day : 03/11/2011 12 results

Winter’s on the doorstep – and that means West Seattle Helpline will be getting more requests for help from people in difficult circumstances, maybe just for something as basic as staying warm and dry, with a roof over their head. Making sure WS Helpline will be able to offer that help, was the goal of tonight’s gala dinner and auction at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle.

Above are Helpline board members Terry Burns (who emceed) and Rev. Ron Marshall. Ahead – other community leaders/members who attended tonight to show their support:Read More

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West Seattle coyotes: Evening encounter in Arbor Heights

November 3, 2011 8:23 pm

| 27 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

From an anonymous tipster in Arbor Heights:

A friend was just (7:30 p.m. Thursday) walking her dogs between 34th SW and 35th SW where SW 108th is a narrow path, and encountered a coyote. The coyote went nose-to-nose with one of the dogs, who was in full attack mode towards the coyote. Happily, the person was able to get herself and the dogs away before the situation escalated, but the coyote only moved back into the bushes– the friend could still see the eyes, so the coyote wasn’t scared away by the commotion! Please be very careful if you are in this area.

As always – here’s the advice on what to do (including trying your best to scare a coyote away).

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West Seattle Soccer Club to inaugurate new Walt Hundley Playfield turf

November 3, 2011 5:09 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

A little more than a year after the field got its new name – honoring Seattle’s first African-American Superintendent of Parks – Walt Hundley Playfield has its new turf. The completion of the $1 million Parks and Green Spaces Levy-funded renovation has just been announced, and the Seattle Parks news release says that West Seattle Soccer Club will officially kick things off with a day full of games this Saturday. The city announcement quotes WSSC board member Tim McMonigle as saying “this will be one of the very few synthetic lined U-10 and U-11 surfaces in the Puget Sound area.” The field (south of High Point Community Center) also has football and Ultimate Frisbee reference markings. It’s the third West Seattle playfield to get new turf in less than two years, after Hiawatha and Delridge.

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Metro’s West Seattle ‘concepts,’ @ Southwest District Council

November 3, 2011 4:21 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Metro‘s proposed restructuring of West Seattle’s route system is an emotional topic for some.

That was clear when what Metro calls its “concepts” for change came out last week, drawing triple-digit reaction here.

It was also clear last night when things got somewhat testy among community members who came to the Southwest District Council meeting for the first chance to hear from Metro reps, before two events in West Seattle on November 9th and 17th.

The Metro discussion was part of a one-two transit-related punch that took up most of the meeting, starting with an SDOT update on road changes to accommodate Metro’s RapidRide, the new style of bus service that also is the reason for the planned route restructuring. Some of those changes were questioned pointedly by SWDC members, too.

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Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT: New West Seattle Blog sponsor

November 3, 2011 2:40 pm

| Comments Off on Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT: New West Seattle Blog sponsor

| Health | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest WSB sponsors, presenting information they want to share so you know more about their business: Cascade Dizziness and Balance Physical Therapy provides caring and personalized treatment for people with dizziness and balance problems. We combine years of experience and state-of-the-art technology with our passion for helping people return to the activities they love. Our patients are amazed by what they achieve with physical therapy. You don’t have to live with dizziness, imbalance, or a fear of falling. Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT can help you feel better, move better, and do more with your life.

Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT is owned by Lisa Eaton, DPT, OCS. We accept all major insurances. Our treatment sessions are one-on-one 55-minute sessions designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Call 206-925-3762 to schedule an appointment, or book online on the Cascade website.

We thank Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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Update: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth back to 3 boats

November 3, 2011 12:56 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 12:56 PM REPORT: The Fauntleroy wait wasn’t much last time we checked that semi-live image from the dock camera, but the state warns that people leaving Vashon might face quite a wait this afternoon till they are back to three boats. We were just talking here the other day about the aging ferries, particularly the half-century-old Evergreen State class, and one of its vessels, the Klahowya, is currently broken down and being checked out. That leaves only the Issaquah and Tillikum on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run at the moment. Here’s the two-boat schedule; here’s the place to check for updates later (we will too).

8:48 PM UPDATE: WSF says that Klahowya is fixed and back in service.

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‘Fauntleroy Way Green Boulevard’ on today’s budget agenda

November 3, 2011 11:36 am

| 46 COMMENTS

| Triangle | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Sketch from West Seattleites’ 2008 presentation to the City Council about a “boulevard” vision for Fauntleroy Way)
All week long, the City Council has been listening to presentations about possible changes to the Mayor’s budget plan. Just because a change is presented, doesn’t mean it’ll make it into the final plan, but with that in mind: One of the proposals that will be heard this afternoon would allot a quarter-million dollars to start working toward what’s dubbed the “Fauntleroy Way Green Boulevard.” This is a concept that has been under discussion for more than three years, including as a component of the West Seattle Triangle vision. Just last night, in fact, members of the Southwest District Council brought it up briefly while reviewing what’s transpired with the Triangle. It’ll be one of many budget-change options presented during this afternoon’s City Council session. Here’s part of the description, from the “Green Sheet” for the proposal (which you can see in its entirety here):

This project will transform Fauntleroy Way SW into a green boulevard. Preliminary engineering will address project elements identified during conceptual design, including: a planted median with signature lighting fixtures, a pedestrian zone with sidewalks and planting areas including street trees, pedestrian lighting, potential green stormwater infrastructure and art, and safety improvements for crossing movements for all modes, including bicycle improvements and pedestrian crossings, signals, and reconfigured intersections and bulbs. Funding will be used to complete preliminary engineering in 2012, including public outreach, preliminary design, and construction cost estimates. Alternative project designs will be developed (with and without the relocation of a 28? drainage and wastewater main) that seek to balance green boulevard design elements with Major Truck Street treatments.

The proposal is officially from Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who chairs the Transportation Committee and has long been involved in discussions about improving the Fauntleroy Way “gateway” to West Seattle. His office says the goal of this item is to get the project on the city’s Capital Improvement List and start studying what it would take to make it happen. This presentation is part of the council’s afternoon agenda (full list here), scheduled to start at 2 pm; you can watch live on Channel 21 or seattlechannel.org (or of course by going to City Hall downtown). Budget-change decisions are scheduled to start next week, with a plan finalized before Thanksgiving.

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West Seattle Thursday: Shop late; learn to prepare; more…

November 3, 2011 10:30 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Our recent photo of the Fauntleroy ferry dock includes the type of weather said to lie ahead for us today (remember, we have a weather page!) – nice till clouds creep in late in the day. Meantime, here are some of tonight’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HOLIDAY FOOD TASTING: The annual West Seattle Thriftway holiday-food tasting is 4-7 pm, and they’re having a wine tasting at that same time as well (Fauntleroy/California).

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOD TRUCK: The Junction’s new “food truck pod” in the Uptown Espresso lot will have its first Thursday night visitor – I Want Curry Now is scheduled to be there for dinner tonight, 5-8 pm.

SHOP LATE IN THE JUNCTION: It’s back, just in time for the holidays. 6-9 tonight, at participating merchants (listed here), and every Thursday till the last one before Christmas.

HELP THE HELPLINE: From the official announcement by West Seattle Helpline: “Give the gift of warmth and light this year! We are holding our 14th annual fall fundraiser dinner event for West Seattle families that are facing a one-time emergency. Proceeds will be used to help families that have faced emergency situations with rent and utilities so that they may remain in their homes with heat and water. This mission becomes even more vital as the weather turns colder and the need is especially great this year.” 6-9 pm tonight at Duwamish Longhouse; tickets can still be purchased this morning – call 206-932-2746 (or go online).

BOOK SIGNING: Party at The Cask for author/entrepreneur/athlete/basketball coach Sonya Elliott, 6-8 pm (more info here).

GET READY! Not sure you’re ready for disaster – be it a winter storm, an earthquake, or who knows what? Check out tonight’s free city-presented SNAP (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare) preparedness class at Southwest Library, 6:30 pm.

STORMWATER: LIFE IN THE GUTTER: One-man performance written and performed by Stokley Towles, tracing a tale of rainwater and runoff in a way you’ve never seen or heard it before. Free! 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW.

(added) POTLATCH AT ALKI ELEMENTARY: Just in from the school’s arts-ed rep Karen Hinkey: “Alki PTA has been thrilled to welcome Ronn Wilson as this year’s Artist-in-Residence. “Of Cedar and Salmon” is a multicultural, hands on enrichment program which has allowed all students to experience the native arts and cultures of the Pacific Northwest Coast. For the past 5 weeks, students in every classroom have been immersed in Native clans within the school and have learned arts and crafts, games, legend writing and more… During the residency, Ronn’s artistic talents have been on display while creating an original piece of Native American artwork which will be presented to the school at tonight’s potlatch ceremony. Reflections of a potlatch will include an artistic replica of a Kwakwakawaka ceremonial house and a dramatic presentation of traditional Northwest Coast art. The ceremony begins promptly at 7 pm in the school gym and doors will be closed at that time. Please, NO photographs or video during the performance at the request of the Wilson family. Photographs can be taken after the performance. ”

‘THE DESPERATE HOURS’: Your second-to-last chance to catch West Seattle High School’s Drama Club production, 7:30 pm at WSHS Theater. More info, photos, cast list, etc., can be found here.

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Police search near West Seattle High School for suspicious person(s)

November 3, 2011 9:26 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

9:26 AM: Information on this one is still a little sketchy – but it’s happening right now and we’ve received questions about why police cars were outside West Seattle High School, so here’s what we have found out so far: They are searching the area around the school for a report of one or two men seen with a knife or knives. The school district says WSHS went into “shelter in place” mode for this, around 8:45 am. According to Det. Mark Jamieson in the SPD media unit, so far they haven’t found anything or anyone. No one is reported hurt – by all accounts so far, this is just a case of someone seeing something alarming. If we get new information later, we’ll update.

10:12 AM UPDATE: The district says the “shelter in place” situation is over; police didn’t find the person(s) they were looking for, but again, everybody’s OK.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Early-am search; daylight car prowl

November 3, 2011 3:17 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 3:17 AM REPORT: Two things this morning – one that’s happening right now: We’re working to find out more about a search that’s under way in the neighborhood east of California SW, between the Alaska and Morgan Junctions. Officers, including a K-9 team, are out searching for somebody. As soon as we find out what led to this, we’ll update. (Thanks to those who have reported this via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.)

9:40 AM UPDATE: Got the details from SPD: This started as a report of a “suspicious male” in the alley behind the 5400 block of 45th SW, with a running vehicle. Police arrived, saw three “unknown race males in dark clothing … 5’6 to 5’8″, slim build” who took off running eastbound upon seeing officers. They had been standing around a car that was up on blocks with three wheels/tires off. A search ensued; the K-9 team lost the scent around the 5400 block of 42nd, which likely means, police say, someone picked them up there. The car turned out to be stolen but hadn’t been reported yet; police are analyzing some items from its interior for possible prints.

(back to original report) Meantime, we have a report about a car prowl during the daytime on Wednesday – read on:Read More

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West Seattle sports: Holy Rosary 7th grader’s ‘Hoops for Help’

November 3, 2011 3:10 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

From the WSB inbox – Holy Rosary 7th grader Kyle Joyce asked for help getting the word out about a service project called “Hoops for Help.” Kyle’s doing it with a friend and says, “All the money we make is going to Saint Vincent de Paul.” Specifics: 3 on 3 tournament at Holy Rosary School on November 12th, up to 4 players per team, $5/person, age groups 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. “Winners will receive cool NBA prizes,” Kyle says. E-mail hoopsforhelp@gmail.com to sign up, including team name, age group, and contact info.

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Election 2011: Mayor comes to WSHS for levy campaign

November 3, 2011 2:50 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When Mayor McGinn arrived outside West Seattle High School Wednesday morning to campaign for the Families and Education Levy (Seattle Prop 1 on next Tuesday’s ballot), some of the citywide media swarmed him to ask about a different ballot measure – Seattle Transportation Benefit District Prop 1, which would raise money for transportation projects via $60 added to car tabs. They were following up on Seattle Times (WSB partner) reporter Mike Lindblom‘s story about $400,000 of that money possibly going to revise the Bicycle Master Plan, more than its original cost. Plans change all the time, the mayor was heard to explain. Eventually, the event got back on topic – the levy; specifically, the funding it includes for school-based health centers. That’s what brought a couple of industry executives to join the mayor, including Neighborcare CEOMark Secord:

His company runs clinics at all of West Seattle’s public middle schools and high schools. They offer service beyond what the traditional “school nurse” offers – they run centers that offer services to students including so-called “confidential” care such as mental and reproductive health, as well as vaccinations and other checkups. He says flatly that if the levy loses, those centers close. Photographers were invited into the WSHS clinic after the news conference ended. Physician assistant Auky van Beek was on duty:

The clinic funding has been singled out by levy supporters for months; when we covered the first PTSA meetings of the year at both WSHS and Chief Sealth, we noted that both groups were addressed by the Neighborcare staffers at the respective school health centers, pointing out the levy’s relation to funding their services. A news release following Wednesday’s event said the health funding portion of levy proceeds would total more than $40 million over the measure’s 7-year lifespan.

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