11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
The 2004 New Car Review
   The new 2004 model year is here! There are lots of new product offerings from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

For a comprehensive preview of what’s new on wheels, check out the Seattle International Auto Show, which runs from Nov. 5 to 9 at the Seahawks Exhibition Center across from Safeco Field and directly adjacent to Seahawks Stadium...   (Full Article)

11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Cadillac reinventing itself
to appeal to younger market
GM's luxury division gambles with an aggressive new look, several
product launches, while trying to retain older, loyal customers
The powerful new XLR is a radical departure from the traditional Cadillac.

General Motors Corp.'s (GM) luxury division has opened a new assembly plant and launched an unprecedented number of new vehicles over the last three years. But now it’s time to pay the piper as GM must begin to repay the billions of dollars those projects cost...   (Full Article)

11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Toyota debuts second generation Prius
“The key was to convince consumers in the U.S. that hybrid technology
was more than a science project. We had to convince them the Prius was
a ‘real’ car.” ~ Ed LaRocque, Toyota National Manager for High-Tech Vehicles
By Lary Coppola
   What Toyota terms “Prius Pioneers” will be the first customers to own its second generation Prius hybrid. These are people who stepped out and bought into the new technology when it was first introduced in the U.S. in 2000. Prior to its U.S. introduction, it had a successful debut in Japan back in 1997...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Mudfest winners to be announced Nov. 5
By Lary Coppola
   Mudfest, the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) nationally recognized Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) competition, took place Oct. 9 and 10. In keeping with the event’s tradition, there was plenty of mud for 18 of the newest and best SUVs to conquer...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
What to look for when buying
a used or new car
By Doug Haughton
   Several million used cars swap homes annually and unfortunately at least half of these are purchased with only minimal thought toward reliability, ease of maintenance, and resale value. Since a poor used car has about the same life expectancy as hubcaps in the Bronx, an informed purchase is a wise purchase. A wise purchase will rarely hold your wallet hostage. Remember, buying used does not mean buying abused...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
What do we want from our cars?
What do they want from us?
By Doug Haughton
   Contrary to popular belief, Henry Ford did not invent the automobile; nor did Walter Chrysler, David Buick, Louis Chevrolet, or the Dodge brothers, John and Horace...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Trends in the used car market
Internet changing the way people shop for cars
By Temple A. Stark
   The reasons for buying a used car have never changed — they cost less to buy and insure. The way of doing so continues to evolve. As with so many other things, the change starts with the Internet...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
America’s love affair with the pickup truck
   Americans love their trucks. There’s just no doubt about it. They write country music songs about them. They love big ones, small ones and all the ones in between...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
New Dodge Ram SRT-10 is one HOT truck
   The Dodge Ram truck line is perhaps the most macho looking on the road. But new for 2004 is the Dodge Ram SRT-10, an outrageously testosterone-injected pickup boasting 500 horsepower and 525 lbs.-ft. of torque...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Seattle International Auto Show set
for Nov. 5-9
   Mark your calendar. The Seattle International Auto Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious five-day auto shows, comes to the Seahawks Exhibition Center, November 5-9. The event, sponsored by Chevron Lubricants, is the Northwest’s largest annual showcase of new cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans from virtually every major automaker...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
New Jeep 4x4 badging brags
of off-road abilities
   Trying to breathe some new life into its 61-year-old Jeep brand, DaimlerChrysler has started badging its 2004 4x4 models as “Trail Rated” to attest to their ruggedness. "If it's not trail rated, it's not a Jeep 4X4," new ads that will begin running later this month will boast. Chrysler will begin advertising the new demarcation to four-wheel-drive versions of the Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler in hopes the special mention of Jeep's off-road capabilities will help differentiate the brand from others in the crowded sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Japanese hybrids have best mileage
   According to a joint report released recently by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), Honda and Toyota are producing the vehicles with the highest fuel economy, including gas-electric hybrids that get up to 60 miles per gallon in city traffic...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
What’s new at local auto dealerships?
By Rodika Tollefson
   Local auto dealerships are busy clearing out old inventory to make room for new products. The 2004 models are in, ranging from Chevy Colorados, Ford’s new F-150, the Mazda RX8, Suzuki Veronas to Subaru Turbo Forresters and Cadillac XLRs...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
The new LX family
Chrysler set to roll out new
hemi-powered sedan and sport wagon
   While Chrysler's current large cars, the Chrysler 300M and Concorde and the Dodge Intrepid have been on the decline for several years, the manufacturer announced that it will launch a family of radical new high-powered sedans and station wagons intended to dramatically improve its image and boost sales in 2004...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Toyota and Nissan set to challenge
Big 3 in the full-size truck market
   Both Nissan and Toyota are getting set to do battle with Detroit in the full-size truck market — long the exclusive province of the Big 3...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Toyota hybrid engines
get upgrade, more power
Toyota, the first company to sell a mass-produced hybrid electric/gasoline car, today unveiled plans to offer a hybrid powertrain in future vehicles.

The hybrid system will be offered in the Lexus RX 330 and will arrive in dealer showrooms in about two years...   (Full Article)

11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
“Quick Lube” opens on Bainbridge Island
   Madison Avenue Garage, Inc. announced the opening of its third location on Bainbridge Island. Owner Ranjit Dhatt said, “We finally have found a great location for a quick lube at the old Gateway Automotive Shop in downtown Winslow. A quick lube is a convenience that is needed for people who have a limited amount of time,” Dhatt commented...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Nissan debuts new Pathfinder Armada SUV
   Built on an all-new platform, the all-new Nissan Pathfinder Armada features a rugged, fully boxed high-strength steel frame; an independent rear suspension designed for improved interior roominess, comfort and handling...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Life in the sediment and sludge
of the intertidal zone
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
   They came, they saw, they went — with able bodies and bustling community spirit, to give the environment a lift and contribute to the bank of scientific knowledge of biological communities in Liberty Bay. More than 43 people volunteered over the course of two days...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Five Star saves the day
By Linda Thomson
   “I think we can help you.” Those refreshing words from Jim Patterson, CEO of Five Star Environmental Solutions, Inc. became the turning point in the expansion of Kitsap Lake Baptist Church in West Bremerton...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Water policies:
too many straws drawing from a finite source?
“If you are not simply guessing, you are claiming a knowledge of the physical universe discovered in some other way than by the methods of physical science, and admittedly unverifiable by such methods. You are a metaphysician. Bah!” - Sir Arthur Eddington, “The Philosophy of Physical Science“ ~ University of Michigan Press, 1958
By Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
   With drought conditions in the Northwest over the past several months, water tables fell to record levels and rivers were running dry. This water crisis has challenged us to examine better policies to deal with the supply and consumer demand of fresh water and to develop better conservation incentives...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
IslandWood:
“A School in the Woods” blossoms
into an internationally known local treasure…
By Laura S. Liming
   In it’s first official year in operation, the internationally recognized Environmental Learning Center on Bainbridge Island has made huge strides toward realizing the founders’ goal of inspiring environmental and community stewardship by providing hands-on learning experiences in science, technology and the arts...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Community efforts make
phone book recycling a success
   QwestDex reports that an estimated 32,830 Kitsap County residents turned in their old phone directories for recycling this year, returning about 25 percent of the old books, amounting to approximately 58 tons...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Kitsap Watershed holding workshops
   The Kitsap Peninsula (including Bainbridge Island) has joined with several others in a state-sponsored “Watershed Planning” effort. This effort, also known as ESHB2514 or WRIA (Water Resource Inventory Area) planning, involves 30 jurisdictions and stakeholder groups in monthly meetings of the planning unit...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Biodiesel is here
   Kitsap’s first bodiesel company is Image Energy, located near the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island. The company’s fuel is made from soy — a clean, renewable non-petroleum fuel that lowers air and water pollution and eliminates sulfur particulates...   (Full Article)
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Dr. Mark Heinemann awarded 4 Envirostars
Dr. Mark Heinemann, located at 9633 Levin Road N.W. in Silverdale, has become Kitsap County’s first orthodontist to earn certification as an EnviroStar business. He has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment by properly managing and reducing hazardous waste. Dr. Heinemann’s office has been awarded 4 Stars (out of a maximum of five) for these efforts.

For more information about Dr. Heinemann’s pollution prevention measures, contact the office at (360) 692-3030.

11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Small quantity generator program
   Kitsap County’s Small Quantity Generator (SQG) program is offered twice per month by appointment to businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste per month or accumulate no more than 2,200 pounds. Here is how a company can participate in the SQG program:
  • Call the Open Line at (360) 337-5777 to make an appointment
  • Ask the Open Line to send the pre-qualifying worksheet, or
  • Visit www.kitsapgov.com/sw/sqg.htm to download the form and bring it with you to your appointment.
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
GM extends Seafair sponsorship through 2006
Official event title will change to “Chevrolet Cup at Seafair”
Seafair, Seattle’s largest summer festival, has announced that General Motors has agreed to extend its partnership with the event and the Unlimited Hydroplane Race on Lake Washington through 2006 while changing the event’s official title to “Chevrolet Cup at Seafair.”

For more information, visit www.seafair.com.

11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
SL 500 honored with award
from industrial designers
   The Mercedes-Benz SL500 coupe/roadster has been selected as the Silver award winner in the 2003 Industrial Design Awards (IDEA) competition, co-sponsored by The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDEA) and Business Week Magazine. The SL500 was distinguished for its contemporary design that, at the same time, preserves classic elegance.
11-7-2003
SPECIAL REPORT - AUTOMOTIVE 2004
Fifty years later, Gullwing still collecting honors
   The venerable Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” coupe is still collecting honors — a half century after its debut. The gull has been named as one of the “20 Most Beautiful Cars of the Last 100 Years” by renowned author/editor David E. Davis, Jr., founder of Automobile Magazine; and picked for “Six of the Best,” announced each year by the Scottsdale-based Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, designating the coupe a blue chip collector car.