Hunter
• Susan Hutchison
• Fred Jarrett
• Larry Phillips

The Police Chief’s Association is comprised of the 34 King County police chiefs, the Sheriff, corrections professionals, as well as state and federal criminal justice partners.

The goal of the candidate’s forum is for each candidate to present their vision for public safety and the criminal justice system in King County. Questions from the chiefs will be asked of the candidates.

WHEN: Thursday, June 11th, from 10am to 11:30am

WHERE: Criminal Justice Training Center, located at 19010 First Avenue South in Burien (map below)

INFO: This is an open forum, and both the public and press are invited.

View Larger Map

by Adam Hanes

Half of the band is drinking in the parking lot before the show and the other half shows up minutes before they go on stage – the night is off to a perfect start for a punk rock concert.

The four member punk band Rat City Ruckus played recently at Studio 7 with the headlining The Blanx from Renton in a show put on by Local Chaos Productions. Their hard and hilarious songs about partying and boasting self destruction also add a sense of hometown pride by including local landmarks in the lyrics in such songs as “Rat City” and “South Park Slam” from their first album Quartres put out by Rockin’ Stan Records. On stage antics and perform instrumental dynamics possessed by a seasoned nationally touring band gets the small but loyal crowd pumped up.

White Center has the punk band that has it all.

Brett, bass and vocals, pounds rhythm like Matt Freeman of Rancid and has a rebelliously adolescent mind of a young Fat Mike of NOFX and yes, this is a good thing. Dustin, the quiet drummer, looks as though he barely moves his arms yet Dustin hits harder and faster on the skins than I have seen in long time. Tony on guitar and bad pirate jokes according to the liner notes in Quartres, can hammer out on the six string without missing a beat and at the same time bring comedy by blowing in Brett’s ear when singing, challenging him to not botch the song. Lead guitarist and vocals, Phil screams lyrics with classic punk style and plucks his guitar that would make anyone want to join in the mosh pit.

If there is anyone looking out for a new sound, wanting to add more to their punk rock library or have the need to get rid of some angst I implore you to go see Rat City Ruckus. The band’s sophomore album, Mustard Shot, is due out by the end of June. You can see Rat City Ruckus tearing it up next at The Comet 6/11, Blue Moon 7/2 and Full Tilt 7/18 for Jubilee Days.

Here’s a track called “Out On The Streets” to whet your eardrums with:

 Out On The Streets: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Visit them at www.myspace.com/ratcityruckus.

[Are you an artist of any style or know someone who is from the Burien, White Center, Des Moines or Normandy Park area? Contact me if there is something you would like our community to be in the loop about what you are doing!]