day : 05/04/2017 11 results

Almost 80 years after Mary Anderson and her husband Lloyd Anderson co-founded what became outdoor giant REI in their Gatewood home, she has died at the age of 107. We obtained the photo above from REI, whose past presidents Dennis Madsen, Sally Jewell (also a West Seattleite), and Wally Smith are shown with Ms. Anderson at her centennial-birthday celebration. The company’s statement on her passing:

Mary’s legacy is deeply engrained in REI and her contributions to the outdoor community extend far beyond the co-op. REI and our employees are grateful to the Andersons for their dedication to REI and the incredible foundation they established. It is our honor to carry on their commitment more than 75 years later and beyond.

Mary Anderson and her husband also were Mountaineers; she was just 20 when they joined the club in 1929. The Mountaineers website tells her story, including how their quest to make it easier to get good-quality climbing gear led them to create the buyers’ cooperative that became REI, from which she retired in 1968. For years, their home in west Gatewood was headquarters to what is now a multibillion-dollar company. That house was renovated as part of site redevelopment at the turn of the millennium.

Anderson’s husband was the company’s president until 1971; he died in 2000 at age 98; the Seattle Times obituary for Ms. Anderson says she died March 27th and is survived by one of her two daughters and by two grandsons. No details on whether there will be a public memorial, REI told us.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: West Seattle Baseball welcomes special-needs players

April 5, 2017 8:45 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Now even more local youth can play baseball! West Seattle Baseball shares this announcement:

West Seattle Baseball is proud to announce the formation of a new league, the Champions League™. The newest league in the PONY family is for youth with special needs.

We are excited to offer the first-of-its-kind baseball league for kids who would normally not have a chance to play ball. Participants can be between the ages of 4 and 23 years old or those who remain in a school setting, with special needs that would prevent them from playing in a traditional baseball or softball program.

Participants will be allowed to participate by the level of ability regardless of their age—either T- Ball or Coach Pitch. And we will be using the “Buddy” system in both levels of play. These buddies will assist their player catch, field, and throw; and as necessary, get around the bases. These buddies can be from our own West Seattle Baseball players (10 and older), family or community members.

For more information and to register, you can visit our Champions page here.

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CONGRATULATIONS! 2017 Westside Awards for Eldercare Consulting, Peel & Press, SW Youth & Family Services, Maria Groen

April 5, 2017 5:50 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Just announced by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce – the 2017 winners of the Westside Awards. Back in February, the Chamber invited you to nominate businesses and people for the four categories, and the awards go to:

Business of the Year:
Eldercare Consulting, LLC
Proprietor Patricia Throop helps families with their needs “to find competent, safe and appropriate solutions for their needs.” She also volunteers and sits on several boards.

Emerging Business of the Year:
Peel & Press
(At right, Peel & Press proprietor Dan Austin, whose restaurant is in its third year at 6503 California SW in Morgan Junction. He’s been a catalyst for a variety of community projects and is currently working on a project meant to result in the restoration of the historic mural on the west side of the building that is home to his business and four others.)

Not-for-Profit of the Year:
Southwest Youth & Family Services
SWYFS’s role in the community – and its geographic presence – has continued to grow, as we detailed in a conversation with its longtime executive director Steve Daschle last fall. The many services they provide include education and health care, and they are one of the largest local nonprofits working with vulnerable populations such as immigrants and refugees.

Westsider of the Year:
Maria Groen
Maria is a fixture in the West Seattle community, in no small part because of her roles with organizations including WestSide Baby and the West Seattle YMCA. Currently she works with Seattle University.

You can applaud them in person at the 2017 Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on May 4th at Salty’s. Get your tickets by going here.

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13th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day: Registration is open!

April 5, 2017 3:58 pm

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

What will YOU sell? Or, if you’re shopping, what will you FIND?

(2016 shopper find; photo tweeted by @vdoyle)

Saturday, May 13, 2017, is the 13th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – and as of right now, registration is open!

First, for those who are new around here – like the person who called our 24/7 hotline a bit earlier with questions – this is one day with many sales of many sizes, all around the peninsula, open at least 9 am-3 pm on sale day (earlier and/or later if you want to, but that’s up to you). Many communities/neighborhoods around the nation have special days like this once a year; the people who founded this one in 2005 (three years before handing the baton to us at WSB) were particularly inspired by Greenwood Garage Sale Day in the north end. Registration gets your sale onto/into the map and listings that are made available one week before sale day, which we promote regionally. We also send the “official” mini-sign, to augment whatever wildly creative signage you come up with, like this one from 2015:

If you’re planning a sale, here’s where to go to register – any time you’re ready (signups will continue for about three weeks; the exact end date is usually set when we get closer). Same classifications and fees we’ve had for the 10 years we’ve been coordinating this. And before you register, be ready with your up-to-20-word sale listing – think about what you’re selling that’s most popular and/or most unusual. Any questions, garagesale@westseattleblog.com or our 24/7 hotline at 206-293-6302. Updates to come (including any multi-seller sites that jump in to offer space for people who have small sales/no place to host a sale – if your venue is planning on it, please let us know ASAP)!

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PLAY BALL! Semi-pro Highline Bears back at Steve Cox Memorial Park again this year

April 5, 2017 2:17 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | White Center | WS & Sports

(Photo from Highline Bears’ opening night last year)

We know, you’re just getting into the mood for baseball, with the Mariners’ season now under way, and high-school teams playing too. Here’s more: The Highline Bears will be back this summer, and sent this announcement to let you know:

The local semi-pro Highline Bears baseball team announced that their opening game for the 2017 season will be Friday, June 2 in White Center, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

The Bears – who were established in the fall of 2014 – are a summer collegiate baseball team that plays their games locally at Mel Olson Stadium, inside of Steve Cox Memorial Park, in White Center.

The Highline Bears are part of the Pacific International League (PIL) that features nationally recognized teams such as the Seattle Studs and Everett Merchants. In the Bears’ inaugural season, they successfully met their goal of bringing a high level of baseball back to our community. In doing so they broke every league attendance record, and co-founder/manager Todd Coughlin led the team to a winning record.

Going into their third season, the Bears have some very exciting things planned for fans.

“We have put a lot of energy into creating a better fan experience for our community, as well as having one of the most competitive schedules in our league,” General Manager Justin Moser said. “This season will include new between-inning games, special game night promotions, and a ton of giveaways.”

The Bears are known for their fun in-game experiences, offering in past seasons a pizza box race, truck tire inner tube race, and sleeping bag race, where kids run away from “Buntly” the Bears’ friendly mascot. Between innings, and throughout the games, Buntly runs through the stadium handing out t-shirts, candy for kids, and other fun prizes. The Bears also work closely with local non-profits offering ticket fundraisers and doing a 50/50 raffle every game where the proceeds benefit the non-profit of the night.

The team will have a minimum of 17 home games, and Moser is hoping to get to an extra one or two more dates set before the season starts.“I’d love to have 18 or 19 home games, we’ve been working closely with King County Parks to be able to have this be a great home for semi-pro baseball. It’s going to be an exciting season for everyone involved,” Justin added.

The Bears opening night will be against the NW Emeralds on Friday, June 2, at 7:05 p.m. Tickets to games are very affordable at only $5 for adults, with kids 12 & under FREE. Season tickets for the Bears are $70 for a single ticket and $130 for a pair, which includes a free Bears T-shirt.

For more information on the Highline Bears – and to purchase tickets online – go here.

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VIDEO: King County Executive Dow Constantine launches second re-election campaign

April 5, 2017 12:51 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Tuesday morning, King County Executive Dow Constantine watched Bertha’s breakthrough with other VIPs at the north end of the future Highway 99 tunnel. Tuesday night in West Seattle, he launched his second re-election campaign. Here’s what he told the crowd:

(WSB photos and video by Leda Costa)

As you can hear about 11 and a half minutes in, the event at The Hall at Fauntleroy drew protesters as well as supporters. Some held signs outside.

For months, there’s been a campaign to try to convince Constantine to cancel a county project that includes a new youth-detention center. He issued a statement two months ago saying “zero youth detention” is a goal to work toward, but the project, approved by voters five years ago, is proceeding. (As you can hear in the video, his speech also addressed the issue before the interruption, saying his administration had been reducing “disproportionality” in the system.)

Meantime, his second re-election campaign since moving from the County Council to the Executive position in 2009 is starting without anyone actively campaigning against him so far – the main opponents he cited last night were the Republicans in the White House and Congress. “The last seven years have seen some challenges and some successes,” he said. “But the next four years … are going to be a fight.” Even without an opponent, the state Public Disclosure Commission website shows he’s raised $1.1 million in campaign contributions.

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BIZNOTE: PCC Natural Markets to open Burien store

April 5, 2017 12:17 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

For PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) customers contemplating the West Seattle store’s upcoming construction closure – next year you’ll have another option. PCC announced today that it will open a store “early next year” in Burien, at the Five Corners shopping center (15840 1st Ave. S.). From the announcement:

The Burien PCC project will be the first designed for PCC by Seattle-based Graham Baba Architects. The firm will also design the co-op’s West Seattle and Madison Valley stores.

Since 2013, PCC has added new locations in Seattle’s Green Lake and Columbia City neighborhoods and, last year, in the city of Bothell. It plans to open its 13th store in Seattle’s Madison Valley neighborhood in 2019. The community-owned food market also complemented store growth with the addition of online delivery in 2016 through partnerships with Instacart and Amazon.

The West Seattle store is scheduled to close May 31st for construction of a mixed-use project including a larger new PCC.

P.S. We confirmed with PCC that its Burien space is the former Albertsons at Five Corners.

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History, literature, music, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

April 5, 2017 10:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Happy Wednesday! Highlights for today/tonight:

(Heart of The Junction, 1926. Hamm Building at left, Campbell Building at right. Photo courtesy SWSHS)

CAMPBELL BUILDING LANDMARK HEARING: As previewed again here on Monday, today’s the day the Landmarks Preservation Board is scheduled to decide on whether to designate a second West Seattle Junction building as an official city landmark. This time it’s the Campbell Building (home to tenants including Cupcake Royale and City Mouse), across California/Alaska from the newly designated Hamm Building. Today’s hearing starts at 3:30 pm on the lower level of City Hall and this item is expected around 4:30 pm, with an opportunity for public comment. (601 5th Ave.)

DANCE TIME WITH LAUREN PETRIE: Dance at the Senior Center of West Seattle with popular musician Lauren Petrie, 6-8 pm. All ages welcome. Admission info and more here. (4217 SW Oregon)

GLOBAL READING CHALLENGE FINALS AT DENNY: Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark explains what you’re invited to watch tonight:

In elementary schools across Seattle, kids look forward to competing in the Global Reading Challenge in partnership with the Seattle Public Libraries. We wanted to continue this fun reading competition at the middle school level, but the libraries weren’t able to expand. As a result, in partnership with Aki Kurose Middle School and the Nesholm Family Foundation, we’ve made own event. Each team read ten exciting books to prepare. Thank you to the fantastic Denny 6th and 7th grade literacy teachers, Ms. Nestor, and Mr. Treistman for making this happen! Congratulations to the four teams moving on to the final Global Reading Challenge (tonight) against Aki Kurose Middle School:

6th grade teams: Dave Kat and Books Yay
7th grade teams: Krusty Krab Krew and LOL

The in-house competition was full of excitement with the 7th grade teams battling it out to the final lightning round, and the 6th grade teams competing through two full rounds of questions – amazing reading, everyone. We are extremely proud of the over 175 scholars who participated! Come cheer on the final four when they compete against Aki (tonight) at 6:30 pm in the Denny/Sealth Auditorium. Read on, Dolphins!

(2600 SW Thistle)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: As previewed here last night, three transportation projects are at the heart of the agenda when the SWDC meets tonight, 6:30 pm, Senior Center/Sisson Building. Public welcome. (4217 SW Oregon)

JIM PAGE: Singer-songwriter live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘BONNIE & CLYDE’: The West Seattle High School Drama Club and Music Department production of the musical version of the legend of “Bonnie and Clyde” continues tonight – third-to-last chance to catch it – 7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater. More info here. (3000 California SW)

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BIZNOTE: Payless Shoe Source files for Chapter 11; local store NOT on closure list

April 5, 2017 9:23 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

From the “in case you wondered too” file: After we heard this morning about the Payless Shoe Source Chapter 11 filing and a plan for the company to close about 10 percent of its stores as part of its restructure, we wondered about the Westwood Village store. The company posted its closure list about an hour ago and the West Seattle store is NOT on the list, so it is staying open.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; early NB 99 crash & other trouble

April 5, 2017 5:55 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

5:55 AM: Good morning. Starting early thanks to tips about the NB 99 crash. It’s on The Viaduct near Seneca and backing things up. No Seattle Fire response (so far), so if anyone’s hurt, it’s not major.

6:01 AM: Metro warns this might affect buses, though no specific alerts so far.

6:05 AM: SDOT says it’s blocking the right lane south of Seneca.

6:17 AM: SDOT says the 99 crash has cleared. But NB 5 has some trouble downtown – a crash before Olive Way.

6:28 AM: Now SDOT says there’s a crash on Delridge at Myrtle.

6:38 AM: SFD has closed its response to that scene.

6:46 AM: New outbound problem! One lane blocked on eastbound WS Bridge ramp to NB I-5, reported to be a stalled vehicle.

8:08 AM: Slow, soggy going, but no further incidents reported since that one.

4TH AVENUE WORK: The Yesler Bridge project on the south end of downtown will lead to some major lane closures in the evenings starting tonight. Here’s the full advisory.

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TONIGHT: 3 transportation projects @ Southwest District Council

April 5, 2017 1:20 am

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| Southwest District Council | Transportation | West Seattle news

Three city-funded transportation projects are on the agenda for the Southwest District Council tonight (6:30 pm, Senior Center/Sisson Building, 4217 SW Oregon). Natalie Graves from SDOT will update SWDC on the two Neighborhood Street Fund projects that have been in circulation for community feedback, the Harbor/Spokane/Avalon/Manning Intersection Improvements and Chief Sealth IHS Walkway Improvements. Former SWDC co-chair Sharonn Meeks is also scheduled to talk with the council about the Fauntleroy Way SW Boulevard project; she has been involved with advocating for it for many years and spoke at both of the recent walking tours. SWDC is co-chaired by David Whiting from the Admiral Neighborhood Association and Eric Iwamoto from the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council and its meetings are open to all.