West Seattle, Washington

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day : 16/05/2011 17 results

One more fundraiser update: Taste of West Seattle
May 16, 2011 11:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Word tonight from West Seattle Helpline board vice president Brooks Riendl that this Thursday’s Taste of West Seattle fundraiser has sold so many advance tickets, they’re cutting off sales at 10 tomorrow morning – if you don’t have yours yet, get ’em while you still can! Brooks says they’re reserving a few for sales at the door Thursday night (6-9 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy, dozens of local food and beverage places participating).

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Followup: Alki Beach cleanup just the first of many
May 16, 2011 10:37 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Tonight, an update from the Alki Community Council on the beach cleanup we checked in on this morning:

The Alki Community Council and Seal Sitters would like to thank those who turned out this morning to help clean Alki Beach.

The day started with a briefing by Kristin Wilkinson [above], NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Expert, on the impact that our litter and trash has on marine life when it gets into Puget Sound. Colleen Hackett, Parks Volunteer Programs Coordinator, then gave us our assignments for the morning. The 29 volunteers, led by a large group from AmeriCorps, picked up trash from the west end of the Park through 54th Place SW. Enough time was available to assist Parks by removing the sand, brought in by this past winter’s storms, from the steps along Alki Avenue.

The Council hopes to coordinate with Seattle Parks & Recreation, local businesses, and community members in an effort to minimize the problem of litter on Alki this coming summer season.

We want to thank Pioneer Coffee, Tully’s, and Starbucks, for their donation of coffee to get our volunteers off to a good start. Thanks to Robin Lindsey, of Seal Sitters, for arranging the talk by Kristin Wilkinson, and also to Larry Carpenter, of the ACC, for coordinating this event with Parks. If you want additional information on how you can become involved, contact Larry at 206-938-0887.

You’re also welcome at the ACC’s next monthly meeting, this Thursday at 7 at Alki UCC Church (6112 SW Hinds).

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Meet a one-of-a-kind remodeler at next Ventana workshop
May 16, 2011 10:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Thinking about remodeling, or custom building? Tomorrow (Tuesday) night is the next free workshop offered by longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction. And if you go – you can congratulate Ventana’s Anne Higuera on her newfound status as the only person in West Seattle who is a Certified Graduate Remodeler and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Anne just earned the latter designation – which she says is held by only two other people in the entire city! It requires training and education in how to “help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.” That’s just one of the types of remodeling you can learn about at Ventana’s free Tuesday night workshop, 6 pm at their HQ on the northeast corner of California/Findlay – call (206) 932-3009 to RSVP.

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Dine out, do good: 2 upcoming fundraiser updates
May 16, 2011 8:16 pm
|    Comments Off on Dine out, do good: 2 upcoming fundraiser updates
 |   Fauntleroy | Health | How to help | West Seattle news

TOMORROW NIGHT: From 5 till midnight tomorrow (Tuesday), dine at Endolyne Joe’s and half the proceeds go to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (set this year for October 16th). You’ll also be able to enter drawings for gift baskets to raise extra money – two tickets for $5. The FFF has been a fun free event every year (here’s our coverage from last year) thanks to fundraisers like this one. (Endolyne Joe’s is at 9261 45th SW – menu’s online here.)

WORLD MS DAY SEATTLE UPDATE: We reported last Tuesday on the citywide event West Seattleite William Khazaal is organizing for a week from this Wednesday, a chance to dine out and shop to help raise money for kids with multiple sclerosis, a disease William himself is battling. Tonight a quick update – more than 50 businesses are now signed up (30 from West Seattle or White Center); you can see the latest list on Facebook. And there’s still room for more! Got a business? Be part of it by e-mailing william@mschildrensbook.com.

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Followup: Madison Middle School’s ‘Project Citizen’ success
May 16, 2011 7:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Three months after their afternoon of presentations to distinguished judges – here’s our February coverage, with video – Madison Middle School‘s “Project Citizen” winners are back from statewide competition in Olympia. The 8th-graders’ teacher/coach Starr McKittrick shares photos and this report:

Madison Middle School received an “Outstanding” rating with their project “Fund Our Futures,” which focused on education-funding issues in Washington State. They did extremely well for the complexity of their topic and showed a depth of knowledge that surpassed many projects presented by other groups. They were called by one judge, who also is a member of the Washington State Legislature, “an inspiration.” I am very proud of them and their performance.

Project Citizen is explained here.

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1st commute home with 99/Viaduct lane reductions
May 16, 2011 4:35 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(Refresh for latest pic from WS Bridge & 1st Ave. S. Bridge cams, more on the WSB Traffic page)
4:35 PM: No real horror stories from the first Highway 99 commute outbound from West Seattle this morning since the lane (and speed limit) reductions. So what about the drive home? Harder to watch from this side of The Bridge but we’re monitoring traffic reports and other sources, so we can let you know any reports of trouble – and do let us know how it goes for you (whether you’re driving, busing, biking, motorcycling, Water Taxi-ing, etc.).

4:54 PM UPDATE: Two Water Taxi reports are the first in on the commute, both via Twitter. Maggie, who takes the Vashon Water Taxi, saw more “runners” than usual headed for the 4:15 boat to West Seattle; Kim is on the 4:45 boat right now and says it’s not as busy as she would have expected.

5:13 PM UPDATE: So far so good. P.S. If you are a late-night driver, note there are some Spokane Street Viaduct westbound OVERNIGHT-ONLY closures coming up starting later this week – here’s the city’s announcement.

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Concerned about next year’s school start times? Meeting TODAY
May 16, 2011 4:19 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Late notice on this one but if it’s an issue that concerns you, the Sanislo Elementary PTA tells us all are welcome: At 5:30 pm at Sanislo (1812 SW Myrtle), there’s a meeting with local School Board rep (and board president) Steve Sundquist about next year’s start times, which, as reported here earlier this month, are changing for some schools – in Sanislo’s case, they’ll wind up starting after 9:30 am.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Arbor Heights burglaries
May 16, 2011 3:32 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

Police confirm three incidents in Arbor Heights this afternoon might be related. According to Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith, two homes were broken into – “both had evidence of forced entry”; nobody was home at either one. Then there was a prowling/attempted burglary report, with somebody at home and calling 911. Lt. Smith says the caller saw two “juvenile males looking into the house”; they were seen fleeing southbound from the 10200 block of 37th SW. Jeff, who says he reported them, sent the following note as we were writing this story:

It was about 12:20, Monday afternoon, I had just pulled up in front of my house
when I heard banging coming from down the street. I looked over, and saw two black males late teens/early twenties trying to kick in a front door at 37th and 102nd. I immediately got their attention with some colorful language, then they ran south on 37th avenue towards Arbor Heights Elementary. I got back in my truck, drove to 37th and 104th and spotted the two punks before they disappeared behind cars and into someone’s yard. I called the police during pursuit, I am hopeful these guys get caught.

We had heard a scanner report that the police search resulted in “sheltering in place” at Arbor Heights Elementary; nothing actually happened at the school, but as noted above, the suspects had been reported seen in the area.

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Green notes: West Seattle Autoworks oil; Sustainable WS runoff
May 16, 2011 3:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

RECYCLED OIL AT WEST SEATTLE AUTOWORKS: This option has gotten to be so popular at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor; 35th/Webster) that they’re now making it their “primary service choice,” adding: “Along with making it our primary oil, we will be giving customers a $10 rebate form to be used on their next service! This will help us to further reduce our dependence on imported oil and ‘close the loop’ in the recycling circle.” If you’re wondering how motor-oil recycling works: “The oil is re-refined down to a clear, clean base stock from used motor oil and blended with a synthetic base and an additive package – making it compliant with all current API standards. Recently, Valvoline announced it will also be offering a re-refined blend soon so we are excited to be ahead of the curve and bringing this opportunity to our customers!” You can reach WSAW at 206-257-5344; online at westseattleautoworks.com.

FIND OUT TONIGHT ABOUT PROTECTING THE SOUND: Here’s another way you can take action to protect our environment – keeping toxic runoff out of Puget Sound is the subject of Sustainable West Seattle‘s next community forum, tonight. It’s not just a presentation about a problem; they’re promising information on how you can take everyday action to be the solution. 7 pm, Camp Long Lodge – more details here.

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Benefit for Nicole Pieratt, a West Seattleite who is battling Breast Cancer May 23rd
May 16, 2011 2:44 pm
|    Comments Off on Benefit for Nicole Pieratt, a West Seattleite who is battling Breast Cancer May 23rd
 |   Announcements

Tracy – this needs an intro.

An Evening To Benefit Nicole Pieratt

A night of nostalgia, celebration and fund-raising for a friend in need. Join us as we welcome an amazing community of supporters from Seattle’s music, service and artistic industries for this extraordinary evening.

Silent Auction and Champagne Hour beginning at 6pm with complementary bubbles and Hor d’oeuvres by Purple Wine Bar and Cafe

Special Live Performances by:
Hey Marseilles
Pearly Gate Music
DJ Erika White

Silent Auction Contributors and Event Supporters:
Mathews Winery, Mark Ryan Winery, Sub Pop, Teatro Zinzanni, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ghost Gallery, Tom Douglas, Seward Park Clay Studio, City Arts Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Three Imaginary Girls, Panda Labs, Landcameras.com, autographed works by Lance Mercer and Charles Peterson, photographic prints by Hayley Young autographed by Nancy Pearl, John Roderick, Wayne Horvitz, original artwork by Stacey Rozich, Drew Christie, Daniel Carrillo, autographed vinyl from The Cave Singers, Campfire, Ok, Damien Jurado, and many more.

May 23rd 2011 Fred Wildlife Refuge
Reserved on-site parking provided. Main entrance located on Belmont Ave. East
Classic attire welcomed.

All proceeds from ticket sales to the event, as well as moneys earned from the silent auction will go to Nicole directly, thanks in full to the generosity of event supporters and donors.

Join us in our support for a young woman’s challenge to overcome breast cancer. Your presence is your contribution. Come celebrate it with us.

You can purchase tickets your tickets online here

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Update: Rollover crash northwest of The Junction, no injuries
May 16, 2011 1:43 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
1:43 PM: On our way to a “heavy rescue” call north of The Junction, at 46th/Dakota.

1:57 PM UPDATE: It’s a one-vehicle rollover crash. Police are still trying to figure out how it rolled – but nobody is seriously hurt, so no medics were sent, and most of the “heavy rescue” response was canceled fairly quickly when it was determined they didn’t have to cut anyone out of the vehicle.

2:02 PM UPDATE: New information, and photo added. The overturned Jeep SUV collided with another vehicle at the nearby intersection; the other car lost a bumper, while this one flipped.

ADDED 2:39 PM: Two new photos, by WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli – one is atop the story, substituted for the original cameraphone photo; the other, showing the car that didn’t flip, is atop this line.

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West Seattle scene: Flower baskets arrive in The Junction
May 16, 2011 1:13 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Maybe the endless semi-winter is really ending. Not only are there reports it might hit 70 degrees before the week is out – the annual hanging flower baskets have arrived this morning in The Junction. We photographed this one outside Husky Deli, looking south; crews are still at work moving them from staging areas including this one in the Farmers’ Market lot:

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Big change for ‘car-free’ Alki day this year: Shorter closure zone
May 16, 2011 10:24 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Though it’s been months since this year’s “car-free” Seattle Summer Streets day on Alki was confirmed for May 22nd, right after the West Seattle 5K (signed up yet?), a major change from years past has not been widely announced – till now. Checking the Alki Summer Streets page on the city website, we noticed the map above, showing that only 56th SW to 63rd SW would be closed all day, with the much-longer stretch to the east/south only closed till 11 am, during the 5K. We e-mailed SDOT last night to be sure we were reading the map correctly, and the confirmation just arrived from Dawn Schellenberg:

You are correct; we have changed the length of the Summer Streets portion of the 5K Run/Walk and Summer Streets Party. The decision was made after meeting with the Alki Community Council and talking with some of the businesses along Alki. Folks preferred a shorter route that could be fully closed over a longer one that required a travel lane remain open. Here are the details.

From 9 to 11 AM:
Alki Avenue SW will be fully closed from 63rd Avenue SW to the Don Armeni Boat Launch Ramp for the 5K run/walk. All parking will be restricted from 63rd to 56th and along the waterside from 56th to the boat ramp.

From 9 AM to 5 PM:
Alki Avenue SW will be fully closed from 63rd Avenue SW to 56th Avenue SW for the 5K run/walk and then the Summer Streets Party. Parking will be restricted on both sides of the street during this time.

Please note – There will be no eastbound travel lane open during the 5K or Summer Streets.

This means after 11 AM local access to condos will be allowed from 56th Avenue SW to Don Armeni Boat Launch Ramp. As in the past, SPD will detour those who do not live in the vicinity from Alki on to California Ave SW until 5 PM.

This is a change from past years, so thanks for helping us get the word out.

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New-business update: Sign’s up for West Seattle Smoke Company
May 16, 2011 10:11 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

One month after we first reported a cigar/tobacco shop is moving into the former laundromat on the very busy east side of the Alaska-to-Edmunds block of California SW in The Junction, West Seattle Smoke Company‘s sign is up this morning – thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems for the photo. WSB contributor Katie Meyer had stopped by on Friday and taken a quick peek inside as the interior takes shape:

We have messages out to its owners to see if an opening date is set yet. (For whenever they do open, hours are listed already online.)

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Happening now: Clean up Alki Beach, to help wildlife
May 16, 2011 9:54 am
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Clean up Alki Beach, to help wildlife
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

They gathered at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza right at 9 am – and if you have time to spare between now and noon, they would be happy to have your help too! Volunteers from the Alki Community Council, Seal Sitters and AmeriCorps are part of the effort, aimed at not just a nicer-looking beach, but making sure trash doesn’t get into the water (or elsewhere) to harm wildlife. More information here about who’s supporting the cleanup; if you can spare some time, head over and join in.

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Still not ready for a quake? Join West Seattle Be Prepared tonight
May 16, 2011 9:17 am
|    Comments Off on Still not ready for a quake? Join West Seattle Be Prepared tonight
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

Still not feeling like disaster preparedness – particularly for an earthquake – is all that urgent? “Cascadia: The Hidden Fire” might change your mind. It’ll be shown tonight at the next special training/education presentation by West Seattle Be Prepared. WSBP will be joined by Mark Howard from the Seattle Office of Emergency Management and seismology expert Chris Jonientz-Trisler, who is featured in the film, to lead discussion afterward. Jonientz-Trisler manages FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs to mitigate flood and earthquake impacts in the Pacific Northwest. Join WSBP 6-8 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California and Oregon in The Junction).

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1st commute with 99 ‘lane reductions’: Updates, alternatives
May 16, 2011 6:17 am
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Scroll down for updates – and send us yours!)

(Refresh for latest pic from WS Bridge & “low bridge” entrance cams, more on the WSB Traffic page)
6:17 AM: We’re tracking the first commute since the Highway 99 “lane reductions” were put into place over the weekend north of the West Seattle Bridge – more here, including our video from driving through that zone both ways after the highway reopened. So far – no problems, but it’s early.

6:38 AM: 1st report, from Hillary via Twitter: “17 minutes to downtown on the 56 … Viaduct didn’t hurt us a bit.”

7:01 AM: Thanks to whomever just texted us (206-293-6302, same number as our 24/7 breaking-news line): “13 minutes to Seneca.”

7:31 AM: Live TV aerials from KING5 show northbound 99 in the squeezed zone now starting to clog and slow, as the busiest commute time arrives.

7:46 AM: KIRO says it’ll stream live over the Viaduct shortly – here’s the link.

8:18 AM: Check comments for more updates. We’re heading out for a firsthand look at how things are going this hour. (And if anyone took the Water Taxi this morning, we’re interested in how busy that seemed – we’ll check with the county too.)

8:55 AM: We just traveled The Viaduct both ways through the work/reduction zone. Late end of the commute, we know, but aside from the usual bottleneck slowdown getting from the high bridge to 99, it was pretty smooth – less than 4 minutes from bridge exit to end of work zone. Will add video later. Video added above.

2:36 PM: We will track the pm commute in a separate story, starting around 4 pm. One tidbit – we’re told that West Seattle Water Taxi ridership was up 30 percent or so today (official numbers are not out yet). The WSWT is one of the options on our “commute alternatives” map below.

(back to original story) Meantime, here’s our map of potential commute alternatives beyond the standard “drive a regular route to the bridge” – click one to see details:


View Commute alternatives, heading to downtown in a larger map

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