Seattle News and Events for July 18 Through August 2014

PHOTO: After over a week of near ninety degree weather people at Mount Baker beach jump into Lake Washington to cool off. Susan Fried

Watch Your Mailbox for Primary Election Ballots

King County Elections mails ballots July 16 for the Aug. 5 primary election. Voters’ pamphlets are mailed separately and may arrive on a different day than ballots. Voters may also check MyVoterGuide online for a customized voters’ pamphlet.

On primary election ballots

There are a total of 119 candidates and 52 offices on the ballot, ranging from U.S. Representative to Washington state legislators, King County prosecuting attorney and district court judges

Voters should read and follow directions on their ballots, sign the return envelope, and get ballots back before the Aug. 5 election day deadline. Mailed ballots need a first-class stamp. Voters also have 25 locations to return ballots without a stamp by 8 p.m. on Aug. 5, including permanent drop box locations, scheduled ballot drop-off vans and Accessible Voting Centers.

Voters who don’t receive a ballot by July 23 or who have questions should call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Tai Shan Performs 'Living Fiction' Outdoors July 17 at the Seattle Library

Local musician Tai Shan will play new songs from “Living Fiction” with her band from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at The Seattle Public Library, West Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. S.W, on the front lawn.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Free parking is available near the West Seattle Branch.

"Living Fiction" was released May 18, 2014. Music on the album is inspired by Shan’s favorite books.

Shan is a Seattle-based pop-folk artist and songwriter. She is also an active contributor to the Seattle chapter of The Bushwick Book Club.

For more information, call the West Seattle Branch at 206-684-7444 or spl.org.

Public Meeting July 22 on Search for Bellevue Police Chief

Following the recent retirement of Bellevue’s police chief, city officials want to hear from the community as they prepare to launch a nationwide search for a new chief.

Bellevue residents, and anyone else interested in the police chief recruitment process, are invited to a public meeting to provide input. The event takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Bellevue City Hall, Room 1E-108, 450 110th Ave. NE. Light refreshments will be provided. Feedback also may be provided via an online survey (www.surveymonkey.com/s/TMGPHGB), or by email at [email protected].

The meetings will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Contact City Hall during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 425-452-6800, or email [email protected]. 

Additional information about the police chief recruitment process is available on the city website (www.bellevuewa.gov/police-chief-recruitment.htm).

Bellevue Job Fair July 24

HireLive hosts a free job fair in Bellevue, Thursday, July 24, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 3225 158th Avenue SE. Parking is free.

HireLive is working with Lyft to provide a free $25 credit ride for first time users to and/or from the event. Register at  www.hirelive.com to receive the promo code.

Bring 10-15 resumes, and dress “business professional.”

PHOTO: On July 12, Portland resident Intisar Abioto led a procession of Octavia E. Butler fans from a small celebration at Edwin T. Pratt Park to Jaam Rek on Jackson Street in Seattle.  The group walked to the art studio for "Wild Seed," an event celebrating the life and works of Butler with singing, readings from the science fiction author's novels, and an art show inspired by Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy, also called “Lilith’s Brood.” Susan Fried

Seattle Women’s Sensuality Summit

The third annual event is July 27, 3 to 7 p.m. at the Skyway Motor Cycle Club, 12603 Renton Ave. South in Skyway.

The Northwest’s Premier event for women of color and men to gather and discuss relationships, health, alternative healing, and more. Through art, poetry, film and interactive dialgue we will focus on the theme of  Reclaiming Our Sensuality.

Open Mic starts at 4 p.m., please email [email protected] for more info or to sign up early for the open mic. Come enjoy the entire event hosted by Emily Imani and Purple Reels. Free for ages 18 and up.

The Seattle Public Library Hosts South Seattle College Information Sessions

Computers, graphics, aviation – learn about short-term, local training programs for in-demand careers at information sessions being held through November at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. and Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S.

Participants will learn about short-term and two-year professional and technical training programs available at South Seattle College and in the Seattle area, as well as how to pay for classes.

Information sessions at the Rainier Beach Branch will take place once a month, from noon to 2 p.m. on select Wednesdays, and will focus on: Medical office professions;       Computing technology; Engineering graphics and design technology; Aviation maintenance and aerospace composites;  Access to childcare and additional resources while in school.

Information sessions at the Central Library will take place once a month, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select Tuesdays, and will focus on: Finding your next career path; In-demand careers related to each training; Funding resources; Campus support services for professional & technical training; Campus support services for your employment needs.

Participants will also learn what services the Library offers to assist with educational needs.

For more information, call Quick Information at 206-386-4636 or www.spl.org.

Thrilling Tales 

“Thrilling Tales: A Story Time for Grown-ups” will feature Seafair-themed oceangoing tales of nautical adventure and suspense every Monday in July at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Microsoft Auditorium.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage at the regular rates.

Stories will include:

•         12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 14, "A Matter of Fact" by Rudyard Kipling

•         12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 21, "Song for a Lady" by Charles Beaumont

•         12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 28, "Letters from the Samantha" by Mark Helprin and "One for the Islands" by Patricia Highsmith.

Thrilling Tales are gripping short stories for a grown-up audience that are expertly read aloud. Brown bag lunches and knitting are welcome. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Stories start at 12:05 p.m. and are finished no later than 12:50 p.m.

For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian.

Find more news and events on The Skanner News' community calendar