Neighborhood Alert: Possible Prowling

A member recently wrote the Shore Club Board to report several suspicious behaviors witnessed within the Manor Neighborhood.  A young white male was observed coming out from between neighbor’s houses. He was a stranger and it seemed odd that he would be between the two houses.

Another neighbor lakeside on S 194th had a young man knock on his door and ask to come in and use the phone claiming his phone batter was dead. When told ‘No’ and denied entry, the kid left and quickly jumped into a car driven by another kid and took off. A third neighbor across the street said she had noticed 2 kids, strangers, driving around and stopping at houses.

Please be aware that this type of behavior is occurring in our area, be vigilant toward it and if you witness or encounter similar incidents, note the critical details (what was witnessed, gender, race, height, build, clothing, make/model of car if one is involved, and direction of travel) and call it in to report it.

If a crime is in progress or you have an emergency, of course call 911.  To report a neighborhood problem or a crime that is not an emergency, call the King County Sheriff's Office Communications and Dispatch Center at 206.296.3311, twenty-four (24) hours a day, 7 days a week.  You may request an officer to be dispatched to your location.

Something to Consider

Conversations regarding suspicious behaviors seem to nearly always include the question “at what point should we be reporting these suspicious strangers?” followed with concerns expressed about feeling uncomfortable reporting it as it may be considered insignificant and determined a waste of law enforcement time.

Don’t be the one to judge if it is a frivolous report or not - let the dispatcher on duty decide that.  If there are higher priority items, then of course an officer won't respond, however, if there is nothing going on they may just be sitting in a parking lot somewhere anyway! In the least a patrol drive by would increase police presence in the neighborhood - or let's say a crime had occurred earlier and they may still be looking for the suspects???

Use the "It Just Doesn't Look Right" rule. You know what is considered normal in your neighborhood, you know what doesn't look right - trust your instincts and CALL!   Law enforcement officials frequently voice concern about citizens hesitating or failing to report issues - Police Officials say they can't do anything if they don't know about it.

So our job as diligent citizens in effort to help curb crime: 

1. Be vigilant about what's occurring in your neighborhood
2. Be a good witness - observe and record accurate descriptions (gender, race, height, clothing, car make/model, etc.)
3. Call to report it.

One call might not be significant - several may indicate a pattern and prompt more patrols - even if it doesn't lead to an arrest, more police presence will discourage bad guys and gals from hanging around our hood.

ALSC Polar Bear Plunge and Food Drive

2013 celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Angle Lake Polar Bear Plunge and with it we’ll be introducing a new theme with purpose. This coming year, ALSC Polar Plunge will be more than just a reason for members and neighbors to get together, chat and to watch the ‘brave minded and strong hearted’ (?) gather on the lake shore to take the annual winter plunge – this year we’re incorporating a Food Drive which will not only help the local hungry but may also benefit anyone who chooses to participate in this New Year event!

We’ll be collecting any donated non-perishable food items and/or cash contributions to benefit the Highline Area Food Bank whose shelves are expected to be bare after supporting the many needs through the holidays. Spectators and participants will benefit by being eligible to WIN “ALSC Olde Skool” designed T-Shirts and Zippered Hoodies with retail values up to $80 each!    

Simply by showing up to the event at the Manor Club Beach on New Year’s Day entitles you to one raffle ticket for a chance to win; Showing up in costume (regardless if you’re planning to plunge or not) will earn you another ticket; bring non-perishable food items and/or one or more dollars for donation to the food bank, you’ll receive one raffle ticket for each item; and finally – taking the Plunge will earn you another TEN TICKETS for an additional TEN CHANCES to win a prize! 

Hot Coffee and Cocoa is being provided by Starbucks and will be available for participants and spectators to enjoy before the plunge. A small gift will be awarded to the first 25 participants that meet the Polar Cub Club requirement of swimming to the dive platform and back.

Angle Lake Manor Club Beach

3419 South 194th Street

January 1st, 2013

Schedule:

• 11:00 AM Gates Open, Light Refreshments Offered
• 11:45 AM Raffle Prize Drawings
• 12:00 PM The Big Plunge
• 01:00 PM Conclusion

Hints and Safety Tips:

• Dress Up in costume over your swimsuit to add whimsy
• Come Early. Parking is limited. Carpool or come by boat.
• Anyone with heart problems should consult your health care provider before participating. If you don't participate, you’re still welcome to join us and watch.
• Do Not Drink. Alcohol does not warm you up. It accelerates hypothermia.
• Do Not Stay In The Water Longer Than 15 Minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in the water than in air.
• Keep Your Outer Clothing On until swim time and remove any wet clothing before getting back into dry clothes.
• Have Fun!

Benefiting our local food bank, winning prizes, enjoying the company of our neighbors and having a Great Time!  That’s the true Reason why we’ll be out there Freezin’!  Hope you’ll plan to join us!  For additional information, contact Fuzz Hill at (206) 972-7220.

Light Rail Station Named

Announced originally in the ALSC Blog back in August, Sound Transit had created an online survey intended to collect community response regarding the future official name for the new station located at South 200th Street and 28th Avenue South of the Central Link line extension in SeaTac. It is rumored that there were well over 500 responses received during the three weeks that the poll had been open.

Four months later, the preferred name of the station was finally announced when the Sound Transit Board of Directors adopted the identity of Angle Lake for the name of the light rail station that will open in 2016.  The press release claims the choice indicates the community preference toward the natural geographic landmark and mentions that resident comments included the name is unique, easier to remember than a numbered street, and geographically accurate in highlighting a local landmark.

With the station’s major artistic theme focus being ‘Environment in Motion’, it is my opinion that applying the name of the community’s most prominent environmental feature, Angle Lake, is the best option and I am pleased that the Sound Transit Board supported this choice.  

The next key item for station identification will be developing the “Stellar Connection” constellation for creation of the way finding station pictogram. A schedule has not yet been identified so I am assuming that this process will still be several years off in the distant future.

ALSC Fun With Benefits

Just two weeks earlier, members of the Shore Club where enjoying an amazing evening at the Annual Christmas Dinner Party hosted at Steve and Rhonda Bell’s home with more than 100 people in attendance. Guests were treated to round trip street parking to front door shuttle service, catered appetizers and full buffet dinner, open bar and some very lively Christmas caroling led by our hired entertainer, Mary Courtney. Immersed in the spirit of the season, Pattie Lenz suggested we consider a Toy Drive collection and our members responded incredibly by contributing $278.00 toward the purchase of gifts to benefit the homeless and under privileged children of SeaTac.  

Then on Friday, December 14th surprisingly under somewhat clear skies, several elaborately decorated boats took to the water to visit select stops around the lake in effort to spread additional holiday cheer and delivering over 70 gift bags to the benefit and delight of the anxious children awaiting their chance to visit with the Father of Christmas himself, Santa Claus. 

Between stops the collection of boats radiated a bright glow over the waters of the lake, drawing folks away from their TVs and out of their easy chairs like drawing moths to a brightly burning flame where they responded to the approaching ships with waiving, cheering and lights flashing.  Whatever reason accounted for encouraging folks to leave the warmth of the indoors and to gathering with their neighbors, family and friends on a December dark night, they had done so and had done it with great fervor, making this a most wonderful closing event of the year for the Angle Lake Shore Club and the community.

We'd like to thank Bruce/Sandy Goulet and Lonnie/Annie Goulet who had invested many hours and personal expense to decorate their boats and we'd like to give recognition to our Captains Bruce Bryant and Bruce Goulet.  Also we’d like to give special recognition to our gift bag stuffers Julie Hill and her mother, Connie Smith.  All you’re efforts were clearly appreciated based on the many compliments and kind comments that viewers expressed.  And of course to a BIG Thank You to Steve Beck who once again came through in arranging our visit with Santa, you really helped to make this evening special for all who attended!

And finally, thank you to everyone who made the effort come out; build the fires; encourage the crowds to gather on your shore, and welcoming us onto your docks and beaches to help spread holiday cheer.  You are the reason why we do this and it is you who help to make this so much fun!  Thank you for being an active partner and taking an active role within your community.

Photos with Santa are available viewing and can be accessed from the ‘Additional Links’ menu located on the right side of this page and clicking the ‘ALSC Photo Album’ link.  If you have photos to share, please email them to the blog address at anglelakesc@gmail.com or contact Clyde Hill within the Shore Club phone directory.

On behalf of the Angle Lake Shore Club Board of Directors, we wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas.

It's a Busy Time of Year!

Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe that the busiest time for a Lakeside Shore Club is during the warmer months of summer – but not true for the Angle Lake Shore Club! Winter is proving to be our busiest time of year!

The following is a list of ALSC hosted activities over the next four weeks:

Saturday, December 1st - 4:00 PM: ALSC Members Only Christmas Party 

Neighbors Steve and Rhonda Bell open their home and welcome the members of the Shore Club to join them for an evening of socializing, munching, imbibing, singing and much laughter!  Featuring mouthwatering  hors d’oeuvres, fully catered dinner, hosted bar, and hired entertainment.  Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. 

LATE BREAKING NEWS:  Due to extremely limited parking on site, a shuttle service has been arranged to ferry guests between street parking on 37th Avenue and the Bell Home.  Please plan to meet under the tent at the top of the drive for pick up. 

Friday, December 14th – 5:00 PM: ALSC Christmas Cruise

Santa Claus will again join the parade of pontoon boats decked out with boughs bows! of holly and festive lights travelling the shores of Angle Lake spreading Holiday Music and Christmas Cheer.  Santa will be making stops at the following home locations to greet gathered revelers, provide photo opportunities and give out gifts to the all the good children:

• 5:30 – Brice & Patty Lenz 3421 S 194th St. (manor)
• 6:00 – AL Mobile Home Park 2916 S 200th St
• 6:30 – Curtis & Kerry Steinke 3228 S 198th St (post 3)
• 7:15 – David and Maritza Garcia 19003 46th Ave S (post 54)
• 7:45 - Harvey & Phyllis Pickett 3780 So 191st Pl (post 78)
• 8:15 - Vince & Brenda Partridge 3743 So 194th St (manor)

Gather at any of the above locations to meet with Santa. All times are approximate. In the case of inclement weather, the event may be rescheduled or canceled. Please contact Jim Todd if you’d like to ride as a passenger with the boats.

Tuesday, January 1st- 11:00 AM: ALSC Polar Plunge

2013 marks our fifth year of the Polar Plunge at the Manor Club Beach where this time we’ll be “Freezin for a Reason!”  We’re asking spectators and plunge participants to consider bringing donations of non-perishable food items and/or cash contributions to benefit the Highline Area Food Bank and for a chance to win ALSC Branded Apparel! Keep an eye on the ALSC blog for further details leading up to the date.

We hope that you’ll make time during this busy period to join for one or more of these entertaining events!  

Time is Running Out!

Not intending to pile on addition anxiety onto a heap of Black Friday hype, however your opportunity to take advantage of the $10 per person savings off regular priced ALSC Members Annual Christmas Party tickets is shrinking faster than department store gift inventories. 

Our evening will kick off at 4:00 PM with a meet and greet, while snacking on delicious hors d’oeuvres and enjoying cocktails and other beverages from our large selections of refreshments served up from our hosted bar by our extremely congenial and highly entertaining bartenders, Bruce and Sandy Goulet.

Club President, Lonnie Goulet will chair a short meeting at around 5:00 PM to introduce new members; elect officers; recognize outstanding volunteers and present the awards for Mr. and Ms. Christmas!  Immediately following the conclusion of the meeting guests will be welcomed to feast upon a delicious catered dinner by returning provider, Bakeman’s Restaurant – Voted as a 2010 Best Restaurant and 2011 Best Lunch Counter by Seattle Weekly and featured on KING TVs ‘Evening Magazine’!

Appetizers

• Fresh Vegetable/Dip with Gourmet Cheese Tray
• Prawns in Cocktail Sauce
• Barbecue Pork
• Deviled Eggs

Dinner Menu

• Fresh Rolls
• Spring Mix Salad
• Roasted Winter Vegetables
• Flank Steak with Demi Glaze
• Baked Pit Ham with Peach Glaze

Deserts

• Cookies, Brownies, Cream Puffs and more!

As additional incentive for you not to miss out on THE EVENT of the YEAR, we've again hired local entertainer Mary Courtney to tickle the ivories and lead the crowd in Traditional Christmas Music Sing-A-Long.

Tickets are just $30.00 per person by advance purchase through Saturday and then will be offered at the regular $40 price until sold out.

SPECIAL NOTE: Parking in front of the Bell Home is EXTREMELY limited and will be reserved exclusively for special needs only – Carpooling is highly encouraged. Since the driveway leading to the home is longer, the Committee is still working on offering a free ‘Shuttle Service’ from the top of the drive on 37th Avenue South to the home and back. More information will be available on the blog or will be provided by calling Julie at (206) 355-6404. 

It is in the Mail. ...no really!

This past week, the Shore Club has completed the task of mailing out the Fall Newsletter and the Annual Member’s Christmas Party Invitations.  If you are a member who is in active membership status or a recently expired member, both mailings should have arrived to you per your preferred delivery method (either by way of snail mail or by email).  

If any of the following apply to you, please contact Judy Williams for assistance:

• I am a current member but have not been receiving any Shore Club Mailings
• I am a current member who would rather receive email instead of USPS mailings
• I am a current member who has changed their email address
• I am no longer current but would like to reinstate my membership 

If you live within our Angle Lake boundaries and would like to consider becoming a member of the Shore Club, please contact our Welcoming Committee to schedule a visit to receive more information about Club Membership benefits and to receive a packet of valuable discounts available from local area businesses.

THE Social Event of the Year!

The Angle Lake Shore Club Members Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 1st. Invitations were mailed out this past week and we are expecting a significant turn out again this year. To ensure the best experience possible, we are capping ticket sales to the first 100 members only.  If you plan to attend, we ask that you purchase tickets before November 24th. 

The Christmas Party is a great opportunity to visit with familiar neighbors, make new acquaintances, and share fun stories of the great times that were enjoyed during the various club events throughout this past year! We will be providing a delicious catered Gourmet Dinner with an open bar included in the discounted ticket price of just $30 per person.  Yes, you read that right...  An entire evening of socializing; delicious dinner; live holiday music and refreshments, all for only $30 each if purchased before November 24th.
  

After the 24th, tickets will be sold at the door for the regular price of $40 per person.

We will continue the tradition of voting for the couple that most represents Mr. and Mrs. Christmas. The definition is left open for the crowd to decide: Most Active Member; Longest Club Tenure; Most Congenial; More or all of the above – you help decide! You might choose to come dressed in your best interpretation of ‘Holiday Spirit’ and if you receive the most votes you’ll be awarded a valuable prize!

This is a private party for current Angle Lake Shore Club Members Only and their guests. If you are not currently an active member, no worries! We are accepting new and renewal membership applications with the purchase of your Christmas Party tickets. Membership enrollment form along with party times and location details are available by clicking here.

Should you have any remaining unanswered questions or if you’d like to assist with set up, clean up, decorating or general operations, please contact your volunteer hostess, Julie Hill at (206) 355-6460. Hope to see you all at the 2012 ALSC Christmas Party.  

Public Hearing November 6th

Zoning Request Impacts East Neighborhood

The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s “blueprint for future growth and development.” It consists of a future land use map, as well as goals and policies that provide guidance to the City as our area grows and changes to meet the challenges of a growing region. Amendments to the 2012 Comprehensive Plan are currently being considered, one of which impacts our neighborhoods on the east side of Angle Lake.

The property owner of the 19740 Military Road parcel (across the street from fire posts 28 through 31) has submitted a proposal to change the SeaTac Comprehensive Plan on this piece of land from the current zoning of UM-2400 Residential Medium Density to a UH-900 Residential High Density assignment stating the current designation does not support his plans for sighting a Convalescent Center/ Nursing Home and request for a 10 foot setback to permit a planned addition to the existing 5-unit apartment building instead of the current 20 foot requirement. 

While the owner’s motivation to develop this parcel into a revenue producing lot is understandable, area residents are against this proposed rezoning as it does not integrate well with the existing surrounding residential environment and will negatively impact property values and quality of life in the area.  Opposition also considers this move would not only place additional traffic on Military Road but would also increase street side parking demand to support extra staff and visiting guest vehicles.  Concern has also been raised over an increased change of accident potential created from vehicles entering/exiting a complex located in a limited sight distance area due to the existing roadway elevation changes and curves.

November 6: Open House 5:00 P.M.  Public Hearing; 6:00 P.M.  

Prior to the Council reaching any final determinations to changes in the Comprehensive Plan, the public will have an opportunity to attend an Open House to ask questions and receive further details on this or any of the other changes being proposed. A Public Hearing will be held immediately following the open house where anyone may comment on any of the amendments, and express support or opposition to them.  Comments may be provided verbally or in writing at the hearing.  Comment may also be provided in writing (regular mail or email) prior to the hearing, and should be addressed to:

Michael Scarey

City of SeaTac

4800 S. 188th Street

SeaTac, WA 98188

Or sent via email to mscarey@ci.seatac.wa.us

We encourage all impacted residents to make time to attend this meeting and communicate their opinions and concerns.

Dining Off The Beaten Path

Tucked away near the end of SR-509 and just off So. 188th street is a little known diner called the Class Act Restaurant. This establishment features a unique dining experience due to the fact that it is operated by high school students who are enrolled in culinary training at the Puget Sound Skills Center. Enrollees attend from neighboring school districts from all around South King County including Highline, Tukwila, Federal Way and Tahoma.

It is these students who are learning the details of restaurant and kitchen operations and practice their skills by operating the 72 seat dining room three days a week, Wednesday – Friday.  On these days they serve breakfast from 7-9AM and lunch from Noon-1PM. Since the restaurant is actually a ‘classroom’ they operate on full school days following the Highline School District Calendar. Refer to the Breakfast or Lunch pages for the specific days that they are open and to view what is currently being offered from the menu rotation.

The Class Act Restaurant

18010 8th Ave. So.

If your organization or event is looking for meeting space, please note that the Class Act also operates three banquet rooms: The Albrecht Room and The Green Room have seating for groups up to 25 people, and the Yormark Room can support groups up to 70. The rooms can be configured as you wish, with all the food service and audio/visual equipment that you request. They are available on any day that the restaurant is in operation. You can inquire about them by calling the office at the Puget Sound Skills Center at (206) 631-7300. 

Council Meetings Aired on Channel 21

The City of SeaTac announced through the October 19th City Managers Weekly Update that with the recently completed equipment upgrades, the City is now able to broadcast recorded video of the City Council Study Sessions and Council Meetings on SeaTV Channel 21 sooner than had previously been possible. 

Historically, the SeaTV schedule has been updated each Monday following a Council Meeting week; that will now change to Thursday of the same week.  The daily broadcast schedule for the meetings will remain unchanged, they will continue to air at: 2 AM, 8 AM, and 8 PM each day.

Please note, access to City Council Study Sessions and Council Meetings will continue to be available via internet connection for viewing on-demand.  These recordings are normally available for viewing the morning after the meetings are held.  The SeaTV Channel 21 weekly programming schedule is also available on the website, too.  Simply go the City website www.CityofSeaTac.com and click on the SeaTV menu button on the left side of the home page.  This will take you to the SeaTV Channel 21 home page where you can choose to view the TV schedule, the Council Meetings, and SeaTac informational videos.

Christmas Toy Drive

While I imagine most of you are still contemplating over which costume to wear for the upcoming Halloween Holiday –our neighbor Pattie Lenz is already making plans toward making the Christmas Holiday even brighter and more memorable for the less fortunate children in our community!

Her goal this year is to invite and involve as many Shore Club members as possible to come together and help bring a Holiday of Hope to children of SeaTac families through the annual Toy Drive. She is hoping that the many residents who have participated donating gifts to kids in the past will do so again this year and consider inviting additional friends and neighbors to join in as well.

Pattie easily recalls the many heartwarming stories and the pure pleasure experienced seeing the thrill and delight in a child’s face when they receive an unexpected gift from someone who cares. You too can help spread this joy by electing to purchasing an unwrapped child’s gift valued at no more than $20 and donating it to the Angle Lake Family Resource Center at 4040 So. 188th Street, SeaTac.  Gifts must be received no later than December 11th, after which time local families will then be invited to visit the center and select two gifts to give per child.  For more information please contact Leanne at (206) 816-3240 or Pattie at (206) 351-3086.  

This is a wonderful, joyful event to be involved with and a convincing act to show our community cares.

Good Times Brewing In Burien

Our region is well known for craft beers and beer festivals. There’s the Washington Brewer’s Festival, Belgianfest, the Everett Craft Beef Festival, Sour Fest, the Hard Liver Barleywine Fest and many, many more scattered all around the Seattle area and across the state. I hope you’ll make time this weekend to attend Washington’s newest beer festival, the B-Town Brewfest. 

The B-Town Brewfest will be held for the first time this coming Saturday, October 13th, at the Community Center in Burien with the proceeds from this festival benefiting the SeaTac Guild of the Seattle Children’s Hospital. For more details on this festival, you can check out the official website or read the local coverage story in this week’s Highline Times.

The full brewery lineup for the festival will include:

• Airways Brewing Co., Kent, WA
• Diamond Knot Craft Brewing, Mukilteo, WA
• Elliott Bay Brewing Co., Burien, WA
• Harmon Brewing Co., Tacoma, WA
• Iron Horse Brewing, Ellensburg, WA
• Laurelwood Brewing Co., Portland, OR
• Ninkasi Brewing Co., Eugene, OR
• Northwest Brewing Co./Flying Bike Coop Brewery, Pacific, WA
• Odin Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
• Schooner Exact Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
• The Ram Brewery, Seattle, WA
• Wingman Brewery, Tacoma, WA

The festival will be divided into two sessions.  The first is from 11:30AM  – 3:30PM and the second will be from 4:30PM – 8:30PM.  Tickets for the festival are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate.  Your ticket price includes admission to the festival, a festival program, a 5 oz commemorative taster glass and 9 tasting tokens.  Additional drink tokens will be available for purchase for $2 each.  

With fall weather making a return and rain expected to pour all weekend outside, why not spend the day Saturday enjoying a few pours of your new favorites inside!  Head over to Burien to savor some good brews while supporting a good cause!

As always, drink responsibly and stay safe out there.

Announcing: A New Community Forum

A new feature has recently been added to the Angle Lake Shore Club electronic ecosystem which will enable residents to communicate directly to the community through an internet message board. 

What is an Online Forum?

An internet message board or forum is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are at least temporarily archived. Also, depending on the access level of a user or the forum set-up, a posted message might need to be approved by a moderator before it becomes visible.  At this time, the ALSC Forum will not require moderator approval for messages to be viewed. 

A discussion forum is hierarchical or tree-like similar to a file/folder/document structure. A forum contains an infinite number of individual topics. Within a forum's topic, each new discussion started is called a thread, and can be replied to by as many people as so wish.

The ALSC forum's settings currently allow users remain anonymous or by electing to become a registered user, you will be able to edit and personalize your profile, subscribe to receive post notifications via email, control your starred items and manage your history. Once registered with the forum you’ll be required to log in on subsequent visits in order to post messages however, no users are required to log in to read existing messages.

Locating the Forum

You can access the forum through the active link located on the ALSC Blog Site Homepage, listed on the right hand side under the Additional Links section.  Clicking on the link will transition your browser view to the forum page where you’ll see the individual forum topics listed in reverse chronological order where the most recent post or reply is listed at the top.  Clicking on any of these posts will reveal the threaded conversations relating to the topic. 

Purpose of the ALSC Forum

The forum has been created with one purpose in mind: allow the members of ALSC the opportunity to communicate real-time, unassisted and direct with other community members without having to rely on email addresses or group distribution lists. The forum has replaced the previous assisted Lost and Found and Classified pages on the blog. 

It’s YOUR forum, communicate how you like!  We only ask that you keep it clean, keep it civil.

Washington's Most Wanted

King County Police are searching for a Sex Offender known to jump out of bushes, trying to lure young girls back into woods.  Mitchell McKay is a child predator whose been previously convicted of Rape of a Child and Child Molestation – both charges in the first degree. An arrest warrant was issued in September and detectives believe he has been camping in the woods off I-5 in SeaTac, -- mainly in the woods along Military Rd.

MITCHELL MCKAY

Age: 49

Ht: 5’7”

Wt: 230 lbs

If you spot him, or know where he’s hiding, call an anonymous tip into: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS

Contractor Named... Station Not

Sound Transit’s board of directors have selected a contractor to expand Link light rail south from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the intersection of South 200th St and 28th Avenue South, the agency announced Thursday.

PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. has been awarded a contract to bring Link’s southern terminus into the southern part of SeaTac, with service to begin just four years from now, in September of 2016. PCL’s bid came in at $169 million, which is less than the $170 to $190 million cost Sound Transit had projected.

Over the next four years, PCL will design and build the guideway for the 1.6 mile extension (which I’m going to call Angle Lake Link for the sake of brevity and clarity) as well as the station, which does not yet have a final name. (It will either be South SeaTac, S. 200th Street, or Angle Lake; I personally prefer Angle Lake).

The Sound Transit press release included in their statement “The important work PCL and Sound Transit will accomplish together will enable the agency to deliver the South 200th Link Extension project on an accelerated schedule.” The words accelerated schedule is an understatement, if you ask me. What Sound Transit has accomplished over the last year is really significant. They’ve moved up the completion date for this component of Link’s expansion from 2020 to 2016. For real. That’s huge. It means that in 2016, Link will be expanding in two directions simultaneously – north (to the University of Washington) and south (to Angle Lake in SeaTac) – adding a total of three new stations.

Plans for the Angle Lake station call for a parking garage with seven hundred stalls, though that will be built separately under a different contract than the agreement approved today. Sound Transit is also looking at adding several hundred additional parking spaces to accommodate people who want to park and ride.  

So for now, the design / build contractor has been named – we’ll just have to wait a bit longer for the official station name to be announced.

Tour the WSCJTC Learning Center

Less than two miles to the west of Angle Lake is the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Learning Center. The WSCJTC provides training for law enforcement, corrections and other public safety professionals in Washington State.

To be eligible to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) students must be hired by one of the 272 recognized law enforcement agencies in the State of Washington.  However you, as a local resident, will have an opportunity to visit the campus on select days to discover the varied law enforcement training operations that are offered at this location.  

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission will hold one, full campus tour each month through the end of the year for legislators, Commissioners, stakeholders, and the public. The tours will be conducted by Executive Director Sue Rahr, Facility Manager Wes Anderson and Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) Commander John Suessman. 

WSCJTC Campus Tour dates:

• September 27
• October 25
• November 19
• December 20

All tours will begin at 1 PM in the Olympic Building Lobby.

Tours will consist of a campus overview; visiting student classrooms, Mock City, the Firing Range, the Dormitories, and other parts of the campus; viewing training occurring on campus; and a hands on experience in the driving simulator.

If you would like to attend one of the tours, please RSVP to Sonja Hirsch at shirsch@cjtc.state.wa.us or (206) 835-7372. Your RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary.

Open Water Swim Competition

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012.  The Gregorian calendar indicates that this will be the first day of autumn; Weather predictions proclaim that it will be yet another splendid spring like morning and according to the Blue Wave Aquatics web site this day is recognized as the official “Last Gasp of Summer!” 

The 2012 Last Gasp of Summer is an open water swimming event hosted by Blue Wave Aquatics and Valley Aquatics Swim Team and sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest Association of Master Swimmers, Inc for USMS (Sanction No. 362-W002). For those like me who may not be all that familiar with the sport of open water swimming, this all means that it’s going to be a pretty big darn deal!

Angle Lake has been chosen as the location for this event. The course will run nearly the entire length of the east-west leg and will be marked with large buoys. Motor boats, kayaks and lifeguards will be strategically located around the course to monitor race operations and lend assistance if necessary. Nearly 150 Master Swimmers are expected to compete in one of four events: 1 mile wetsuit, 1 mile non-wetsuit, 2 mile wetsuit, 2 mile non-wetsuit.  There will also be an additional 3 events offered for youth swimmers to compete in: 1 mile, 2 mile, and 500 meters for 9 - 12 year old swimmers. 

Race Day Schedule
7:30 AM           Registration Set Up, Course Set Up.
8:00 AM           Picnic Set Up / Volunteer Check In ***
8:30 – 9:30      Athlete Check In
8:45 AM           Officials Briefing – Officials, Kayaks, Lifeguards
9:30 AM           Athletes Mandatory Safety Briefing
10:00 AM          Start of 2 Mile Race
10:15 AM          Start of 1 Mile Race
10:45 AM          Start of 500 Meter Race (USA Swimming)
11:45 AM          Awards / Picnic Lunch

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of volunteer effort to pull off an event of this magnitude and the organizers could always use additional help.  ***If interested lending a hand simply show up no later than 8:30 AM and ask Wendy Neely for assignment otherwise ask for Jennifer Mesler if you’d like to help patrol the course from your kayak. All volunteers will be welcome to join the athletes enjoying a free picnic lunch.

The course will be cleared by noon and the event is expected to conclude no later than 1:00 PM.

2012 ALSC Classic Horse-N-Around Race

The three person teams, or ‘horses’, competing in the 2012 ALSC Classic are gathering up and preparing for the big race this Saturday! If you plan to join us as wagering spectators, be sure to obtain your own FREE copy of the race program HERE.

ALSC Classic Horse-N-Around Race

Where: Jones Beach (Post 40)

When: Saturday, September 15th

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

I Love a Parade
The post parade and warm-up can provide valuable insight about a “horse's” readiness

Who doesn't love a parade? The post parade can be a confusing term to a newbie (at least it was to this newbie)… I wondered “what value is there in parading the horses after the race?” not realizing that the “post” was the start of the race, as in “post time”. So, in fact, it’s a parade TO the post.

When you hear the call to the post, it’s a signal for the horses (in our case, teams) to make their way to the post parade where the announcer introduces each horse as they “parade” in front of the grandstand. I always used to put my wagers in prior to the parade and warm-up to avoid lines at the window. Being someone who didn’t grow up around horses and generally couldn’t tell a claimer from a stakes horse, I never felt like I would be able to derive any usable information from looking at the horses. The first time it became apparent to me that I needed to start paying attention to their appearance and demeanor was the 2011 ALSC Classic. As the teams paraded in front of us, a particular unknown was trotting, snorting and raised up with a plaintive “I’m here to do business” whinny. I should have immediately run to the window and put my $50 to win on her. In short, she looked ready to rock, and rock she did, while my pick was among the first off the board.  So you might consider showing up early so that you can observe all the competitors before placing your final bets!

To keep things simple, WIN, PLACE or SHOW bets only will be accepted, no exotic betting is permitted.  Spectators will receive $50 in play money to place wagers however they feel will generate the greatest payout.  At the end of the day, all bets will be tallied and the top four wagers will be awarded the following CASH prizes: 

• WIN - $200
• PLACE - $100
• SHOW - $50
• IN THE MONEY - $25. 

 In the event of any ties, winners will be randomly drawn for prize money.

A Day At The Races!

Volunteers are finalizing plans and race preparations, teams have begun to form while co-conspirators Jim and Judy are busy concocting new games of skill for race participants to compete in. Just as last year, these games are going to be as much fun to watch as they are to compete in! (Click HERE to view photos from the 2011 race)

ALSC Classic Horse-N-Around Race

Where: Jones Beach (Post 40)

When: Saturday, September 15th

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A maximum of 12 teams will be competing for a total prize purse of $1,125.00!  Payout will be $600 for 1st (win); $300 for 2nd (place), $150 for 3rd (show) and $75 for 4th place finishers. To competed in the race, you must hold active ALSC member status or be sponsored by an active member. At the time of this writing only two team entries are remain available. 

Even if you should choose not to compete in the race, you are invited to participate in the ALSC Classic Horse ‘N’ Around Race by partaking in a scrumptious all-you-can-eat $5 Barbecue Lunch, or enjoying a refreshing beverage from the no host bar stock full of options, or take part in wagering by placing bets on your favorite ‘horse’ (team) in their quest for victory! Even though we’ll be playing with Monopoly money, spectators and competitors alike will be eligible for some nice prize payouts depending on how wisely the odds are played.  See the FLYER for additional information on cash rewards.

It is going to be another amazing day at the races on Jones beach, a day full of fun that you won’t want to miss!

ALSC Summer Events

2012 Tasty Tapas

The Tasty Tapas Float Around of 2012 was another huge success.  Held on Saturday, August 11th, the total number of participants this year was well over 140 people including many guests from off the lake in addition to some new neighbors who've recently moved into the neighborhood.  Each station host did a fantastic job providing for the crowd through meticulous planning, offering exquisite hors d’oeuvres, staging a themed environment and creating a welcoming atmosphere… and if that weren’t enough one station supplied live music, and many of the participants got into the act by dressing in coordinated costumes!  Relive the moments through the video slide show below:

(Click the image to play the video)

Virtually every participant expressed their delight and enjoyment in the function and some even inquired if the club hosted any other events like this?  Funny they should ask! 

Angle Lake Classic Horse-N-Around Race

We have another fun filled, entertaining event coming up on Saturday, September 15th called the Angle Lake Classic Horse-N-Around Race! The event will pit up to 12 rival teams consisting of three ‘athletes’, each competing in a variety of challenges for a share of cash prizes (think of “Minute to Win It"; "Survivor"; or "The Amazing Race"). Spectators will also vie for prize money by sponsoring and cheering on their three favorite teams to victory. 

The afternoon will begin with a social hour where teams will receive competition rules and the crowd will size up the competing teams and choose their favorites. Then the real fun begins witnessing who become the victors and who end up less than victorious. When the dust settles only four teams will achieve a position of win, place, show or ‘in the money’ and spectators will also be able to wager ‘play money’ for a chance to win some real cash depending on how their chosen team finished. Regardless of your luck, all will end up enjoying a wonderful meal where winners will boast of their success and others will wax warnings of an imminent comeback next year! 

 

We are in need of teams to compete so if you are up for a challenge – have the brawn, brains, and/or finesse to compete in some serious fun challenges (and you know of two other individuals who do to) please contact Lonnie Goulett or Judy Williams for registration details! Deadline for entry is rapidly approaching!  

Help Name The Station

Every day, Sound Transit is making progress toward the goal of extending the Link light rail system between the Sea-Tac Airport and South 200th Street. During the project's early phases, the station was given the temporary or working name of S. 200th Street. The project is now approaching the time for the Sound Transit Board of Directors to choose and adopt a permanent name for the station.

Over the past few months, project representatives have been gathering input from community members and stakeholders about potential permanent station names.  The objective is to be in a position where the Sound Transit Board could formally adopt a permanent station name as early as September which is the same time the design-build construction project for the guideway and station is expected to be awarded. As part of the naming process, Sound Transit is collecting feedback via a web survey to present to the Board on the proposed choice of a station name.

Here’s your chance to help name the new link light rail station.  If you’d like to be a part of the process in choosing a future permanent name for this station, please click the link below to learn more about the station naming criteria and weigh in with your thoughts by completing the survey no later than Monday, Sept. 17.

Station Naming Survey

If you have comments on any of the proposed names for the station on the South 200th Link Extension, please take a moment to send an email to Jennifer.lemus@soundtransit.org.

Crime Survey Complete

Thank you everyone who responded to our request for participation in the online Angle Lake Crime Survey!  A total of sixty (60) individuals took the time necessary in providing responses to the ten questions to help form a baseline understanding of the current perception of crime in our area, determine the degree of impact the average resident feels it is having on their way of life in this area of SeaTac, and supplying us with great ideas regarding what they are doing as homeowners to help combat crime within their immediate neighborhoods.

The Survey Results
A summary of the survey responses is as follows:

• Of the 60 respondents, 56 felt crime was an issue in their neighborhood
• With regard for how police were handling crime in their area: 33% were satisfied whereas 67% were neutral or expressed dissatisfaction.
• When asked if they currently participate in an active block watch, 56 said they do not. However 78% of those surveyed indicated they’d be very interested or somewhat interested in forming an organized block watch and 75% expressed they would be willing to volunteer additional time to work toward crime solutions.

A Call to Action

Viewing the results above, it is clear from the responses that people are willing to invest additional time in partnering with other residents in formulating solutions to reduce their risk of becoming victims of further criminal activity.  These surveyed responses acted as the catalyst for Council Member Pam Fernald to spring into action, responding to a request for help in opening a dialog with the new Crime Prevention Office Rich Rowe and to assist in coordinating and hosting a crime prevention meeting at city facilities for residents concerned about crime.  

Community Crime Prevention Meeting

Council Chambers at SeaTac City Hall

Wednesday, August 29th 6:30 – 7:30 PM

The evening agenda will include information on crime prevention relating to home break-ins plus additional steps to take to prevent criminal activity along the lake shore, share key information on starting a block watch in your area and discussion regarding the benefits and proven effectiveness of forming block watches. There will be a question, answer and comment period at the end of the meeting as an opportunity for residents to address any unique circumstance or experience they are faced with. 

Please make plans now to attend this beneficial workshop and please encourage your neighbors to do so, too!

Angle Lake Crime Survey

There are so many things to be thankful for living in this neighborhood: neighbors who care about the area, the camaraderie that is experienced through the various Shore Club events, the Friday Night social hours on the ‘El” (which last Friday looked like a small floating city of folks out enjoying the company of their other neighbors), opportunities in boating, sailing, fishing and swimming that living on the lake affords, and of course the simple beauty of our natural surroundings and the view it provides.

However, the neighborhood does have a problem and it appears to be increasing… what I am referring to is the rise in the frequency that criminal activity is occurring in our neighborhood. We’ve heard the news reports of breaking and entering which resulted in the assailant being shot by the homeowner; we learned of instances where home and car windows as well as overhead lights have been shot out, we’re aware of the recent property thefts occurring along the lakeshore, we’ve witnessed the results of mail theft seeing postal materials strewn about the culverts and walkways along our streets.  And now it appears that even our City Government is not immune to the problem of property crime in our area either. I just learned on Saturday that sometime during the morning hours the Angle Lake Park restrooms were broken into and all the copper piping was removed… rendering the restroom inoperable, requiring portable restrooms to be deployed until the plumbing can be replaced.

Crime can have negative effects on community morale as well as business growth and development.  Fear of being victimized by crime affects purchasing habits, community involvement and tourism. Preventing crime is the responsibility of those who seek a safe, peaceful environment.  Learning effective ways to deter crime is the first step to securing and maintaining low crime rates.

I, like many of you, am frustrated at hearing the increasing number of reported crimes occurring within our area, of experiencing crime as a victim of it and not hearing of any viable solutions, sorry but I don’t think an armed posse of vigilante residents is necessarily the right way of going about it! (…hello? …Zimmerman???)

While the police services are doing what they can, let’s face it – their services are mostly reactive at best, after the crime has been committed and I’ve seen little done toward preventing it from occurring.  Therefore, I’d like to call upon the stakeholders of our neighborhood, the property owners who care most about this community and ask that we begin brainstorming possible solutions; I’d also like to ask that you respond by taking the following online survey to get a baseline understanding of where the majority are at when it comes to preventing crime. 

Click here to take survey

The survey consists of 10 questions to respond to with opportunity to provide additional detail if you prefer.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to this survey.

Breaking News: Lakeside Crime Spree

We’ve just received the following status report from Judy Williams:

“While at the Seatac Police Department today, I received some updated information relating to the recent burglary report on the Blog. 

It seems that the Sullivan’s at 196th and Military Road found a bunch of boat stuff in their bushes last night and reported it to the police. 

Speculation is that the criminal(s) came onto the lake - perhaps via the same area on Military,  "borrowed" a boat, went around the lake and took what we know has now been reported missing. The individual(s) most likely exited the lake near the Sullivan’s leaving with the smaller items they could carry off with them with the intent to return later for the larger items that they stashed in the nearby bushes.  All the recovered property is at STPD and available for pick-up. 

Officer Mitchell has available the report from the officers who recovered the property and their listing of everything found.  I am happy to report I now have my motor back and I have verified that the Todd’s motor is there, too. My battery is gone as it was small enough to carry off. 

Anyone missing property can call STPD or go there and look for what they are missing.  The bad news is the culprits have not been apprehended, but the good news it that some of the stolen property has been recovered.”

Thank you Judy for providing this report and informing those impacted of the opportunity to recover their stolen property.  

Volunteers Make a Difference!

On Saturday, July 28^th, the Shore Club hosted the second annual Lakeside Clean Sweep. The event kicked off this year with over 30 enthusiastic volunteers lined up and eager to get started collecting and removing trash and debris strewn about the Public Boat Launch, Hughes Property and the shoreline in between. 

The SeaTac Parks Department personnel issued trash bags and litter picker tools to the ‘terrestrial’ volunteers who were then dispatched to areas in the public park and on city owned property.  ‘Amphibians’ jumped onto the Bruce Bryant boat and were ferried over to the most heavily littered areas between the Offices and Apartment complexes located along the Southwest shores of the lake.  The Goulet Brothers, Lonnie and Bruce two pontoon boats with steel barge sandwiched between them served as dive platform for the deep water ‘aquanauts’ to deploy from and acted as a mobile collection point for garbage pulled from the water. It should also be noted that Julie Hill formed her own team to collect litter from the pedestrian walkways adjacent the main surface streets around the perimeter of the lake.

Within the four hours of work, all teams contributed two heaping piles consisting of paper, cans, bottles, mattress pads, numerous articles of decomposing clothing, a tent, tarps, several tires, a few chairs and yes, even a kitchen sink!  City parks employees helped to load and dispose of the more than two truckloads required to haul off the refuse collected from the project.

Once all the litter was carted away, the crew cleaned up and headed to the center of the lake to enjoy a full lunch accompaniment of sandwiches, chips, and refreshments after which a random raffle prize drawing was held.  Lucky participating volunteers received one of four ‘Olde Skool’ Angle Lake Shore Club hoodies or a ‘Big Bobber’ floating cooler. 

While the level of effort required for cleaning the area of garbage met most volunteer’s original expectations, very few anticipated the amount of satisfaction they’d feel from the outstanding job they performed ridding the area from all the unwanted debris.  When volunteers perform community service work the gift is truly received twice. Special thanks and recognition goes to the Angle Lake Shore Club and it's members for organizing and sponsoring this community event.

Lakeside Crime Spree

The blog team had begun receiving calls and emails yesterday regarding rampant theft having occurred sometime through the night of Wednesday, July 25^th on the Northwest shoreline of Angle Lake. 

Items reported missing were a couple boat stereo systems; several gas and electric boat motors; electric batteries; fish finders; gps units; and various other valuable items.  The location of theft had occurred between the Beck’s pontoon boat through to the William’s dock and quite possibly beyond.  It is assumed that the thief(ves) made their approach from the water.  If any resident is aware of after dark sailings and have a description to offer, please contact the SeaTac Police Department to record your information.

If you have property stored along the shoreline, we encourage you to take inventory as soon as possible and register an incident report involving any theft or vandalism.  You can file a police report by calling the King County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency line at (206) 296-3311, twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week.  Or as an additional convenience, you can file an online claim via the internet at the following address: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/ReportToSheriff.aspx 

No matter how small the item, regardless of its perceived depreciated value – all incidents should have a police reported filed.  Failing to file a claim obscures the report of actual percentage of crime occurring within the area and can unintentionally mask the problem. If we don’t report it, police services aren’t aware of it, and hence cannot respond to it!  Please take the time to report everything!

With increased reports of crime occurring both street side as well as along the shoreline, a formal request has recently been made of the SeaTac Police Department to help host a Community Meeting to share best practices and information for preparing against and combating crime.  Please continue to watch the ALSC Blog for further details.

Get Involved In Your Community

Do you have great ideas in mind on how SeaTac may further develop existing programs or consider introducing new ones to increase visitor stay inside our area – or perhaps your interest is more toward assisting the elderly of our city by helping to identify issues and providing recommended solutions to help improve living conditions for our senior citizens?  If either of these area seem of interest to you, the City of SeaTac has immediate vacancies on the Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee and Senior Citizen Advisory Committee. 

The SeaTac Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee was created pursuant to RCW 67.28 relating to public stadium, convention, arts, and tourism facilities. The Chair of the Committee is a member of the City Council with the remaining members representing the lodging industry or associated tourism-related enterprise, including not-for-profit organizations. The Committee’s duties include soliciting requests for tourism-related activities from eligible entities and making recommendations for funding to the City Council as part of the annual budget development and adoption process.

Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee

2nd Wednesday, 3:00 pm, City Hall Airport Conference Room 345

Membership: 9 / Term: 3 years

An application for the Hotel/Motel Advisory Committee can be emailed to you upon request by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (206) 973-4660.

The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee's mission is to work with the Staff Liaison to identify issues related to Senior Citizens in community; act as an advisory body to the City Council and provide input through the City Manager and the Staff Liaison to the City Council on issues relating to Senior Citizens in the community; provide increased opportunities for community involvement for our Senior population, and advise the City Council, through the City Manager and the Staff Liaison regarding the delivery of Senior Citizen programs, provide outreach to the community in an effort to develop and place Senior Citizen issues before the citizens of the City of SeaTac in a positive manner.  

Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

3rd Tuesday, 12:30 pm, SeaTac Community Center

Membership: 5 / Term: 3 years

An application for the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee can be found on the City’s website.

Patriotic Service Project

Lakeside resident Sebastian Hill and school friend Christian Pirotte, two college seniors in Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) working toward a commission as 2nd Lieutenants were looking for a service project where they could do something to give back to the lake community.

As the weather was beginning to warm, water based activities were increasing and the community was bustling in preparation for the Independence Day celebrations their service interest turned toward the dive platform anchored in the Southeast corner where the annual 4^th of July swim races would be held. “We thought that painting the dock in an American flag pattern would be a great way to promote our national pride, provide a great visual to celebrate the 4th of July, and give back to the community by cleaning up the weathered dock.” Sebastian offered.

After some planning, Christian and Sebastian received assistance from Steve Beck and Lonnie Goulet for preparing the dock for painting by helping to pressure wash what must have been 40 lbs of bird droppings and a thick carpet of moss covering the surface. Sebastian’s father Doug Hill was commissioned to ferry paint and cleaning supplies and food of course to the ambitious guys during the many hours they were out their scrubbing, spraying and cleaning.

Once all the boards received a fresh coat of primer to increase paint adhesion, taping began to section off the area where the field of blue and stars would be placed.  After the first coat of red and white stripes were down, handmade star stencils were applied on top of the white circles we drew where the stars would to be placed. Sebastian recalls “We were out on the platform one night when it started raining and we stayed out there until 10:30 pm trying to protect the stars and blue paint. We had to come back the next morning and fix what the rain had ruined.”

Upon completing the rework and stencil shapes had been reapplied, blue paint was spread over the entire field area. After the appropriate curing time had been reached the stencils were pulled up to reveal the brilliant white stars among a regal blue background. The finishing touches were applied by painting the bottom boards black and using stencils to write "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave."

The project was completed in plenty of time before the 4^th of July competitive Swim and Boat Races began. We’d like to provide recognition and express appreciation for the great job these two men did in championing and managing this effort.