West Seattle, Washington

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day : 22/04/2011 14 results

One more Earth Day 2011 note: West Seattleites at Pike party
April 22, 2011 11:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Katherine Sather of the Nature Conservancy e-mailed to let us know about that adorable dance by Earth-suited Westside School (WSB sponsor) third-grader Callum McCaffrey during “Picnic for the Planet” on Friday at Pike Place Market. Checking out the video – we discovered they also had recorded another West Seattle performer, Chris Ballew from Caspar Babypants and The Presidents of the United States of America, soloing:

… which reminds us to mention again that Caspar Babypants will play two “mini-concerts” at City Mouse Studio and Store in The Junction (WSB sponsor; 4218 SW Alaska) two weeks from today, on May 6th, as first noted here. (Saturday morning, CB plays Benaroya Hall downtown! 11 am.)

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Another green sighting today: A Terrible Beauty gets painted
April 22, 2011 9:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Brian Presser from TouchTech Systems for the initial tip – a green sighting that was only coincidentally on Earth Day: The forthcoming Irish restaurant/pub A Terrible Beauty received Irish-green paint you won’t be able to miss at California/Edmunds in The Junction. WSB contributor Katie Meyer checked it out and put together the photo collage above – including concrete-touchup inscriptions by proprietors Jenna and Paddy, plus son Mick (and passersby) as well as stonework contractor “Scottie Joe” (the subject of this report by Katie a week ago). ATB is continuing to work toward opening the first week of May.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary suspect out of jail
April 22, 2011 9:16 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

As of about two hours ago, the 31-year-old man arrested yesterday in connection with a North Admiral burglary and under scrutiny for possible links to others is out of jail, over the objections of law enforcement. They noted formally in paperwork that they object because he is “suspected of being a serial burglar and likely to reoffend to support his drug habit.” King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe tells WSB he was released “on personal recognizance” (no, we don’t know which judge was presiding) and is due back in court on Monday. He is not yet formally charged.

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Today’s tally: 14 cell-phone violations on 35th SW
April 22, 2011 8:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

For a fourth consecutive day, the Seattle Police Aggressive Drivers Response Team was out on 35th SW today, and the roundup is posted on SPD Blotter. The bold-type highlight: 14 driving-while-cell-phoning tickets. There were speeding tickets too; read the roundup here (Admiral Way and the West Seattle Bridge are mentioned briefly too).

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Video: Alki man sentenced for shooting incident; ‘slap on the wrist,’ say police
April 22, 2011 3:33 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB video of the entire 31-minute hearing, unedited, added @ 5:26 pm)
A dramatic sentencing hearing is concluding right now in the courtroom of King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller. He has sentenced 59-year-old Thomas Qualls, the Alki resident who pointed an assault rifle at police officers last September, to what prosecutors had asked after a plea bargain to an attempted-assault charge: 24.7 months. Two of the three police officers at whom Qualls pointed – if not fired, which was a point of dispute in the case – his rifle spoke to the judge first. Officer Andy Peloquin called the fact the case was plea-bargained to this potential sentence, the maximum possible in the “standard range” for attempted assault with a firearm enhancement, “a slap on the wrist.” (The other officer who spoke was Sgt. Steve Strand.)

We videotaped the entirety of the hearing, including what the officers and Qualls told the court – he and his lawyers blamed alcohol for much of what he did that night – and what the judge had to say. Qualls asked the judge if he could be allowed out of jail (where he’s been since the incident last September) in time for his 40th wedding anniversary, and the judge said no.

The reason for the plea bargain was explained by the prosecution as the fact that the investigation could not prove Qualls ever fired the assault rifle, as had been contended that night. There was no proof yielded by either two audio recordings from that night or a number of field investigations, including a re-creation at his Alki home a few weeks ago.

Qualls – who had no prior record – was shot in the abdomen by police and has been in jail since leaving the hospital less than a week after the confrontation, which started when one of his grown children – both of whom were in the courtroom – had called 911 to say he had threatened suicide after a disagreement with his wife, who also came to court for the sentencing. No family members addressed the judge, but the defense lawyer noted that family and friends had sent Judge Heller letters expressing support. (September 2010 photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)

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West Seattle schools: Seattle Lutheran ‘Day of Service’
April 22, 2011 3:26 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
For two of West Seattle’s three biggest high schools, this was the last day of spring break. For Seattle Lutheran High School, this was the annual “Day of Service.” Students fanned out to a variety of locations for a morning of volunteering; above, the group that WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen found cleaning up and weeding at Junction Plaza Park: Paul Beery, RJ Son, Tony Ostenson, Fred Lisko, Brian Simmonds, and Mathew Hood. SLHS’s Bil Hood shared the next 3 photos – here’s the diaper drive for WestSide Baby outside Safeway in Jefferson Square:

Then there was the crew that worked at the Senior Center of West Seattle:

And an whimsically artistic touch:

ArtsWest, Me-Kwa-Mooks , and still more spots got some TLC too – plus handmade thank-you cards were on their way to “1,000 of our neighbors.” Bil says the day began with an announcement after the morning chapel service that “the students have raised almost $1500 for the Red Cross relief efforts across the world.”

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Earth Day: West Seattle artist Russ Morgan’s ‘upcycled’ creations
April 22, 2011 1:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Last night’s Evening Magazine featured the creations of West Seattle “upcycle” artist Russ Morgan, as you’ll see if you watch the KING 5 clip above. And not only was it timely since today is Earth Day – also turns out he’s having a reception today at Hotel Monaco downtown (1101 4th Avenue, 4-6 pm – you’re invited!), according to proud sister Wendy Morgan (also a West Seattleite), who tipped us to the story and the reception. Find out more about Russ’s art at justarumor.com. P.S. Wendy tells us that in West Seattle, his work is available at Capers in The Junction.

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Movie crew coming to Alki – which is standing in for Florida!
April 22, 2011 12:41 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thinking an unannounced festival or fun run was perhaps on the way, we had asked SDOT about those “no parking” signs in the Alki Bathhouse vicinity, but they had nothing on their special-events list. A note just out of the WSB inbox explains the signs: Alki photographer extraordinaire David Hutchinson e-mailed to say nearby residents have received a notice explaining that “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas” will shoot exteriors in the area tomorrow and Monday. Quoting the notice, “We will be using the beach as a backdrop for Florida.” (The movie’s iMDB summary shines a little light on why.) Beach Drive Blog had reported previously on the crew’s plans to shoot in that area too.

1 PM P.S.: After rooting around for more information about the movie – we’ve added a clip above with some explanatory behind-the-scenes info (found here, where some “rough cut” clips also have been posted), including soundbites from directing/producing team members such as Jennifer Roth, just announced today as the recipient of the 6th annual Seattle Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film.

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June 3rd set for West Seattle High School All-School Reunion
April 22, 2011 12:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSHS Class of 1960, photographed at the 2010 All-School Reunion by Patrick Sand for WSB)
It just might be our area’s biggest school event each year, and the details for this year just came in. The West Seattle High School Alumni Association‘s All-School Reunion and Open House is set for Friday, June 3rd. It all starts with classic cars on display along SW Stevens at 4 pm, and wraps up with presentations, including scholarships, concluding around 9 pm. Read on for the schedule of what’s planned inbetween:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Arrest details; another break-in
April 22, 2011 11:57 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

2 West Seattle Crime Watch reports: First, more details on the burglary arrest announced by Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen (here’s the Thursday story). The suspect is 31 years old and, according to the incident report, was tracked down after a report of a burglary at a home under construction in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue (map) in North Admiral. A construction crew member told the responding officer that the burglary was the second one recently – the first time, wiring had been cut and stolen, and that wiring had just been replaced on Wednesday, one day before it was cut and stolen again; water pipes were cut away too. SPD Media Unit Detective Mark Jamieson adds that “information shared between Patrol and detectives matched the M.O. of someone they were aware of,” and subsequent investigation led to the suspect’s arrest as he tried to “recycle”/sell the stolen property. He’s still in jail, not yet charged so we’re not using his name; Det. Jamieson says police found drugs on him as well, so he is facing potential charges for that as well as burglary, according to the jail register. This is all just from the report for this arrest, so too early to say if he indeed will be linked to other break-ins.

And as if to underscore the point that one arrest never solves everything (so don’t stop being vigilant), a few hours later, a burglary was reported at midday – read on for that report:Read More

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West Seattle Earth Day scene: Trash-seeking superhero!
April 22, 2011 11:22 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Having an Earth Day cleanup? Whether it’s one person or one-hundred, you’re welcome to share a photo – as did the proud grandparent who sent this one, noting that it’s “Captain America picking up trash!”

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West Seattle Friday: Earth Day, Good Friday, Passover…
April 22, 2011 8:34 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Travis Tyler, looking toward West Seattle from M/V Hyak during Monday’s 6 am moonset)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

EARTH DAY IN THE FOREST: This is the “official” Earth Day, and though many celebrated with cleanups and forest restoration last weekend, there’s some today – EarthCorps (Facebook page here) will be helping out in the West Duwamish Greenbelt (16th Ave SW and Brandon), 10 am – 2 pm.

EARTH DAY FREEBIES: Take old vases/jars to Fleurt (NW corner of California/Oregon in The Junction) to recycle, and get a free mini-house-plant. (Tomorrow too!) … West Seattle Thriftway is celebrating Earth Day with a bag giveaway (with $20 purchase) and free baby trees (while supplies last).

GOOD FRIDAY: Looking for a church service? Check the special WSB West Seattle Easter page.

PASSOVER: Fourth night of the festival. No publicly announced special events, but you can check with West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah or Torah Learning Center directly.

EGG HUNT: Most of them are tomorrow but tonight there’s one for teens only! Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW): Teen Night Egg Hunt for ages 12-18 at 8:15 pm, billed as “the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle!” Free, but bring a flashlight and goodie bag. (More egg-hunt info on the WSB West Seattle Easter page.)

DAY OF GIVING: “Day of Giving” for Seattle Lutheran High School – watch for students out and about, doing volunteer work!

SSCC WINE SALE Northwest Wine Academy spring wine sale at South Seattle Community College ((6000 16th Avenue SW), noon-4 pm today and tomorrow. Full details here

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: The season’s finally here! Join the club at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton, Bldg One) 10 am – 2 pm. A coffee social and registration half-hour precedes the business meeting, a commentary on design and horticulture exhibits and a review of two gardening books by club member Nancy Lechner. Brown bag lunch at 12 noon, with beverages and dessert served by the club. “How to Keep Honey Bees” is the subject of beekeeper Nancy Beckett at 1 pm. Visitors are welcome. Donation $5.

PHOTOS, MUSIC, WINE TONIGHT ON ALKI: At Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), 6-10 pm, there is a photography exhibit by Brad Wright, blues music by Jeff Hays and Eric “Two Scoops” Moore, wine tasting by O Wines.

BIN 41 TASTING: K Vintners and Charles Smith wines at bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 5:30-7 pm.

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Alki Community Council: Be part of 5/22! Plus, The Whale Trail
April 22, 2011 2:41 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(October 2010 West Seattle orca sighting; photo courtesy Jeff Hogan)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Want to help make the next “car-free day” on Alki more of a street party than it’s been before? Want to help save the orcas? Opportunities for both factored into Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting, with major topics including Alki’s Summer Streets day (just one month away, May 22nd) and imminent West Seattle milestones for The Whale Trail:Read More

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Write Your Own Book – writing help for kids ages 8-18
April 22, 2011 12:50 am
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 |   Announcements

Greenwood’s 826 Seattle (funded in part by store front Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company) has landed in West Seattle at the High Point Center run by Neighborhood House.

Writing, Homework Help, and Tutoring 
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 – 5 pm

  • Experts and Tutors to Support Writing and Learning
  • Building skills for academics 
  • Hands-on activities supports homework
  • Serving ages 8-18
  • Drop In Welcome

April 26th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

 

Catch the Writing Bug
With Jamal Hussein and his team from 826 Seattle
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 pm – 5 pm 

  • Write Your Own Book
  • Work with Real Writers to build writing skills  
  • Writing Clubs
    • newsletter, pen pals, poetry, music …
  • Hands-on activities and Homework Support
  • Serving ages 8-18
  • Drop In Welcome

April 26th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

 

If you have questions about either of these programs please call Dena Nelson 206.588.4900 ext. 606 or 826 Seattle’s Jamal Hussein, Programs and Outreach Assistant, at jamal@826seattle.org

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