Transit ballot plan to be reviewed

A panel of experts will meet Thursday and Friday to review November's Sound Transit Phase 2 ballot proposal.

The panel, made up of experts from throughout the country, is charged with posing and assessing critical questions relating to costs, financing, ridership forecasting and environmental impact of the transit plan. The plan would add 50 miles of light rail and other projects, by raising sales taxes by a nickel on a $10 purchase. It's a part of a larger "Roads & Transit" measure on the November ballot for urban Snohomish, King and Pierce counties.

The panel will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Conference Room 2 on the fourth floor of the Seattle Public Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. Friday's meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Plymouth Room of the Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way, Seattle.

Both sessions are open to the public.

For more information, call 206-464-1282 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/erp/about.html.

Civic calendar

Proposal to tear down Denny Middle School

Wednesday: The Westwood Neighborhood Council invites the public to voice opinions at its community meeting on a proposal by the Seattle School District to tear down Denny Middle School and construct a middle school on the north campus of Chief Sealth High School. Construction would begin in 2008. The meeting takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Southwest Community Center, 2801 S.W. Thistle St. Information: www.scn.org/westwood/.

Fundraiser for Serafina Bartender

Thursday: Serafina Osteria & Enoteca, 2043 Eastlake Ave. E., hosts a fundraiser to cover expenses for Miles Thomas, the 23-year-old bartender who was shot by an armed robber June 6. Serafina will open its doors for all-day dining and fundraising from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, 2:30 to 6 p.m. for happy hour, 5 to 10:30 p.m. for dinner and 10:30 to 12:30 a.m. for late night dining. A silent auction also will be featured, and all money will go toward Thomas' recovery. Information: 206-323-0807 or details on silent auction visit www.serafinaseattle.com.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times news assistant Allison Espiritu. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.

June 30, 1970: The U.S. Navy deactivates the Naval Air Station at Sand Point in Seattle. The aviation facilities become surplus, with land transferred to the city of Seattle. It is renamed Naval Support Activity Seattle and has a role as a logistical nexus supporting Navy operations throughout Puget Sound and the Pacific.

Source: Historylink.org