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The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has ruled in favor of the City of Burien, dismissing King County's legal challenge to Ordinance 832, which prohibits unlawful public camping. The court determined that King County lacked standing for federal jurisdiction and emphasized that the enforcement of the ordinance is necessary before claims of injury can be made.
A GriefShare Support Group will commence on Monday nights from September 23 to December 16, 2024, at Boulevard Park Church in Burien, WA, providing a supportive environment for individuals navigating grief. The 13-week program aims to help attendees understand and cope with the complexities of grief, offering insights into what to expect and how to manage their emotions. More information can be found at the GriefShare website.
Burien will host Welcoming Week 2024 from September 13 to 14, celebrating diversity and community engagement through various events at local parks. The initiative, supported by Welcoming America, aims to foster inclusivity and connection among residents. Notable figures like Adolfo Bailon and Lorraine Chachere will participate, highlighting the importance of this local celebration.
Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon has appointed Tom Calabrese as the new police chief of the Burien Police Department, effective August 31, 2024. Calabrese, who has a 24-year career in law enforcement and has been serving as interim chief since April 2023, expressed his commitment to positively impacting the community and current officers. His extensive local experience, including 16 years with the King County Sheriff's Office in the Burien area, positions him as a dedicated leader for the department.
The City of Burien is initiating the selection process for a new police chief following the departure of former Chief Ted Boe, who has transitioned to the Des Moines Police Department. Stakeholder panels, including community leaders and city staff, will conduct interviews to ensure a diverse and representative selection process, aligning with the city's goals for racial equity.
Grace Church is hosting a free event titled "Loss of a Spouse" on September 14, 2024, aimed at providing support for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. The event, part of the GriefShare program, will include a book, video presentation, and group discussions to aid participants in navigating their grief. Attendees can contact facilitator Debbie Bacon for more information.
Burien's City Council has adopted a minimum wage ordinance set to take effect on January 1, 2025, establishing one of the highest minimum wages in the nation. However, this ordinance faces potential replacement by a new initiative linked to Tukwila's wage rates, raising concerns about the implications for local businesses and workers. The initiative, submitted by the Transit Riders Union, could bind Burien's wage policies to Tukwila's decisions, complicating local governance.
The City of Burien has officially opposed Washington Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act, a significant law that has generated over $2 billion for environmental projects. City officials, including Vice Chair Brian Davis and City Manager Adolfo Bailon, emphasized the potential negative impact on community funding and environmental health if the initiative passes in the upcoming November 2024 election.
The Burien City Council's recent meetings focused on vital local issues, including public safety, economic development, and housing initiatives. Key presentations addressed the Stride Bus Rapid Transit project and the completion of SR 509, showcasing the council's commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and services.
Dianna Leppa, a local singer in Burien, organized a community effort to replace stolen Pride Flags after they were taken from Downtown Burien early on June 8, 2024. With support from friends, family, and Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling, they restored around 15 flags, emphasizing the community's commitment to inclusion and celebration. This event highlights the resilience and unity of Burien's citizens in the face of adversity.