Rainy day reading list

Want some fun legislative reading to pass the time on this drizzly Friday?

Rep. Reuven Carlyle reflects on the need for transformational systems change in our state's higher education system and wonders where all the organizers for change are hiding.

Rep. Ross Hunter has the 520 bridge project on his mind and wants to know whether you think we should toll I-90 to help pay for it.

A consultant's recommendations is making headlines with their suggestion to get rid of more than 1,600 beds at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, or close a prison for the old and infirm, and more.

You've probably read lots about the legal fight to disclose the signatures of those who signed petitions for R-71 or I-1033. The Secretary of State's office is providing some interesting background on why initiative and referendum petitions should be considered public records.

The Attorney General's office is hosting lots of free shred events. Check their calendar for locations near you and read their tips for preventing identity theft.

Happy reading and happy Friday!

A hands-on look at the viaduct replacement project

The 36th District delegation of Reps. Reuven Carlyle and Mary Lou Dickerson and Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles last Friday afternoon hosted the second in a series of hands-on community tours exploring the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. More than 30 community members and representatives from stakeholder groups attended the event, which focused on the central waterfront and seawall portions of the mega-project.



The three lawmakers held the tours so that the public has a baseline level of information about the project. Carlyle notes that they want an “engaged, open, transparent process” that adequately addresses the concerns of all stakeholders, from commuters and freight businesses to bicyclists, transit riders and more. Dickerson said Friday’s event “really helped people to listen to one another, which is important as we move forward.” In late July, the lawmakers held the first event, focusing on tunnel access points for NW Seattle.

Ron Paananen and Mark Bandy of WSDOT, Bob Chandler and Steve Pearce of Seattle DOT, Ron Posthuma of King County DOT, and Mike Merritt of the Port of Seattle were on hand on Friday to explain the current stage of the project and what the next steps will be. Utility relocation work has already begun, and an environmental impact assessment and soil testing are currently underway. Meanwhile, WSDOT on Sept. 15 issued a request for qualifications to contractors interested in the bored-tunnel project.

Participants met at Carlyle and Kohl-Welles’ office at the base of Queen Anne for a presentation, followed by a walking tour of several points along the waterfront to see where the proposed changes could occur.

To learn more about the viaduct replacement project, visit WSDOT’s viaduct project Web site.

Coincidence? I think not...

What do you know... One moment we're listed as one of the best states for brain health in the country. And the next, devastatingly smart.

According to the Daily Beast's new report, the Seattle-Tacoma area ranks as the 7th smartest metropolitan area in the country, thanks to a ravenous appetite for books while the sun hibernates for the winter.

As we mentioned in our previous post, DHA's Index of Brain Health might attribute our braininess to our fish-rich diets, but to that I say, if our smarts are attributed to fish, then how come fish aren't smarter?

Take that, Science.

Attention Washingtonians: You live in one of the brainiest states in the nation!

Washington state has just been named in another “best places” survey – this time, the best place for brain health.

That’s right, Washington ranks third in the nation for healthy brains, thanks to our appetite for fish, our love of reading, and our high percentage of breastfed babies. These are our brainy strengths, according to the DHA Index of Brain Health. The study evaluated the 50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and based its findings on 21 indicators in the areas of diet, physical health, mental health and social well-being. Only DC and Maryland topped Washington.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is required in high levels in the brain as an essential nutrient for optimal functioning (learning ability, mental development.) The more fish you eat, the more Omega 3 you will get into your system, and, theoretically, the healthier your brain will be.

The 21 categories of brain health measures include consumption of DHA-fortified foods, supplements and fish, breastfeeding rates, amount of sleep, smoking rates, Alzheimer’s disease prevalence, religious, spiritual and community involvement and education state rankings.

To learn more and to see how other states ranked, go here.

Photos from Rep. Eddy's community forum on 520 project

With so much in the news about the SR 520 floating bridge project, Rep. Deb Eddy has been fielding a growing number of questions from constituents. Last night she hosted and facilitated a community forum so Eastsiders could get an update on the project and speak with local political leaders and project staff from the state Department of Transportation.

WSDOT presented an overview of the project and Rep. Eddy talked about the political landscape related to decisions such as the design for the west side of the bridge and how to fully fund the project.

About sixty Eastside residents showed up, including Rep. Judy Clibborn, chair of the House Transportation Committee. Eddy's fellow legislators from the 48th legislative district, Senator Rodney Tom and Rep. Ross Hunter, also participated.

The train in Spain...

Last month, Rep. Marko Liias experienced life in the fast lane in Spain. That is, the high-speed train lane. As a guest of the Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade, Liias was invited to visit the new Spanish high-speed rail system - one of the fastest in the world - which zips along at speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. He also gave a presentation to a gathering of Spanish companies on Washington's progress in establishing the Amtrak Cascades service.

As vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee, Liias takes a keen interest in anything that can move people and goods from one place to another quickly and efficiently. His itinerary included a visit to the Spanish rail system's high tech control center, and a tour of a deep bore tunnel project in the city of Barcelona. When complete, the project will connect two train stations with a tunnel that will run under the center of the city.

"I was impressed with Spain's investment in their rail system," Liias said last week in Olympia. "It's both inspiring and motivating to see how other countries tackle their transportation challenges. I also believe Washington state can be a leader in transportation innovation, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Transportation committee this fall."

In the photo above, Rep. Liias is pictured on a tour of a manufacturing plant operated by the Spanish rail operator RENFE. With him are state Senator Katie Sieben of Minnesota and RENFE's Alberto Gonzalez.

Today's committee meeting line-up

Another full day of committee meetings continues. Some notable topics include:

• Right now the Education Committee is discussing federal Race to the Top funding and reviewing the status of the basic eduction funding bill passed last session.

• At 10, the Technology, Energy & Communications Committee will talk about efforts to expand broadband services statewide.

• At 1:30, the Finance Committee will hear a briefing on the latest Economic and Revenue Forecast, and discuss various implementation issues of the Streamlined Sales Tax.

• Also at 1:30, the Health Care Committee will get an update on federal health care reform efforts.