day : 11/11/2011 10 results

West Seattle Weather Watch: Sights in the sky

(10:44 PM UPDATE: Adding more WSB’er photos that came in tonight – thanks!)

ORIGINAL 6:30 PM REPORT: Tonight’s sunset, and weather, had many faces – depending on where you looked. Even before the sleet!

(Thanks to Christopher Boffoli for the storm video.)

As the sun slipped behind Vashon, Melanie caught the view atop our story – note the cloud edge at right, barely hinting at what Gina caught looking north:

And then back to the south, if you took the wider view, here’s what Claire photographed:

Though the wind advisory is over, stormy weather may continue off and on; keep an eye out here for the latest watches/warnings, and the updated forecast.

ADDED 10:44 PM: Thanks to everyone who has shared photos tonight! Sorry for the delay in adding them. This one’s from Max:

From Michael and Eileen on Genesee Hill:

From Stacy, a Fauntleroy ferry dock view:

Here’s Tina’s view of the clouds and sunset, looking west along Alki:

And Patrick’s photo after the hail/sleet/graupel/whatever, 26th/Alaska:

Thanks for the photos!

Update: Three people hurt in 3-car 3rd/Olson crash

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB)
3:56 PM: Big emergency response to 3rd SW/Olson Place (map) just past the east end of Roxbury – there’s a crash that went out as an “automobile rescue” call. Our crew is there and we’ll have more shortly – for now, though, avoid the area, which is a busy route to and from Highway 509.

4:44 PM: From WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz – Three people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The road is not likely to clear any time soon.

(Photo by Katie Meyer for WSB)
5:19 PM: A total of three vehicles were involved, according to WSB contributor Katie Meyer. She says fire crews had to cut the top off one car to get the patient out safely. Still no word when the road might reopen.

8:38 PM: If you haven’t seen this in comments already – the road has reopened.

10:32 PM: It apparently then closed again – but is now reported as reopened. Meantime, police have published their account to SPD Blotter:

On November 11th at approximately 3:23 p.m. officers responded to the area of Olson Place SW and SW Cambridge Place for a multiple-vehicle head on collision with life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 51-year-old male was driving westbound in his Nissan Pathfinder. The driver crossed the centerline and struck a 1999 Saturn head on. The driver of the Saturn, a 22-year-old male, was transported to Harborview Medical Center by SFD medics with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Pathfinder then spun around and was struck on the driver’s side by an eastbound, on-coming Toyota Camry. The Camry was being driven by a 63-year-old female, who was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center by SFD medics with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Pathfinder was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers evaluated the driver of the Pathfinder for signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. A blood draw was performed and the laboratory results are pending further investigation.

There were no citations issued at the scene, which is standard procedure in traffic incidents involving serious injuries, and that subsequently require collision reconstruction and extensive follow up investigation.

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.

The road was closed in both directions and traffic re-routed so detectives could effectively conduct their on-scene investigation.

2 ways to be greener tomorrow: Toy Swap & Tox-Ick

November 11, 2011 3:49 pm
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 |   Environment | West Seattle news

COOLMOM TOY SWAP ‘N’ SALE: Ready to start your holiday shopping in the sustainability spirit? One more reminder about the fourth annual CoolMom Toy Swap and Sale tomorrow, 9 am-2 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Proceeds also benefit WestSide Baby.

FIGHTING THE TOX-ICK MONSTER: Tomorrow is your final chance to check out Sustainable West Seattle‘s educational series about reducing toxic runoff to win the battle against the notorious Tox-Ick Monster. One twist – this time, it’s in Spanish! (Are your kids studying Spanish? Take them!) 2:30-3:30 pm Saturday at White Center Community Cultural Center (St. James Annex), 9421 18th SW, $500 in prizes available to attendees.

West Seattle Veterans Day: Local student’s campaign to help troops

On this Veterans Day, a group of college students is working to help military personnel via a campaign called Students for Soldiers. Among them is Christina Powell (left), who e-mailed WSB to explain that they’re working to “procure items for care packages which will be sent only to troops stationed at FOB’s (Forward Operating Bases). These soldiers were chosen because they are in remote areas, often the most dangerous, and do not have access to Exchanges. Exchanges that are on the military bases are where soldiers are able to buy such daily necessities as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby-wipes (the easiest way to clean oneself in the desert), and so on. Without access, they must simply go without these daily necessities, depleting morale and running the risk of illness at a time when they must be the most alert and cautious of danger.” Christina is looking for West Seattle community support because, while she’s a Washington State University student, she’s studying via “distance degree,” and works at Celtic Swell on Alki.

Originally, our goal was going to be to send 300 packages to troops however, we have teamed up with a non-profit organization called US Troop Care Packages (USTC) located in Pasco, WA that says ‘if we get the goods to them, they will cover the shipping costs for packages.’ Now, our GOAL is to raise $5000 in goods to be sent to Pasco who know how to get these items to soldiers at FOB’s. All 25 of us are now reaching out to our friends, family, churches, and communities (be it local, state, or nationwide) to help us with this cause. I believe that as a community, we can all come together and truly make a difference that will have an impact far greater than any that we could imagine.

The direct link to our Facebook page where you will find all of our information, updates, and the link to the Amazon WishList is:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003042561352&sk=wall

Donations: We have set up an Amazon WishList that contains the most needed items for soldiers on FOB’s right now. This WishList shows the items, all travel sized, with the information and price right there. This method allows you to buy items, pay and ship directly to the USTC for care packages to be compiled. Everything is safe, secure, every cent accounted for and completely traceable.

The direct link for the Amazon WishList is:
http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/VVQ6A6WMQYTP/ref=cm_wl_sortbar_v_page_1?_encoding=UTF8&page=1

As an example: On the site listed above, you will find among the list “Huggies Baby Wipes Travel Pack, Case of 12 Packs” with a picture, description, and price options. With this item that runs $20, you have just given 12 soldiers (assuming they don’t share) the ability to clean their face and bodies in the desert. You simply select which items you’d like to donate and add them to the cart. When ready, click “check out”. Select the first option for shipping addresses as the WishList already is programmed with the address for USTC who will then put all items together and mail them overseas.

Christina says there was plenty of inspiration for the campaign, particularly the fact that she has classmates who have served, and the fact her family is “full of Marines.”

West Seattle Chamber CEO Patti Mullen leaving for new job

Just announced by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair Dave Montoure – the Chamber’s president/CEO Patti Mullen is leaving. From his e-mail announcement:

Over the last eight years, our Chamber has grown in membership, quality of programming, community partnership and advocacy, networking and learning opportunities. In addition, the Chamber has gained recognition throughout the Greater Seattle area as a strong leader for business on the Westside. So it is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Patti Mullen has accepted the position of President/CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. She will begin her new post in January, 2012.

The Chamber’s December 1st holiday party at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will now also become a farewell party for Mullen. Some of the most recent initiatives she’s been working on have included promoting West Seattle as a destination for “sustainable tourism.” (WSB photo from June 2011)

West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory today

Thanks to Dan Murphy for sharing his photo of what he aptly described as a “breathtaking” sunrise, viewed as he bicycled across the Duwamish River. The weather may pose some problems later – the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for our area, 10 am-4 pm (read it here). The wind is expected to start from the south, switching to out of the northwest, with gusts possible up to 45 mph. As for the timing, the advisory says, “Winds will increase rapidly this morning, remain strong through the afternoon, then diminish late this afternoon.” Rain is in the forecast too. (If you’re looking for storm-preparedness info – the regional Take Winter By Storm site has plenty.)

West Seattle Friday: Veterans Day 2011, and other highlights

(Photo by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

VETERANS DAY: No school, no Water Taxi, reduced-weekday schedule for Metro, no USPS mail delivery, most government offices closed, most banks closed. City trash service is on a regular schedule; state liquor stores are open. … All Uptown Espresso stores (including The Junction and North Delridge) donate revenue today to American Lake Veterans’ Golf Coursedetails here

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT THE MOUNT: Providence Mount St. Vincent is having its annual Holiday Bazaar today (and tomorrow)! 10 am to 4 pm, 4831 35th Avenue SW. Holiday gifts, collectibles and much more. Proceeds benefit The Mount’s resident programs and services.

JUNCTION FOOD TRUCK POD: 1 truck scheduled for lunch today (11 am), 3 for dinner, at the food truck pod in The Junction (California/Edmunds; schedule here)

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY BENEFIT BOOK FAIR: Roxhill Elementary School Book Fair @ the Westwood Village Barnes and Noble from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Portion of book-sales proceeds benefit Roxhill. Also fun activities including Story Time with Roxhill’s Librarian Pat Bliquez, Principal Carmela Dellino, and Head Teacher Chris Robert; face painting; scavenger hunt; poetry jam; refreshments. If you can’t attend, you can support the school with B&N online purchases – through Nov. 18, enter Bookfair ID #10562619 at checkout.

HOPE LUTHERAN/SEATTLE LUTHERAN AUCTION/GALA: “Light Up the Night for Our Kids” benefit auction for Hope Lutheran School and Seattle Lutheran High School, at SLHS Gym (details here; we published a preview here).

WINE TASTING Bin 41 weekly wine tasting in The Junction, 6-7:30 pm. Tonight: Washington Wine Medley – take two! Showcasing wines from five local wineries.

TONIGHT AT KENYON HALL: At 7:30, it’s the legendary folk duo Reilly and Maloney. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, please visit www.reillyandmaloney.com.

LIVE MUSIC: The Bridge has live music at 9:30 pm: Petting Zoo, a rock-n-roll cover band. No cover charge.

West Seattle holidays: WS Community Orchestras’ concerts

November 11, 2011 6:57 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The nonprofit, all-ages West Seattle Community Orchestras has just announced its winter concert lineup:

Join WSCO’s Symphony Orchestra on November 29, Tuesday, at 7 pm in Chief Sealth International High School’s Auditorium for “Holiday Gifts.” Program highlights include the 2nd Movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #5, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody and excerpts from Elgar’s Enigma.

On December 6 at 6:30 pm, WSCO’s Debut and Intermediate Orchestras along with the Endolyne Children’s Choir perform “The Joy of Music.” Highlights include Verdi’s Waltz from La Traviata, Bruce’s Fiesta Waltz, Mozart’s Symphony #25 along with holiday favorites Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Good King Wenceslas.

Concerts are free; suggested donation $5.

West Seattle Art Walk, November 2011 edition

November 11, 2011 3:32 am
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 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

People and sights from a few stops along the way of the November 2011 West Seattle Art Walk: Above, Lisa Geersten and Andy Blakney at Twilight Artist Collective, which has perhaps the sturdiest show, the metalwork in “Northwest Anvil III.”

Right around the corner, Easy Street Records‘ flea market offered retro sights and buys:

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West Seattle scene: Lafayette celebration at Admiral Theater

The historic Admiral Theater is only about a block away from Lafayette Elementary – convenient for the crowd that packed Thursday night’s movie-watching party celebrating last month’s Walk-A-Thon. As noted here, the annual tradition was a success again this fall, and the money it raises is more important every year, since Lafayette is West Seattle’s most-populous elementary school – more than 540 students last time we checked the enrollment numbers.