Woodinville to challenge Brightwater construction

Woodinville officials are moving forward with an attempt to block construction of the Brightwater sewage-treatment plant north of the city in Snohomish County.

The City Council on May 22 authorized its law firm to seek a stay in Snohomish County Superior Court. The court action will seek to prohibit grading at the project site so further seismic testing may be performed.

On May 5, a Snohomish County hearing examiner conditionally approved a binding site plan to allow construction of the plant.

The plant is being built by King County and will serve residents of both counties. Full-scale construction of the $1.62 billion plant is expected to start next year, with completion in 2010.

Clean-water grant's focus to be farming

A $188,250 state grant will help the Snohomish Conservation District try to reduce pollution in several streams.

The project is part of a plan to help restore and protect water quality in the Snohomish, Stillaguamish and Pilchuck rivers, and in Quilceda and Allen creeks. The district will use the money to contact farmers within those basins and help them implement practices geared toward clean water.

Tulalip Reservation

Volunteers needed for beach inspection

State and local beach watchers need volunteers to hunt for creosote logs and spartina seedlings June 10 at Mission Beach on the Tulalip Reservation.

From 9 a.m. to noon, state and local experts will train volunteers in how to spot creosote-coated logs, which will be removed later, and to identify spartina, an invasive plant.

This event is co-sponsored by the Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee, the state Department of Natural Resources and Washington State University Extension Beach Watchers of Skagit and Snohomish counties.

Volunteers will be asked to make similar searches along beaches from Port Susan to Marysville.

Information: Chrys Bertolotto, WSU Beach Watchers, 425-357-6020 or 360-333-7977.

Snohomish County

Arts Commission launches Web site

A new Web site offering information about the Snohomish County Arts Commission is now available to the public.

The site, www.snohomishcountyarts.org, eventually will include links to many local arts organizations and artists, as well as event information.

The Arts Commission will seek funding June 14 from the County Council, which is considering a proposal to support the commission by setting aside 1 percent of money for county construction projects costing $100,000 or more. Road projects would not be included.

More information on this plan is available at the commission's Web site.

Voters group to fight land-rights initiative

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County met last week to begin its campaign against proposed state Initiative 933.

I-933 would require state and local governments to compensate landowners when land-use rules lower property values, or to waive those rules. It is supported by developers and property-rights advocates but considered harmful by environmental groups.

The League of Women Voters has the support of Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers in its endeavor. Working with the league are Snohomish County Conservation Voters, the Washington State Labor Council, the Snohomish County Labor Council and the Pilchuck Audubon Society.

For more information on opposition to the measure, visit www.noon933.org.

For more information on support for the initiative, which is sponsored by the Washington State Farm Bureau, go to www.wsfb.com or www.propertyfairness.com.

Snohomish County

Red Cross honors 5 for helping others

The Snohomish County chapter of the American Red Cross recently gave five individuals and organizations its Humanitarian of the Year award.

Awards were given to:

• Tom Shuh for his work with Operation Improvement, which teaches job skills and provides on-the-job training to needy individuals. Shuh also is involved in a youth sailing program and Boy Scout activities.

• Kim and Sharon Blunt for their help in fundraising for local organizations. Both are active in many organizations, including the Assistance League of Everett and the Boys & Girls Club.

• Fluke Corp., which donated $873,000 last year to support human services and civic and educational organizations in Snohomish County. During the past five years, the company has donated more than $3.7 million in cash and equipment to Washington colleges, universities and technical schools.

• Providence Everett Medical Center for leading community-service efforts the past 101 years. Last year, the hospital was a leader in care and support for organizations and individuals in need in the county.

Everett

Neighborhood pride nominations sought

Everett's Office of Neighborhoods is accepting nominations for awards honoring property owners who show "extensive pride in their property."

The 12th annual Monte Cristo Awards will be given in three categories:

• Rejuvenation and Transformation.

• Pride of the Neighborhood.

• Neighborhood Friendly Business.

The winners will receive plaques to display outside their homes or businesses.

The deadline for nominations is June 30. To request a nomination form, contact Wendy McClure, the coordinator for the Office of Neighborhoods, at 425-257-8717 or wmcclure@ci.everett.wa.us.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 12.

Compiled by the Seattle Times Snohomish County and Eastside bureaus