day : 15/03/2011 14 results

Last weekend was a gala weekend, to say the least. We had reports on four big fundraisers – two nonprofits (West Seattle Community Orchestras and Nature Consortium) and two schools (Gatewood and Pathfinder). Turns out Madison Middle School had an auction over the weekend too – and teacher Jeanne Merritt shares not only a wrapup, but also video of the teacher performance that brought down the house. (Click the screengrab above to go to the page where you can watch the video.)

A few months ago Madison Middle School teachers Tim Owens and Jasmine Riach came up with the idea of resurrecting the annual auction. (It had been put on hold due to the economy.) They approached the PTSA, who agreed to proceed.

So-o-o, Madison Middle School hosted a sold-out auction Saturday night at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Items auctioned included certificates from many of our wonderful West Seattle businesses (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, THANK YOU!!!), class projects, week-end getaways, some handcrafted items and even an African safari!! Delicious food was provided by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering. Fun events included the “dessert dash” where tables are called to grab a dessert according to their donations, and a “wine toss,” where participants threw rings trying to “catch” a good bottle of wine. There was a fund-an-item where attendees donated money to update Madison’s technology.

Madison staff members performed too! Technology teacher Sarah Isaacson led teachers in a dance routine for the parents. Teacher Juan Rubio danced really hot “salsa” and offered dance lessons in the auction.

Many thanks to these PTSA people for all their hard work: Mary Holllister, Dawn Sly, Lora Bunch, Amber Kormanik (and family!), Karen Golgart, Liz Murphy, Linda Sabee, Anne Weglin, Lesa Russell, Maureen Devlin, Anne Gillingham, Shhellie Nelson, Jon Douthwaite, Collin Hurlocker, Carl Sweetland. If we missed you, know that you were appreciated–there were multitudes of behind-the-scene volunteers. Also thanks to all the attendees who generously purchased our wares.

Todd Crooks was our auctioneer and Elliott Bay Brewery provided our beer. Thank you!! A good time was had by all.

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Anti-car-crime campaign ahead, police tell West Seattle Crime Prevention Council

March 15, 2011 10:07 pm

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| Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news

From tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting at Southwest Precinct:

“We’re really concerned with our burglaries, car prowls, and auto thefts, said Operations Lt. Pierre Davis. But for the past month, he cited a “significant drop” in those categories. “We are at pretty much an 8-month-to-a-year low, compared to a year ago.” Regarding our “more active individuals in the community – we’ve gotten them recognized,” and arrested and prosecuted, “and they’re out of our hair for a long, long time. … We hope to keep that trend up.” He quoted precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen as saying “We’re doing really good now, but we want to get that down to zero … if you see something out there, let us know.” And toward that, Lt. Davis revealed, an informational campaign is ahead to alert the community to ways to help reduce the chance of auto theft and other car-related crimes. WSCPC president Richard Miller asked Lt. Davis about any current hot spots for auto theft, and the lieutenant replied that “It’s pretty random right now.”

Other toplines from the meeting, including a presentation on a volunteer-staffed program that helps some of the community’s most-vulnerable victims, after the jump:Read More

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Student report: WSHS Diversity Club’s Bite of West Seattle a big draw

March 15, 2011 9:12 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(EDITOR’S NOTE: West Seattle High School‘s news publication Chinook shares stories/photos with WSHS on occasion; this is the most recent one we’ve received.)

Story by West Seattle High School Chinook staff
Photos by Nathan Solis
Special to West Seattle Blog

The Diversity Club at West Seattle High School hosted the Second Annual Bite of West Seattle Diversity Club Potluck last Thursday night.

More than 200 people came out for the event, which featured a variety of food dishes for sharing and nearly an hour’s worth of cultural dance performances. Attendance at this year’s event was more than double last year’s turnout. The Diversity Club put together the event in order to work towards its mission of bringing the many cultures of West Seattle High School together and to celebrate diversity.

“I was really happy with the turnout,” said club adviser Rebecka McKinney. “It really highlighted the reason Diversity Club was started in the first place, to bring different cultures together.”

All were welcome at this annual event and turnout included members of the several cultural clubs of WSHS: Diversity Club, Asian Student Union, Latino Club, Polynesian Club and Black Student Union. There were also families, staff and community members present as well as alumni.

Food went fast at the event, but there were many varieties to choose from including African American favorites such as macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and corn bread. There were also many Asian dishes including humbao, egg rolls, lumpia and Vietnamese sandwiches. Then there were Italian dishes like fettuccine and spaghetti. There were chips and salsa from the Hispanic community and many desserts to share.

“There was a lot of variety in the food and I especially liked the fried zucchini, lumpia and the fettucine alfredo,” said Diversity Club secretary and senior Rojine De Las Alas.

After enjoying food and socializing, the night’s performances began. First on the schedule was a dance choreographed and performed by the Latino Club:

The girls were met by much applause for their dance.

Next up was the Asian Club, which performed several dances including the traditional Lion Dance (above) and fan dance, as well as a Vietnamese hat dance (below) and the Filipino coconut dance and a few other selections.

The Polynesian Club did a traditional island dance with the accompaniment of club adviser and school security specialist Greg Taufaasau:

Representatives from the Black Student Union performed a modern day hip hop dance.

The night ended with the Filipino candle dance and a group effort to clean up.

“The Diversity Club spent a lot of time planning this event so we were really glad that our work paid off,” said club co-president, senior Kaily Irons-Fuda. “I hope that all of our future events are so successful and that this event continues to grow each year.”
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You can see more work from West Seattle High School’s student journalists by going here.

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West Seattle business birthdays: Bin 41, Atomic Boys, Abbondanza

March 15, 2011 5:31 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three business-anniversary celebrations of note:

BIN 41 WINE SHOP: Today is the one-year anniversary of the “soft opening” for Bin 41 wine shop in The Junction. We stopped in to photograph owners T. Frick McNamara and Jon McNamara; they’re planning a big celebration for April 1st, but today has sentimental value. They’re also continuing with Friday night tastings – 5:30-7 pm this Friday, it’s winemakers from the Willamette Valley.

MAX AND QUINN’S ATOMIC BOYS SHOP-O-RAMA: The Admiral District toys-memorabilia-and-other-quirky-stuff shop at 4311 SW Admiral Way is celebrating three years in business. They’ve announced a party for this Saturday, 10 am-6 pm, “food, fun, and games.”

And there’s a big anniversary for a little Morgan Junction restaurant:

(Photo by Bill Hutchison for WSB)
ABBONDANZA TURNS TEN: To thank customers who have kept them in business for a decade, through ups and downs, even as more eateries moved into the area, Abbondanza is now open for lunch, with a special “Presto, Presto” offering 11 am-2 pm Mondays-Fridays, two for one through April 15th (back to regular pricing after that) – pan pizza and soup or salad. They also are serving brunch, 9 am-2 pm, $11.95 fixed price, “with an Italian flair,” we’re told – that includes options such as eggs Florentine, an Italian frittata, Croccante Signore (like a Croque Monsieur), or Spaghetti Pie. Abbondanza is at 6503 California SW, just south of the intersection with Fauntleroy.

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Update: West Seattle Water Taxi runs likely canceled tomorrow too

March 15, 2011 4:10 pm

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| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

4:10 PM: King County Water Taxi just e-mailed word that West Seattle runs are canceled from 4:15 pm through 7 pm (that means, the rest of the day/night) because of a “mechanical issue.” Checking for more details.

4:42 PM UPDATE: As was the case last time, this is because of a problem with the boat that serves Vashon. The county just sent full details – news release after the jump. First, another update:

7:34 PM UPDATE: The latest update says the West Seattle Water Taxi service is canceled “till further notice.” To clarify whether any change was expected tonight, or whether this meant it’s likely there’ll be no service tomorrow, we checked with Rochelle Ogershok at KC Department of Transportation; at this point, she confirmed, West Seattle Water Taxi service is NOT likely tomorrow – Rachel Marie will keep filling in for Melissa Ann. Now, the enws release from three hours ago:Read More

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Another Seattle Police ‘Speeder of the Day’ … 84 mph on the bridge

March 15, 2011 3:42 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Watching SPD Blotter, you would think this is the only part of the city where people drive fast on occasion. Once again, the “Speeder of the Day” non-daily feature spotlights “us.” Also note that while 47th/Admiral isn’t getting a light, as we reported here last week, the intersection did get some SPD attention:

On March 14th, Aggressive Driving Response Team (ADRT) officers stopped and ticketed a driver on the West Seattle Bridge for driving 84 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Additionally, ADRT officers were advised of speed issues in the area of 47th Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way. Two officers worked the area during the morning hours and wrote a combined seven speeding infractions and three other infractions. The high speed was 41 mph in the posted 30 mph zone.

Speeders beware. The Aggressive Driving Response Team is coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

Or at least, it seems, a West Seattle neighborhood near you.

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Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council: Station 36; new chair

March 15, 2011 3:33 pm

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| Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

(City graphic of Station 36 site; purple area is right-of-way to be “vacated” for the project)
By Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council was briefed last night about the upcoming work at Fire Station 36 alongside the West Seattle Bridge, one month after a city team visited the North Delridge Neighborhood Council to present a similar update.

Concerns about noise levels from both the planned construction/seismic retrofitting and the new on-site 72-hour-capacity generator were addressed: David Kunselman, Fire Facilities Levy Program Manager, said that construction will follow Seattle’s noise codes as per the zoning, and some weekend work will likely be allowed, but: “Most of the work will be internal, so it should be pretty quiet.”

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Got a boat? Get a free safety check in West Seattle

March 15, 2011 3:07 pm

| Comments Off on Got a boat? Get a free safety check in West Seattle

| Safety | West Seattle news

Not really the kind of day you would think about boating, but the season is getting ever closer on the calendar, and this Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering free drop-in safety checks in West Seattle (as well as offering the chance for safety checks at other times):

Make sure that you are safe when on the water with a US Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check. This is a no-law enforcement … check of the equipment onboard your boat. For questions or to sign-up in advance, e-mail Lynn Dossett at uscgauxled@gmail.com or call him at 206-331-1807. At the Don Armeni boat ramp (West Seattle) the Auxiliary will be holding voluntary, no sign-up needed, vessel safety checks on Saturday, March 19th from 3 to 5 pm.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen bike? Plus, another burglary

March 15, 2011 12:23 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon. First – recognize that bicycle? Seattle Police have it and think it might have been stolen, so if you recognize it, Detective Brian Ballew wants to hear from you – 206-233-7836.

Second, another afternoon burglary, close to the location of one reported here last week – details after the jump:Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Small slide south of Endolyne

March 15, 2011 11:35 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Jen for sending that photo and word of a small mudslide along the slope east of the spot where 45th SW, Marine View Drive, and SW Roxbury meet (map), just south of/uphill from the Endolyne area of Fauntleroy. We went to take a quick look; it’s not affecting the road, but as Jen pointed out, “It is blocking the big gutter below, which if we get a bunch of rain could impact those homes down the street.” She reported it to Seattle Public Utilities, since the drainage ditch/gutter is likely their jurisdiction.

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Getting ready for World Water Week festival at Chief Sealth

March 15, 2011 10:03 am

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| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Here in the relatively prosperous and soggy Northwest, it’s so easy to take water for granted. Turn the faucet handle, it’s there. Walk outside many days/nights, it’s there. But Chief Sealth International High School senior Molly Freed and social-studies teacher Noah Zeichner are working to make sure our community is aware of the issues surrounding water here and around the world, as part of the World Water Week “ideas festival” next week at Sealth. We reported last summer on their trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival – which required Molly to organize a followup festival back home – and after months of planning and collaboration, the festival week, next Monday-Friday, is almost here.

WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen visited Sealth for photos on Monday afternoon – above, Molly and Noah in their T-shirts, with special water bottles, both of which go on sale on campus tomorrow. This week is full of last-minute logistics, as this board suggests:

Next week’s agenda is here – and a key point is that some of the events are geared for you. First big one is next Monday night, Robert Glennon– author of “Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What to Do About It” – gives the keynote talk at 7 pm in the CSIHS school auditorium, free and open to the public, accompanied by a resource fair (details here). There also are plenty of student activities and learning opportunities (detailed on this flyer), including an all-school assembly, workshops, and a walking event, with a focus on local issues as well as worldwide – contamination in West Seattle’s Longfellow Creek, for example. And for now, the word about World Water Week at Sealth is going truly global – here’s a screenshot from a United Nations webpage:

You can also “like” the festival on Facebook by going here; and there’s a Twitter account too. If you are interested in supporting the cause about which they’re raising awareness, here are ways to donate. You’ll see more previews here and elsewhere in the days ahead – publicity is part of their final preparations, too!

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West Seattle Tuesday: From crime prevention to school signups

March 15, 2011 6:30 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday morning rainbow photographed by Kenna Klosterman from Alki)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Learn about SPD’s Victim Support Team, and current area crime trends, 7 pm at Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster).

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: AKA Food Fest – come renew/start your FCA membership and enjoy bites from local eateries, 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California SW.

POETRY WORKSHOP: Starts at 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details here.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPEN ENROLLMENT: Open enrollment starts for Seattle Public Schools, continuing through April 15. Here’s how it works.

VIADUCT PROJECT BOSS @ ROTARY: Rotary Club of West Seattle lunch with guest speaker Ron Paananen from the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project, noon at Salty’s on Alki

ROCK ‘N ROLL TRIVIA: Rock music trivia every Tuesday night at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm.

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Fauntleroy fire video shows danger firefighters faced

March 15, 2011 5:04 am

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| Fauntleroy | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

That video shared by Joel is from the early moments of Monday morning’s big fire in the 9600 block of 48th SW in Fauntleroy. Here’s our original coverage; as we reported throughout the day, the two-story house burned for hours – and this video may help to explain why. By mid-afternoon, Seattle Fire reported that the cause would never be officially known, as it was just unsafe for investigators to go inside – our photo from late in the day underscores that:

SFD also has written about this incident on the Fire Lines website. Though, again, no cause determination is expected, neighbors who had spoken to the residents told us they noticed flames shooting from a baseboard heater when they first glimpsed the fire. They and their three dogs all made it out safely, we were told, and despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries of any kind were reported.

ADDED 11:23 AM: Another view of the fire, shot nearby – Paul shared his video – this one gives you perspective of where the home is, in relation to others:

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North Delridge council focuses on neighborhood preparedness

March 15, 2011 4:00 am

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| Delridge | Preparedness | West Seattle news

For all the time you may have spent in the past few days watching those jaw-dropping videos from the Japan earthquake/tsunami/nuclear zones, spend some time watching/listening to this one. Monday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting was almost entirely devoted to disaster/emergency preparedness, and we put the 43-minute heart of the discussion on video for those who couldn’t be there. The topic actually had been planned before the Japan quake. Information was presented by Debbie Goetz from the city, which presents SNAP preparedness classes (next two in West Seattle are June 7th at 6:30, High Point Library, and November 3rd at 6:30, Southwest Library), and Cindi Barker from the all-volunteer West Seattle Be Prepared. The presentation led to a discussion about the need for North Delridge to have its own Emergency Communication Hub as part of WSBP (as Cindi reiterated, these are places you would go for information in case of catastrophe). North Delridge will keep the conversation going (NDNC meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 pm, Delridge Library); if you are in another neighborhood – check to see where YOUR nearest hub is: