West Seattle, Washington
23 Tuesday
6:58 PM: Here’s what’s happening in Seattle right now, after the announcement in Ferguson, Missouri, tonight that a grand jury decided not to indict the police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown:
Seattle protesters are walking in the street, chanting "No justice, no peace." #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/ULEUW19FVc
— Paige Cornwell (@pgcornwell) November 25, 2014
(Photo tweeted by reporter Paige Cornwell of The Seattle Times [WSB partner])
-A protest march is under way in the Westlake Center area downtown. Pine Street is closed between 4th and 5th and might also close to 6th.
-Mayor Ed Murray is planning to meet the media inside City Hall at 7:15 pm, with others listed in the advisory announcement as “Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, Pamela Banks (Urban League), Pramila Jayapal (state senator-elect), Estela Ortega (El Centro de la Raza) and others.” UPDATE: The mayor’s office says it will be live-streamed here.
-King County Executive and West Seattleite Dow Constantine has sent a written statement:
“We all mourn the loss of a young man’s life. This is a moment to say what is in our hearts, with tolerance, respect, and restraint, as we were asked to do by Michael Brown’s family.
“The events in Ferguson have laid bare the ongoing racial divide that stretches across the breadth of these United States. Here in King County we have made equity and social justice a central tenet of our work — a value that each employee will consciously and daily pursue as we serve the public. Our task now must be to learn from this moment, and to redouble our efforts to create the long-term, systemic changes our nation needs to fulfill its destiny.”
-So far, we have not heard of any gatherings in West Seattle. We will update as the night goes on.
ADDED 7:18 PM: President Obama is speaking. One quote, tweeted:
"We need to recognize that this is not just an issue for #Ferguson. This is an issue for America." —President Obama
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014
7:26 PM: Mayor Murray waited until after the President’s speech to start his event.
.@Mayor_Ed_Murray speaking about #Ferguson now. pic.twitter.com/uAutQ9xo3A
— SEA Mayor's Office (@OfficeofMayor) November 25, 2014
The downtown protest march, meantime, has moved east to Capitol Hill.
7:43 PM: Another Times photo tweeted from the Hill:
Powerful silence as #seattle #ferguson protesters sit at Broadway and Pike near #seattlecentral pic.twitter.com/k9SOEJW37f
— Lindsey Wasson (@lindseywasson) November 25, 2014
And a note from the city:
The Seattle Emergency Operations Center and Joint Information Center closed at 8:45 p.m. The police department continues to provide support for free speech events city-wide.
10:32 PM: Things weren’t quite winding down. Protesters moved on to I-5:
WATCH: #Ferguson protesters march onto freeway in Seattle
https://t.co/QgwYRGH3va
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) November 25, 2014
10:37 PM: Police report some violence:
Individuals in crowd of demonstrators on Madison continue to throw cans and bottles at officers. Some vandalism reported @ 9/Madison.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) November 25, 2014
10:52 PM: The freeway has reopened. Protesters are reported to be headed back toward Capitol Hill.
11:51 PM: Still there.
Still protesting near the SPD precinct on Capitol Hill. #Ferguson #Seattle pic.twitter.com/fqcEJpvUsu
— The Stranger (@strangerslog) November 25, 2014
You can of course find endless reporting out there on every scale of what has happened; if you’re looking for a direct link to the transcribed grand-jury proceedings in Missouri, here they are as posted by NYTimes.com.
If you’ve driven Sylvan Way east of High Point this evening, you might have noticed the car crumpled into a tree on the south side of the street. Looks bad, but police told us at the scene that the driver was not hurt.
We also checked tonight on the Menashe Family Christmas Lights, the brightest lights in West Seattle year after year, and found the crew working hard on the display even as night fell and rain moved back in. Josh Menashe tells us that this Sunday will be the first official night of this year’s display, starting around 6 pm. Here’s something brand-new this year:
Kids will be able to drop off letters to Santa Claus in that brand-new box you’ll find outside the house at 5605 Beach Drive SW. (As Josh put it, Santa knows exactly where their house is.)
P.S. The Menashe home is of course also featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – which also includes everything from Thanksgiving info (workouts, free dinners, coffee-shop/restaurant/grocery-store hours) to New Year’s, and we’re updating it daily.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Blustery weather or not, the show must go on, so Jim Winder was back up on the roof today at 3908 SW Charlestown, home of his friends the Helmstetler Family, who have hosted his music-synched dancing-lights Christmas Spectacular since 2009.
When the show debuts on Thursday night, you’ll hear new music (added – including Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass,” Taylor Swift‘s “Shake It Off,” Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy,” and Rock Sugar with “Don’t Stop the Santa”). “Surprises in early December,” too, Jim promises.
Jim says he’s not planning a big ceremony this year – the light shows will simply start on Thanksgiving night, with the website schedule updated by then, and you’ll be welcome to stop by any night through New Year’s Eve. A few hours after stopping by to see him, we passed the house again just before dark tonight, and noticed the baseline lights aglow, in Seahawks/Sounders blue and green:
The light show starts at 7 pm Thursday night – remember to bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank (there’s a bin out front). You can hear the synchronized music in your car at 101.9 FM.
P.S. This is one of three light shows that are part of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – we’re updating another show next – and please let us know when you see great lights, animated or not, throughout the season … here’s how.
Haven’t heard any other details yet but according to new comments on our weekend story as well as social-media reports, 13-year-old Ella Blalock has been found safe. She is from Pierce County but the search for her focused extensively on West Seattle over the weekend, as it was reported that she was with a boy who had friends here. At last report, wherever she was found, her family was en route to get her.
Friday night, you’re invited to Chief Sealth International High School for a tribute, two alumni games, a tribute, and more! From girls’ head basketball coach Katie Jo Maris:
Chief Sealth’s 3rd annual Nels Enquist Alumni Basketball Game: THANK YOU, COACH MIKE SIVA!
“You Gave Me Your Time, The Most Thoughtful Gift Of ALL” – Dan Zadra
I would like to invite EVERYONE to join Chief Sealth International High School on November 28, 2014 to honor the great coach Mike Siva for everything he has done for Chief Sealth Athletics.
– Coached at Sealth 1984-2010
– Coach of the Year: Volleyball 2, Soft ball: Slowpitch 1, Fastpitch 2
– Volleyball: ‘93-‘94 Metro champs. Last public school to win Metro back to back. 3rd in state ’93 and 8th in state ‘94.
– Slowpitch: State 1993. Fastpitch was regularly in the play-offs.
– 36 years with Seattle Public Schools. A plus award winner, Alliance of Education only security specialist to win the award.
– Security at Sealth ‘79, ‘84-‘99, ‘99-Present. Currently the Southwest Division Technical Lead Specialists–Seattle Public Schools–security.Details for the game:
ANY FUNDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TOWARDS SEALTH’S HALL OF FAME AND ALUMNI RELATED ACTIVITIES. WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO DESERVE IT AND GET OUR BANNERS BACK UP IN THE GYM!!
Admission:
— $3 Adults 18+
— $2 11 yrs-17 yrs or any age with student ID
— FREE 10 yrs and under4:00 pm – Doors Open
4:15 pm – Varsity Girls basketball scrimmage
5:00 pm – Varsity Boys basketball intra-squad scrimmage
5:15 pm – Alumni Player Check-in
6:00 pm – Women’s Alumni Game
7:00 pm – HONOR COACH MIKE SIVA
7:30 pm – Men’s Alumni GameThere will be concessions as well as Sealth gear available for purchase.
Please come and enjoy this event with your friends, family, current Seahawks and fellow alumni.
CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.
12:58 PM: Early alert this time – text reports orcas are “south of Vashon” and headed northbound. No research boat this time because conditions and weather are less than optimal. If you missed the weekend sightings – photos and updates from Saturday are here, video by “Diver Laura” James is here. As always, we appreciate your updates if/when you see them – comment and/or text/call our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302!
1:23 PM: And … guess that’s the potential risk with early alerts. They’ve now turned to head through the Tacoma Narrows, southbound. But if that changes later, we’ll update here again.
3:51 PM: According to the Orca Network’s Facebook page, whales are now passing Olalla in Kitsap County, along the passage west of Vashon, northbound. It’s misty/murky looking west from Beach Drive (where we’re working right now) but you never know, they might be in view before nightfall.
Leading up to the holiday when many of us are lucky to be able to have and enjoy abundance … many also are looking for ways to reach out and help those who don’t. In addition to the opportunities we’ve been sharing (including the list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide), here’s one more – West Seattle/South Park volunteer/community advocate Lashanna Williams invites you to be part of “Lunches With Love” on Wednesday – here are the ways you can help:
A few times a year my family hosts an event called Lunches with Love. People donate sacked lunches, lunch supplies, and blankets. Volunteers spend the Wednesday before thanksgiving making paper sack lunches.
In the evening ,volunteers take lunches around town to those who need it. ( Pike Market park, near the bus stop, outside of shelters, under I-5, along West Marginal …)
If people want to make some sacked lunches or drop off lunch supplies – it would be amazing. This year, our goal is 500 lunches.
Pre-made lunches and supplies can be dropped off at my house – 9319 7th Avenue S (map)
Lunch hints: nothing that needs to be heated
(Sandwich, fruit, veggies, cheese, protein bar, sweet treat..etc)If you are interested in making lunches, please feel free to come by any time from 10 am – 6 pm and we’ll head out downtown around 7.
Questions? Email lashannaw@gmail.com or call 206.715.5265
Followup on our report last week about a 60-year-old offduty Everett firefighter arrested last Wednesday in West Seattle, where police say he was expecting to be led to a (nonexistent) 15-year-old girl being pimped by her (also nonexistent) father, as arranged in online exchanges with someone who actually was an SPD detective: According to documents just sent by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, David P. Vier is now charged with one count of attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
Most of the details of the allegations are in our report from last Thursday, but the charging document has one more detail, saying that Vier had asked the “father” if he had other children he could bring to the rendezvous (they agreed to meet outside the 35th/Avalon Taco Time, and then Vier was expecting to follow the “father” to an unspecified nearby apartment building). Prosecutors say they didn’t know that part at Vier’s bail hearing last week and want his bail increased to $75,000 because he is “a serious danger to minors”; at that first hearing, his bail was set at $50,000, and he posted bond and left jail hours later. While Vier has no criminal convictions, he has been investigated for domestic violence and burglary, according to the Everett Herald. His next appearance is set for December 3rd.
(Sanderlings, photographed by Mark Wangerin; click picture to see larger image)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, what’s up today/tonight …
FOOD DRIVE’S FINAL DAY @ MARINATION: If you’re heading to Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) at Seacrest – or anyplace else in the vicinity – take a nonperishable item for the final day of the donation drive at ma kai. They’re open until 8 pm today. (1660 Harbor SW)
FOOD BANK DONATIONS: White Center Food Bank is open until 5 pm today and welcomes dropped-off donations – turkeys, other food, money, whatever you can spare as the holiday nears. (10829 8th SW)
WSHS GIRLS’ BASKETBALL BENEFIT: West Seattle Booster Club, which supports WS High School athletics, is hosting a girls-basketball benefit 5-8 pm tonight at Pecado Bueno in The Junction, all-you-can-eat taco bar for $15 (kids under 12 are $10), with proceeds benefiting their work to help the program. They’re promising a “fun family environment with raffle giveaways!” (4523 California SW)
KIDS’ ONLINE SAFETY: As previewed here last night, your family (including kids 9 and up) is invited to a presentation about online safety, 7 pm tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, presented by the Denny International Middle School PTSA. (2600 SW Thistle)
IT’S NOT THAT TRIVIAL: Monday’s the night for trivia/quizzes at multiple West Seattle venues, including Christo’s, OutWest, Shadowland, and Skylark. Go directly to our calendar for times/maps.
CHECKED OUT OUR WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY GUIDE YET? From turkeys to trees to tree lightings, singalongs, bazaars, plays, Christmas Ship visits, Santa photos … explore the season’s wonders here.
A memorial is planned tomorrow at Hope Lutheran Church for Frank H. Little, who died last week. His family shares this remembrance:
Frank Henry Little, 89, stepped into Heaven on November 20th, 2014.
He was born at home in West Seattle to Ed and Hattie Little. He married the love of his life, Lorraine, in 1948, and they were happily married for 66 years. Frank is survived by Lorraine, daughters Sharon (Bob) and Donna (Mark), and son Gordon (Debbie); 7 grandchildren – Chris, Jason, Brian, Curtis, Ryan, Matt, and Nicole; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ed, Gerald, Bill, and sister Henrietta.
Frank was a master carpenter and gardner, loved to laugh and have fun, and dearly loved time with his family. Always willing to help out friends and family, he truly had a servant’s heart (With a smile). A celebration of his life and funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25th, at 10 am at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer Association.
I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to Heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done – Phil 3:14
We love you and will see you in Heaven :)
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Heading into the heart of the commute … the SFD response to a crash on northbound I-5 at Holgate has just closed out, but there’ll be residual backup.
LOOKING AHEAD: For the extended holiday weekend – transit notes:
*Metro will be on a Sunday schedule this Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) and a “reduced weekday/no UW” schedule on Friday.
*The Water Taxi does NOT run on Thursday *or* Friday.
*Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run will keep a normal schedule.
*Sound Transit‘s express bus serving our area (560) will be on a Sunday schedule for Thanksgiving Day, normal schedule for Friday.
(Photos courtesy Straight Blast Gym of Seattle)
Coach Sonia Sillan from Straight Blast Gym of Seattle (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge shares the news of a big achievement in recent competition:
Straight Blast Gym of Seattle took 24 competitors to the Revolution, a Brazilian Jiujitsu tournament in Tacoma; we competed alongside teammates from SBG Montana and Portland. There were over 660 individual competitors, with 250 competing in two divisions (gi and no gi). SBG Seattle, Montana, and Portland had a combined 67 athletes and came out top as a team – We ended up winning several categories (out of six) for overall champions.
– Youth/Junior Gi – 2nd place
– Youth/Junior No Gi – 1st place
– Youth/Junior Overall – 1st/Champions
– Adult Gi – 4th place
– Adult No Gi – 1st place
– Adult Overall – 3rd placeOut of our 24 competitors, I had 15 kids, six of whom were competing for their first time. Everyone had a blast and showed fantastic sportsmanship.
“Gi” or “no gi” refers to what is worn (or not). Congratulations to the SBG competitors!
No West Seattle sightings today that we’ve heard of, but Saturday, Southern Resident orcas passed our area headed southbound in the morning, and then back northbound in the afternoon (as reported here – thanks again to everyone who shared location updates!). “Diver Laura” James was watching from the Brace Point area during the northbound pass, and shares the video above (we mentioned it briefly in last night’s sea-star report but you might have gone right past the link). Note that the boat with the orcas in the last two minutes was carrying researchers.
Stolen car to watch for, from Vera near 26th SW/SW 102nd, just east of Arbor Heights: 1992 dark-blue 2-door Honda Accord, license # 398-YBN, k2 stickers on the back triangle windows. She saw it being driven away less than an hour ago, but didn’t see the thief. She’s in the unincorporated area and has already reported it to the King County Sheriff’s Office. Call 911 if you see it.
P.S. In case you’re just tuning in to the news as the weekend ends – on Friday night, Seattle Police went public with Southwest Precinct crime stats for the first time in a long time (here’s our report). Auto theft is up in this precinct too – 12 percent compared to a year earlier – but that’s a third of the citywide 38 percent increase. Looking at Tweets by Beat for the weekend so far, the only auto-theft reported to Seattle Police in West Seattle was in the 4000 block of California SW, early Saturday morning.
(Photo credits: 1st two, WSB; third, courtesy Beer Church)
For the 16th year, the Beer Church Turkey Bowl has scored big for the West Seattle Food Bank. The big night of bowling and donating at West Seattle Bowl was last night, and Kendall Jones (below, with co-conspirator Kim Sharpe Jones) says Turkey Bowl-ers brought in “A truckload of food and $5,204. A good night.”
Here’s the truck in question – with West Seattle Food Bank team members:
Kendall and Kim also bring you the Washington Beer Blog.
In case you haven’t already seen this in our calendar, or heard about it via your child’s school: Kids 9+ and their families are invited to increase what they know about online safety – from cyberbullying to social networking to gaming, and beyond – at a free event tomorrow night. It’ll be hosted by Denny International Middle School, starting at 7 pm Monday in the auditorium at Chief Sealth International High School next door (2600 SW Thistle). The presenter is Stefanie Thomas, a victim advocate with the Seattle Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and there’s more info on the official flyer.
Dozens of people gathered outside a Harbor Island office this afternoon to demonstrate in support of hundreds who are protesting almost 200 miles away, on Burnaby Mountain, east of Vancouver, B.C. The Harbor Island office belongs to Kinder Morgan, which wants to triple the capacity of its Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby to carry tar-sands oil.
The expansion would bring hundreds more oil tankers into Northwest waters to receive that oil. While today’s Harbor Island rally was uneventful – though Port of Seattle police were visible nearby – the protest in Canada has resulted in dozens of arrests since Kinder Morgan obtained an injunction to prevent opponents from interfering with their preparatory work, which currently involves drilling. The pipeline-expansion decision is in the hands of Canada’s National Energy Board, which has an infopage about it here.)
Thanks to Roxhill Elementary library teacher Chris Robert for sharing the report and photos:
– Like Sanislo, Roxhill has received its shipment of $6,000 in books from its 2013-14 partnership with the Seattle Public Libraries funded by an Allen Family Foundation Grant. Many thanks to Sanislo Librarian Craig Seasholes and former Roxhill Librarian Pat Bliquez for securing this partnership.
– Thank you to the Friends of the Library for its donation of 2,500+ books to give away to Roxhill students. Books are covering the lunchroom tables, and students will select at least five books each when they come with their families for conferences … continuing through Tuesday.
– Author and illustrator Wendy Wahman visited, spoke, and drew with Roxhill 1st and 2nd graders. Ms. Wahman read her story “Snowboy 1, 2, 3” and shared her process when illustrating books. Thanks to the PTA for funding this event.
– Roxhill’s Book Fair @ Barnes & Noble included read-alouds by Roxhill teachers, parents, and students. ([Above] is a pic of teacher Mike Nguyen.)
We appreciate receiving school news we can share with the wider community – both after events happen, and info ahead of time for potential coverage by a WSB crew – e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com any time!
P.S. Seattle Public Schools‘ Thanksgiving break is just a few days away – one-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday off, back to school Monday, December 1st. (As mentioned above, elementary schools have conferences instead of classes in the days before Thanksgiving.)
How about a miniature Alki Point Lighthouse or Space Needle for an ornament and/or wine-bottle tag, cut from remnant slate/soapstone? They’re custom-made for JF Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, and among the items you can browse/buy while visiting the Holiday Open House, continuing until 5 pm today. The Christmas-tree train is in the window again this year:
More ornaments nearby, including one that reminded us of an ongoing topic of local coverage:
Upstairs in the store (4445 California SW), don’t miss the complimentary Open House cookie bar:
And if you’re not ready to buy gifts yet … maybe something extra-festive for your Thanksgiving cooking:
We asked proprietor Tom Henry what else is hot this year – he mentioned Kyocera’s new non-toxic (ceramic) non-stick cooking line, among other things. More open-house info here (including the fermentation demo coming up at 3 pm).
(Saturday night sunset reflection, seen from Seacrest: WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
TURKEY DRIVE: Until noon, drop off one or more turkeys for the White Center Food Bank at Fauntleroy Church – WCFB is outside with a refrigerated van to happily accept your donation. (9140 California SW)
ARTS & CRAFTS SALE PLUS CRECHE EXHIBIT: Until 2 pm, second and final day for this newly expanded annual event at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – handmade holiday items for sale, plus a chance to see an exhibit of creches. (California/Hanford)
(added) OPEN/MASTERS CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS: As pointed out in comments, big USA Track & Field-sponsored event today at Lincoln Park, starting at 10 am – details here.
(back to original) FAIR TRADE SALE: The annual Fair Trade and Bake Sale at Our Lady of Guadalupe is under way now until 1 pm – details in our calendar listing. (35th/Myrtle)
J.F. HENRY OPEN HOUSE, DAY 2: 10 am-5 pm, second day of the big Holiday Open House at J.F. Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Deals, demonstrations, treats, more – see who and what will be there and when, by going here. (4445 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last session of the WSFM before Thanksgiving, 10 am-2 pm. (added – we spotted greenery!)
Early wreaths at WS Farmers Mkt / Alm Hill Gardens pic.twitter.com/OFqHgeuxFY
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 23, 2014
(44th/Alaska)
CLOTHING-DONATION DROPOFFS AT VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Again this year, West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center is going to spend Thanksgiving helping homeless people, and they’d love to have your help, via donations of clothing/socks/etc. You can drop the items off 11 am-5 pm, at the center. (2236 SW Orchard)
GREAT BIG BAZAAR: Noon-3 pm, second day of the Great Big Bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood – details in our calendar listing. (39th/Thistle)
TAILGATE PARTY AT HPIC: Doors open at noon, game time at 1 pm, potluck tailgate party at Highland Park Improvement Club – details here. (12th/Holden)
KITTY HARBOR ‘PRE-BLACK FRIDAY DOORBUSTERS‘: Noon-5 pm, second day of pre-holiday cat/kitten adoption specials at Kitty Harbor. Be like Luci, dressed up in kitty-cat clothes as she waited in line with her parents Zach and Tati on Saturday:
Get more details here. (3422 Harbor SW)
KINDER MORGAN PROTEST ON HARBOR ISLAND: 12:30 pm, demonstrators plan to gather outside the Harbor Island offices of Kinder Morgan to show support for the Canadian campaign against an oil pipeline. Details on this Facebook event page. (2720 13th SW)
FALL WINE RELEASE/PRE-HOLIDAY SALE: 1-4 pm November 23rd at Two Brothers Winery. Wine, appetizers, live music. (3902 California SW)
FRED TALKS: 3-5 pm at Kol HaNeshamah – if you’ve heard of TED Talks, check out the first FRED Talks at KHN, as previewed here when first announced: “FRED Talk speakers will share stories of gumption, grit and gratitude and allow time for questions. Attendees will hear from all four speakers with a short intermission along the way. Suggested admission is $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Children’s activities will be available, ages 3-11, for $5 a session.” (6115 SW Hinds)
LATE-NIGHT LOW TIDE: This time of year, the low-low tides are late at night, and tonight it’s out to -2.3 feet around 11:20 pm.
A sea star wasn’t always such a memorable sight on a tidepool walk. Saturday night, though, we were glad to hear some were spotted in Constellation Park during a nighttime low-tide walk with Seattle Aquarium naturalists. The photo is by Antonio Ventimiglia, shared by Tom, who spotted the exploration event (sorry we didn’t have it on our calendar; turns out two more are coming up in December and January, and tonight you might just want to explore the beach yourself, as the tide will be out to -2.3 feet around 11:20 pm Sunday). Back to the sea stars; you’ll recall a new report earlier this week suggested a not-so-new virus might be factoring into the massive die-off. “Diver Laura” James, who has long been watching and investigating the sea star situation as a “citizen scientist,” went back to survey in Cove 1 near Seacrest shortly afterward; she shares this video spanning 8 years, from a time of plentiful starfish, to now:
Before and after Sea Star wasting syndrome – Cove 1 West Seattle – footage spanning 8 years from Laura James on Vimeo.
P.S. Laura was out whale-watching Saturday afternoon, as were many others – here’s her video, featuring a multitude of spouts as the group of orcas swam in nearby waters.
Big fun and big giving Friday night at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):
The West Seattle High School PTSA thanks the community for making the annual “Reaching for the Stars” auction a tremendous. success. The auction was held on Fri. Nov. 21. Principal Ruth Medsker and PTSA President Cathy DeVore welcomed guests and supporters, including Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine (WSHS alumnus), pictured holding a member of the WSHS class of 2032:
If you missed the auction, you can still support WSHS students via the PTSA’s fundraising efforts – go here.
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