Sustainable Burien has installed four community gardens at the Interim Art Space, with the hopes of developing a place where residents can grow sustainable food.

“Right now we’re just trying to show that this can be done,” said SuBu member John Feeney as he put the finishing touches on some lattice work. “And this garden is open to all residents, especially those who want to grow their own food – just come to one of our meetings.”

Some of the plants growing in the garden now include pumpkin, tomato, corn, mint, lettuce, peppers, chard, onion and others, along with one planter devoted to local, native plants like wild rose and black cap raspberry.

Sustainable Burien’s next meeting is Sunday, July 12th at the new Burien library from 2pm – 4pm. For more information, please visit their website.

Members of Sustainable Burien pose next to their new community garden at B/ IAS. Photo by Rebecca Dare.

Even though we all are all most certainly chock-full of common sense, sometimes we all need gentle reminders of what stupid decisions can do to a human being, especially on a sunny summer day where there are fireworks, reckless youths and other celebratory elements around us.

Therefore, here is our requisite 4th of July “Safe and Sane” posting, courtesy the Seattle Red Cross, the King County Sheriff’s Department and our own experiences:

“While celebrating Independence Day, burns — superficial or first degree — can result from partaking in any of these celebratory activities; so the American Red Cross offers the following tips to keep this holiday safe and fun-filled:

• Make sure that exposed skin is covered with an appropriate sun block before heading out to the parade, family picnic or other outdoor activity.
• Keep small children a safe distance from hot barbecue grills, outdoor fireplaces, and of course, fireworks.
• Plan to attend a professional fireworks display instead of creating your own. Remember that the setting off of fireworks is illegal in Burien.
• Whether received from cooking at the grill or being careless with fireworks, burns should be treated immediately. We recommend buying an aloe vera plant and having it on hand, ‘cuz nothing’s better for a burn than fresh aloe.
• Stop the burning. Put out the flames or remove the victim from the source of the burn. For example, you may have to put out flames that have caught on to clothing.
• Cool the burn. Use large amounts of water to cool the burned area. DO NOT use ice or ice water other than on small superficial burns; ice causes loss of body heat. Use whatever resources are available — tub, shower or garden hose. You can apply soaked towels, sheets or other wet cloths to a burned face or other areas that cannot be immersed. Be sure to keep cloths cool by adding more water.
• Cover the burn. Use dry, sterile dressings or a clean cloth to cover a burn. Loosely bandage them in place. Covering the burn helps keep air out and reduces pain. Covering the burn also prevents infection. If the burn covers a large area of the body, cover it with clean, dry sheets or other cloth, then get to the hospital.
• For minor burns and burns with open blisters that do not require medical care, wash the areas with soap and water. Keep it clean. Put on an antibiotic ointment (available from any drug store). Watch for signals of infection.
• Critical burns need immediate medical attention. Call 9-1-1 if a burn victim is having difficulty breathing; more than one part of the body is burned; burns are on the head, neck, hands, feet or genitals; a child or an elderly person has been burned; or chemicals, electricity or explosions have caused burns.

From the King County Sheriff’s Department:

The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that water safety should be of paramount importance over the long, Independence Day weekend.

“We want King County residents to have a great time over the 4th”, said Sheriff Rahr.  “But use common sense and stay safe!”

Our Advice:

• Whatever you do, do NOT look down into a pipe when you’re waiting for a bottle rocket to go off. Just forget it dude.
• Stop pointing fireworks at your friends.
• Stop throwing firecrackers at girls. They don’t dig it dude.
• If you start a fire, put it out right away. Don’t run away laughing, ‘cuz karma will get you back.

The American Red Cross offers many training sessions in First Aid and CPR. For First Aid and CPR classes in King County, please call (206) 726-3534 or visit the web site at www.seattleredcross.org.”

This 4th of July, while you’re walking around Burien searching for that perfect seat to enjoy the parade (which starts at 3pm) look around and see how many of the local merchants are open for business.

Stop in and pick up those last minute bar-b-que items, gifts or just have a cold one. Keep in mind that most will be open limited hours so they too can enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

These businesses are on or just off of the parade route and will be open on the 4th:

• 909 Coffee and Wine
• A Place for Pets
• B&E Meats
• Bison Creek Pizza
• B-Town Scoop
• Burien Food Center
• Burien Press
• Elliott Bay Brewhouse
• Fireweed Beads
• Goodie Gum Drops
• Hey Paison
• Karuna Arts Yoga
• La Costa
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
  
• Platinum Comix
• Poggi Bonsi Cucina
• The Mark Restaurant & Bar
  
• Vince’s Italian Restaurant

Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting on Sunday, July 12th from 2pm to 4pm, and they’re back at the (new) library.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sustainable Burien’s monthly meeting

WHEN: Sunday, July 12th from 2pm to 4pm – doors open at 1:30pm

WHERE: The new Burien Library, located at 400 SW 152nd

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is an organization started in January of 2008. We recognize the need to promote and participate in the creation of a sustainable community in Burien. We invite all residents and businesses to participate in creating a sustainable local community by sharing their ideas, passions, knowledge and talents.

At our meetings we will be collecting burned out CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs and dead rechargable batteries. People are welcome to bring any extra food items [produce from your garden, fruit from your trees, etc.] that they have and barter with others. Also bring any coupons for food that you get in the mail or from the newspaper, we’ll pass them on to the food bank, who can make good use of them.

Gatherings are held on the second Sunday of each month, – from 2:00 – 4:00PM at the (new) KCLS Burien Library (doors open at 1:30PM). For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

Please call Rebecca or Bill at 243-9366 if there are questions.

Late Thursday afternoon (July 2nd), renowned German urban planner Thomas Sieverts walked around Burien on a perfect summer day in an effort to study its unique “Zwischenstadt.”

The term “Zwischenstadt” has become popularized to mean an “in–between city,” or the city between the old historical centers and open countryside, which is how he views Burien. Sieverts previously taught urban planning at the University of Visual Arts in Berlin and the Technical University in Darmstadt.

Sieverts was on a three-day visit to the Seattle area, which included a town hall meeting Wednesday night, and an appearance on KUOW’s Weekday. In addition to Mayor Joan McGilton and Councilmember Gordon Shaw, he was followed around by a four-camera film crew, which is producing a documentary on Burien that will be released later in the summer.

After several different groups did walking tours that began at the Burien Interim Art Space, the entire crowd re-grouped for a lively discussion lead by author Matthew Stadler, along with B-Town Blog Publisher Scott Schaefer and Sieverts himself.

Sieverts spoke about things he noticed on his walking tour, including a strip of Hispanic businesses on SW 153rd, which he recommended nurturing into a sort of “hispanic market strip” as opposed to making it “another main street” to encourage diversity and as a place for like-minded folks to gather and appreciate their culture.

“This is a huge deal for Burien,” said Mark Kearns, owner of nearby coffee shop Burien Press. “Not many know about Sieverts, but there are people here who have followed him up from Portland, or have come down from Vancouver just to see him speak. His appearance here could put Burien on the international map!”

Author Matthew Stadler, BTB Publisher Scott Schaefer, and Urban Planner Thomas Sieverts at B/ IAS Thursday night. Photo by Rebecca Dare.

Highlights of the outdoor discussion included:

• Members of the crowd shared their observations of their walking tour, including concerns over possible vandalism in Dottie Harper Park to some carved faces in a tree stump. Later, resident Guy Harper (no relation to Dottie) explained that the artwork had actually been removed for restoration and had not been vandalized. Host Stadler noted how each interesting space in a city can inspire different stories for different people.
• Mayor Joan McGilton spoke about the effectiveness of temporary art, and proposed doing a mural on the large rear exterior wall of Grocery Outlet across the street. Later, Stadler proposed projecting images on the wall as a solution. Sieverts concurred, and spoke briefly about “softly breaking the law” as a way to revitalize a neighborhood.
• Sieverts’ son, Boris, got up and spoke about discovering the hidden gem nearby known as Lake Burien. He wondered aloud why there was no public access to the private lake, and encouraged residents to demand it. Schaefer then explained about how a small group of residents is trying to gain public access, but have had no success due to much resistance from protective lake residents.
• Near the end of the evening, Boris encouraged everyone to “march down to the lake together.” Schaefer then added “…and go skinny dipping!” Unfortunately for the film crew present, the march and nude swim prank never materialized.

Over 100 people stayed to the end of the evening, even helping “strike the set” by putting chairs and tables away.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• German Urban Planner Thomas Sieverts Featured On KUOW; Will Be At B/ IAS Thursday Beginning At 4pm
• “Where We Live Now: Why Burien?” Featuring Thomas Sieverts, Is Thurs., 7/2

Thursday (July 2nd), we received the following email from a BTB Reader named Jessica, inquiring about the 1972 George Tsutakawa fountain at the new library, which has been recently removed:

Hello,

Yesterday I visited the beautiful new Burien library and noticed the fountain in front was missing. I know it made it in the move as I had previously saw it at the new location.

When I asked one of the librarians what had happened to the sculpture she said it is currently in storage but was unsure as to why.

With the community so boisterous about one particular bronze sculpture I can’t imagine why they are not up in arms to protect the lovely G rated George Tsutakawa Fountain.

Is there not enough room in Burien for more than one sculpture?

Or perhaps someone complained about the environmental impact of the base of the sculpture being too small and thus causing a small amount of water to be wasted.

I thought if anyone could get to the bottom of this it would be the B-Town Blog.

Thank you,
Jessica

So we contacted our “Empress Of Information,” Marilee Cogswell, Manager of the Burien branch, who said:

Yes, it has been removed temporarily – we are looking at alternative sites for it as it was getting a bit too much attention (trash, coins, and climbing) in that space.

It was decided to pull it out and store it before any real damage happened.

We are looking at a couple of alternatives..one inside the building and one outside.

I don’t have a timeline, but will keep you posted.

George Tsutakawa's "Rain Fountain No. 2" used to be inside a protected courtyard.

The original installation of this fountain was in an inner courtyard of the old library, which was protected from human interaction.

The new location was not, hence the concerns and subsequent removal.

When we took the photos early Thursday evening three young boys were playing around in the fountain’s base, empty of everything but rocks.

“I think they moved it ‘cuz kids were playing on it,” said one young man who was literally inside the base when asked what happened. Moments later, he found a coin from under some rocks.

Here’s some info on Tsutakawa from the website Art Market Online:

George Tsutakawa dedicated his life to art and the freedom of expression that it granted him. Tsutakawa worked in a number of media, including paint, bronze, and clay. Born in Seattle in 1910, Tsutakawa went to live with his maternal grandmother in Japan from 1917 to 1927. Upon Tsutakawa’s return to Seattle, he began to study art and help with the family import/export business. His time spent in Japan as a child – especially the traditional tea ceremonies performed by his uncle – inform his work, as did the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region and the art of the Northwest Masters. Tsutakawa attended the University of Washington, and received his MFA in 1950.

In 1960 the City of Seattle commissioned George Tsutakawa to create Fountain of Wisdom, for the Seattle Library; this project was the first art commission by the city of Seattle since 1908. Between 1960 and 1990, the artist designed and created over 60 fountains throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He exhibited extensively throughout Japan, the United States and Canada beginning in the 1950’s. Tsutakawa was awarded many honors throughout his career including the Order of Rising Sun Award, fourth class, from the Emperor of Japan.

In 1972, “Rain Fountain No.2,” made of stainless steel, 6′, was installed at the (old) Burien Library on 4th Ave SW.

We’ll keep you posted as this story develops, so check back often. You can also subscribe to our free RSS Feed here, or get the blog via email here.

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Breeders Theater launches its 16th production with a new show, “The Last Magician,” which is a comedy with music.

“The Last Magician“ is an environmental parable about sacrifice and responsibility. Book and lyrics are by T.M. Sell with music by Nancy Warren. Teresa Widner directs, with costumes by Melissa Sell.

The cast features:

• J Howard Boyd
• Eric Hartley
• Doug Knoop
• Steve Scheide
• Adrienne Grieco
• Michael Brunk
• Nathan Hicks
• Kelly Johnson
• Brenan Grant
• Pamela Mohn

Shows are July 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 at 7 p.m. and July 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

All performances are at E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127-B SW 153rd Street in Burien, 206-242-3852.

Tickets are available at the winery or at CorkyCellars in Des Moines, located at 22511 Marine View Drive, 206-824-9462.

More information is available online here, and tickets are just $20 and include wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets are available at E.B. Foote Winery (206-242-3852) or at Corky Cellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462).

Burien’s next Annexation Informational Open House will be Tuesday, July 14th at the Glen Acres Church of Christ in White Center.

Here are the details:

WHAT: City of Burien’s informational open house to provide information about what annexation will mean for the people within the proposed annexation area.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 14th from 6:30pm – 8pm

WHERE: Glen Acres Church of Christ, located at 11401 10th Ave South in White Center

CONTACT: 206-436-5555; Email: annexation@burienwa.gov

King County Elections is scheduled to mail out ballots to registered voters on July 29 for the August 18 vote. Residents of unincorporated King County who live in the southern portion of the North Highline community will have a chance to decide if they want to join the city of Burien.

City of Burien staff will present information and answer questions at three upcoming informational open houses.  If you would like city staff to come and talk with your community group please drop us a line at annexation@burienwa.gov.

Registered voters in the proposed annexation area will see this language used in the measure on the mail-in ballot that they receive at home:

North Highline South Annexation Area

Simple majority (RCW 35A.14.080)

Proposition No. 1: Proposed Annexation to the City of Burien

The Burien City Council passed Resolution No. 288 which would authorize annexation of that area of unincorporated King County known as the North Highline South Annexation Area which annexation was approved by the Boundary Review Board with a modification to the boundaries as legally described in Resolution No. 292.  Shall that area of unincorporated King County known as the North Highline South Annexation Area as legally described in City of Burien Resolution No. 292 be annexed to the City of Burien?

FOR ANNEXATION

The annual Olde Burien Block party will run all day Saturday, July 11th, from around 9am until dark, with lots of family fun, including The Bubble Man (11am) two performances of “Burien’s Got Talent,” Karaoke, Sausage and Ice Cream Eating contests, and live music – here’s the schedule:

Olde Burien is, of course, located in Olde Burien on SW 152nd between Ambaum Blvd. and 10th Ave SW.

The Burien Lions Club is sponsoring a forum for candidates for King County Executive at Noon on Wednesday, July 8th at Angelo’s Restaurant in Burien.

The public is invited to come and hear all 8 candidates speak:

• Dow Constantine
• Fred Jarrett
• Ross Hunter
• Susan Hutchison
• Larry Phillips
• Goodspaceguy
• Stan Lippmann

Lunch will be $13.00.

Please RSVP to 206-248-0334.