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West Seattle development: Comment time for 3050 Avalon Way
March 14, 2013 11:27 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development: Comment time for 3050 Avalon Way
 |   Development | West Seattle news

It’s public-comment time for another Avalon Way development proposal: The land-use permit application has just been filed for 3050 Avalon, which we’ve been tracking. It’s now described as a 14-unit, four-story “congregate residence” – previously a “boarding house,” with the same developer as a “boarding house” under construction further west on Avalon next to the 7-11. (We’re checking with the city regarding differences, if any, regarding the terminology.) No parking spaces included (optional since the building’s on the RapidRide line). The official notice is here, announced in today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, and it explains how to comment before the March 27th deadline. This is the third land-use-permit application in a week in that block of Avalon, after the much-larger apartment buildings noted here last Thursday.

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West Seattle Thursday: WS Art Walk; Rat City Art City; 3210 California ‘briefing’ (since Design Review is postponed)…
March 14, 2013 10:52 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Townsend’s Warbler photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)
Busy news day already, but before we get much further along, a quick break for five highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: West Seattle’s most prominent politician, County Executive Dow Constantine, is launching his re-election campaign tonight with a kickoff event at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm, it’s the March edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, with venues and artists highlighted on the official website. Among your potential stops: Mesmerizing metalpoint by Sarah Loertscher at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor).

RAT CITY ART CITY: White Center’s art walk is moving to the second Thursday of the month starting tonight, also 6 pm-9 pm, so art fans can check out what’s happening to the south, too. Venues and artists are listed here.

DESIGN REVIEW POSTPONED – BUT YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT: As reported here on Wednesday afternoon, today’s Design Review Board meeting for the 3210 California SW project has been postponed because of a notification error. We are told that a development rep and city rep will be at the previously scheduled place/time (6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle) to offer a “briefing” – no board present, no vote, no public comments – in case anyone shows up, since they couldn’t get out official notification.

GENESEE HILL SCHOOL AND GSNC: In the Schmitz Park Elementary cafeteria (5000 SW Spokane), community conversation about the latest design of the new elementary school at Genesee Hill is scheduled for 6:30 tonight, followed by a short meeting of the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council around 8 pm.

Much more on the calendar – see for yourself here (and if you haven’t looked lately – our big server upgrade this past Monday brings the calendar page up faster, too).

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Update: Car-theft suspect arrested after Shorewood air, ground search
March 14, 2013 9:38 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | Shorewood | West Seattle news

(One of more than half a dozen law-enforcement cars spread out over search area in Shorewood)
9:38 AM: We’re getting a few reports of the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Guardian One over the Shorewood area again. Just checked with KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West and she confirms the helicopter is assisting with a ground search, but no details just yet – so far it does not seem to be related to the recent search in that area. We’re headed that way and will update with new information when we get it.

9:55 AM: The search is centered even further south so at this point unless we receive information of it heading north, we’ll be focusing our updates on partner site White Center Now.

10:36 AM: Again, more details at that link (including 3 Highline Public Schools campuses taking precautions), but bottom line in new info from KCSO: Deputies pulled over a stolen car; someone inside had a car-theft warrant, and bolted.

10:43 AM: As updated on WCN – Sgt. West says the suspect is in custody, so this situation is wrapping up.

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Followup: West Seattleites’ Tomboy Exchange hits funding goal
March 14, 2013 9:21 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Tomboy Exchange)
One month ago, we reported on Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, the West Seattleites who went to the crowdfunding site Kickstarter in search of $75,000 to launch a clothing line geared to women 40+ called Tomboy Exchange. Today they’re celebrating success, with supporters helping them meet and exceed that goal. Their official announcement says the $76,000 they raised “will launch TomboyX’s first line into full production and help start an online boutique.” The clothing will be made here in Seattle, they reiterate: “It’s an important factor to TomboyX that the clothing is designed and made locally — to keep jobs in America, stimulate the economy, and offer the best quality garments possible.” Keep an eye on tomboyexchange.com.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday on the move
March 14, 2013 6:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
No scheduled road work today or even this weekend – so here’s hoping for an uneventful day. P.S. if you want to check the weather, sunrise/sunset, moon, tides, etc., it’s all on the WSB Weather page.

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Catsino 2013: Cards & dice for cats & dogs – discount-ticket time!
March 14, 2013 3:20 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

Games people play, to help their furry friends: That’s what Catsino is all about, and it’s just a few weeks away, announce the animal advocates of Furry Faces Foundation. 2-6 pm April 7th at Beveridge Place Pub, which co-hosts Catsino with F3:

Hey Furry Faces Foundation Supporters, what do Texas Snip ‘em, Pig Craps, BlackCat 21, and Studless Draw all have in common?

“These are just a few of the thirteen crazy Las Vegas-style games we’ll be playing during the Catsino Silent Auction,” says Lora Swift of Furry Faces Foundation. “Local businesses and animal rescue groups are adopting the gaming tables, dealing out the cards, and rolling the dice. Enjoy meeting local rescue groups and bid on unusual, unique silent auction items! All proceeds benefit Furry Faces Foundation, A.A.R.F., Community Cat Coalition, and Regional Animal Services of King County.”

Tickets are just $25 at the door, or save $5 by purchasing your ticket by April 5th at one of our five ticket outlets. Each Catsino Silent Auction guest will receive a door prize ticket, one free drink ticket, and hors d’oeuvres. “Use your ‘Vaccination Record Passport’ as a guide to visit and play at each table,” says Teri Ensley, F3 Leader. “Every time you play for at least five minutes at a table you have not visited before, you will receive a stamp. Play at six different tables, you’ll earn an extra Grand Raffle ticket; play at nine different tables — another Grand Raffle Ticket; play at all thirteen and earn a total of three grand raffle tickets!”

“This is a chance for our community to meet our local business owners in a fun, personal setting and learn more about animal rescue groups,” say Gary Sink and Terri Griffith, owners of Beveridge Place Pub, “and, if you like what you hear ‘n’ see, drop a few dollars into their donation bucket or sign up to volunteer with them! We know that A.A.R.F., Community Cat Coalition, Regional Animal Services of King County, and Furry Faces Foundation folks are looking forward to meeting all of you!’

For more information, please visit: facebook.com/furryfacesfoundation or e-mail furryfaces@hotmail.com

The fine print: Catsino Silent Auction entertainment is a Recreational Gaming Activity; Catsino Bucks have no monetary value and all prizes are non-monetary. Also note: Beveridge Place Pub is 21+.. It’s one of five places where you can buy tickets early and save $5 – along with Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, The Wash Dog, Ventana Construction (all WSB sponsors), and Pet Elements.

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Delridge repaving update: Detour map fixed, thanks to WSB readers
March 13, 2013 10:16 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

That’s an updated detour map for Phase 2 of the Delridge Way repaving project, scheduled to take effect sometime next week – probably not before Wednesday, according to SDOT’s LeAnne Nelson, who thanks commenter Jim P for pointing out a problem with the map sent yesterday:

Your readers bring up a good point regarding the map. It shows the right-of-way routes for both 25th and 26th Avenue SW even though parts of what would be the roadway are unimproved. Attached is an updated map. Thank you to your readers for pointing out the issue!

Nelson also addresses an issue that commenter Breeze brought up:

Comments to your Phase 2 story include a question about why we detour to 35th Avenue SW. We strive to detour traffic along arterials, and the only consistent arterials flanking Delridge are the west sides of Trenton and Thistle (east sides of those streets are not arterials) and 35th Avenue SW to link them north/south.

We cannot disallow vehicles from utilizing public streets, but we can encourage arterial use. If speeding is witnessed repeatedly on the street, let us know, and we could place speed tubes to track the problem and potentially request more enforcement in the area. We also strongly suggest neighbors partner with our Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program team to apply for roadway assessment and possible traffic calming measures. Details are at: seattle.gov/transportation/ntcp_calming.htm

Again, provided weather doesn’t get in the way of Phase 1’s completion between SW Trenton and Henderson, Phase 2 of the repaving will start sometime next week along Delridge between Trenton and Thistle, and that’s when the – revised! – detour map will apply. This phase of the project is expected to last about 2 1/2 months.

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St. Patrick’s Day 2013: WSHS, Denny bands in parade
March 13, 2013 8:57 pm
|    Comments Off on St. Patrick’s Day 2013: WSHS, Denny bands in parade
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Since St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday this year, it’s a weekend full of festivities, particularly on Saturday. If you’re going to the parade downtown on Saturday, look for two local schools’ marching bands – West Seattle High School and Denny International Middle School. Full parade details are here, including the entire list of participants and the route, described as:

The Parade travels north on 4th Ave, starting from Jefferson [map] to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park, and officially ends at the Seattle Center with Closing Ceremonies at 2 PM.

We see the list of participants also includes the Tony Comerford School of Irish Dance, which teaches at locations including West Seattle’s VFW Hall. Anyone else from West Seattle participating? Please let us know with a comment here, or e-mail, so that local paradegoers will know to look for you!

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Last-minute announcement: Alki Tavern memorabilia auction tonight
March 13, 2013 4:37 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Alki Tavern file photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Just got word from Alki Tavern (and confirmed it with a phone call to be sure) – they’ve decided at the last minute to have a memorabilia auction TONIGHT, before closing for good this weekend:

Sorry for the late notice but today Wednesday March 13th at 7 p.m. we are having an auction for all of our of memorabilia, neon signs, mirrors, etc.

Registration starts at 6 p.m. auction is at 7 p.m. at the Alki Tavern, 1321 Harbor Avenue Southwest. Live auction please bring cash. Last day we are open is March 17th.

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3210 California SW’s Design Review meeting postponed because of notice error
March 13, 2013 4:05 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Proposed massing for the development; rendering courtesy Nicholson Kovalchick Architects)
Just got word from a spokesperson for the 166-apartment 3210 California SW development that its Early Design Guidance meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed because of an error – “when the notice was published, one of the property parcels was not included.” Area residents confirm to WSB that they had sent the Department of Planning and Development a letter this past Monday asking for the postponement because of the error:

The February 21, 2013 Bulletin shows the development terminating at the southern edge of 3234 California Ave SW. In contrast, the design packet shows that actual boundary of the development is the south edge of 3240 California Ave. SW. This is a difference of 95 feet and 9675 square feet. The drawing of the project site on the Bulletin is more than 20% smaller than what is actually proposed. According to the Bulletin, several parcels on 42nd near the south end of the proposed development do not appear to share a boundary with the new building. In reality, the proposed five-story building will directly abut their property lines.

The Seattle DPD must provide proper notice that accurately reflects the size and share of the proposed development. The existing notice misrepresents the size of the development by more than 20% and does not comply with code.

The meeting cancellation is confirmed on the city website, but the new date is not listed yet; the development team expects it to be March 28th – already scheduled for the next meeting on the 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW megaproject – but we’re waiting to hear confirmation from the city. The “packet,” they say, will remain the same. If you still want to show up tomorrow night, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, the development team plans an “informal briefing” but with the caveat that “the board is not required to attend, there is no public comment taken, nor does (city) staff provide any guidance.” We’ll update this story when we hear back from the city about the new date for the official meeting

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West Seattle Bee Garden about to buzz into existence – with your help, and then a parade!
March 13, 2013 2:12 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

(Lauren Englund in photo from May 2012 WSB story)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When we first introduced you to Lauren Englund in May of last year, she had an idea – saving honey bees through education, by setting up an educational/observational hive – and needed help to make the dream come true.

It’s a dream with an underpinning of urgency – without bees, our lives are at risk.

Now – after community meetings, and a blossoming group of helpers (including Christine Bartels, at left in our photo above with Lauren on the right) – the dream is close to reality, in the form of the West Seattle Bee Garden, set to launch next to the High Point Commons Park P-Patch with a parade this May.

Right now, though, the next stage needs even more help – and that’s where you come in.

Part of it involves crowdfunding, through an IndieGoGo campaign that’s under way, to augment the Department of Neighborhoods matching-fund grant that’s helping fuel the project, as well as rallying volunteers for upcoming work parties.

We talked with Lauren at the Bee Garden site one recent gray, chilly day. The bees’ future home was only timber in the ground, but she painted a bright picture of the pollination garden that will bloom in this area east of the future bee enclosure:

And she rhapsodized about the expected visits from students and community members finding out about bees’ crucial role in our ecosystem.

The framework that’s there now will house the bees’ home as well as observation areas and informational features. They might even have webcams so people can check in online. The entryway to the garden will have a two-sided mosaic.

The stars of the show of course will be the bees themselves, which will come from local beekeepers, will arrive in style, with a community parade. There will be two hives for starters – “local genes, local DNA, no chemicals, no pesticides.”

What the West Seattle Bee Garden needs right now is “dollars, and bodies,” says Lauren – help in the form of work-party participation in April and May, starting April 6th – sign up here – and donations to the IndieGoGo campaign – do that here. You can get in on pavers to be placed in the garden, at a certain donation level, as well as other contribution rewards, as is typical in the crowdfunding world. (Check them out on the right side of the IndieGogo page.)

The High Point Neighborhood Association is sponsoring the picnic and parade that will celebrate the bees’ arrival at 11 am May 19th – with a marching band leading the way! The bees will be marched in, in a sealed container, as part of a festival-like atmosphere – Lauren expects games, arts, crafts, even food trucks all around the park.

The festival is only the beginning – then, the first summer of bee-watching, bee-tending, pollination, and education will begin. Lauren hopes the West Seattle Bee Garden will teach people about pesticides, and how they affect bees (among other beneficial insects) – it’s not as simple as it seems when you grab a product off the shelf at a store. And it’ll be an opportunity for people to learn other things about bees – why they swarm, for example.

Nearby West Seattle Elementary is already involved in the project and other schools are welcome to join, she adds – including being part of the parade.

P.S. Here’s the plant list so far for the pollination garden; Lauren notes that it’s “specific to good pollinators for honey bees,” but they hope to incorporate plants that also are conducive to “butterflies, mason bees, hummingbirds, bumblebees, etc.”

Hellebore (late winter)
Crocus (late winter)
Witch Hazel (late winter)
Iris (spring)
Oregon Grape (spring)
Alpine Strawberry (spring)
Japanese Snowbell Tree (summer)
Chives (summer)
Lupine (summer)
Echinacea (summer)
Bee Balm (summer)
Black Eyed Susan (summer)
Geranium Sanguineum (summer)
Borage (summer)
Asters (late summer)

She hopes that eventually, there will be plants to bloom year-round. But again, it’s time now to jump in and help – work-party signups here, contributions here, and if you have questions or ideas – e-mail westseattlebeegarden@gmail.com, and check the website, which includes a photo gallery, FAQ, and updates.

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BIrd on a Wire: New WSB sponsor, with coffee and much more
March 13, 2013 12:23 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we officially welcome Bird on a Wire as one of the newest WSB sponsors. Haven’t been there lately? It’s become much more than a coffee shop, as proprietor Heidi Herr explains:

“I opened Bird on a Wire (BoaW) in 2002 after many years in the espresso business. I literally got to the point that I knew more than someone who was about to hire me for their coffee shop … this got me thinking I should give it a whirl myself! We have been open now for almost 11 years in a amazing/small/supportive neighborhood at the south end of West Seattle – an often forgotten area of WS. With a good product and a loyal following, we celebrated our tenth year in June 2012!

“There wasn’t much down here in 2002. The ‘hood was hungry (thirsty) for something and we provided a consistent, quality product, a friendly environment, and a hub for neighbors to meet. Our quality and coffee are #1; our staff is always friendly and we keep things new and fresh. You meet people and make friends here – it’s always been that way. Their trust in me and my staff’s coffee skills has given room for us to introduce more food options – soups, sandwiches, small plates – all made IN HOUSE, as well as beer and wine!

“I support local vendors and believe in a sustainable/no-waste approach to business/life. I willingly (for free) provide coffee grounds to the local P-Patches. I believe that we need to support brick and mortars in order for our economy to be strengthened. I have lived in West Seattle since 1998 and grew up in North Seattle (Roosevelt High School).

 I am a retired founding member of the Rat City Rollergirls and currently coach for Tilted Thunder Rail Birds, Seattle’s only banked-track roller derby league. I am on the advisory board for Theatre Off Jackson – an indie theater in the International District.”

Did we mention outdoor seating as well as indoor?

Bird on a Wire is at 3509 SW Henderson (map), online at birdonawireespresso.com, and on Facebook here, where you’ll find frequent updates on food and drink highlights and also The Bird’s hours – till 9 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, till 4 pm Mondays and Sundays.

We thank Bird on a Wire for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
.

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West Seattle Wednesday: ‘Next Fall’ opening night; 34th Dems take on GMOs…
March 13, 2013 11:08 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Red-breasted Merganser near Alki Beach

(Red-breasted merganser photographed near Alki by Danny McMillin; shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Five highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BOOK FAIR: All West Seattle families are welcome at a book fair under way till 4 pm to help boost reading skills for school success. It’s at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way).

CO-WORKING IN WEST SEATTLE: WS Office Junction invites you to Mind Unwind (2206 California SW), noon-1 pm today, to talk about ongoing plans, work parties, and more as they advance toward a long-term co-working space in West Seattle.

JOB SEARCH WORKSHOP: Today 3:30-5 pm at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), take a look at whether starting your own business might be your best option for working and making a living. The workshop’s free; details in our calendar listing.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: West Seattle’s largest political organization meets tonight at 7 at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), with the agenda (see it here) including an initiative to require labeling of food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the formal endorsement of King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s re-election campaign.

‘NEXT FALL’ PREMIERES: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest, it’s opening night for the Seattle premiere of “Next Fall,” a Tony-nominated play directed by Cindy Bradder and starring Christopher Zinovitch.

LOTS MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT … on our frequently updated calendar – take a look!

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Bowling benefit in West Seattle with the Seafair Commodores
March 13, 2013 9:54 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Right after the spring equinox, you can start getting in the summertime mood with the Seafair Commodores – without leaving West Seattle! Their 21st annual Bowl-A-Thon is a week and a half away at West Seattle Bowl, and there’s still time for you to sign up. From chief of staff Kathryn Bohot:

SAVE THE DATE! And join the Seafair Commodores and friends at West Seattle Bowl on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10 am until noon as they host the 21st Annual Seafair Commodores Bowl-A-Thon. The event is held as the primary fundraiser for the Commodores. The proceeds go to the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women. Each year we work diligently to support Ms. Seafair and the Princess Court as they represent Seattle and Seafair at events across the Pacific Northwest.

Young women from the greater Seattle Communities apply for scholarship funds as well as the honor of representing Seattle and Seafair as Ms. Seafair. All candidates are judged on their academic abilities and must support a volunteer platform and be active throughout the year.

Mark your calendars and come out for a day of fun activities; make new friends, and support education.

Where: West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th SW
When: Saturday, March 23rd
Time: 10 am sharp until Noon

Contributions: $50 per bowler or $250 for a team. Children under 12 bowl for $20 each

To register a team today or questions e-mail Kathryn Bohot, Chief of Staff at chiefofstaff@seattlecommodores.com.

For more information on the Seattle Seafair Commodores and the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women, go the www.seafaircommodores.com

The Commodores have many other Seafair duties too – they assist with a variety of events including the Seafair-sanctioned West Seattle Grand Parade (July 20th this year, by the way).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday notes
March 13, 2013 6:03 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: Welcome to Wednesday. No major alerts for today/tonight so far – not even for the weekend ahead. If you’re a Metro rider, “Eye on Your Metro Commute” features advisories. If you see traffic trouble – call or text 206-293-6302 when you safely/legally can (no texting/calling and driving!) – thank you.

12:09 PM: SDOT says the signboards are finally fixed:

The equipment for the Variable Messaging Signs (VMSs), which provides travel times for drivers coming out of West Seattle, has been repaired and the system operation is fully restored.

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West Seattle Montessori teacher gets kids fired up, with pottery
March 13, 2013 5:04 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
It was a lesson to remember. West Seattle Montessori teacher Matt Whittemore invited us to stop by as he fired up a hands-on learning experience in his backyard last Saturday. Whittemore’s class (the Horned Owls 1-3) has been studying early man; their culminating project was glazing pottery and seeing it fired in a backyard kiln and pots in the Raku pottery method. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams captured the scenes.

“Our unit of study coincided with our study of early man and his basic needs and our yearly school auction,” Whittemore explained. “During our class conversations, we talked about basic needs such as eating, shelter, and clothes and where those items came from. The goal was to get the students thinking about what it might have been like to have to discover everything. Humans only had their natural resources to learn, utilize, and adapt from. So, I did some research on the ‘Raku’ style of pottery and took on the project.”

“The kids made the pots in the classroom in small groups. We air-dried them and then Bethany Woll bisque-fired them to remove any moisture and prepare them for glazing.”

Read More

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‘Transportation theme night’ at North Delridge Neighborhood Council, plus Delridge Grocery
March 13, 2013 3:48 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

As one person put it at Monday night’s monthly North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting, it was “transportation theme night” – starring an explanation of the impending reduction of parking on SW Genesee plus a brief brainstorming round for Delridge Way’s future, also featuring an update on Delridge Grocery, formerly Delridge Produce Cooperative. Read on:

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary attempt thwarted
March 12, 2013 10:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

In the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW a few hours ago, a resident apparently rattled the potential burglar who had just rattled her door:

I was by myself and heard the side door being rattled and thought it strange since my husband wasn’t coming home until later this evening. As I came down the stairs, I saw a young (approximately 18 – 20 years old) thin, African American guy with his navy parka hood covering his entire face except his eyes peering into the door. We made eye contact as I was coming down the stairs to investigate, and I turned around and went upstairs to get my cell phone to call 911.

The police responded immediately and after making sure he was no longer around, I showed the officer a large piece of concrete that was on the ground close to the door that wasn’t there when I got home. After some discussion, I showed the police officer the back door to where the would-be burglar could have exited via the alley since the other police officers did not find him on Delridge. And it was there that the officer found a pile of concrete debris (from which) the suspect had gotten the piece he was going to use to break the glass on our door with.

I just wanted to let you know, since it is still pretty bright out at 6:20 pm and this guy was pretty audacious to attempt this.

We checked the police-report map – no other burglaries shown in that area in the past week.

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As-it-happened coverage: SPD surveillance-cameras meeting on Alki – ‘We’re not hiding anything’
March 12, 2013 7:09 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Seattle Police surveillance cameras | West Seattle news

7:09 PM: We’re at Alki Bathhouse with more than thirty people as Seattle Police start their first meeting about the surveillance-camera system originally reported here on WSB. Leading off the meeting, Assistant Chief Paul McDonagh, who we interviewed about the system back on February 1st. Also here, Det. Monty Moss, who has led some of the briefings, and a full complement of citywide media, plus other SPD personnel (including from the public affairs/media relations office, Sgt. Sean Whitcomb and Det. Jeff Kappel). Moss is making a background-information slide presentation, similar so far to the ones he gave to the City Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee on February 20th as well as to the Alki Community Council the next night. (Added: Unedited WSB video of the entire hour-and-a-half meeting:)

7:12 PM: Det. Moss says they should be “done with the installation by the end of this month” and are continuing to work on policies regarding the cameras’ usage. He says two cameras are being installed “as we speak” in the Ballard Locks area, and they’re still seeking a location along Seaview, “but it will not be in Golden Gardens Park.” Closer to here, he says the Terminals 5 and 18 cameras are now installed. After discussing the camera locations, he’s showing the video demonstration about how the “privacy masking” will work, and noting that the frame rate for the video will be 5 to 7 frames per second, about a quarter of what TV broadcasts use. He says the video is recorded with the masking, and that it cannot be removed afterward – no matter what the cameras wind up picking up.

He also describes the antenna arrays for the “wireless mesh” portion of the system, which is expected to be used by other agencies from Metro to Seattle Fire, which will use it in some areas as its primary means of communication, according to Det. Moss.

The crowd continues to grow – probably closer to 40 now.

**CONTINUING AHEAD, THE REST OF OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE, PLUS NOTES FROM AFTERWARD**Read More

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2-hour citywide closure of Seattle Parks rec facilities tomorrow
March 12, 2013 5:12 pm
|    Comments Off on 2-hour citywide closure of Seattle Parks rec facilities tomorrow
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Just announced by Seattle Parks, via their Parkways website:

Seattle Parks and Recreation will close all recreational facilities tomorrow, March 13, from 12:30 to 2:30 so that Parks employees can meet with their leaders and talk to Parks management about the shooting that took place at Parks’ Densmore Ave. N facility on Friday, March 8.

This meeting will give the recreation staff time with their management team and with counselors. Affected facilities are community centers, pools, environmental learning centers and the Amy Yee Tennis Center.

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Happy 25th, West Seattle Thriftway! Shopping-spree raffle starts tomorrow
March 12, 2013 4:47 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Starting tomorrow, you can help the West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) celebrate its 25th anniversary by buying a ticket for a unique raffle: The winner gets a four-minute shopping spree to gather up to $500 in house-brand Western Family merchandise. Tickets will be sold tomorrow through March 27th for just $1 each, and the proceeds benefit West Seattle Food Bank. The store has a lot to remember and celebrate; staff member Michele Grasso is quoted in the announcement: “I have never worked anywhere else that has been so involved with its community. So many of us are locals, or have worked here for so long that it’s like we’ve grown up with West Seattle. We’ve been through a lot with you – we even survived a fire!”

That fire happened in March 1997 and destroyed the building previously housing West Seattle Thriftway, founded in 1988 by Paul and Connie Kapioski. While it was closed for rebuilding, they even ran a weekly bus to then-Admiral Thriftway for senior citizens who needed help to get to the store.

Before it burned, the store faced Fauntleroy Way SW; now, while it’s on the same site, it faces California SW, with an in-store Chase Bank branch as well as an in-store dining area next to its deli, bakery, and Chinese food counter. Notes the announcement:

West Seattle Thriftway supports their local Food Bank on a daily basis with food donations, and in this economic environment with so many in need they hope to see this event as an additional way to help the surrounding community and have some fun at the same time. In the last fiscal year, families visited the West Seattle Food Bank 37,943 times.

The store supports many other community charities in ways including summertime benefit barbecue lunches outside the store, like this one for WestSide Baby last summer:

Along with buying raffle tickets starting tomorrow, you have two more ways to help West Seattle Thriftway celebrate its silver anniversary: Next Monday, March 18th, they’ll commemorate the grand reopening post-fire, including a celebratory cake from Creme de la Creme Bakery – customers get a slice! And on Saturday, March 30th, at 9 am, it’s the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which usually draws quite a crowd:

(WSB photo from 2012 Easter Egg Hunt)
If you’re new in town and don’t know – West Seattle Thriftway is in Morgan Junction, on the southeast corner of California and Fauntleroy (with a parking entrance from 42nd on the east side, too).

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West Seattle restaurants: Alki’s Bada Bistro to open next week
March 12, 2013 1:00 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo courtesy Sharon Bang)
Almost four months after announcing new plans for the former Beachside Café/ex-Alki Bakery at 61st/Alki, its owners say they’re hoping to open next week – Wednesday, March 20th. They’ve changed the new name a bit; now it’s Bada Bistro. “We will open for dinner the first week, add happy hour the following week, lunch will follow, and brunch to be added for weekends in April,” co-owner Sharon Bang tells WSB. Dinner will start at 5 pm; happy hour at 3 pm. She adds, “I realize that many were wondering what is going on in the space with no updated news for a long period of time. We really wanted to bring something special to the location, and it took more time getting things ready.” Here’s a notice Sharon says they’ve posted on the door, announcing their chef, and more about their menu and beverage plans:

John and Sharon Bang, local family restaurateurs, knew they wanted to open a Pacific Rim inspired American bistro with Chef John David Crow in mind. John David, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, is a native Seattleite with an impressive and eclectic background. He spent years as the Executive Chef of the Space Needle as well as the Executive Chef of the Union Square Grill. He also opened The Brooklyn with Alvin Binuya, chef and partner of Ponti Seafood Grill, a mentor from whom Chef John gained much of his early knowledge of Pacific- Asian cuisine.

Most recently, John has served as Corporate Executive Chef at The Moorings Resort in the Florida Keys in addition to opening a popular Nashville restaurant, 360 Bistro, before returning to Seattle to start Bada Bistro here on Alki Beach. We describe our food as a beachside bistro, Seattle in flavor, with a definite Pacific Rim influence.

Bada is also a craft bar; we are the only scratch bar on Alki. We infuse our own spirits, use only fresh juices, and make our own syrups and bitters. Our wine list is well balanced and eclectic. We don’t chase labels, and we don’t serve merlot. We support our local brewers, while promoting global peace with a diverse line-up of tap handles.

At our Bistro we want to provide you with the opportunity to try new things, travel outside your comfort zone and enjoy a new seasoning, hop or grape. We want to make varietals the spice of life; we want to mix and match ingredients that have crossed all seven seas as well as those born and raised right here in the Northwest. The world is our oyster, and we have the best oysters on the beach.

It’s been two years since Sharon and husband John Bang, who also own Alki Café across the street, took over the ex-Alki Bakery space, whose former ownership closed it abruptly in November 2010.

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Delridge repaving, phase 2: New detour starts next week
March 12, 2013 12:15 pm
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 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Click image to get PDF with full-size view)
Phase 2 of the yearlong Delridge Way SW repaving project is about to begin (as first noted here March 1st). Just in from SDOT, the detour map (above) that takes effect next week when work moves to the Thistle-to-Trenton stretch for two-plus months. Here’s the official announcement:

Starting the week of March 18, southbound Delridge Way Southwest traffic will be detoured at Southwest Thistle Street in West Seattle to facilitate roadway reconstruction and storm drain installations. This work is Phase 2 of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Delridge Way Southwest Paving Project that is rebuilding much of Delridge Way Southwest between Southwest Orchard and Southwest Roxbury streets.

Traffic will be directed:

· West on SW Thistle Street
· South on 35th Avenue SW
· East on SW Trenton Street
· South on Delridge Way SW

The detour is expected to be in place until early June 2013. Northbound traffic on Delridge Way Southwest will be maintained. Local access and access to businesses will be maintained during project work.

This is a five-phase project. At the completion of Phase 2, the construction activity will move to the Phase 3 section of Delridge Way Southwest between Southwest Thistle and Southwest Holden streets.

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