City's budget deficit no April Fool's joke

We started the first of this month with an April's Fool posting about the city's Parks and Recreation department tearing down the Genesee off-leash park to construct a flag football field. But the state of the municipality's coffers are no laughing matter.

The bean counters at City of Seattle have estimated $120 million deficit for 2010. City departments would have to shave five percent from their budgets for the municipality to break even. The media are rampant with stories about the potential off city employees, reducing and/or eliminating human services programs, and closing parks... including canine off-leash areas.

It may be too early to sound the general alarm, but it's never to soon to monitor the situation and advocate for our dog park. Our city leaders haven't shown their hand as to how they will address the budget deficit. But if the situation gets contentious and nasty -- as many predict it will -- we will have to lobby on behalf of the Genesee off-leash area.

The Seattle City Council's Budget Committee:

http://www.seattle.gov/council/budget

The City of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department:

http://www.seattle.gov/parks

"No phone zone" in the park? Hell no, but common sense is in order...

Talk show icon Oprah Winfrey designated April 30 as national "No Phone Zone Day." The nation's Media Life Coach launched a ban on texting and using cell phones while driving. Makes perfect sense. Should human denizens of the Genesee off-leash park refrain from talking or texting on their cell phones?

As five-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe might say "You can not be serious!"

Of course not. Most of us have used our cell phones at least once while we brought Sadie the Yellow Lab to Genesee.

But how many times have you seen some owner so engrossed in cell-phone conversation or texting that the individual doesn't notice.... her border collie taking a deuce on the other side of the park, his Viszla playing too rough with the other dogs, her Chihuahua sneaking out of the park.

Be a good steward when you and your canines visit the Genesee Dog Park. Ordering takeout from All Purpose Pizza or finalizing dinner plans at Verve Wine Bar and Cellar is flat out no excuse for neglect. Pay attention to your dog.

If you do what Oprah says -- and millions of people do -- sign her No Phone Zone pledge online:

http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

Happy Pet Parents Day!

Happy Pet Parents Day from your friends at the Dog Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP)!

Need another excuse for sending flowers or greeting cards? Need rationale to purchase yourself a new trinket? VPI Pet Insurance has designated April 25 as "Pet Parents Day" to salaute those of us who love and indulge the animals with whom we share our lives.

Is this self-created holiday a plot by VPI to lure us into purchasing pet insurance policies? No doubt. But it seems to make sense that caring, responsible pet parents receive their props for caring for our dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, etc. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once observed that if Martians landed on earth and saw us walking our dogs -- strolling two or three steps behind and carrying poop bags -- that the aliens would think the dogs were in charge.

What do your pets provide? Nothing of monetary value... just intangibles. Love, companionship, and unwavering loyalty.

Well, today is not a time for false embarrassment or modesty. Celebrate your caretaker function. If you neglected to purchase an Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Bold or Motorola CLIQ for yourself to commemorate Professional Administrative Professionals Day... well, take this opportunity to atone and fork over the money. Freckles and Checkers would have wanted you to. Sadie implores you.

Off-leash dog park coming to Silverdale

Kudos for the good people of Silverdale, WA who joined together to create an off-leash facility at Gateway Park. Kitsap County Parks and Recreation provided the acreage in exchange for formation of a fenced, off-leash facility and the construction of additional parking spaces near the site.

The Gateway site marks the third off-leash dog park established in Kitsap County.

The creation of the Silverdale Dog Park offers another example of citizens joining together to create a play area for their canines. Through donations and fundraising events -- rummage sale, benefit at the Cloverleaf Sports Ball & Bill, sales of memorial plaques, advertising boards, donations -- the organization has collected more than $23K by late March.

Those living in or near Silverdale can show your love by eating the flesh of dead cows, pigs and chickens at Famous Dave's in Silverdale on May 3. Twenty percent of the sales from 5 pm to 9 pm will benefit the dog park. Download the coupon from the Silverdale Dog Park's site (see link).

You've got to eat, so why not put your meat consumption to a good cause? An appetizer, a couple entrés, two or three beers apiece, and dessert... and 20 percent of your tab ought to cover the cost of a package of Mutt Mitts for park use. Lots of protein. Real food for real people.

Perhaps the off-leash, dog park movement will expand to New Mexico, Arkansas... or maybe Jersey.

http://www.silverdaledogpark.com

O'Doul the Collie claims victory over NOAA: Meteorologists barking up the wrong tree!

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) congratulates itself for projecting forecasts of an El Niño winter for 2009-2010, canine weather prognosticator O'Doul the Collie claims victory over to federal agency.

As Dog Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP) readers know, Mount Baker resident O'Doul the Collie began shedding his winter rough coat in volumes that the collie's owner Tony said contradicts NOAA's El Niño predictions.

Winter storms that took place in March and April have built up the local snowpack with compilations in locales ranging roughly between 70 and 120 percent of normal accumulations.

"He's very pleased with his victory," said O'Doul's spokesman, Tony. This winter's snowfall demonstrated how "screwed" the NOAA's scientifically trained experts are, Tony said.

Tony chided NOAA prognosticators for sounding alarms with warnings of potential drouts during the summer. In February 2010, local snowpacks ranged from 60-to80 percent of normal. Meteorologists then warned of potential drought situations this summer. But late-spring snowfalls have negated the El Niño characterizations... and vindicated O'Doul the Collie.

Consider the statistics collected by the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center in Seattle measuring local snowpacks as of April 15:

• Crystal Mountain (86 inches, 91 percent of normal winter accumulation);
• Hurricane Ridge (111 inches, 102 percent);
• Mount Baker -- the one up north near Canada (184 inches, 111 percent);
• Paradise Ridge (162 inches, 95 percent);
• Snoqualmie Pass (56 inches, 78 percent);
• White Pass (53 inches, 120 percent).
• Stevens Pass (86 inches, 91 percent)

"Nature triumphs over science," Tony said, adding that O'Doul's winter prognostications "have never been wrong."

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day from your planet-loving friends at the Dog Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP!)

Americans first celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Forty years ago, the inaugural Earth Day highlighted a grassroots movement to spotlight environmental issues involving land, air and water pollution. ("Pollution"... there's a term you probably haven't heard since the demise of the Ford Pinto.) In November 1969, the New York Times observed: "Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping the nation's campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam."

An American day of observance and national service was born.

We could wax ad nauseam about just wanting to celebrate Earth Day. While the world pays homage Mother Earth, we will take this opportunity to give our props to the 1970s rock band Rare Earth.

Motown signed Rare Earth in 1969. A fusion of rock, funk and blue-eyed soul, Rare Earth scored Top-40 hits by covering the Temptations' classics "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and "Get Ready."

Rare Earth recorded "I Just Want to Celebrate", which soared to #7 on the Billboard Top-100 chart in 1971. The Ford Motor Co. and AT&T purchased the rites of the song to peddle cars and telecommunications. Peter Krause lip synced the chorus during the series finale of Six Feet Under.

The group returned to the Billboard charts in 1971 when "Hey, Big Brother" peaked at #19. Three year later, Rare Earth served as the opening act of the California Jam festival in Ontario, CA. More than 200,000 fans attended an eclectic program that included: Earth Wind and Fire; the Eagles; Black Sabbath; Deep Purple; Emerson, Lake and Palmer; and Seals and Crofts.

In 2005, Rare Earth was inducted into the Michigan Rock 'n Roll Legends, an online musical Hall of Fame. Lest you sneer, consider that the initial inductee class included: Stevie Wonder; Aretha Franklin; Smokey Robinson; Marvin Gaye; Temptations; Four Tops; Supremes; Jackie Wilson; Martha and the Vandellas; Alice Cooper; and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.

While the group composition has changed, Rare Earth continues to perform. Maybe they'll come to the Emerald Queen Casino or the Western Washington Fair.

Meanwhile, do something nice for the planet and the the Genesee off-leash park: Pick up after your dog. And celebrate another day of living.

Renton gains ACCES to critical care

Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services (ACCES) has opened a 24-hour satellite office in Renton this month. Now we who live in Seattle's No Man's Land -- north of the cut, west of the bridge, east of Lake Washington -- have round-the-clock, intensive care unit (ICU) care that does not require freeway travel to Lynnwood, Kirkland, Tacoma or Lake City Way (the original ACCES clinic).

Located at 4208 Lind Ave. SW in Renton -- across the street from IKEA -- ACCES providers say that they fill a void of emergency care in South Seattle, Kent and Federal Way. The phone number is 206.364.1660.

Who would've thought that we'd be driving to Renton -- the self proclaimed "center of opportunity" -- for our pets' emergency-care needs? For years we mocked the city's motto ("ahead of the curve"). What the hell does that mean? The bellwether curve? A municipal grading curve? Deadman's curve?

We should've been suspicious when the Seattle Seahawks relocated its team headquarters from Kirkland to a state-of-the-art facility in Renton. Suddenly, our neighbor to the south developed clout that comes with a National Football League (NFL) franchise and its billionaire owner.

Now Renton has IKEA and ACCES within spitting distance of each other. Take your dog to ACCES after he injures himself running at Genesee off-leash park (like that ever happens). Then pop in at IKEA to buy a Rutbo floor lamp and stay for Tuesday night's 15-piece Swedish meatball dinner. Meat, mashed potatoes, lingonberries and cream sauce for $2.49. Too much fun for one evening.

http://www.criticalcarevets.com

Take a moment to appreciate your Administrative Professional

Happy Administrative Professionals' Day from your friends at the Dog Denizens of Genesee Park!

The cynical amongst you consider Administrative Professionals' Day a pseudo holiday created by the American greeting card and chocolate industries. Credit not Hallmark, American Greetings or Whitman's... but New York publicist Harry F. Klemfuss. The National Secretaries Association and Klemfuss conspired to encourage women to pursue lucrative and rewarding careers as secretaries, receptionists and stenographers. U.S. Commerce Secretary Charles Sawyer proclaimed June 1-7, 1952 as "National Secretaries' Week".

One could well imagine the Eisenhower-Era celebration that ensued. "Here's a Whitman's Sampler, baby. Now, bring me a coffee -- cream and two sugars -- and a cheese danish. Cancel my 11 o'clock, and make a reservation for four at the Brown Derby. Pick up my dry cleaning, confirm my tickets at the Hollywood Bowl and dinner at Perino's. But first, get your steno pad so I can dictate a letter..."

In 1981 -- shortly after release of the movie 9 to 5 -- the commemoration was renamed Professional Secretaries' Week. The name change, though, did not debunk the buxom image of Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson's alter ego in WKRP in Cincinnati). Marlowe held steadfast to her job title of receptionist -- and not a secretary. ("I'm not a secretary, I'm a receptionist. I receive people.") John F. Kennedy Jr. arguably played the most famous television administrative professional when he appeared in the 1995 season premiere of Murphy Brown. John-John portrayed one of 93 of the title character's disposal secretaries... er, administrative assistants.

In 2000, the celebration was retitled Administrative Professionals' Week to acknowledge the ever-changing modern office environment. The festivities culminate with the feting and flower giving that accompanies Administrative Professionals' Day.

Consider, though, that computers, email and smart phones have changed the nature of our office multi-tasking tasks. Most of us write and print our own correspondence, send rapid-fire email and text messages, and screen our cell phone calls. Really, we are our own administrative professionals! Treat yourself to lunch at Quizno's or Wendy's. Or, better yet, promote yourself by purchasing a new Apple iPhone, Motorola Droid or Blackberry Bold. And if you decide to upgrade, consider donating your own phone to a charity... like one that supports victims of domestic violence or provides cell phones for our overseas military personnel.

It's the "green" thing to do. And tomorrow is Earth Day.

A friendly reminder... income tax return due on April 15

In correspondence to French physicist Jean-Baptitse Le Roy in 1789, Benjamin Franklin observed, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain except for death and taxes." Well, if you're not dead, your federal income tax return is due April 15.

Regardless of whether you requested an extension by filing Form 4868, your federal income taxes for 2009 are due April 15. Uncle Sam wants your money.

The Bush Recession has spelled few major changes for the 2009 tax year. If, though, you contributed money to the Haitian relief effort after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 and itemize your deductions, your donation to assist survivors of the Haitian earthquake can be claimed as a contribution for tax year 2009. Seriously. (This isn't an April 1 posting.) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) explains on its website:

The contribution must be made to a qualified organization and meet all other requirements for charitable contribution deductions. However, if you made the contribution by phone or text message, a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution will satisfy the record-keeping requirement. Therefore, for example, if you made a $10 charitable contribution by text message that was charged to your telephone or wireless account, a bill from your telecommunications company containing this information satisfies the record-keeping requirement.

Unfortunately, you cannot claim the two bucks that you stuffed in the jar at Dick's for Haitian earthquake relief.

If you have tax-related questions, search the IRS website at:

http://www.irs.gov/

It happens every spring...

Linus Van Pelt of the Peanuts comic strip once observed, "There is no heavier burden than great potential." It is with these great expectations that the Seattle Mariners' highly anticipated 2010 season begins today at 7:07 pm in Oakland with a contest against their American League West rivals, the Athletics.

The off-season acquisitions of pitcher Cliff Lee, infielder Chone Figgins and outfielder Milton Bradley have Mariners fans excepting nothing less the division pennant. Those dreamers amongst us eye bigger things for the home team.

Earlier this year, we imagined Seattle Mariners players at dog breeds at the Genesee Dog Park. Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki's characteristics --athletic, intelligent and independent -- reminds one of the Australian Cattle Dog. The media have criticized the perennial All Star and former Most Valuable Player (MVP) for lacking the demeanor of an outgoing clubhouse leader. To those accusations, we say: Shut the hell up, J.J. Putz, Carlos Silva and Richie Sexson. What had you done for the Mariners lately? Quite frankly, nothing prior to a Democrat taking the White House.

The Mariners play their home opener at Safeco Field at 3:40 pm on Monday, April 12. Don't have tickets? Make friends with a scalper. Remember that all attendees will receive a free 2010 season magnetic calendar.

Here's to the home team meeting the great expectations of 2010.

... and seven more days until Garlic fries

The Seattle Mariners play their home opener at 3:4o pm at Safeco Field on Tuesday, April 12. While it's easy to succumb to the lures of hot dogs, Porters BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and the "Ichi-roll" (sushi with spiced tuna)... aren't you really saving yourself for those Grounders garlic fries? How can you refuse hot taters sprinkled with minced garlic and parsley.

While garlic fries don't receive the US Surgeon General's endorsement, it's the most notorious Safeco Field concession item. You can smell garlic fries three rows away.

Who needs soggy hot dogs and stale peanuts when you've got a week's worth of garlic-saturated carbs?

Manja.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from your friends at the Dog Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP)!

Maybe you're finishing a breakfast of hot-cross buns (the breakfast pastry with a built-in punchline) and hard-boiled eggs. Perhaps you've preparing a festive dinner of country ham and red-eye gravy. (Remember, no sauce for your dog; coffee is a key ingredient of red-eye gravy.)

Or maybe you've turned on your television anticipating the annual network telecast of The Ten Commandments... only to discover that ABC has scheduled America's Funniest Home Videos, Brothers and Sisters, and a two-hour version of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Easter evening. Missed the biblical epic by one evening. ABC aired The Ten Commandments in the Saturday night dead zone to compete against reruns of NBC crime dramas, Cops and America's Most Wanted.

If you seek Easter evening entertainment on the tube, check out the marathon of America's Worst Driver on the Travel Channel. The reality program pits four participants -- identified as poor drivers by their family, colleagues, and soon-to-be ex-friends -- in a series of obstacle courses ostensibly to test their road skills. The person with the worst score is forced to watch his or her car destroyed by robots, explosions, monster trucks, etc. "No.....! Not the new Prius!"

The Travel Channel filmed an episode in Seattle for airing this season. And, contrary to popular belief, I am not appearing on the program. Like the majority of dog-park users, I need my car to make the trip to Genesee Park.

More soccer fields could replace Genesee off-leash dog park

Budgetary deficits in the City of Seattle coffers could spell dire consequences for the Genesee off-leash dog park. City policymakers may contemplate razing the dog park and replacing it with a third, all-weather, synthetic athletic field dedicated flag football and ultimate Frisbee. Based on the city's ordinances banning canines from municipal play areas and fields, your dog could be on the outside looking in at yards of Astroturf.

The city Parks Department plans to renovate the Genesse Park athletic fields by using $2.1 million renovation project slated to commence construction this autumn. The Parks department explains the process on its website:

Completed construction documents will go to the Department of Executive Administration for review and approval in April. Parks anticipates that this project will go to bid in May with actual construction beginning at the end of May or early June. Construction will last 60 working days, with Substantial Completion in September 2010 and the field open for use at this time.

A link from the city's Parks and Recreation site is provided for your reading pleasure:

http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/projects/genesee_playfield/

The demands for a myriad of sports - adult and children's soccer, lacrosse, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee -- may require more than the two athletic fields presently available at Genesee Park. Rather than finance a dog park that costs the city monies spent on field maintenance and dog-poop removal -- the city may instead look at the the prospect of building an athletic field that generate revenue through user fees. Consider that potential new rental fees for a possible new flag football and Ultimate Frisbee field generates around $40 to $60 an hour. Six hours of rental fees would net the city $240 to $360 in a single weekend... and no dog poop to clean up.

It's a tough new world in the aftermath of the Bush recession.

A decision to scrap the dog park generates support from neighborhood residents who resent the abandoned piles of canine excrement left behind by dog owners with willful or negligent frames of mind. If ongoing problems persist, the Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.010 gives the Parks superintendent authority to review the complains in consultation with the city council. According to the ordinance:

D. If,based on this review, the Superintendent finds significant problems that cannot be practically corrected the Superintendent may close the site to off-leash use. In addition to any action taken pursuant to the review described above, the Superintendent is authorized to close to off-leash dog use any area described under subsection B of this section on a temporary or permanent basis if significant problems arise which cannot be resolved jointly by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Seattle Animal Control, and COLA, and if the Superintendent determines that such closure is necessary for the preservation and protection of the natural environment, public health or safety. Prior to closing any off-leash area, the Superintendent shall consult with the Director of Executive Administration. The Superintendent shall state in writing his or her reasons for closure.

Kind of makes you wish you were more diligent in picking up the deuces from your Dalmatian and Dandy Dinmont.

Be glad that the city isn't claiming the around the dog park to construct a mix-use facility: A Check Into Cash, Arby's and a dollar store on the main level, "congregate housing units in the four or five upper floors. But limited parking given the regional access to link light rail.

We had joys, fun, and seasons in the sun at our dog park. Now, it could be "na-na, hey-hey, kiss it goodbye."