day : 09/10/2014 9 results

Three West Seattle Junction scenes from October 2014’s Art Walk

From three stops on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk map, all in The Junction:

West Seattle High School artist Audrey Martin was showing work in a tent. A ShelterBox tent, to be specific, set up in Junction Plaza Park for Art Walk night, as a pop-up location for the work of Audrey and other student artists, presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Rotaract group. Also in The Junction, an early Halloween:

Artist Todd D. Martin has “Haunted” work on the walls at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) – which was decorated spookily for the night, including lights and sound effects. Luminarias too! From there, we headed to Wallflower Custom Framing (also a WSB sponsor), which is hosting work by Patri O’Connor this month:

It’s always a party at Wallflower on Art Walk night – proprietor Courtney Sievertson (right) had another special guest – Heidi Herr from Admiral Bird:

Heidi brought beverages and soup. While the treats offered at many Art Walk venues are generally just for WSAW night itself, most shows are up for the entire month, so if you missed them tonight, stop by sometime soon! The list and map are on the WSAW website. (And set a reminder for the November Art Walk – great time to find unique holiday gifts – Thursday, November 13th.)

Murray CSO million-gallon tank project: Late-night work tomorrow

(Murray CSO storage-tank-site excavation, photographed Monday by Richard)
An alert for Lowman Beach-area residents: The contractor for King County’s Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project plans four hours of late-night work tomorrow night. The county sent the notification this afternoon; the work involves pipe inspections that have to be done under certain tidal and pipe-use conditions, and those conditions happen 11 pm Friday night until about 3 am Saturday. Workers will be inspecting pipes beneath two manholes, one on the south side of Lowman Beach Park, one alongside the CSO project site on Lincoln Park Way. A map is part of the notification document you can see here (PDF). The county says neighbors are being notified, and reminds anyone with questions/concerns that they can call the 24-hour project hotline at 206-205-9186.

Also, a reminder: This Saturday is also scheduled to be the first of several Saturdays with extra excavation work, as previously announced.

Update: Man arrested after ‘numerous’ shots fired in Fairmount Ravine area; no shooting victims found

(TOPLINES: Gunfire reported, no one shot, one man taken into custody)

(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli; we’ve obscured face of man who was being treated)
2:53 PM: Police and fire are rushing to the 2100 block of Arch Place SW (map) – a dead-end road near Fairmount Ravine – on an “assault with weapons” call. Scanner report indicated shots were heard, but no report yet on victim(s). More to come.

3 PM: Via Twitter, SPD has confirmed that they have no report yet on whether there’s a victim – although emergency-radio discussion indicates there may be someone “down.” Police/fire are not certain yet whether it’s safe to go in – please note that, if you are anywhere in the area.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand: Where fire crews are waiting, a few blocks away for safety)
3:07 PM: Scanner indicates police do not believe it’s safe to get close to the area. In comments, it’s reported that West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary are in shelter-in-place mode; let us know if you hear of any others. (added a moment later) Via Twitter, Seattle Public Schools says Madison, Schmitz Park, Alki also sheltering in place.

3:19 PM: Again, there is still no word of whether anyone is hurt. Police are still not sure of the status of the person who was reported to be shooting, so that’s why the abundance of caution. We have a crew in the area near where emergency responders are staged in case they’re needed – adding a photo, but take note, that’s a couple blocks south of the actual scene, since everyone is being kept back for safety. You might hear/see a law-enforcement helicopter there shortly. The suspect they are trying to find is described only as a white man in his 30s, blue shirt.

3:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter has joined the search.

3:41 PM: Again, this is happening in a greenbelt area around a dead-end street in north Admiral, over Fairmount Ravine. That’s where police are concentrated. There is a report now via scanner they might have heard more shots. Still no confirmation whether anyone anywhere has been hurt.

3:55 PM: One person is in custody. We had heard via scanner that police had found a man – who we believe lives in the area – that they were looking for.

(WSB photos from here down are by Christopher Boffoli)
4:05 PM: Police have declared the scene “secure.” Our crews at the scene got word there might be one patient related to this – how they were injured, we don’t know yet.

4:14 PM: Schools are no longer sheltering in place. Police are still checking homes in the area to look for anyone possibly hurt.

4:28 PM: Police are reopening northbound Fairmount. They also are still checking the area (including some parked cars) to make sure there isn’t anyone hurt anywhere. An SPD media-relations detective is expected at the scene shortly for a briefing, and we will of course add whatever more we learn then.

4:57 PM: That hasn’t happened yet. Guardian One came back for a while but has been cleared again. Meantime, we’re adding some photos from the ravine part of the investigation.

5:17 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler has just finished his media briefing – we have it on video and will upload when photographer’s back at HQ. (Added: here it is)

The toplines: Police first got a report of multiple shots fired, but couldn’t figure out where callers’ stories and locations differed. Eventually, with Guardian One’s help, they found one male suspect in the ravine. They have not found anyone who was a shooting victim. The suspect had some cuts and was treated by firefighters; now SPD is taking him to a hospital for a mental evaluation. They say he had a shotgun and handgun. They don’t know how many shots he fired but described them as “numerous”; some bullets hit cars.

ADDED 9:54 PM: SPD Blotter has a summary of the incident; no additional information except that the man arrested is described as 30 years old. We’re adding a few more photos and a short video clip from this afternoon’s investigation/search:

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Terminal 5’s future, port alliance spotlighted as West Seattle Chamber of Commerce hears from Port Commission co-president

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce took its lunch meeting on the road today – or, more like, to the shore, at Port of Seattle-owned Jack Block Park, where attendees heard from Stephanie Bowman, co-president of the Port Commission.

She introduced new port CEO Ted Fick, in his second week on the job. His first task is to “take a fresh look at the port and how we do business,” explained Bowman.

Her topics: First, the just-completed cruise-ship season, a “thriving industry” with 197 ship calls this year – and, she noted, an industry full of spending visitors, helpful for a “sales-tax-(dependent) state.” Second, Sea-Tac Airport, where international travel is vital, and a terminal serving it is being rebuilt, and where, she said, the baggage-handling system is being improved, too, thanks in part to a “big grant from the federal government” – helping with a $400 million project.

The big issue of specific West Seattle interest: The fate of Terminal 5 (closed since midsummer, as reported here in July), steps away from today’s luncheon location.

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Congratulations! ‘Diver Laura’ wins Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition photo contest and kayak trip with Macklemore

That’s the photo that won West Seattle’s “Diver Laura” James – the “citizen scientist” and advocate whose work is often featured on WSB – a kayaking trip on the Duwamish River with music star Macklemore. The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition just announced that Laura’s photo won its River for All” contest. Debris/trash from the river is part of the photo, and yet, she meant for it to be anything BUT a message of despair over its extreme pollution. Writing about the photo concept on her website, she explained:

Usually images of marine debris are somewhat hopeless. A mermaid caught in a fishing net, lying (presumed dead) on a sandy beach. Beaches covered in trash. Dead birds with belly full of plastic. These images, as powerful as they are, don’t always work for me. My message is one of strength and hope. Empowerment. Dream big. That was the concept behind this shot.

And yes, as a prolific producer, Laura created a behind-the-scenes video:

BtS Duwamish #riverforall Photo Contest shoot from Laura James on Vimeo.

Here’s the DRCC announcement about the photo contest; here’s the gallery of other entries; and here’s why Macklemore is involved – his own essay about the river that forms much of West Seattle’s eastern border, declared by its admirers and protectors to be “a river for all.”

P.S. And as noted here on Wednesday, you too can be a Duwamish River ally and protector – just sign up to commit four hours during Duwamish Alive! one week from Saturday.

P.P.S. If you haven’t read Laura’s post yet – note that, beyond the contest, she writes about looking for collaborators for other visual projects to tell the river’s story.

West Seattle Art Walk night, and more of what’s up for your Thursday afternoon/evening

October 9, 2014 10:42 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk night, and more of what’s up for your Thursday afternoon/evening
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news


That’s the venue list/walking map for tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – click it for a full-size version. The Art Walk tops our list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ART WALK NIGHT! 19 venues from Admiral to Sunrise Heights – the list changes each quarter, so take a look and see who’s ready to welcome you, 6-9 pm. Many artists/venues are previewed on the official Art Walk website – among them, West Seattle High School students presenting their work at Junction Plaza Park. WSB sponsors featuring artists include Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, where you’ll see Todd Martin‘s annual Halloween show ; at Wallflower Custom Framing, you’ll find West Seattle painter Patri O’Connor (along with beverages and soup from Admiral Bird); and Shelli Markee is at Click! Design That Fits, and co-working hub West Seattle Office Junction is highlighting art by Don DeLeva.

Also:

SOUTHWEST YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE: 2-6 pm, come enjoy a barbecue and find out more about the resources you can access via SWYFS – details in our calendar listing. (Delridge/Alaska)

SEALTH OPEN HOUSE/CURRICULUM NIGHT: The annual event for Chief Sealth International High School students’ families is tonight, starting with dinner at 5 pm, open house at 6 pm. Details in the school newsletter. (2600 SW Thistle)

SECOND THURSDAY OUT: LGBTQ community members and friends are invited to the monthly event at the Senior Center of West Seattle (and dinner in The Junction), 6-9 pm. (Oregon/California)

WINE TASTING AND MUSIC: 7-9 pm, enjoy both at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – details here. (5612 California SW)

LOTS MORE GOING ON! See for yourself on our calendar.

Young writer in the house? Enter the VFW essay competition!

October 9, 2014 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on Young writer in the house? Enter the VFW essay competition!
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Young writer in the house? Here’s a chance to win money and recognition! From Kyle Geraghty at the West Seattle VFW:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2713 of West Seattle is holding its annual youth competitions. All students in public, private, and home school are invited to compete. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for each grade and are invited, with their families, to the VFW holiday party later this year to receive their prizes. First place winners from all contests will advance to higher levels and greater prizes. The competitions are:

Youth Essay – Grades 3rd-5th
Topic “What can I do to make our country better”
Prizes: 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15
Rules and entry forms here

Patriot’s Pen – Grades 6th, 7th, 8th
Topic “Why I appreciate America’s Veterans”
Prizes: 1st $50, 2nd, $25, 3rd $15
Rules and entry forms here

Voice of Democracy – Grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
Topic “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future”
Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $50, 3rd, $25
Rules and entry forms here

The VFW says all submissions must be turned in by November 1st to the West Seattle VFW at
3601 SW Alaska St. Seattle, WA 98126.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates, including 35th SW paving & motorcade alert(s)

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! We start with advisories:

35TH SW REPAVING: Today and tomorrow, SDOT will be repaving 35th SW between Cambridge and Roxbury (map). Sorry for the short notice – we hadn’t heard about it until checking with SDOT after spotting a portable sign on 35th yesterday afternoon; after our inquiry and initial report, they sent an advisory. (Though it says work hours are 8:30-5, the mobile sign said 7-7.)

VICE PRESIDENTIAL VISIT: VP Joe Biden arrived at Boeing Field Wednesday evening and is here until mid-afternoon. He is expected to travel from downtown to Renton for an 11 am event at Renton Technical College, then back downtown to the Convention Center for a Democratic fundraising lunch, then to Boeing Field for takeoff in the 2 pm hour. Until then, be on motorcade alert.

Meantime, on the (non-campaign) trail:

POP-UP STOP FOR BICYCLE RIDERS: As noted in our late-night biznotes, West Seattle Cyclery plans a trailside stop under the bridge 6-9 am-ish today with “coffee, snacks, and on-the-spot service.”

(ADDED: Photo courtesy of West Seattle Bike Connections president Don Brubeck, who reports, “Lots of people were stopping for juice, coffee, bananas, baked goods and bike advice. A flat was fixed while I was there, and Brad (left) tells me I need a new bottom bracket.”)

ADDED 9:51 AM: Regional media reports via Twitter that VP Biden is or is about to be on the move to Renton. This means temporary stops along southbound I-5 (including the West Seattle Bridge ramp to it).

ADDED 2:44 PM: The vice presidential visit is ending – right about now (or perhaps it’s happened already) the motorcade is heading back to Boeing Field, which means more temporary stops on and near I-5.

‘Thank you a hundred times over’: Friends of Gatewood postscript

(WSB photo: Gatewood Elementary, SW Myrtle side)
Three and a half hours after publishing our Wednesday update on the Friends of Gatewood “keep a teacher” fundraising drive, we updated it with the official district announcement that the drive had met its goal. But the final word comes from the parents who organized and took action so quickly, and their public message of gratitude:

Today we received the wonderful news that we raised enough funds to keep our teacher that ensures that there will be no relocation on October 10th as the district letter originally mandated. Friends of Gatewood raised $66,758.52, the Go Fund Me account that was created last night raised around $1000. The online donation site will be closed since we met our goal.

This accomplishment is shared with many, many people with our school, West Seattle and supporters beyond. The vigor, concern and passion expressed by so many people made this goal a reality; the process exemplifies that improvements need to be made in many areas, that the problems are real and complex, and that our students and teachers will not take the brunt of the inadequacies of an imperfect public school system.

All schools are unique by virtue of the individuals who occupy them. Gatewood Elementary’s infrastructure is more unique than the typical public elementary school. We stand by our students’ needs and our teachers to set them up for success. Thank you a hundred times over for answering the call for help.

With gratitude,
Friends of Gatewood
Nicole Sipila
Laura Kincade
Natasha Turcinovic-Hissong

Previous WSB coverage:
Wednesday 10/8
Monday 10/6
Saturday 10/4
Friday 10/3
First report, Thursday 10/2