SeafoodFest still needs volunteers

Geeky Swedes Ballard

This weekend is the Ballard SeafoodFest and organizers are still looking for volunteers. Joanne Orsucci emailed us, “Everyone that volunteers receives a free famous SeafoodFest Salmon BBQ dinner as well as the pride that comes along with being a Viking for a day!” The specific shifts are:

Ambassadors – Sunday 1:30-4 p.m.
Salmon BBQ – Sunday 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Ice Wranglers – Saturday & Sunday afternoon shifts
Festival Tear-Down – Sun 6-9 p.m.

There are some other miscellaneous shifts as well. The deadline to sign up is this Wednesday at noon. You can reach Joanne at 206.789.6064 or seafoodfestvolunteer@hotmail.com.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

156 thoughts to “SeafoodFest still needs volunteers”

  1. Hey Chamber when you need volunteers call the Ballard Industrial crowd. You scratched their back, let them pony it on up and scratch yours.

  3. I love Ballard and I love the idea of a “Seafood Fest” My wife and I have been very dissapointed over the last many years with the lack of focus on seafood at the festival. Other than the Salmon BBQ and a few other small items, the Seafood Fest is just another Seattle streetfair with the same old vendors and activities.

    Considering that we live in one of the most vibrant marine communities in this country and Ballard is the community most strongly connected to the natural fisheries and the commercial fishing industry in Seattle, the Ballard Seafood Fest should be a much bigger celebration of the cultural and environmental connection we have to our local marine resources.

    Why not have tours of Fishermans Terminal, the dry docks where boats like the Northwestern hang, real fisherman telling stories, crab, muscles, oysters, salmon, salmon, salmon! Aren't we getting tired of the same ethnic booths that appear in every other festival in every other Seattle Neighborhood?

    If Ballard is going to continue this tradition, let's do it right.

    I am very proud of Ballard's heritage but it just seems like the Seafood Fest is not representing it the best it can. WE ARE BALLARD, let's prove how great and unique we really are.

  4. I just called to volunteer for the seafood fest. Yummy Salmon BBQ!

    And may I say that, as a writer, musician and painter, I find it weirdly exciting to be considered an industrialist!

  5. Johnny,

    Have you been to the Fisherman's Fall Festival at Fisherman's Terminal before? If not you should check it out this year, it might be more like what you're looking for.

    It is a fundraiser for the Seattle Fisherman's Memorial and it is put on almost entirely by volunteers from the fishing industry. I think it's usually at the end of Sept or early Oct.

  7. Time for the Industries like SBS$G and Ballard Oil to actually do something for the local community. I won't be volunteering, let them do it. And I won't be spending money. It is interesting that the Marine industries haven't been bothered to come and take part. Their lack of participation in the event and community is telling. As JGF said, it is just another street fair with nothing making it unique to Ballard and it's great Industrial and historical history. Those industries can't be bothered . As stated in forums and comments, local resident's support is inconsequential to their business. Seems they just want our public easements and for us to stay out of their way. I just hope the Bikers really consider some of the issues before volunteering and supporting the organization behind SFF.

  9. “Time for the Industries like SBS$G and Ballard Oil to actually do something for the local community.”
    yeah, it'd be nice if they employed folks, paid taxes, and provided a service to the community, for a change… (sarcasm for those clueless)
    I'm not a Chamber member, I'm not a seafood fest participant or volunteer, yet, but I understand the importance of community events.
    Please, walk right past the blockade of angry cyclists, and enjoy a community event, diverse as it is.
    Sorry if this post angers anyone.

  10. Don't be too hard on yourself, it's not so heavily advertised. I know about it only because of where we get our salmon. Very good, btw.

  11. “It is interesting that the Marine industries haven't been bothered to come and take part”

    SBS&G is a sponsor of Seafood Fest, Ballard Oil and it's employee's build the fire pits and cook ALL the salmon for the salmon bake, and I believe that Trident donates the fish.

    I agree that the trail should be built through Shilshole, but you can't accuse these business' of not “doing anything for the local community”

  12. Motorrad,
    Good! Stay home. One less loud-mouthed, selfish cyclist bitching about being wronged by tax paying businesses that have been building this community before you were born.

    No marine industries bother to take part????
    Trident Seafoods gives thousands of pounds of salmon to the event.
    Also several marine based businesses donate their time and money to the event.
    Alaskan Crab Coalition
    Glacier Fish Company
    Boat Insurance Agency, Inc
    Port of Seattle
    Ballard Auto/Vessel Licensing Agency
    Jensen Maritime Consultants
    Pacific Fishermen
    Etc.

    I am not saying that all (or even most) cyclists are as whiny as motorrad. I too ride to work in downtown about 3 times a week in the spring and summer. (I bus it in for safety when it's dark out during commuting hours in the winter and fall)I volunteer at SeafoodFest because it is a community event. I like to support the local economy.

    I think energy would be better spent volunteering for a cause that you care for rather that bitching about a 35 year old tradition that benefits our economy. (businesses, artists, etc.)

    So stay home motorrad; thousands of people will not miss seeing you there.

  13. Chopper's right, it's never advertised well enough, I'm sure cost is the issue.

    I'll try to remember to tip off the Geeky Swedes well before the date. At least then us cool MyBallard folks will know!

  14. They will be walking around with a petition to finish the Missing Link at the Seafood Fest. They would gladly accept the help of volunteers.

  16. Please do. We've always had a good time at Seafood Fest but it's always struck me as just another one of Seattle's summer street fairs as well. A festival actually centered around seafood sounds awesome!

  19. REALLY? Glad to see I was wrong about SBS$G and Ballard Oil just greasing with a little cash and that there is actually personal time being given. So if I walk by I will actually get to see and possibly meet people spearheading the opposition? That would be a pleasant surprise. No I am not being snarky or sarcastic.

    Even though I would rather not be inconvenienced by this event (in my whiniest voice) and I really wish it were held in a different part of Ballard, maybe in the area between Yankee and Ballard Oil, I certainly do not begrudge Fest Fans. Blocking Market and Leary is just STUPID in my eyes. But I don't expect others to live as I do. I try to compromise. I try to accommodate other's needs.

    BTW, my interest in getting the trail finished is fueled as much if not more, by the car driver in me. Get as many bikes off the road and out of my way.

    So this loud-mouthed, selfish cyclist won't be spending money at the Fest in a quiet protest. As for supporting the local economy, I am hoping that the crowd will stay on the street and I can get a nice table to eat and have beers at an establishment that is NOT being conned into the anti-path hatefulness.

    Have a great time, I don't like you any less for it.

  22. Who is this 'new Ballard elite' of which you speak? Old Ballard broads like beer gardens too. Besides, there's always the Lockspot to quench the thirst.

  23. So, anyone who does anything in Ballard expects a beer garden for their efforts?
    Sometimes you have to invent folks to despise, huh.
    Besides, the flask was invented for just such a purpose ;-)

  24. If you go to the Salmon Bake you will see and possibly meet the owner and many of the employees of Ballard Oil.

    I dare you to talk to them the way you talk to the rest of us.

  26. The Ballard Chamber of Commerce just SUED the City of Seattle to STOP building a safer bike trail.

    So why would anybody in their right mind volunteer for Seafood Fest, or spend ANY money at this event whatsover?

    Volunteer or attend — and YOU ARE SUPPORTING A CHAMBER THAT IS USING IT'S MONEY TO HARM BIKERS and FORCING THE CITY TO SPEND YOUR TAX DOLLARS DEFENDING AN UNNECESSARY APPEAL.

    The Ballard Chamber of Commerce is disgusting and progressive businesses in Ballard should be absolutely ashamed of their association.

    DO NOT SUPPORT THEIR EVENT.

  27. I took a look at the Seafood Fest website and it looks like nearly every food vendor is serving seafood items (http://www.seafoodfest.org/food.html) – I counted 17 vendors, all except for the dessert and “snack-y” types of booths, selling salmon (blackened, cajun, grilled, smoked, in gyros, on pizzas, etc.), crab (cakes, melts, cocktails, etc.), oysters, clams, scallops, herring, shrimp, chowder, fish tandoori, and don't forget the yummy lutefish eating contest. Of course, there's always alligator (oddly, one of my favorites every year).

  28. It's September 26th this year over at Fishermen's Terminal, 11 AM – 6:30 PM. The Seattle Fisherman's Memorial website doesn't have it up yet, but it's listed on other sites. I've been before – a whole lot smaller than Seafood Fest, but a lot of fun – and much more “fishy.” [Oops – this was supposed to be in reply to the question about the Fishermen's Fall Festival – sorry, don't know how to move it to the right place.]

  29. You dare me?! What will they do, file a suit? Oooohhhh. OMG.

    I match the level of…discussion and thought(?) that comes before me. But I do try to keep cognizant of the fact that a solution for me may include a form of compromise. Something seriously lacking in this community of 'wanting their own way ' and damn anyone else. Look at the real motives behind the anti-path and they are very self serving and without compromise, proven by the fact that the “compromise” route demanded was rejected after the fact.

    I actually admitted I could be wrong about Management attendance in the previous post. I have NEVER seen that happen on these forums and yet the childish dare is what I read. Ernie…you're a hoot.

    Enjoy the Fest.

  30. You “dare” us to talk to the owner of Ballard Oil?

    I'd love to talk to the owner of Ballard Oil. The owner of Ballard Oil doesn't have the balls to face the public. He let's his lawyers do the dirty work. He hasn't made a single public appearance regarding the bike trail. And I'd guarantee you he won't identify himself at the Salmon bake either. Too many bicyclists around asking the hard questions he refuses to answer.

  31. What matters more is that those same businesses are among the most selfish and greedy in all of Seattle.

    Donating some lousy fish means nothing compared to the tax dollars the city will be forced pay in a lawsuit defending a trail that was already approved after years of debate.

    The “marine businesses” don't care about the nearby community, and the feeling is mutual. Let's stop pretending. They care about profits and we care about a livable city.

    Have fun at your crappy little seafood festival.

  32. What are they doing for the local community? Trying to fool us by building a crappy little fire pit?

    These companies care about one thing — themselves.

    If bikers continue to get smacked by cars and run off the road, that makes these businesses HAPPY.

    They just SUED the City so your tax dollars get spent keeping their hatred of bikers going strong.

    Ohhhh, but they gave us some free fish. Big F-ing Deal.

    DO NOT ATTEND SEAFOOD FEST.

  36. Thanks Billy for that little reminder I knew there was something I meant to do at some point. I'll add to my list of 1,299,345 to do before I die, right at the bottom.

  38. sorry for the caps i could not help myself.

    don't support seafood fest. it's organized by the ballard chamber of commerce, the group which just sued the city of seattle to stop improvements to bike trails through ballard.

    the ballard chamber of commerce thinks you won't notice. they think people who ride bikes and support bike safety should come to seafood fest anyway.

    they think you're dumb. they think you don't care.

    call the ballard chamber of commerce and tell them you don't want your tax dollars being spent by the city fighting the chamber's unnecessary and anti-bicyclist lawsuit.

    and don't support their events.

    make your voice heard. 206 784 9705.

    and don't use all caps. the oil dudes and sand salesmen don't like it.

    and their grandma's grew up in ballard so that makes it ok if bikers get hit by cars.

    happy now chopper?

  41. Doug, read my post.

    I didn't dare YOU to talk to them, just motorad and the big chip on his/her shoulder.

    Just go down there and look for the guys in Ballard Oil t-shirts and ask for the owner.

    The thing is, I doubt you have “the balls” to really do it

  46. Which one is the lie?

    1. The Ballard Chamber of Commerce officially supports and recently joined the lawsuit to stop the bike path improvements which were approved by SDOT.

    2. The City of Seattle will spend taxpayer dollars defending itself in this lawsuit.

    3. Ballard Oil and the company that sells sand support the lawsuit and oppose the bike path.

    4. Read any threads on this blog and there are old timers copping some serious attitude, even laughing about bike accidents.

    5. The Ballard Chamber of Commerce wants bicyclists to come to Seafood Fest despite their lawsuit against them.

  47. “So if I walk by I will actually get to see and possibly meet people spearheading the opposition? That would be a pleasant surprise. No I am not being snarky or sarcastic.”

    So this was a rhetorical question then? OK I got it….

  48. Yup! :-)
    And it should be noted that vegetarians don't starve either. Though, I don't eat fish (except the occasional chowder cheat) I support the fishing industry by attending and spending money at this event. They work very hard to put that seafood on your table.
    That is why boycotting the event itself is only harming local economy.
    The chamber won't feel a thing.

  50. How is it a balls thing? In all serious that's the part I just don't get. So a guy owns an oil company and sues to stop bike trails. And your assumption is that citizens like me don't have the “balls,” or courage, or determination, or confidence to call him out on it? Why wouldn't I? I face down adversaries every day – real ones – not owners of medium sized local businesses in relative decline! I'm supposed to be scared of this person?

    Don't worry dude, I'd talk to him if he'd talk to me. But apparently the taxpayers will hire a lawyer to defend my interest instead. Because this guy would rather sue the city than do something for it's residents.

    But yeah, I'M the one with small balls. OOOO-kay.

  51. “and their grandma's grew up in ballard so that makes it ok if bikers get hit by cars.”
    Just one obvious lie, the rest are assumptions, and a call for others to brandish the same ignorance.
    Let me know who it works for ya.

  52. Yep. I stand by my first observation. These cyclists are one miserably unhappy bunch that can only be attributed to toilet training with wire hangers.

  53. unhappy bunch becuase they don't coose to support the C o C which is suing to keep a major part of a major trail from being finished? is that what you meant? if so, i don't understand.

  54. Not a lie, just read the previous threads.

    Industrial types love to say their companies were there first. Ballard Oil was “building this community before you were born,” they say.

    That's about the depth of most arguments against – they were there first, damnit.

    And opposing the trail means bikers will get hit by cars. That is a simple irrefutable fact. The direct consequence of their lawsuit WILL BE accidents at the rate we've already seen.

    That stretch is dangerous.

    And the Ballard Chamber of Commerce would rather sue the City than let the improvements begin.

    But please come to the Chamber's Sea Food Fest anyway…….

  56. Hey Chopper, any guess as to whether such this charming old-timer SweetRose supports the bike trail?

    Let me guess, NoraBell. Your grandma is from Ballard and you laugh out loud whenever a gravel truck clips a cyclist.

    See you at the beer garden.

  57. wow, like a blindfolded bull dog (castrated, of course) you'll swing at anything ya hear?
    Sorry dude.
    Passionate, I totally understand.
    Uninformed attacks….not so much.
    See ya at the beer Garden
    (or the lock spot, for the rest of us)

  60. Sorry, both comments were directed at SweetRose, not NoraBell.

    SweetRose is the perfect example of a bitter old-timer who hates bikers.

    Here is one of her previous comments. She's a real charmer:

    “Years ago, back in the 60s and early 70s my family was best friends with the managing VP of the Ballard WAMU and his family. Grimy dusty industrial Ballard housed the wealthiest branch of what was then a very successful local bank. The Ballard branch had the largest figure on deposit of any branch in the chain. That is nowhere near the case anymore. Real wealth is not interested in cheap trendy décor and being miserable riding a bike in bad clothing.”

    So you see. REAL wealth is from selling sand. As for all those young techies who like Ballard and bike to their work building billion dollar software or biotech companies…

    well, they have bad taste in interior decorating!! And they're miserable (projection, much?) No trail for them!!

    Funniest thing I read all day. Talk about clinging to an irrelevant past and hating everyone along the way.

    And SweetRose you're going to lose that lawsuit, too.

  61. S___Rose has to hate someone at all times, whether that's you, me, cyclists, Microsoft, New Ballardites (which is exactly who, really?), new banks, new businesses, and who else has been the subject of SweetWRath this week?

  64. Their actions ensure more bikers will have more accidents until they lose their lawsuit and cost taxpayers unnecessary expenses.

    The route has been studied for years. They are forcing bureaucratic games and delays for one reason and one reason only – they don't want this fixed.

    But yeah, nobody is anti riding bikes. OK.

  67. This just shows how wrongheaded sBS&G, Ballard Oil, and the chamber are being about this. They're massively pissing off a lot of the people in this town.
    I'm skipping the Seafood Fest this year, partly because I know I just won't have as much fun knowing they're behind it, and yes I know that's petty, but I'm skipping it anyway.
    I've got two projects this month that both need some crushed stone and sand that I used to just roll right over to sBS&G for, but not this time. Now I'm going to try Pacific Topsoil and see how they are. Before this whole lawsuit I wouldn't have even thought of going anywhere else. I liked Salmon Bay, their staff is nice, I kinda dug the old school vibe in there and they did their job just fine, but now I'll feel like an ass giving them money.
    I really hate that this whole thing had to go down like this. It just sucks all around. More people will get hurt while we wait for the trail, more money will get spent in court, more neighbors will spew venom over this, and in the end we'll get a trail, a few employees will have to walk a half block further to their car, and the owners of sBS&g will count the money they made supplying gravel and sand to build the trail and go back to playing with their life size choochootrain.

  68. DUDE.

    Read the thread, you brought up “balls” first!?!

    Quoting…………..you:

    “The owner of Ballard Oil doesn't have the balls to face the public.”

  70. “If you go to the Salmon Bake you will see and possibly meet the owner and many of the employees of Ballard Oil.

    I dare you to talk to them the way you talk to the rest of us.”

    Well funny story, kind of…
    I actually met the owner of Ballard Oil a while back out on the street and struck up a conversation about industry and the changes in Seattle and Ballard in particular. Very nice little conversation until I let it slip that I moved into a new house about 10 years ago. Smile left his face and the conversation quickly ended. Apparently I wasn't old enough Ballard for him.

  73. Chop,

    You're not still stinging from those clowns that dissed you for posting on every thread are you?

    I'm sure everyone noticed that all those fools only posted once ever on this blog, and that was all they had to say?

  74. This is my favorite comment. Thanks. I really admire your patience and civility and restraint. Obviously I am not as good at those.

    I'm tired of people acting like this company that sells sand is the ONLY place in Seattle to buy it. As if a bike trail is capable of destroying an entire market for products that are so obviously available elsewhere.

    It's too bad small local business owners have turned the Ballard Chamber of Commerce something that hurts their neighborhood, instead of helping it. The Chamber joining the lawsuit was just the most insulting, lowest possible thing they could do further all the animosity you describe. It's unconscionable.

  75. Wow, this turned into a real knife-fight.

    Maybe we could help clean up Bergen Park by putting up one of those octagon cage thingy's and having fight night in ye old ballard.

    “Representing Old Ballard….. in the red trunks is NORDIC WOMAN!!!!!!

    In the Blue trunks it's everyone's favorite New Ballard street fighter silence.kit, fresh off his defeat of Chopper_74 on the issue of Capitol Hill restaurants!!!!!!!!!”

  76. Ok, I'll take the bait.

    I don't expect this to satisfy you of course. It's mostly for the benefit of others reading this.

    http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/missingli…

    The studies, recommendations, and community hearings date to 2003.

    As for criteria, the decision was made after review of the project's potential impacts on several elements of the environment, including geology, endangered species, cultural resources, hazardous materials, transportation, and parking, as discussed in the reports listed below.

    Impacts to these resources as well as others are summarized in the SEPA environmental checklist.

  77. Right and maybe for added “entertainment value” we could hit bicyclists with our cars and trucks and laugh at how they fall to the ground bleeding and unable to move.

    Like what happened on Ballard Ave this week. And several commentators on this blog found it funny. So I guess you're on to something. I bet SweetRose would buy a ticket, but only if there is no beer garden. Those attract the elitists, you know.

  78. Seems Ernie idolizes the owner of B.O.

    He must be very special the way he has Ernie so enamored and so many people hoodwinked. He seems to have a business monopoly and thinks that gives him carte blanche to run over others in the community. What is so intimidating about a guy that runs a dinosaur of a business? Maybe the flotilla of lawyers he wields. Maybe. What is so scary about telling someone you think they should rethink their position. That is what adults do.

    Sooner or later though, new wars arise causing the need for new allies. The bridges being burnt here seem to be substantial. I only pray that in the near future they need resident's support for other issues facing them. Not everything can be tied up in courts and sometimes PR and popular support make the difference in how issues resolve.

    Ernie, give Mr. B.O. a hug for me this weekend.

  81. And exactly how did you determine they are the most selfish and greedy businesses in Seattle?

    “Have fun at your crappy little seafood festival.” Jules was right. You will take your ball and go home. : )

  82. Not at all chop. You really need to take that chip off your shoulder before you develop a permanent list. Blogs are entertainment. Relax you will live longer.

  83. “And opposing the trail means bikers will get hit by cars. That is a simple irrefutable fact. ” No doug it does not mean that at all. It means put the trail on another street where it will not impact existing valuable business. The world is not a black and white place. You will learn that when you grow up a bit.

  84. Just as well. My grandmother was from Montana. And I'm all for the trail completion. Just think boycotting Seafood fest will do only local artists and vendors ill.

  90. They're not suing to put the trail on another street. They're suing for more environmental studies even though studies have already been done. They're trying to layer on additional unnecessary requirements in order to slow things down and waste tax payer money. It's deliberate. It won't change traffic in the meantime so that means bikers continue to get in accidents at the rate they do now. With an appeal taking up months or a year, it's an irrefutable fact.

  91. The militant bikers will not accept a trail that does not run on Shilshole. If the trail were to be routed on another course, from the things I have read, many bikers shall still ride down 45th onto Shilshole……..and each bike accident would be the fault of the industrial businesses.

    It is becoming more difficult to feel sorry for these people. We must keep in mind that this is just a handful of ignorant people posting, and hope they are not representative of most.

  105. Well, the guys down in “Industrial Ballard” fabricated the barbeques, donated the fish, and cook the fish. What have YOU done for the common good lately>

  106. Ballard's money came from the maritime industry and the mills. The last mill burned down in the early 1960s but we had (and to a large part, still do ) thriving marine industry. And that isn't just shipyards and oil docks, it's metal fabricators, hardware, paint, engines, instruments, etc. etc. One of the largest seafood compnaies in the world is headquuarterd in Ballard. The fishing boat is just the tip of the iceburg of the maritime industry.

    Boycotting the Seafoodfest is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

  107. You are wrong. Get your head out of your lycra-clad butt…the barbeques for the SeafoodFest were fabricated at Pacific Fishermen. Trident Seafoods donates the fish. ALL the guys from these industries are the ones who spend countless hours of their own time setting up, and standing over hot coals in the blazing sun to cook the fish; for the likes of ingrates like yourself, it would seem.

    The guys at Pac Fish ALSO restored a 100 year old Norwegian fishing boat for the Nordic Heritage Museum. I belong to a lot of local organizations, and I have given slide shows on Ballard (most reccently to the Ballard Kiwamis) mostly made up of “Ballard Industrialists.” I rarely see anyone from the “young, high-tech world” stepping up to the plate to donate money or time to any local charitable organzations or events.

    I see the “blue collar” guys from Industrial Ballard working their butts off for SeafoodFest. What have YOU contributed?

  108. For the record, the beer garden at SeafoodFest has traditionnally been run by the Ballard Eagles for the La Senoritas girl's drill team. By all means, boycott the beer garden, and take money away from samll children. Very noble.

  109. Once upon a time, myself and some like-minded folks started a 501-c-3 nonproftit organziation to get river access. What we found was that working WITH the local community, supporting their businesses, and taking in the needs of local industry went a long, long way to getting our goals met. Sadly, the Cascade Bicycle Club and some of the posters on this blog can't see past their own agenda.

  111. With all that amazing experience, what would you have done differently? This project has solicited local community involvement since 2003. It's been a wide open community project with hundreds of citizens, businesses, and interest groups participating.

    http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ballardco…

    And it's the Chamber that sued the City (on appeal, mind you) not Cascade Bicycle Club. Our tax dollars will be spent so the City can defend itself in this lawsuit.

    Ballard Oil has the narrow agenda, not the citizens of Ballard.

  113. Are you saying that no business that disagrees with a government decision that could adversely impact that business should EVER challenge that decision because it will cost taxpayer dollars on the part of the government to defend itself ? That's insane.

  115. Basically, yes. If you challenge government, you will fail as a business.
    However, if you don't challenge government, you will fail as a business.
    Nice lil win-win we got going here ;-)

  116. motorad, calm the f down.

    I don't know the owner of Ballard Oil (although I know who he is, most people do unless they just moved here from So Cal like you probably did) I don't support his agenda, and I do support the trail going along Shilshole.

    All I am saying is that I seriously doubt that you have a big enough red speedo to go down to Seafood Fest and repeat all the bluster you spew here to the man's face. That's all.

  118. Um, no. Where do I say that??

    Of course they have a right to appeal. And the city expects to pay for appeals.

    Nice straw man argument though. “That's insane.” Well yes, it would be if I had said anything remotely close to what you are suggesting.

  122. you did say that doug11
    'Our tax dollars will be spent so the City can defend itself in this lawsuit.'
    of, course, that leads me to the gun ban. Would Doug11 support the funding for the city's defense of that?
    Yeah, lots of ridiculous city endeavors, and they need to be challenged.

  123. Reading comprehension FAIL.

    She asked if I said whether businesses should EVER appeal government decisions.

    Only fools like you and her would believe something so dumb.

  124. Once again – the BCoC has nothing to do with the beer garden. It is a charity section of the fest, like others that will be there (PAWS, PurrFect Pals, etc). There are a lot of charitable organizations at this thing every year that have nothing to do with the BCoC.
    So the suffering children can blame you.
    I'm all for the BG extension. But a Seafood fest boycott is only harmful to those who have nothing to do with it.

  125. No, it's all about the small children who will suffer – SUFFER – if you don't drink beer at the Chamber of Commerce beer garden.

    Very noble, bwah ha ha.

  126. Chopper is right – no, your comment did not say that businesses should never appeal government decisions, but you have said repeatedly on this blog and the one about the candy store that the appeal is, among other things, “wasting more tax dollars,” will “cost taxpayers unnecessary expenses,” will “waste tax payer money,” etc. So maybe you're just saying that THIS appeal is the one in which a business who feels it will be adversely affected by the decision should not appeal that goverment decision. Glad you're around to be the arbiter of such things.

  127. Wow Ernie! Is this a crush on him? I make a point to not write anything I wouldn't say to someone's face. Seriously. He is just a guy. Who is wrong. And I won't have a problem telling him that. However I won't waste time trying to convince him to change his mind. He is a selfish uncompromising man. My time and efforts are better spent pushing this forward in other ways. But I would tell him he is wrong. Where I am from, it isn't a big deal to tell someone-face to face, that you disagree with them. I can only surmise from your words that you are afraid of that sort of interaction.

    What is it about this town that you don't deserve a voice unless you were born here. That one's rights are pro rated according to how long you have lived here. NOT the way it works. Personally I enjoy meeting people that are different than I am, of different experiences. I don't look down on them because of where they are from or that they decided to relocate more than 25 miles from where they were raised. And how is it that so many people are arguing 3 sides of an issue? It boggles my mind how you can defend B.O.'s behavior. Flout your pretentiously judgmental attitude. It is not becoming.

  129. Do some research and compare charitable time and donations of the Ballard industrial companies vs. the tech sector – Amazon, Real, Microsoft, etc.

    The results will surprise you. Do it on a per-employee bases. Exclude employer matching if you want.

    Then come back with numbers or shut the f— up.

    Like it or not, we are the front lines of Seattle's standing in a global economy now. We're trying hard to keep this city prosperous and livable.

    We don't appreciate being called “ingrates.” I criticize the owners of your companies and their lawyers, but never the workers or drivers.

  130. There's a difference between appealing a decision and being obstructionist. This is clearly a case of the latter which is why so many people are getting pissed off.
    The opposition to the trail seems to be coming from two groups of people, first the businesses that think they will be negatively impacted and second are the people who just don't like bikes and cyclists. The businesses have their interest which is taking advantage of free use of the public right of way for their trucks and their toy train. That's too bad that they'll have to adjust a bit, but it's far from as bad as they make it out to be. The businesses also don't want to have any loss of parking for their employees, also public right of way that they take advantage of. Between the railroad right of way and the trucks using the right of way, this business has essentially been subsidized by the public.
    The bike haters are just having fun going “nya nya!” to the rest of us who think having a safe alternative to wrecking on poorly conceived rr tracks and dodging cars is a good idea.

  131. Well yeah. I support the appeals I support, and I think the appeals I don't support are a waste of tax money.

    I never questioned anyone's right to appeal.

    Sorry if that's too complicated for you.

  132. It's kind of silly to equate being born in a neighborhood with having more passion for it. In a sense, it's actually just laziness that you're celebrating. You might know more people because you've been here longer, but you never had to weigh the options, choose to live there, and then make the effort to move there severing your ties and stepping out of your comfort zone. It's one of the reasons that I can't hate immigrants, think of what it takes to vote with your feet and all that entails.

  133. whoa, did my comment just get erased? It was an obvious joke and sarcastically skewered both sides of Ballard, so hopefully nobody took offense to it. Sorry if someone did…I guess even pretending to be a real jerk can get you deleted.

  134. You shouldn't say “chopper is right”
    but thanks.
    I don't want to piss off SPG, ever.
    And tho I've been called worse, I'll take the obstructionist stance w/out hesitation.
    I have yet to see a clear route that make sense.
    Shilshole has too many issues to make a good path, sorry.
    I'd put up Leary as the best route through, because it works, it has no tracks, and it has no adversity. YEAH, I know it seems too simple, sorry that's my capacity.

  136. Chopper Has FOUND the answer!!! A separate bike path on Leary. Hmmm. From Fred Meyer to Market on Leary. Then I guess down Market to connect with the existing path by the Locks on the separate bike path. Because Ballard Oil dictates that they reserve sole use of the public road in front of them so have to use Market. I really never thought that taking a lane from Leary and Market was possible. Much better for bike commuters. Thanks chopper. Oh, but doesn't that erase lots of parking spots? It will certainly cause backups for cars being cut down by at least 1 lane at certain hours of the day. Maybe the bike advocates and CCBC should look at Chopper's most excellent and simple solution. Last night I rode the 'missing link' past SBS$G and B.O., it IS kinda crappy. There were a couple other bikers but LOTS of joggers. So taking space from Leary and Market would be awesome. Industry gets to keep using public land for their private use and it is business as usual for them. Bikers get to check out the Patio scene while riding Leary and Market, and the great long time residents of Ballard are revered as martyrs for giving up a traffic lane or two. I am sure the Chamber will throw a bigger festival to reward you all.

  137. SPG, I'm not celebrating laziness, I'm celebrating knowing what the f**k you're talking about which motorad clearly doesn't.

    This bike trail thing has been going on for years and is SO much more than “Ballard Oil vs. Bikes” and however long you have lived here if you're going to show your “passion” for the neighborhood by disparaging a bunch of people you don't know anything about, it makes you sound new.

    I'm just saying that some people (not SPG) should educate themselves on the issues before spouting off.

  138. Gee that’s what we have been saying all along. No one is against a bike path. Shilshole is a terrible place to put a bike path. My guess is the city likes it only because they perceive it might be cheaper. I will go a step further and say make Ballard all the way to Market a no car street and connect at the intersection. There would be less parking lost. I would also make Market between 20th and 24th two lanes with a bus lane in the middle and a raised median to stand on while waiting for a bus. Most European cities have many similar areas that are no car and they are full of bars and restaurants that have found business improves. This would also eliminate the mess we often see at Market and 20th.

  139. 70,000 people are expected at Seafood Festival. If a few people don't make it that's their perogative. A few people are trying to “boycott” the Chamber and the business's that are involved with the Chamber, again that is their right. I don't think the Chamber is staying up at night worrying about them. The Chamber knows the work they do to promote the community, the business's and family's means a lot more to Ballard then what side they take on a bike trail.

    The Seafood Festival will live on like it has for 35 years and the independant (does not recieve any federal grant money) Ballard Chamber of Commerce will continue on supporting businesses, the community, and family's like it has for over 80 years regardless of what a few posters on a website say.

  140. Chopper: “I don't want to piss off SPG, ever.
    And tho I've been called worse, I'll take the obstructionist stance w/out hesitation.”

    Don't worry about pissing me off, I can dish it, I can take it. Speak your mind, but you don't need me to tell you to do that!
    The obstructionist name implies obstructing for the sake of obstructing, as in you pled your case and the facts were presented and it has been decided against you, but you won't accept it so you obstruct anyway.
    I don't think that there are other viable options that balance the greater good against the needs and obligations of the minority. sBS&g, BO, and the toy railroad have been taking advantage of the public right of way for so long that they've taken it for granted as their property. It's not and never was. It's just like if I get used to parking in front of my house every day and then someone else gets there before me. It doesn't mean that I can have them towed away just because I've gotten used to being able to park there.

  141. The experts and professionals have studied this and there is a lot more to it than just plunking down a trail where you want on a map. Shilshole is clearly the best route as it has few intersections, less traffic, and is more in line with the trail that already exists on either end. Leary can't spare the lane and wouldn't be safe, but we've discussed that on the other thread.
    I loves me a good pedestrian mall, but I don't think that would solve this problem or even be very beneficial for the businesses on Ballard Ave. Have you ever tried to ride a bike through a crowd of people walking around a plaza? Talk about accident waiting to happen.

  142. Like I've said before, I wouldn't call what I'm doing a boycott, but rather just a lack of enthusiasm for it after what the Coc has signed onto. I won't be going because I wouldn't feel right attending, just like you don't go to your friend's BBQ while you're in the middle of a fight with them.
    They may not care that I'm not there, but maybe they should think about what a negative impact this has on a lot of us. I don't think I'll sign my business up with them as it doesn't seem that they are very cognizant of how their actions impact the greater community.

  143. Like I said the greater good of what the Chamber does for the community as a whole will prevail over what side they take on a bike trail that affects a very small portion of the community (it might affect you but lets face it the vast majority of the community probably doesn't even realize that their is even an issue on this or don't even care one way or the other, and if you think that they do your kidding yourself ).

  145. Yeah, it would suprise me. I'd love to see the #'s of dollars and manhours any tech company has spent IN Ballard. Really, I'd love to hear about it.

    The only thing tech companies have done for Ballard is to drive up the price of real estate, create a two-tiered economy, and cost all taxpayers more $$ in replacing the bridges to the Eastside.

  146. I do like a good street fair, and one that has a quasi seafood theme is fine by me. I'm glad they do it, but I'm still not going this year.
    I'm beginning to wonder if they're doing that much good for the community outside of the streetfair as they've been on the wrong side of issues before like the Ballard skatepark, even going so far as to claim to have businesses on their side that clearly weren't. The purpose of a chamber of commerce is to be a voice for ALL the businesses, not just a clique of their friends. How many businesses support the trail vs those opposed? How many of those opposed even want to go so far as to file this obstructionist lawsuit? This has been divisive and has pissed off enough of us customers and business owners that I don't really see how this is benefitting anyone besides sBS&g, and even they know that they're going to lose and that a trail is inevitable. Meanwhile they've lost me as a customer, not that I was their biggest, but I did business with them fairly regularly and now I'm looking for other suppliers. Look around on any of the stories this week and you'll see a few cranks who are now railing against all business in Ballard, and for what?
    All the retail and restaurants will benefit from a trail as more people on bikes and strolling the trail will come in from Fremont, so I doubt they're up in arms over this trail, leaving the CoC hurting more of its members by fighting this trail.

  147. Well they have proven very successful in Europe and in other US cities. I suppose Seattlites are different?

    Those experts and professionals….. are they the same folks we can thank for the good snow response we had this last winter maybe? Are they experts hired by The Idiot Mayor who rides a limo from West Seattle and then gets on a bike for a block to arrive at his office?

  148. Sorry if this is long. Long long ago in the late 1970s and early 1980's, rafters and kayakers were not welcome in Leavenworth, WA. We had no public access to the river, and were basically treated like Hell's Angels. Well, we worked with the community to show that it was in THEIR best self-interest to welcome kayakers and rafters. To that end, a new public raft launch was built with the help of the community and the Chamber of Commerce of Leavenworth. Same thing happened in Cashmere. We showed the COMMUNITY that we spent money in their establishments, and could be good neighbors.
    Fast forward to the 1990s. Because of some behavior on the part of a small number of kayakers and rafters, we LOST the put-in access on the Wenatchee River at Peshastin. (compalints were urinating in public, public nudity, drinking, driving fast in a residential community, etc.) The Washington Kayak Club worked with the community and the Chamber of Commerce to put in (and pay for)Porta-Potties, a “modesty screen”, and had volunteers from the Kayak Club montior the behavior of the kayakers and rafters every single weekend day that the river was running. Upshot? We got our access back. We are more than welcome in Leavenworth, Peshastin and Cashmere today; in fact there is a brand new river center/parking lot/changing rooms at Cashmere.

    I've also worked to get better access on the Skykomish, and the WA Kayak Club pays for access on the Green River. We have found, over the years, that working with the community, not against them, pays off.

    I see a parallel with the Cascade Bicycle Club. (doug wanted to know what river; here it is.) BTW, I was the President of the Washington Kayak Club when this went down, and I was one of the founders and chairs of SkyFest, which raised a whole lot of money for American Whitewater to get better river access on the Sky and the Snoqualmie. We worked with, not against, the people and business in Index as well.

    What would I do differently? Since you asked, I would not be alienating the people and the businesses of Ballard by this childish posturing and threatening to boycott SeafoodFest, Businesses, endless ranting posts, etc.

    Want community support? Go out and get a sponsor and give every kid in Ballard a free bike helmet. You keep talking about the “high-tech money” in Ballard and the supposed good it has done this community. I have seen no hard evidence of this…if you'all have so much money, whih not buy every kid in Ballard a new bike- THEN Ballardites would have a vested interest in supporting a bike trail.

  149. Last evening during peak traffic on Ballard Ave, I had to swerve to avoid two bikers meandering down the one-way street, the wrong way.
    Daily, I have near misses with bikers on the Fremont bridge and Westlake Ave, where they ride even though the bike lane is Dexter. They hold up traffic and won't get out of the way.
    Bikers ride on streets when they want, then on sidewalks when they want, the norm is to pay no attention to any traffic laws.
    Working downtown for 10 years, I can't count the number of times sidewalk bikers hit me, twice knocking me down.
    Bikers want benefits, but not accountability. NOT following laws is the NORM, not the exception with this crowd. You deserve nothing. Streets were made for cars, sidewalks for pedestrians. Go ride in the mountains. Your own stupidity and arrogance will do you in.
    When the day comes that you tangle with my 6000 lb SUV, I'm going to win and then I'm going to bill you (or your estate) for the little scratches that your mangled bike makes on my car.

  150. Ernie, you are celebrating prejudice and exclusion. Your words are written here for everyone to see. SPG and everyone else paying attention read your statements. SPG even called you on it. You are prejudiced against anyone that isn't native, and it appears you really hate SoCal transplants. You said it. So we know what kind of person you are from YOUR own words. Take ownership of your statements and views. “Disparaging a bunch of people of people you know nothing about” seems to be your expertise.

    As for my education on this matter, My research (yes I actually researched rather than just accepting what I read on the Interweb Forums) is accurate and appears to be the same facts that SPG relays. If you don't like me or my delivery, fine, read SPG's posts and take them to heart. The fact that this keeps being painted as benefitting only bikers is ludicrous. As a driver that travels Shilshole regularly I want the bikes off the road and out of my way. Other drivers obviously feel the same way. Taking traffic lanes, as an alternative like on 24th, to convert to bike lanes is objectionable to many who post here.

    My research shows that there are a couple parties, B.O. and SBS$G, responsible for obstructing the path, the Chamber has joined them. Those Sir are the FACTS. And that you are prejudiced against non-native residents.

  151. This is a joke right? Nobody is psychotic enough to publicly threaten killing someone with their car in a public forum with a traceable ID. Not only that, but you do realize that it is perfectly legal to ride a bike on any street other than an interstate highway?
    Your title very well encompasses your sense of entitlement, but you should have your license revoked. Permanently.

  152. I'm sorry that you don't read well SPG, but I didn't threaten anyone. I pointed out who is likely to win in an accident between a large heavy vehicle and a small bike that has a complete lack of regard for the rules of the road, which is the case with MOST bikers. Expecting to win a battle of this magnitude reveals your sense of entitlement (not mine) and lack of common sense. Oh, and ridiculous arrogance too. Read slower, maybe you'll understand the words next time.

  153. I'll ignore the name calling and condescension and try to explain a couple things for you…
    When a bike is on the street it has just as much right to be there as a car. When a car is going slow in front of you, you need to slow down, wait for a safe opportunity to pass and then do so. Why so much bile just because it's a bike?
    The reason that a lot of cyclists will ride in the middle of the lane is that it's actually a lot safer for them. If you ride hugging the edge every 6,000 lb SUV will whip past you whether there is safe passing room or not, and you will have no way to avoid any road hazards without getting tangled with said SUV. Riding in the middle of the lane forces you the SUV driver to wait for an appropriately safe passing opportunity. Perfectly legal and the recommended method in the drivers manual.
    Riding a bike is not a battle against pedestrians or vehicles. It is transportation and for some it's also exercise and recreation.
    A sense of entitlement can manifest itself by assuming royal titles, declaring oneself to be more important than others despite the facts of law, and then to threaten harm with no remorse because you are more powerful than them.

  154. Wow Jules2, do you think we all just sit in our houses and whine like you ? I spend most of the summer at my Whidbey house so here's what I've been doing. I come back to Sunset Hill a couple days a week to water my veggies and volunteer here in the fall & winter.

    I think you asked the wrong person this smart ass question. Here's the list for the last 2 weeks….

    Volunteered at the Langley Half Marathon providing drinks, food water and cheers for runners.

    Walked dogs at the Whidbey Island animal shelter.

    Worked in the Good Cheer garden that provides fresh veggies to the Food Bank

    Drove my elderly neighbor to her Dr appt and to get groceries.

    What have you done ?

  155. Well, as I have been disabled the last two weeks, not as much as usual but in the last month:
    Voluteer at the Nordic Heritage Museum-twice
    Volunteered for the Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge- I am on their Social Committee and used to be the newsletter editor
    Volunteered for the Swedish Club- I cooked their National Day Dinner. Put on slide show “Nordic History of Ballard.”
    Volunteered at my church
    Volunteered (last week) for the English Speaking Union
    Put on a slide show for the Ballard Kiwanis last week
    Volunteered for the “R Shoppe” in Ballard last week (benefiting the Ryther Child Center.- Wednesday- 6 hours
    Former member, and newsletter editor, Seattle Mountain Rescue
    Former President, Wild & Scenic Institute
    I spent 17 years as the Program Director for the Washington Kayak Club, 1 year as Presideet, 8 years as Newletter Editor, and founded a non-profit Organization “Skyfest” raising money for American Whitewater.

    Several of my volunteer activites are in Ballard; what my point was is that the guys down at Ballard Oil, Trident Seafood, etc volunteer a whole lot of time, money and effort to help the citizens of Ballard; they fabricated the barbeques, Trident donates the fish, those guys spend an entire weekend setting up, and standing in the blazing heat cooking salmon for the masses. So before people demonize these guys, they should look at what they do for THIS community. The guys at Pacific Fishermen donated their labor to restore a 100 year old boat for the Nordic Heritage Museum.

    Looking around the Ballard Kiwanis, Ballard Elks, Norweigian Commercial club (gives out a lot of scholarships) and other groups in Ballard, I see a lot of the same faces of people who work in these “blue collar” industries helping out their fellow man.

  156. I think you owe me an apology. I do a lot for the Ballard community; it is laudable what you do for Whidbey- what do you do for Ballard?

    Oh, and I am disabled AND unemployed. I don't have a house nor a summer house on Whidbey.

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