Zoo's pony ring to close

Woodland Park Zoo's pony population is aging, and the zoo has decided to close its pony ring for the coming spring and summer — unless the zoo can find an outside contractor to operate the ring using its own ponies.

The zoo has decided not to have its own operation until a new pony facility can be built. Youngsters, however, can still get up close to farm animals at the zoo's family farm, which includes miniature horses.

The pony ring and pony rides at the zoo have been a tradition for generations of zoo visitors, dating to 1919. But over the past couple of years, age has taken a toll on the zoo's dwindling herd. Rides were limited last season to avoid overworking the animals, which are now being farmed out to private owners.

A new pony facility is included in the zoo's long-range plans, which call for it to be built closer to the zoo's family farm. Officials say about $250,000 must be raised for design work, and the facility will cost about $3 million to build.

The site of the old pony ring is scheduled to be leveled in a year or so to make way for construction of the zoo's new multilevel parking garage, slated to open in 2008.

Martin Luther King Jr. celebration

Today-Thursday Edmonds Community College hosts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration with music, 12:30-1:30 p.m. today; "Great Achievements in Bad Situations" talk on developing 21st-century leaders, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday; multimedia display honoring King, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., reception 3-4 p.m. Thursday, all at Triton Union Building, Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood; free.

Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Today-Friday Events at Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines; free. (Information online at www.highline.edu/stuserv/spevents/MLK/MLKPROGRAM.htm):

"A World Without Poverty" keynote address by Marian Kramer, co-chairwoman of the National Welfare Rights Union, 9 and 11 a.m. today, Highline Student Union Building.

"MLK and The Poor Peoples' Campaign" lecture by Dr. Ernest B. Johnson, professor of multicultural studies at Shoreline Community College, 12:10 p.m. today, Building 7.

"People Like Us: Social Class and America" film and discussion, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Highline Student Union Building, and 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Building 7.

"New Orleans and Katrina: How Did It Happen?" discussion forum, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Building 7.

"Our Side of the Tracks" student panel on class identity, 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Building 7.

"Women and Money: What's Wrong With This Picture?" workshop, 11 a.m. Thursday, Building 2.

"Making America Healthy Again: How Race and Class Interact in Producing Poor Health" lecture by Stephen Bezruchka, M.D., 10 a.m. Friday, Highline Student Union Building.

Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Highline Student Union Building.

Today-Thursday Events at North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N. All events free and open to the public (206-527-3600):

Unfurling of a special banner on the tower facing Interstate 5, 8:30 a.m. today.

"Dreaming the Impossible: Human Flourishing" presentation, 9:30 a.m. today.

"The Wisdom of Elders: Violence and Apathy in Contemporary Life," noon today.

"Understanding Violence: Changing our 10,000 Year-old Response" workshop, 2-5 p.m. Wednesday.

"Diversity Working Together: Positive Communication to Prevent Anger, Distress and Misunderstanding" workshop, 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Showing of the movie "Crash" followed by facilitated discussion, 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Monday Martin Luther King III speaks, 7 p.m., Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood; $5-$10 (425-640-1313).

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.