Going out swinging

The trial between the Sonics and the City of Seattle over the last two years remaining on the lease, started today.

As fans, there is little for us to do anymore. Most of us have sent so many emails to the Governor, she probably blocks them by this time.

The Save our Sonics group held a rally at the courthouse today. One of the Sonics owners defenses is that no one in Seattle cares about the team. Today we proved him wrong.

The SOS group has been publicizing this event for a few weeks now, and they really got the message out. They had hoped to attract 1000 fans, even saying that if only 500 show up, that it will enforce the owners point. Of course, it helps to have Gary Payton on hand to generate some interest.

An estimated 3000 people showed up to the rally! It was amazing. I was hoping to reach the 1000 mark. I invited my friend Jim to come over on the ferry and meet me for the rally.



We arrived right at 4:30. One of the SOS guys spoke into the microphone for a while, then they handed the mic to Seattles biggest sports fan, figuratively and literally, Big Lo. Big Lo has made a career of firing up crowds, and he went right to work. He led a few cheers and spoke positive on the situation.

Dave Moller from KJR am then took the mic. A few more cheers, as Gary was stuck in traffic, but he assured us Gary would be there shortly.

Spencer Hawes got up on the mic, he is an active player in the nba, so he really could not speak in detail. He told the crowd he was here as a fan of the team and of Seattle.

Next up was the X man, who spoke for about a minute, saying he was a "Sonic for life".

Finally, GP arrives. He climbed up on something, so he could be above the swelling crowd. He said great things, like "the Sonics are not going to leave" and that if and when he gets selected to the NBA hall of fame, he will go in as a Sonic.


After the rally, my friend Jim followed Gary and got him to sign a basketball card from his second season. He was really stoked. We hit some bars on the way home, eventually ending up at the 5 Point. We looked at the plaque on the bar honoring the life of our friend Rick. We left and went home.

Now, I have to go catch up on the latest courtroom news. Its a heck of a read.

SAVE OUR SONICS!

Wilkes Spring Splash

Wilkes elementary held their annual spring splash on June 6. The Spring Splash is a school wide event, featuring a D.J., disco lights and free soda, popcorn and ice cream. Many former students also attend this event, such as my oldest, Jessica.

This is Kelseys last year at Wilkes, and the last event at Wilkes for me. I attended this same school a long, long time ago. Its been a real pleasure for me to have both of my children attend the same elementary school as me. All the teachers are long gone from when I attended, and they have had a few new additions added to the school since my time, but its still my school as well and I have many memories of my time there. This event was bitter sweet for me, as my time at Wilkes has finally come to an end.

We arrived a few minutes late and the place was already rocking. I dropped the kids off in front and went and parked. I found Jessica quickly, she was working the popcorn booth. Kelsey was missing. I searched through endless packs of screaming kids for some time before I finally spotted her and her friends dancing and running around.


Kelsey saw me, but paid little attention. Jessica also was quite busy doing her own thing. I wandered around and chatted with a few people that I went to school with who also had children at Wilkes now.

Kelsey and her gang decided to get some air and play outside. I would estimate about half the kids were playing outside. I observed the kids playing a little rough, so I reminded them to follow the playground rules. Then I took a walk.

I went back into the dance for the last half hour or so. Screaming kids ruled the gym. I decided that it was time to move on from Wilkes. Kelsey may not think she is ready, but I am, it was clear we have outgrown this. I know she will do fine at Sakai next year.







I was intent on filming Kelsey, but look at the end of the video and to my surprise, I caught Jessica as well. I didn't even know it at the time!