West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
It’s the second-furthest-along of the Junction megaprojects – Capco Plaza, which longtime local businessman Leon Capelouto is building between 41st and 42nd on the north side of Alaska. Capelouto was one of four developers, with 8 projects between them, who spoke to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly luncheon today, and we were there to get the latest:Read More
It was fun while it lasted, but now it’s over: Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) barista Blayne got kicked off “Project Runway” tonight (along with Terri), after a design that judges called “a joke.” However: “No one is sorrier to see you go than I am,” PR regular Tim Gunn told him. “You can’t second-guess yourself,” Blayne said cheerily and circumspectly, referring to himself. We’ve got someone at the Ginomai viewing party, so we’ll add reaction from there when we get it. ADDED EARLY THURSDAY MORNING: Here’s what Blayne’s Hotwire boss Lora Lewis told the WSB video crew afterward:Read More
Click that image for a larger look at the helpful chart drawn up by Morgan Community Association’s Cindi Barker after last night’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-sponsored transportation forum: She drew lines for each of the major projects likely to affect West Seattle drivers – BEFORE the Alaskan Way Viaduct‘s Central Waterfront Project starts in 2012 – so you can see where they overlap, at least under current plans. (Remember, the next big thing to kick in is the closure of lower eastbound Spokane Street, starting Tuesday 9/16, for water-main work preparing for the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project – that means if you get off the eastbound SSV on 1st Avenue South, you will have to turn left; if you are on eastbound Spokane Street from points further west, you will be able to turn right on 1st – no one will be allowed to go straight ahead on eastbound Spokane from there except truly “local” traffic, such as deliveries.
Those signs outside The Hall at Fauntleroy are a hint at what’s happening inside tonight … the 34th District Democrats‘ second-to-last meeting before the general election. We’re here to find out what the area’s largest political organization is up to – one promised presentation will include the Democrats’ presidential-campaign strategy “precinct by precinct,” according to a gentleman putting together a projected presentation – that should be interesting, given how things are playing out on a national level right now. Any major news that emerges, we’ll post as/when it happens; otherwise, look for a roundup later. Meantime, we’re also still working on a story that emerged from today’s monthly West Seattle Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting — the four developers responsible for eight major projects in the Junction area all presented updates — with some info you may not have heard before — that’s coming up later tonight.
Just added to the Design Review calendar, a second project for the 10/9 meeting, which previously had only the 35th/Graham mixed-use building on the agenda: 3008 63rd SW (map), described in the city files as three single-family homes slated for demolition, to be replaced by seven units. The lots are immediately south of the Cactus end of the ex-Alki Market building, east side of 63rd just south of Alki SW. No meeting site listed yet, but the Alki project presentation is scheduled for 6:30 pm 10/9, the High Point project for 8 pm.
Earlier today, we reported that West Seattle-based Southwest Youth and Family Services (headquartered just southeast of the Delridge Community Center) is tabbed for a big role in the new youth-violence-prevention initiative announced by the mayor. SWYFS director Steve Daschle was among the West Seattleites at today’s announcement (others included Southwest Community Center coordinator “Junior” Kitiona); we talked with him this afternoon in search of details about what this new role means to his agency:Read More
THRILLS: Not too late to get in on Thrill the World-West Seattle, the group that’s going to dance as part of the world-record attempt (different locations, don’t worry, you won’t have to fly or drive somewhere distant) – tonight’s the second practice, 8 pm, Ginomai (42nd/Genesee), more on the official WS website.
DESIGNS: Right after that, Ginomai’s also the spot to join the weekly crowd cheering Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) barista Blayne in “Project Runway” — show’s at 9 pm on the big screen (bring dessert to share!).
DEMS: Less than two months till The Election – and that means West Seattle’s biggest political group has only two more monthly meetings till then – more potential endorsements are on the agenda tonight for the 34th District Democrats, among other things, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy.
From WSDOT: “The on-ramp from Spokane Street to southbound I-5 is closed due to an oil spill from an earlier collision that involving a semi truck. The ramp will be closed while crews apply absorbent material to the roadway. WSDOT maintenance and incident response are on-scene.” We’ll let you know when we get word it’s reopened. 2:30 PM UPDATE: Open again.
That’s the scene from the first half of last night’s transportation forum presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce — the first hour was open-house format, so attendees could get information on virtually every major transportation project that’s about to affect West Seattleites; the second was Q/A moderated by CR Douglas. WSB contributor Evan Baumgardner covered the Q/A session — we thought that you might like to know exactly what was asked, and exactly how it was answered — Evan’s transcription follows:Read More
As promised when this was previewed yesterday, we’re sharing the info issued by the mayor’s office at his Garfield High School appearance this morning to announce a “youth-violence-prevention initiative.” Here’s a document with the overview – which includes “southwest Seattle” as an area of emphasis and lists West Seattle-based Southwest Youth and Family Services as one of the agencies that will help develop plans for this part of the program:
We will establish three youth-focused neighborhood networks in central, southeast and southwest Seattle to identify the children at-risk for violence, and surround them with services tailored to their specific needs.
Read on for the full text of the city news release with toplines:Read More
Another update on the first-ever West Seattle Junction Car Show coming up September 21st (one week from Sunday!), co-sponsored by WSB — Michael Hoffman of Liberty Bell Printing says more than 140 cars are now registered, and they’re expecting about 300 (preregistration is closed so you’ll need to show up on show day, first-come first-served – call June @ 206/334-6606 with questions); as previously mentioned, California SW will be closed in The Junction for the car show, Edmunds to Alaska, Alaska to Oregon, Oregon to the post office. What you see at left is the cool design for T-shirts that will be sold (first-ever show! collector’s item?) – price starts at $10 (XL and up will be a bit more; sizes run to 6XL). The day’s highlights also will include a pancake breakfast at the West Seattle Eagles, starting at 7 am; Puerto Vallarta will open at 7 am with a special breakfast menu; the West Seattle Farmers’ Market‘s annual Zucchini 500 races (kids get to make zucchini vehicles!) will be happening 10 am-1 pm. Now, about those cars – all are pre-1975, no 4x4s, says Michael – and at least one dates back to 1920! There also will be a raffle and 50/50 drawing to raise money for the Maple Valley Street Rats Scholarship Fund – available to students studying to work in the automotive field – the MVSR is organizing the show along with the West Seattle Junction Association.
A city celebration last night honored groups citywide who successfully sought “Small and Simple” grants from the Neighborhood Matching Fund; among them, four in West Seattle. Three, we’ve mentioned before — the play-area projects in North Delridge (Cottage Grove “tot lot”) and Admiral (California Place) got $15,000 each; the Pigeon Point neighborhood celebration (coming up 9/20) got $2,100. The fourth is $15,000 for the ongoing restoration of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, this time going to the “Genesee Ravine Action Committee.” All of these projects involve matching funds – the city doesn’t just hand out $ without the groups showing a commitment of their own, money and volunteer labor. Here’s the full list of 24 “Small and Simple” recipients citywide; the city accepts applications four times a year, and the next deadline is October 6 – here’s more about the program. Meantime, the Neighborhood Matching Fund program itself is marking its 20th anniversary with events around the city, including an open house (free food!) this Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, at Youngstown Arts Center.
One of our newest sponsors is throwing a party this weekend, and as we welcome them to WSB sponsorship, they’re welcoming you to a party: Sunday marks the grand-opening celebration for Bridge Park, the new retirement community offering “gracious retirement living” in High Point, at 3204 SW Morgan (map). Here’s what Bridge Park‘s management wants you to know: Bridge Park is a new 156-unit independent living retirement community managed by Holiday Retirement of Salem, OR, the nation’s leading provider of independent senior housing. “We are very excited about providing outstanding senior housing in West Seattle’s newly redeveloped High Point community,” says Ray Harris; he and wife Kathy make up one of two on-site management teams. “Bridge Park will be a major part of the senior community by providing a vast array of social events and activities for all seniors to enjoy.” One of Bridge Park‘s special features is that it’s pet-friendly — pets are very much welcome, and NO deposits are required for residents who have pets. We talked on video with one of Bridge Park‘s first residents, Claudia Enlow, who has two dogs and a cat:
Bridge Park says its other community amenities — besides pet-friendliness — include live-in management teams, three meals chef-prepared for scratch daily, weekly housecleaning and linen service, scheduled local transportation and diverse activities, special events, and volunteer opportunities. One more note: Suites are available on a month-to-month rental basis, with no long-term leases involved. You can get an up-close look during the grand-opening event on Sunday — guided tours will be offered, along with door-prize drawings, refreshments, and live entertainment; festivities are scheduled to run from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 pm. Bridge Park‘s phone number is 206/938-6394. You can see the full lineup of current WSB sponsors here, along with information on how to join them!
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