Random thoughts: Sonics, summer and saving the lake

BY KEVIN HULTEN I haven’t been writing columns for very long, but from what I gather from some of my favorite columnists (Bill Simmons?), every now and then you’ve got to cobble something together from the remainder of past columns and combinations of half-baked ideas. So for the second week in a row, I apologize for the incoherence and lack of focus. With that being said, let’s go over a few bullet points and discuss some reader feedback.

Is it just me, or is summer here?

• It’s 80 degrees today, and I’m sure that by the time this column goes to press, it will be 50 degrees with sideways rain, but for now, I’m celebrating the fact that Seattle wasn’t even in the “Top 50 Rainiest Cities” list on msn.com last week (Number one? Mobile, AL).

• While we’re on the topic of good weather, I took a trip over to Davies Beach (or Wyatt Park, if you must) and checked out the throng enjoying the first spell of hot weather. We truly have a beautiful lake. And considering how far it’s come…it’s vital we take care of our community’s crown jewel. A trip to the museum downtown or a quick read of Jim Mitchell’s book will reveal that not long ago, the lake was so choked with logs and refuse, that it was possible to walk across the width of it on deadheads and flotsam without getting your pants wet above the knee. Another note: the museum has several pictures of a completely frozen Lake Stevens. I’ve even seen a picture of a pickup truck driving across the ice-locked lake. Global warming? We won’t go there. I’m just sayin’…

• NBA fans across the world (outside of Seattle) are crying foul as the Sonics plucked the number two draft pick at the NBA Draft Lottery last week. It just so happens that this year’s draft features two of the most promising players since LeBron and Carmelo, or even MJ. The Sonics are likely to land Kevin Durant, a 6’10’”stick-figure forward out of Texas who obliterated NCAA freshman scoring records and nabbed national player of the year awards from everyone who matters. The NBA has a history of “randomly” awarding top lottery picks to teams that really need it the most. In the Sonics’ case, with the NBA facing the ever-increasing possibility of losing a franchise presence in the 7th-biggest TV market in the US to the backwaters of Oklahoma, black-helicopter types predicted a lottery win for our Sonics. As the aforementioned Bill Simmons put it: “Seattle deserves a break because it’s a good basketball city that’s being held hostage by some latte-drinking billionaire dipwad who sold the team to the ultra-conservative Oklahoma hick with no soul.” Couldn’t have said it better. In other news, season ticket sales are up 40 percent from last year. I expect more action in the legislature on the stadium proposal next year…and a Rookie of the Year Award for Durant.

• I enjoyed the Journal’s coverage of the Critical Areas Ordinance issue last week. It’s a tough one for me to wrap my mind around, but I appreciate the Council’s willingness to put aside outside pressure in order to make absolutely sure that they develop a policy that is most beneficial to the lake, our citizens, and our future. Kudos to the Council and the kids in City Hall.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. I was going to get into a little reader response, but let’s not kill the mood. I’m feeling pretty good. It’s sunny outside, the lake is sparkling, and Kevin Durant is on his way to save the Sonics.

Kevin Hulten is the former Managing Editor of the Lake Stevens Journal. Send feedback to kevin.hulten@gmail.com.

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