Finally A Place To Sip In Maple Valley

The wine industry is growing rapidly in Washington state and now right here in Maple Valley, there is a place that you can to unwind after work or entertain friends on the weekend. Da Vine has opened up in the Wilderness Village shopping center next to the Tahoma Athletic Club. It features wine from across the state and all over the world. There is also a selection of Microbrewed beers.

We tried Da Vine last night, we sat on the sofa by the fire. Not only was the atmosphere inviting we were helped with our selection by co-owner Cheryl who told about the bar's short history. Da Vine is located at 23836 222nd Place SE Suite 106 Maple Valley, WA 98038. It is closed on Monday, but open until 9pm from Tuesday though Thursday and open to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday it is open until 8pm.

Mariners Tap RJ For First Pitch

Seattle baseball fans are happy to learn that newly retired pitching great Randy Johnson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2010 Mariner home opener. Relations between Johnson and the Mariner organization have, at times, been strained since he forced a trade in 1998. However, much like bringing Ken Griffey, Jr back to the club last year, it looks like both sides are willing to let bygones be bygones.

Barers Of Maple Valley Attend The Hutch Award Luncheon

I attended the annual Fred Hutchison award luncheon for the first time today. The award (commonly known as the Hutch Award) is presented in honor of Fred Hutchison, a Seattle native and former major league player and manager who passed away from cancer. This year's award went to Chicago White Sox infieler Mark Teahen (in video above). Channel 13 Anchor Bill Wixey also spoke of his cancer battle. The keynote speaker was Dave Dravecky, a major league pitcher whose struggle with cancer caused him to lose his pitching arm during the prime of his career. The luncheon was attended by most of the area's sports VIPs. Some of those in attendence were Mariner GM Jack Zduriencik, Mariner Manager Don Wakamatsu,former Mariner pitcher Jamie Moyer, and radio voices Rick Riccz and Dave Niehaus. TV news anchor Steve Raible and afternoon radio personality Mike Gastineau were co-hosts. I asked Dave Niehaus how he could get up for games even when the team is having a bad year. Dave's reply (paraphasing) was that every game has something unique about it.

Maple Valley Seeks To Fill City Council Vacancy

The "Voice Of The Valley" Maple Valley's weekly newspaper, reports that the City is taking applications to fill the city council position vacated by Laure Idding's resignation. To be considered for the position, state law requires applicants to be a citizen of the United States and a registered Washington voter, in addition an applicant must have resided in the city limits of Maple Valley for at least a year.

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter to the city clerk. The address is...

City Clerk

City Hall

PO Box 320

Maple Valley, WA 98038

For more information, call City Clerk Irvalene Moril at 425-413-8800. Application materials must be submitted by 5 pm Friday January 29th.

Thank to "The Voice" for information used in this article.

Saints vs Colts In Super Bowl XLIV

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts in this years Super Bowl. It will be the first apearance for the Saints.

Cruise Ship Visits To Labadee Stir Controvery

We have all been shaken by the devastation in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake. It reminds me of our short visit in August of '06 to Labadee, which is on Haiti's northern coast. At that time of course, the country had just endured Hurricane Ernesto, although you could find no sign of it at the time. The only sign of the people's strife were the locals, who would ride up in rowboats to try and sell jewelry as we were jet skiing. Royal Caribbean's decision to continue to dock there has caused considerable controversy.

5th District Democrats Endorse Delbene

The 5th district Democrats of Washington have endorsed Suzan Delbene to represent the 8th district in the U.S. House Of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Republican Dave Reichert, a former King County Sherrif.

Strong Winds Hit The Area

The Maple Valley area had strong wind gust earlier this week. This fence surrounding the Belmont Woods stormwater run off pond was damaged by falling trees.

Music To Our Ears--King Felix To Stay Awhile

Seattle sports fans have been saved a summer of anxiety when word got out that Ace Pitcher Felix Hernandez is in the process of working out a five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. This is the latest in what seems to be a series of well thought out moves this season by the Mariner management. Under the direction of first year GM Jack Zduriencik, the M's went from a 100 loss season in 2008 to a winning season in 2009. Nothing is guarenteed for 2010, the outlook is bright.

Tracy Taylor Begins New Career

Tracy Taylor can be seen intermittenly from 5-7am on KING5 and from 7-9am on KONG 6/16 with traffic reports. Here she is in a toss with anchor Joyce Taylor (no relation). Tracy is in her first week at KING after doing traffic reports for 3 and a half years on sports radio station KJR.

Celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday

Jan Curran's Novel Published

Jan Curran, my cousin and inspiration for this blog, has written her latest novel, Active Senior Living, a humorous fictionalized account of a Southern California writer and newspaper reporter, whose battle with cancer forces her to move into an assisted living facility. You can order Jan's book by clicking here.

David Spring Will Run In 5th District

North Bend teacher David Spring has announced that he will make his second run for the Washington State Legislature. Spring says that he will for the 5th District House seat now held by Republican Glenn Anderson. Spring is a Democrat. Sammamish telecom consultant Dean Willard, also a Democrat, has also declared his candidacy for that position.

Our Hearts Go Out To The People Of Haiti

If you want to help with the rescue efforts, text the word h-a-i-t-i to 90999, and a ten dollar donation will apear on your telephone bill.

Thank You Readers!

Barer's Of Maple Valley had it's 40,000th hit. This is the funnest project that I've done. Thank you!

Old Mustang Commercial

I'll shift gears with a commercial from our childhood.

Not All College Coaches Have Failed In The Pros

Two coaches were plucked from out of the college ranks to become outstanding NFL coaches. Jimmy Johnson replaced Tom Landry as coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. Landry was an institution both in Dallas and in the NFL. As a matter of fact, up to that point, he was the only man to coach the Cowboys. Jimmy Johnson was coach of the Miami Hurricanes. He lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins.

Bill Walsh, was coach at Stanford when the San Francisco 49ers named him as coach. Walsh created a football powerhouse in the bay area, winning three Super Bowls. Walsh would later go back to coach at Stanford.

Unfortunately, we remember such failures as Steve Spurrier and Dennis Erickson both coaches very successful at the college level but failures in the NFL.

Sources Say Carroll Will Replace Fired Seahawk Coach

There is an old saying" never replace the legend" and that proved to be true when former Seattle Seahawk Coach Mike Holmgren's successor Jim Mora found himself in hot water as the team suffered a 5 win, 11 loss season. Some of the black marks were the teams 4 consecutive losses at season's end, Mora's off the cuff rants about his kicker and the KJR radio disaster when wide receivers TJ Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson took shots at the Seattle media and failed to put their money where their mouth's were. Today it was announced that Mora will no longer coach the 'Hawks becoming only the 8th NFL coach since 1990 to be fired after one season. Speculation is rampant that USC head coach Pete Carroll will return to the NFL as head coach and president. Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley wrote about his misgivings with the potential hire.

Original Sonic Announcer Bob Blackburn Dies

Bob Blackburn, the original radio announcer for the Seattle Supersonics passed away today. Blackburn voice could be heard on stations throughout the Northwest broadcasting what was at one time, the only local taste Washingtonians had of local major-league sports.

I remember working at KTEL which carried the Seattle Super Sonics broadcasts in Walla Walla and being on the board when the Supes won the NBA title.

I also remember meeting Blackburn years later as he was auctioneering charity golf function. Bob Blackburn was 85.

BOMV Sets Record

Many of the blogs that I read get thousands of hits every day. I am always happy to get over 30. This blog however set a record yesterday of over 200 hits. Today looks like it could possibly break that record. Most people have come over to read about KJR's Tracy Taylor quitting the station as reported in the last post.

Tracy Taylor Leaving KJR

KJR Sportsradio morning personality Tracy Taylor will be leaving the station soon for a new opportunity. Taylor says on her facebook page that she will be doing traffic for KING 5 TV. Taylor was doing her second tour of duty with KJR, she has also worked in Spokane and on the East coast.

Hawks In It But Don't Win It

The Seattle Seahawks suffered their 4th loss in row. The 17-13 defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans gives this season a sour conclusion, proving a close loss just as depressing as a blow-out. For the 4th week in row, John Carlson scored the 'Hawks only touchdown, a six yard throw from Matt Hasselbeck. Second year Titan Chris Johnson rushed for 134 yards to become the sixth player in NFL history to gain 2000 yards in a season. Johnson also scored each of the Titans 2 touchdowns.

Barers Of Maple Valley--2009 In Review

Because my Cousin Jan told me to write more in my blog, I'm going to do the year in review differently than in years past. Rather than just show a few highlight pictures, I'm going to write the year in one article, at least try. Hopefully, I won't leave too much out.

January, New Years day began on a high note when my brother, Steve called to announce his engagement to Dawn. We were in the middle of a terrible winter and flooding hit Maple Valley, fortunately none of it hit the high ground where we live. Senator Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African-American president.

February, we made a trip to Seaside, Oregon, unfortunately, snowy weather hit us both on the way over and the way back. We made it safely both ways, but not without some white knuckles.

March, the winter that would not quit dumped more snow on Maple Valley.

April, A great trip to Oceanside, California. No, we did not have any snow. We actually were able to spend sometime poolside.

May, Dog Rusty showed us how good a watchdog he was when he went head to head with a possum in the yard. The month concluded with Steve and Dawn's wedding.

June, The world lost two super celebs in one day, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

July, My birthday on the 19th, very hot summer, and we get our new pet bird Goldie.

August, A trip to the Oregon Coast.

September, We celebrate Deb's Grandma's 90th birthday and my Dad's 80th

October, On October 31st, Officers Tim Brenton and Britt Sweeny were shot while sitting in their patrol car. Brenton died and Sweeny recovered, it was the first of three incidents in the Seattle area where police where shot at. All three occurred on or near holidays and on or near, the end of the last three months of the year.

November, An espresso stand with bikini-clad baristas opens in the Crossroads area of Bellevue, about 2 blocks East of The UPS Store. Also, in Lakewood, WA, 5 police officers were gunned down in a coffee shop.

December, It looks like the Mariners are taking steps to finally be a contending team. Free agent Chone Figgins signs with the team and a separate deal brings in Pitcher Cliff Lee.

So there you have it, the year in a nutshell.

How Seattle Celebrates The New Year

Happy New Year

Seahawk Receivers Attack KJR Analyst

Tj Houshmandzadeh (above), Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson apparently are fed up with Sports radio analyst Hugh Millen. Millen, a former UW quarterback, who also played for several NFL teams, has had some pointed criticism for the receiving trio. Nate Burleson has a weekly show on KJR. Nate's two special guests certainly have raised some local conversation, espessially by attacking Millen's career stats. To hear the interview, click here.

Mayor Laure Iddings Resigns

Laure Iddings, who has been Maple Valley's mayor since it's inception in 1997, is stepping down both from her mayoral duties and her position on the city council according to the local paper "Voice Of The Valley". You can read her letter of resignation here.

Another Officer Leaves Us!

Officer Kent Mundell, one of two Pierce County Deputies wwounded in a shooting early last week has passed away after being taken off life support. He has become the 6th officer in the last 2 months in Western Washington to die in the line of duty.

Packers Maul Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks took a few steps down the staircase in a 48-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. It was the third loss in a row in a game that was too reminiscent of the Hawks in the Ken Behring era. Fading Matt Hasselbeck threw 4 interceptions, two snuffing out potential touchdown drives as the 'Hawks showed streaks of promise in the first half. For the third week in a row John Carlson scored Seattle's only touchdown. The win sent the Green Bay Packers to the play-offs, and the Seahawks back to the "drawing board" in Seattle.

LA Times Likes Cousin Tod Goldberg's Latest

Lee Goldberg reports the Tod Goldberg's latest book, Other Resort Cities has earned a favorable review from the Los Angeles Times. You can read Tod's wit and wisdom on his very own blog, click here.

Here is my old friend Darcy Burner getting grilled by Chris Matthews on MSNBC's "Hard Ball"

Merry Christmas

Buc's Make Seahawks Walk The Plank

The Seattle Seahawks proved that they could lose to the worst of them, and on their home field. Coming to Seattle with a single win to it's credit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the 'Hawks 24-7. For the second week in a row, second year tight end John Carlson scored the 'Hawks only touchdown . A struggling Matt Hasselbeck threw 4 interceptions and a lost fumble.

Snow Hits Maple Valley

After a frigid but dry week, we did get snowfall last weekend and through the night, however temperature warmed quickly and it was gone by Monday afternoon.

The Backtrails Of Maple Valley

This lone A-frame house, seen from the pipeline trail in Maple Valley has always fascinated me.

Two New Mariners Excite Fans

While Seattle sports fans can generally agree that the Seattle Seahawks are in a state of disarray, there can be an argument made that the fortunes of the also struggling Seattle Mariners may be changing. In the past couple weeks, the Mariners have acquired Angel Infielder Chone Figgins and Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee. Figgins had been a "Mariner killer" while playing for LA. Lee was Cy Young award winner in 2008 while playing in Cleveland. Together with red hot 2009 Cy Young runner up Felix Hernandez, the Ms could be a team to be reckoned with. Of course, Mariner fans have been burned before and there is no doubt that the Angels and Rangers are not going to sit by idly. The Yankees are champs again and Boston is not going away. Still, for the first time in years, the fans are talking about the baseball team in December and odds are, they are not through yet.

Dean Willard Will Run For State House

Former T-Mobile Vice President Dean Willard has declared his intention to run for the Washington State House Of Representatives. Willard, a Sammamish resident, plans to run for the seat held by Glenn Anderson, a Fall City Republican, in the 5th Legislative district. Willard is a Democrat and represents the 5th on the State Democratic Central Committee. He also chaired the Endorsement committee for the King County Democratic Central Committee. Willard is currently a security and information technology consultant. Willard was also involved in Joe Mallahan's recent Seattle mayoral campaign.

Hawks Lay Egg In Houston

The execution was quick and painless when Houston Texan quarterback Matt Shaub hit Andre Johnson for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage en route to an easy 34-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks' only touchdown came near the end of the first half when Matt Hasselbeck hit John Carlson for a 4 yard disputed touchdown. It would turn out being the only score for Seattle as two trips to the red zone in the second half came up empty.

From Ken Levine's blog.

Burl Barer Gets Facebook Fan Page

In spite of being out of commercial radio for more than two decades, a facebook fan page honoring former Seattle disk jockey Burl Barer is growing in leaps and bounds. The page was established by former KJR DJ Kacie Sommers and myself. In addition to Burl is a published novelist. He can still be heard every Saturday from 2:00 until 6:00 on the internet.

Former Apprentice Candidate James Sun

Seattle area resident James Sun looked up until the very end, like the winner of Apprentice 6. Especially with talk that Donald Trump would be building in the region. However, Sun was not picked and nothing has been heard, since on Trump developing here. I got this piece from the Seattle Times.

Seahawks Win 2nd In A Row

For the first time this season, the Seattle Seahawks avenged an early season loss to a conference opponent. They also celebrated their 2nd win in a row--a 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It was sweet revenge as the Seahawk had lost an earlier game to the 'Niners 23-10. That of course was the game where Matt Hasselbeck was knocked out with cracked ribs.

Holmgren Indicates Desire To Return To Seahawks

Mike Holmgren has indicated a desire to return to the now vacant Seattle Seahawks General Manager position
Holmgren, in an interview on his weekly radio show said that he is willing to talk to the Seahawk brass about filling the position vacated by Tim Ruskel's resignation. Holmgren, the only coach to take the 'Hawks to the Superbowl, left his coaching position after 10 years to take off some time from football. It is widely speculated that tensions between him and Ruskel lead to his leaving. When Holmgren first came to the Seahawks he held both the coaching position and the general manager's position. After a slow start, Holmgren agreed to concentrate only on coaching.

Jackie Jacobson Competes

Like her sisters, Sada and Emily, my cousin,Jackie Jacobson is a competitive fencer.

Hunt For Maurice Clemmons Over

Maurice Clemmons was shot and Killed last night by a Seattle Police Officer. The officer was investigating a stolen car when he spotted Clemmons. According to the officer, Clemmons would not obey orders to put up his hands and freeze. Clemmons was accused of gunning down four Lakewood police officers in a coffee shop.

10 Years Ago--The Battle In Seattle

Today marks 10 years since the WTO came to Seattle. My experiences with that event have been documented on this blog.

Troyer Accuses Seattle TV Station

Pierce County officials have accused Sky-King of hampering a police investgation, in relation to the brutal slaying of 4 Lakewood police officers this morning. Pierce County Deputy Ed Troyer explains

Three Cousins Enjoy Feast

There is no Goldilocks, but you can see three Barers, all cousins of mine. Burl, his brother Stan, and sister Jan got together along with their children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving. Thank you to Burl and Jan who posted this on their blogs.

Neil Diamond Does The Chanukkah Song

I found this on cousin Lee Goldberg's blog a month or so ago. It's finally the holiday season.

Seahawks Beat The Rams

For the first time this season, and it has been a long one, the Seattle Seahawks were able to execute on the road, beating the St.Louis Rams 27-17. 'Hawk second year running back Justin Forsett had a break-out game running for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Josh Wilson intercepted a pass in the second quarter, running 65 for a Seattle score. Although the Seahawks are all but mathematically eliminated from the NFL play-off race, the victory should help the 'Hawks organization plan it's direction for the next few seasons. The victory was Seattle's 10th in a row over the Rams, who are also having a miserable season.

Rotten Apple Cup Results In Husky Win

Apple Cup 2009 will go down as a match where a win starved Washington Husky team trounced the even more inept Washington State Cougars 30-0. While the Cougar defense played with heart in the first half, holding the Huskies to 10 points, the offense could not rise to the challenge, playing 3 quarterbacks, two with injuries and never getting inside the Husky 33 yard line. Suddenly, Washington's record looks better at 4 and 7, while the WSU Cougars are in need of evaluating their program to see if their is a way out of this slump.

Palin Hides Out In Tri Cities

My brother, Steve, reports on the whereabouts of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

This is what's happening a couple blocks from the Crossroads UPS Store where I work.

A Review: Pirate Radio

It's a fun movie, because everything is what you think it is. Pirate Radio takes you back to the rebellious 1960s when rock and roll music ruled. Add to the mix a "groovy" sound track and a crew of raunchy fun loving disc jockeys and you have a great movie.
The action takes place on a ship offshore from Great Britain. The government apparently would not license any radio station that played Rock music. By broadcasting from the boat, the station was outside the government's power. The government minister who was deadset on doing everything in his power (and beyond) to shut down the station was played up hilariously.

Other than being a little long, watching Pirate Radio (which was originally title "The Boat That Rocked") made for an enjoyable evening.

Old Walla Walla Radio Shows

Just to jog your memory and following up on my past posts on radio from the 60s and 70s, KUJ used to have a show called "Swapping Time", it was a cross between "Craig's List" and talk radio. Local listeners would call in to buy and sell their items and would be put on the air. A tape delays allowed the host to screen calls for suitable material. KTEL's answer was "Trading Post" however the DJ would read what were basically want ads over the air. KTEL also had "Pet Patrol" where listeners would could post lost and found for dogs and cats.
Another show that you may remember was the Men's Garden Club that would air on Tuesday mornings. On that show, the Walla Walla Men's Garden Club would answer questions fed from listeners. The radio station announcer would answer the phone and jot down the questions, to which a panel of experts would answer on the air.

Many of you may remember the "Hi Fi Show" change aired Monday through Friday at 8:00 on KTEL. DJ Dave Cochran would ask listeners to identify a record, the first caller to identify the record would win a 6 pack of Coca Cola. In order to play, you had to get a "Hi Fi" which for local teens, was as coolest thing to have in their wallet next to a driver's license.

November 22nd, 1963

A dark day in American history.

Seahawks Lose In Minnesota

After a scoreless first quarter, it didn't take long to see which team is play-off bound as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-9. There were times when it looked like the Vikes did not have an opponent as ageless quarterback Brett Favre was able to move the ball practically at will, throwing four touchdown passes to four different Viking receivers. The Seahawks did not even get past midfield until late in the third quarter.

Billy Joel-Elton John Rescheduled

Ticketmaster has been informing customers that hold tickets to the canceled Seattle Elton John-Billy Joel concert, originally scheduled for early Novemberthat the concert has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 3rd at Key Arena.

A great clip recalling the AFL's imfamous "Heidi Game" of 1968. A game that might have been unnoticed except for two things, number one, it involved the league's showcase teams, the Jets (who would go on that season and win the Super Bowl and the Raiders (at that time, the defending AFL champions) and also,it kept football fans from watching one of the greatest comebacks in professional football history.
41 years later, fans still remember the "Heidi Games". This clip says it all.

Another Mike Barer

Up in the "Great White North" there is another Mike Barer. He is the bass player for the Edmonton, Alberta based group, Grassroot Deviation. Grassroot Deviation is described as playing a "diverse spectrum of Roots, Rock, and Funk." They have a myspace page and Mike has a group page on facebook. I do not know whether nor how he is related.

This Commercial Is So Funny