day : 04/09/2013 13 results

As Arbor Heights Elementary approaches teardown and rebuild, it had to be reviewed for potential city-landmark status. As originally reported here last month, that review before the Landmarks Board was set for today – and tonight, one of the board’s newest members, Deb Barker of Morgan Junction, mentioned at the Southwest District Council meeting that the board decided unanimously NOT to consider AH for landmark status.

First community meeting of fall: Southwest District Council

September 4, 2013 8:21 pm

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| Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The fall meeting season – after a summer break for many neighborhood/district councils – is off and running, with the Southwest District Council just wrapping up its September meeting, tackling topics from trees to Junction parking/development.

Co-chair Susan Ruppert, from the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council, led the meeting at Southwest Teen Life Center. Other organizations represented were the Admiral Neighborhood Association, Fairmount Community Association, Fauntleroy Community Association, Junction Neighborhood Organization, Morgan Community Association, the Senior Center of West Seattle, and the West Seattle Junction Association.

What you should know about what was discussed – ahead:

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West Seattle road-work alert: Morgan/42nd repaving

September 4, 2013 7:25 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

Sorry we didn’t hear about this repaving project in advance, so we couldn’t share a heads-up – just spotted the work this afternoon at 42nd/Morgan north of West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), and then heard from tipster Linda, who provided this scanned copy of a paper notice circulated in the area:

She added, “In passing by tonight, they have the east side of 42nd between Morgan and Fauntleroy completely dug up, a large hole in Morgan street east of 42nd and a third hole on 42nd south of Morgan. They were covering all the holes with plastic when we went by.” We hope to hear more about this from SDOT tomorrow.

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New interim CEO for West Seattle retirement center The Kenney

September 4, 2013 6:11 pm

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| The Kenney | West Seattle news

Three months after The Kenney (WSB sponsor) announced it was exploring the possibility of “sponsorship” by Wesley Homes, there’s no final decision on that yet, but one change has just been made – a new interim CEO is in charge. Here’s the announcement:

William (Bill) Lange is named as the new interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for The Kenney, effective October 1, 2013. Mr. Lange assumes this interim role at the time that Ed Mawe, current interim CEO, leaves to take a new position with another retirement organization. Mr. Mawe is an employee of Ontrac Management Services and he was hired in July 2012 to act as an interim CEO. Mr. Lange is also an employee of Ontrac and has been working in a supportive operations role with Mr. Mawe, the Kenney board of directors, and staff over the past year.

“Bill is not a new face to the residents and staff at The Kenney,” said Moraine Byrne, President of Ontrac Management Services. She added, “His knowledge of the current operations and the strategic direction of The Kenney make for a smooth transition as Ed leaves to take his new career opportunity.” Mr. Mawe has accepted a position as Chief Operating Officer of Horizon House, a large retirement community located in [downtown] Seattle.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car, bikes, purse stolen; 2 found items

September 4, 2013 4:12 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

Here’s a round of recent West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports. First, yet another vehicle theft (besides the 2 reported here on Tuesday). From Andy:

Our car was stolen (Monday) night from in front of our home. We live a block off California on 44th, near the West Seattle Nursery. It’s a 1995 black Honda Civic hatchback, license number ACY9729.

(added 4:31 pm) Just got word from Nicole of a burglary today:

Just a heads up to let you know there was a burglary on the 5400 block of 46th SW at around noon today. My parents’ place was broken into while my mom was away for about 20 minutes to run an errand. House was locked.

(back to original report) Kathleen warns of car prowling at Jack Block Park (the incident happened last Thursday night):

…I wanted to let you know my purse was stolen out of my car at Jack Block last night (super quick smash and grab). I really want to report it not only to bring attention to be hyper-vigilant in this area (and not leave your purse in the car — duh) but really, I loved my purse so I am wanting to see if anyone in that area on a walk, etc. saw it. If anyone does see it, if they can let me know, that would be great. (“Roots” brand, tan nice leather “messenger bag” style with long thick strap and 2 pockets.) Hoping they tossed it in the bushes. BTW, I had 3 cards and they tried all 3 at Shell Station on CA and at Delridge Mini Mart. The Port police said it is the same place they have used others, so they think they know who it is.

And bikes both stolen and found – starting with Brianna‘s report of a stolen bike Sunday morning in The Junction:

… My bike was stolen from outside Great Harvest Bakery in the Alaska Junction. It was a 45-46 cm Raleigh women’s Revenio road bike, with it was a bright blue helmet. The bike is mostly black with blue and white details.

Sue is hoping to find her bike stolen 3 weeks ago:

My beautiful blue/black carbon Lemond Zurich T- 04 woman’s road bike was stolen from a secure condo garage along Beach Drive, where it hung bolted and locked on a concrete wall. Serial #WL3149448, registered with the police on 1/14/2005. Blue Bontrager tires, Terry gel saddle, lights, bag, pump, U lock, etc. I rode hundreds of miles in events like Cycle Oregon and loved this bike. It fit me like a glove. Please watch out for it and tell your friends to do the same. Thanks!

Ahead, a found bike and found scooter – might or might not be crime-related – both with photos:

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‘Drug-trafficking conspiracy’ behind raids this morning in South Park, Highland Park, authorities say

September 4, 2013 1:50 pm

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| Crime | South Park | West Seattle news

(Photos by Scott, taken from inside a bus, showing law enforcers outside Juan Colorado’s [at right] in South Park)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Seattle Police have just gone public with more information on raids/arrests this morning. We received scattered tips of FBI/SPD sightings in Highland Park and South Park this morning, and the agencies said they would release information as soon as the raids were over – now, they’ve sent this:

In coordinated arrests this morning, the FBI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Seattle Police Department took eight people into custody for a wide ranging drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. Members of the conspiracy maintained drug stash houses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Search warrants were served today in Vancouver, Covington, Puyallup, SeaTac, Tukwila, Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Some of the drug traffickers conducted their deals at a Mexican restaurant in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle: the Juan Colorado.

The restaurant was closed today while law enforcement searched the premises. The defendants will make their initial appearances at 2:00 PM today in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

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Prayers for peace in Syria (and elsewhere) Saturday in West Seattle

September 4, 2013 1:06 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Thanks to Vince for sharing the announcement:

Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle has scheduled five hours of prayer this Saturday, September 7, in response to the call by Pope Francis for a day of prayer and fasting for peace for Syria.

All are invited to join in the Holy Rosary prayer service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The church is at 4210 SW Genesee.

The service will coincide with a prayer vigil being led by the pope at St. Peter’s Square from 7 p.m. to midnight Vatican time. Francis has invited Catholics, other Christians, those of other faiths and non-believers to join together on Saturday to invoke the gift of peace for Syria and other areas of the world where there is conflict.

Both houses of Congress are expected to vote next week on whether to support U.S. strikes in Syria; a Senate committee passed a related resolution today.

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West Seattle Weather Watch update: Now it’s a ‘flood watch’

September 4, 2013 12:00 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

ORIGINAL REPORT, NOON: Might want to doublecheck your gutters/storm drains/etc. before tomorrow. A “special weather statement” issued by the National Weather Service (read it here) says up to two inches of rain is possible in this area Thursday/Friday, with the heaviest rain likely to start around midday Thursday.

3:55 PM: The NWS now has upgraded it to a “flood watch,” starting noon tomorrow. Read the new alert here.

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West Seattle back-to-school 2013: Schmitz Park Elementary’s flag ceremony, with new plaque from the Schmitz family

September 4, 2013 11:05 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Eric)
It is a stirring first-day-of-school tradition at Schmitz Park Elementary – a flag ceremony that includes members of the school’s namesake family, who donated the land on which it was built as well as forested Schmitz Preserve Park nearby, and other West Seattle treasures.

(Photo courtesy Sean)
This year, not only did the family present a new flag, but there’s also a new plaque on the flagpole, presented by descendants of Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz.

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Here’s the text, shared by Vicki Schmitz Block:

In honor of Alan F. Schmitz, a new flag is presented to Schmitz Park School by the Schmitz Family.

Alan F. Schmitz (1934 – 2012) attended the opening day/flag raising ceremony at Schmitz Park School for over 30 years, representing the Schmitz Family, who donated the land for this school.

This tradition began in 1962 when the school building opened. At that first opening-day ceremony, Alan’s father, Dietrich G. Schmitz (1890-1970), participated for the Schmitz family and for many years thereafter.

Today, Alan’s son Dietrich Schmitz continues this wonderful and historic tradition, providing a link between West Seattle’s rich history and today’s children at Schmitz Park School.

(Added 11:43 am) Here’s Dietrich Schmitz at this morning’s ceremony with SP principal Gerrit Kischner:

(Photo courtesy Sean)
P.S. We’re continuing to receive WSB readers’ back-to-school photos from all over West Seattle – editor@westseattleblog.com – and will be assembling a gallery later today. Thanks!

ADDED 8:48 PM: Clay Eals from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society also was there this morning, and has published comprehensive coverage – including video of Dietrich Schmitz’s speech – on the SWSHS website. You can see it all here.

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West Seattle Wednesday: More schools start; Rosh Hashanah begins; Southwest District Council; more…

September 4, 2013 10:03 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: More schools start; Rosh Hashanah begins; Southwest District Council; more…

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Our photographer caught a sunbreak early this morning, looking toward north Vashon Island from a bluffside in Upper Fauntleroy. Busy, busy morning – even if you don’t have a student in the family, you’ve likely encountered school buses, crossing guards, and other signs that thousands more students (and the teachers and school staff who work with them) are back in class. P.S. We’re gathering back-to-school photos – if you want to share one, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! We’ll start the gallery later today. Meantime, also of note: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year observation, begins tonight. Now the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parochial schools started classes Tuesday, Seattle Public Schools and most secular independent schools started today. But some are beginning with half-days and other staggered schedules, so you might encounter buses, walking/bike-riding students, and pickup/dropoff activities at times besides the normal morning start/afternoon finish.

ARBOR HEIGHTS LANDMARK NOMINATION: 3:30 pm today at the Municipal Tower downtown, the city Landmarks Board considers the landmark nomination for Arbor Heights Elementary, submitted as part of the process for the construction of a new school on the site where the old one sits now. Details and map in our calendar listing.

CLOTHESPIN ON A WIRE: Pop-up shopping at Bird on a Wire Espresso, 6-9 pm, details in the calendar listing. (35th/Henderson)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm tonight, the council with representatives of community groups and organizations from around western West Seattle meets at Southwest Teen Life Center; public welcome. Neighborhood district coordinator Ed Pottharst shares agenda highlights: “City staff from SDOT will talk about urban forestry/street trees. Then the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council will discuss City Light surplus properties (City Light presented on that at our July meeting), and the Junction Neighborhood Organization (JuNO) would like to talk about its plans to form a land use review committee.” (2801 SW Thistle)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH KOL HANESHAMAH: 7 pm tonight, Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor)’s Erev Rosh HaShanah event, followed by Honey Cake Oneg, is at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. (California/Hanford)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH WEST SEATTLE TORAH LEARNING CENTER: 7:30 pm prayers followed by a meal, RSVP for location, contact info here.

(added 10:22 am) WATER TAXI TONIGHT: Just added this to the daily traffic/transit tracker but should also note here too – if you are going to the soccer game downtown tonight, the West Seattle Water Taxi is on an extended schedule, per a reminder just texted by the county.

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This bill stinks! Puget Sound Energy’s warning for customers

September 4, 2013 9:22 am

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| Safety | Utilities | West Seattle news

If you receive paper bills from Puget Sound Energy, your next one will come with something that stinks – though the good news is, that won’t happen unless you activate it, but when you do, it will be a great teaching tool, at the very least! Here’s the utility’s announcement:

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: 2nd of 2 back-to-school days

September 4, 2013 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Yes, school is ON – if you missed the coverage last night, Seattle Public Schools teachers ratified new contracts. SPS schools start classes today, as do most secular independent schools; parochial schools started yesterday. Some staggered schedules, though – half-days, late starts, etc. But in general – watch out for buses, bicycles, pedestrians, dropoff drivers, anywhere there’s a school.

Meantime, it’s day 2 of the eastbound SW Orchard closure between Sylvan and Delridge; see the detour map and details here, and keep in mind that it may be slower going on Delridge itself in the area as a result.

LOOKING AHEAD: Reminder of the bike and truck safety fair at Terminal 25 this Friday morning, starting at 6:30 am – details on West Seattle Bike Connections‘ website.

10:20 PM UPDATE: The King County Water Taxi sends a reminder: “The West Seattle route will be on an extended service schedule (tonight) for the Sounders vs. Chivas USA soccer match.”

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Looking for a preschool? Openings @ Hiawatha Community Center

September 4, 2013 5:25 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle’s city-run community centers are home to many more programs than you might realize – including preschools! One of them, Bright Beginnings at Hiawatha Community Center in the Admiral District, is still accepting students for the coming school year – read on for the announcement:

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