On Dec. 11, 2007 – 17 years ago today – The B-Town Blog published its very first article, beginning a bold new era in independent, “hyperlocal” journalism for Burien.

Since then, the blog has become the most trusted source of news, community updates, and advocacy for the B-Town area, delivering local journalism that matters to residents, and fostering a sense of connection and community pride.

First started as a hobby by Burien resident and three-time National Emmy Award-winning Writer/Director/Producer Scott Schaefer (“Almost Live!” “Bill Nye the Science Guy” “The Arsenio Hall Show” “Penn & Teller:Bullsh*t!” The Maury Island Incident film and many others), the blog began when an online search in 2007 for “things to do in Burien” for his family resulted in zero results.

Schaefer with his late, great journalism teacher Dorothy “Miss Moo” Mootafes, circa 2014.

Schaefer – who worked in journalism for several years before succeeding in TV/Film – was greatly influenced by one of his many mentors, West Seattle High School journalism teacher Dorothy “Miss Moo” Mootafes, who helped guide his early efforts as Photographer and Editor of the award-winning West Seattle High Chinook newspaper.

Since its inception, the Blog has remained committed to its mission of real, “hyperlocal” journalism, covering stories that often go untold by larger media outlets. From local government and education updates to business features, crime reports, human-interest stories, event listings and much more, the blog has been a steadfast voice for the Burien community.

A Great Team Makes for Great Content

We also tip our birthday news hats to past and present members of our team:

The incredibly talented Michael Brunk, who helped design and code our original websites, as well as share amazing photos he has taken around town.
Old college pal Todd Christensen and wife Wendy Quesinberry of Quesinberry Design who have assisted us with graphics and logos since our 2007 launch.
The late, great, amazing Janet Grella, who joined us as Sales Manager around 2008, and helped start the “B-Town Blogolution.” Thanks to her spirited personality, connections and skills, we soon had dozens of paid Advertisers and were able to eke out a living! (R.I.P. Janet).

In 2012, Scott’s wife Theresa joined the team as Sales Manager, and she and Scott now work full-time as the “Mom and Pop” internet publishing company South King Media, a family-run, independent network of eight hyperlocal news/events websites for an area spanning from White Center to Auburn.
Sales Rep Dona Ozier, who helps us with advertising sales.
Mellow DeTray, who covers city councils in Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and Kent.
Alia Sinclair, who covers Arts, the SeaTac City Council, feature stories and more.
The late, veteran Journalist Jack Mayne (R.I.P. Jack, for whom we created a journalism scholarship in his memory)
Sarah Toce, an experienced journalist who covers feature stories and more.
Shane Griffiths of Clarity Online SEO for helping us restore and relaunch our websites after a major server crash as well as consult on SEO.
Blake Messer of Newfangled Commerce in Des Moines for his marketing help and management of our email newsletters (sign up for our Daily Digest here).
The late Ralph Nichols, for his coverage of local news during our first few years.
Mark Neuman, Writer/Sales, an old friend of Schaefer’s who worked with him on the West Seattle Chinook.

Many others have helped us on our local journalism journey over the years, and we appreciate you ALL!

A Champion for Local Causes

We have not only reported local news for 17 years, but we have also consistently championed community causes by providing countless free promotional posts to local nonprofits, churches, and others.

Over the years, we have amplified fundraising campaigns and brought attention to critical local issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, environmental preservation and more. The blog’s coverage has inspired action and mobilized resources to support those in need; for example, in October, 2024, when Burien’s Hospitality House Women’s Shelter was low on resources and donations, we posted a story that they were seeking help.

A few weeks later, we received a touching Thank You card with the following messages:

“Dear B-Town Blog, We just wanted to say thank you so very much for sharing our urgent needs post to the community! We received an amazing response from the community with supplies & financial assistance. We are so grateful for amazing friends who support us in such meaningful ways. It is because of you that our residents can find home, health & hope during their time with us. Thank you for choosing to support the women of our community who need us most! Thank you!” – Sincerely, Hospitality House Women’s Shelter Staff

“Your support has blown us away! Thanks to you & your loyal readers, our residents have had many of their needs met. THANK YOU!!”

“Thank you for supporting our needs, we are so grateful for your kindness and support!”

“We’re incredibly grateful for your help in making a real difference. Thank you!”

“Thank you, B-Town Blog, for the plug! You guys came in clutch!”

“Your ongoing support for H.H. is unmatched.”

“The greatness of a community is often measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

“Thank you so much for shining a spotlight on our residents! They felt the love.”

Awards and Recognition

We are humbled also to have won numerous awards for our dedication to real, local journalism. Our reporting has been recognized with three First Place “General Excellence” awards, and numerous individual achievement awards by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Our innovative approach to community storytelling has helped set a benchmark for hyperlocal news platforms.

Most recently, we were honored by the SPJ with a first-place award for Government & Politics Reporting for 2023:

In a time when anyone can create a website and call it “news,” The B-Town Blog stands apart as Burien’s only true source of authentic, local journalism, led by facts, not opinions. Committed to professional news ethics and accurate reporting, we focus on the stories that matter to our community, providing trustworthy coverage Burien residents can rely on.

Thanks to our loyal readers, The B-Town Blog has generated over 1.4 million page views so far in 2024!

Help Us Celebrate!

There are many ways you can help us celebrate our Birthday – show your support and donate to us so we can expand our local journalism (you can cancel at anytime), or sign up for our free Daily Email Newsletter.

If you appreciate our award-winning, local, independent journalism:

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Another way to show support is to email us a testimonial or birthday wish to scott@southkingmedia.com that we can share with our Readers and Advertisers.
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