Alta Barer Honored At Fairmont

Former KING 5 TV anchor  and Stan Barer family friend Jean Enersen, pictured above, was emcee at a beautiful tribute to my late cousin, Alta Barer.  Alta, who was married to my cousin Stan, passed away last month after a long, but quiet, battle with cancer.
The service began with an incredible singing performance by the Puget Sound Company. Speakers included, University Of Washington President Ana Marie Cauce, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, Former Governor and later US Ambassador to China, Gary Locke, and Changdong Xu, chairman of the WRSEA.
Both my brothers and their wives were among the guests.  Also attending were my cousin Lee Goldberg and his sister, Karen Dinino, from Los Angeles.
The Tribute took place at the Fairmont in Downtown Seattle.

Cantwell Issaquah Visit II

US Senator Maria Cantwell poses with 41st LD State Senate candidate Lisa Wellman (left),  41st State House member Tana Senn, and 5th District State Senator Mark Mullet.  Cantwell headlined a Meet And Greet fundraiser at the Issaquah Brewhaus last Sunday.

US Senator Maria Cantwell Visits Area

A good crowd was present at the Isssaquah Brewhous  at a pep rally/fundraiser for Democratic state senate candidates Lisa Wellman and Mark Mullet.  Wellman is running against Republican incumbent Steve Litzow in the 41st LD, while Mullet is defending his seat in the 5th.  Both districts run through Issaquah.  US Senator Maria Cantwell (above) was the featured speaker.  Cantwell will run for reelection in 2018. 
Also speaking was 41st LD house member Tana Senn, who is also running for reelection this year.   Ironically, Senn's cousin, Deborah ran against Cantwell in the 2000 US Senate Democratic primary.

Washington State Democratic Convention

The Washington State Democratic Convention resumed today at the Convention Center in Downtown Seattle.  
An emotional resolution calling for a halt in U.S. funding of Israel was defeated.  Although the resolution, which was presented at the end of the long arduous day drew passions of two often opposing groups, the cool headed presentation of Dan Lambert of the platform committee, prevented what could been a very damaging battle for the party.  Lambert said in his argument against the resolution that language was crafted in this year's platform that addressed both side's grievances.
Pictured above, Senator Maria Cantwell and myself, Miss Washington 2010 Jacquie Brown singing the National Anthem (middle), and King County Executive Dow Constantine giving the opening greeting to the delegates (below).