Our Towns: Central County

Everett: Downtown plaza plan moves forward

Everett took another step toward creating a new plaza at California Street and Wetmore Avenue.

The City Council on Wednesday approved paying Nakano Associates of Seattle $196,000 to design and help oversee construction of an outdoor gathering place with a fountain next to the Everett Performing Arts Center.

The company was previously paid $35,000 to come up with conceptual drawings and cost estimates for a plaza.

The firm’s work includes renovation of the International Fountain at Seattle Center.

City Council gives its support to Proposition 1

The Everett City Council unanimously endorsed Proposition 1 on Wednesday, saying the $17.8 billion roads and transit measure is needed to reduce traffic congestion and provide additional transit alternatives.

For the region, the package contains millions of dollars for improvements along I-5, U.S. 2, Highway 9 and funding to extend light rail to Ash Way in Lynnwood with a study of future light rail connections to Everett.

Will Knedlik, a Kirkland attorney and lead Prop. 1 opponent, said the tax increase is flawed and doesn’t dedicate enough money for roads and puts too much emphasis on mass transit. A Sierra Club representative also said voters should reject the measure because it will contribute to global warming.

The proposal calls for investments over two decades, financed by a sales tax increase of a penny on a $10 purchase and a .8 percent hike in the motor vehicle excise tax, which would tack on $120 in extra taxes for a $15,000 car.

Lake Stevens: Memorial for Cecil Elsner Saturday

A memorial for Cecil Elsner, 20, of Lake Stevens is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Stevens Middle School, 1031 91st Ave. SE in the Hill Crest neighborhood. Elsner, a Western Washington University student and avid sky diver, was among the 10 people killed in a plane crash over the Cascades.

On weekends, Elsner enjoyed making fruit crepes for friends and family. The thin French pancakes will be served in his honor Saturday. A slideshow and video presentation are also planned. If you have a story to share, Elsner’s family asks that you write it down and bring it Saturday for a book being compiled.

A memorial for all of the crash victims is planned for 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at Snohomish High School, 1316 Fifth St.

Call Al Bernardy at 425-330-3606 for more information.

Lions Club holding kids peace poster contest

The Lake Stevens Lions Club is hosting its annual Peace Poster Contest for students 11 to 13 years of age.

The 2007-08 theme is “Peace Around the World.” The international contest encourages children to express what peace means to them, and allows them to share their images of peace with others to increase tolerance and international understanding.

Entry forms and details are available at the Lake Stevens Library, 1804 Main St., 425-334-1900. The contest ends Nov. 1.

Mukilteo: City officials talk crime, prevention

Mayor Joe Marine and Police Chief Mike Murphy are planning to hold a town-hall meeting Wednesday to discuss crime in Mukilteo.

The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall at 4480 Chennault Beach Road.

Members of the police department are planning to brief people on the city’s crime statistics, as well as describe what people can do to protect themselves from becoming victims of crimes.

People who have disabilities who need special accommodations to attend the meeting must call 425-355-4141.

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