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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Recognize the suspected getaway car in Puget Ridge home invasion?
January 5, 2018 11:04 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

New information today about Thursday’s home-invasion robbery on Puget Ridge. An area resident has provided Seattle Police with images of what police say might be the getaway vehicle – likely a silver 4-door 1999 Buick, with one particularly distinctive feature: Lug-nut covers missing on both passenger-side wheels.

Otherwise, police say there’s not too much more than what we originally reported – it happened just before noon in the 5200 block of 18th SW, and they don’t know why this particular house was targeted. Four people forced their way into the house; at least two had handguns. They are described only as black, male, with dark hoodies covering most of their faces. They demanded cash, and were told the people in the house had none. One resident was “pistol-whipped outside the house” before the robbers broke in; they took “nothing of value,” SPD Det. Mark Jamieson told WSB this morning, and let barely two minutes after they arrived. Robbery detective St. John is investigating – call 206-386-4050; the incident number is 2018-004202.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Home-invasion robbery on Puget Ridge
January 4, 2018 12:47 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

ORIGINAL 12:47 PM REPORT: Police are in the 5200 block of 18th SW on Puget Ridge (south of Dawson), after a report of a home-invasion robbery. It’s still early in the investigation, but so far, they have been told that four armed men, described only as black, wearing black hoodies, and black masks, broke into the house. At least one person was home, a man who suffered a facial injury. The robbers are believed to have gotten away in a vehicle, though SPD tells us there are conflicting descriptions. We also don’t know yet what if anything they took. Robbery detectives are on their way to the scene; we’ll check back later for an update.

FRIDAY MORNING NOTE: The report was not available yesterday but we’re renewing our request this morning. The final classification of the call, meantime, was “strong-arm robbery.”

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FOLLOWUP: 2017 sidewalk projects you won’t see until 2018
December 14, 2017 11:53 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Puget Ridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

(City-provided map from March 2017)

Back in March, we mentioned three West Seattle sidewalk projects were in the works for this year; the city-provided map above accompanied the announcement. With the year almost over, we found that two of them have slid to 2018: The city is currently seeking bids to build the sidewalk along 35th SW between SW 100th and SW 106th in Arbor Heights and a shorter stretch near Sanislo Elementary on Puget Ridge, plus a project outside West Seattle in the same solicitation. No word on the status of the third project, one block of SW 104th in Arbor Heights.

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VIDEO: 2 days, 2 West Seattle stops for Mayor Jenny Durkan , visiting South Seattle College to launch expanded free-college program
November 29, 2017 4:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle schools

On Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s second day in office, she made her second visit to West Seattle, taking her first step toward fulfilling one of her campaign promises – two years of free community college for all Seattle high-school graduates. The program she calls Seattle Promise is set in motion by an executive order she signed at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), which for almost a decade has been home to a program called 13th Year Promise. That program offers a free year at SSC to graduates of certain Seattle public high schools – currently including Chief Sealth International High School, and starting next year, to also include West Seattle High School.

Durkan’s plan is for ultimately all Seattle graduates to be able to get two years of free community college. But the order she signed at SSC – read it here – first guarantees a second year for those in the 13th Year Promise program this year, and then sets up a process for figuring out how to pay for expansion, with a plan due by next March:

Identify how existing resources and funding sources, including federal, state or regional
funds, the Families and Education Levy and Seattle Preschool Program Levy renewal, the
Seattle Public school local levy renewal, and philanthropic resources, can be deployed to
maximize student access to the Promise Program.

To underscore the mention of the levies, two paragraphs later, the mayor’s order directs two departments to “immediately consider the Seattle Promise College Tuition Program for inclusion in the proposal for the renewal of the Families and Education Levy and the Seattle Preschool Levy in 2018.”

This afternoon’s announcement was held with a gathered backdrop of SSC students – who were hailed as the real “dignitaries” at the event – plus others including City Council President Bruce Harrell (who spoke), Councilmember Sally Bagshaw (who did not), SSC and Seattle Colleges leaders including the system’s chancellor, Dr. Shouan Pan.

Dr. Pan said this program will be a “gamechanger” for many. (Added) He was the first speaker; here’s our video of the full event:

We also saw former SSC president Gary Oertli, who was beaming, saying the 13th Year Promise program “was my baby” and expressing pride that it’s up for expansion. Speaking of expansion, the event was held in the foyer of newly opened Cascade Hall on the northwest side of the SSC campus. While classes are being held there now and some faculty members have moved into offices, its formal dedication is still a few months away. It’s headquarters to the SSC nursing program, and we got a quick peek this afternoon into classrooms such as this hospital simulation area:

SIDE NOTE: So far, no third-day-in-a-row plan for a mayoral visit tomorrow – she has announced a visit to Capitol Hill, where she’ll tour small businesses (as she did during a campaign visit to West Seattle a few months ago) before announcing the creation of a Small Business Advisory Council.

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READER REPORT: Seen on Puget Ridge – dumped? Or free?
November 11, 2017 2:39 pm
|    Comments Off on READER REPORT: Seen on Puget Ridge – dumped? Or free?
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

The photo is from Brigit, who wonders if these are stolen items:

There’s some items at the bottom of 16th and Orchard that I initially thought might be free, but looking again, they look to be in basically perfect condition so it made less sense as to why someone would dump them. There’s no “free” sign, either.

Attached is a photo: a blue and black umbrella stroller that looks to be brand new, crutches in perfect condition, and a small pet crate.

The Occam’s razor answer is that they’re likely free but I thought I’d email and check if any of the blog readers knew more.

If you know – please comment (or if you’d rather not, you can e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!)

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NEW ON CAMPUS: Food trucks at South Seattle College starting next week
November 7, 2017 3:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

While South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is known for its culinary program (among other things), there’s not much food on campus or nearby when lunchtime rolls around for its 1,000+ students and staff. So starting next week, a food truck will be on campus (near the Clock Tower) most weekdays. Lori Johnson of the Washington State Food Truck Association (WSFTA) explains that one of SSC’s sibling campuses, North Seattle College, started a food-truck program a month ago, and that caught the attention of SSC’s Administrative Services department. So they’ve been working with the WSFTA to bring food trucks to the Puget Ridge campus. Johnson says, “The new mobile dining program will begin November 13th, where vendors, who must be licensed to vend in the City of Seattle, can sign up for Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.” The schedule is online and frequently updated. Interested food-truck proprietors can contact the WSFTA at 360-223-3801 or lori@wafoodtrucks.org.

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READER REPORT: Double hit-and-run on Puget Ridge
October 19, 2017 1:40 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

More trouble on Puget Ridge – the photos and report were just texted to us, and flesh out a bit of scanner traffic we heard a short time ago:

My fence and bushes were just destroyed by a hit-and-run driver fleeing the scene of a prior hit-and-run at 16th and Dawson. They left behind their GMC bumper.

The texter is near 22nd/21st SW, and explains:

The guy hit the first car and was chased by the son-in-law of the car’s owner. They hit our property while fleeing the person who was chasing them. They were heading down the hill toward Delridge. Probably long gone over the bridge.

Or – they could have stayed on-peninsula. So be on the lookout for a GMC vehicle missing a bumper like that.

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Been to the Arboretum lately? New interpretive signs installed
October 14, 2017 1:18 pm
|    Comments Off on Been to the Arboretum lately? New interpretive signs installed
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Something new to see at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum! The photos and announcement were sent by Arboretum volunteer Marie McKinsey:

Until last month, only a few aged markers identified the gardens and habitat of The Arboretum at South Seattle College. But with a generous grant from the West Seattle Garden Tour, five new interpretive signs are now installed. 



The colorful new signage illustrates some of the Arboretum’s top features, with information on its history and decades of student-designed plantings. They mark the garden’s redwoods, the movement of the Arboretum’s wildlife, and the outstanding Coenosium Rock Garden, the Arboretum’s collection of rare and dwarf conifers.

David Olszyk, president of the American Conifer Society Western Region, said, “This is a beautiful melding of the obsessive collector and the artist. This place is truly a work of art.”

Terrie Shattuck, a former Arboretum intern and graduate of South’s Landscape Horticulture program, created graphics and text for the signage, which SeaReach Ltd of Oregon fabricated.

Members of the Arboretum’s advisory committee prepared the signage for installation by Brett Cureton. And the West Seattle Garden Tour’s gift made it all possible.

 The Arboretum at South is a public botanical garden destination, and people enjoy it all year — bringing the kids, walking the dog or just taking time out. Find the Arboretum at South Seattle College at the north edge of campus, 6000 16th Ave SW. It is open every day.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 1 in custody after police search
September 23, 2017 7:26 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Added: WSB photo)

7:26 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police response in Puget Ridge a little while ago – we have talked to police in the area and they tell us it started in Riverview, with an intruder reported in a house near 12th SW and SW Orchard, ending with a suspect being taken into custody at 16th SW and SW Dawson. Subsequent scanner traffic indicates that a vehicle apparently associated with the suspect, at the latter location, will be impounded.

7:34 PM: While the homeowner wasn’t home at the time of the break-in, their dog was, and police have made sure the dog is safe.

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WEST SEATTLE POWER OUTAGE: 300+ customers in Puget Ridge, North Delridge
September 17, 2017 3:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Puget Ridge | Utilities | West Seattle news

3 PM: From the Seattle City Light outage map, that’s the area where 302 customers (homes/businesses) are affected – plus a couple spots along West Marginal Way SW – by a power outage that started about 20 minutes ago. Thanks to Billy for the tip; we’ve heard from others that the power flickered in some other areas. No word yet on the cause; restoration is estimated around 9 pm but again, as in all outages, that’s just an estimate, could be sooner, could be later.

3:55 PM: SCL says “equipment failure” is the cause, and has moved the restoration estimate to 7:34 pm.

4:44 PM: Power restored. Thanks to Dee for the update, saying the electricity was back in time to see the Seahawks win!

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A year of change ahead for South Seattle College and its interim president Peter Lortz
September 13, 2017 11:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(SSC interim president Peter Lortz, photographed by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tomorrow (Thursday), new South Seattle College interim president Peter Lortz will celebrate the 150 students who comprise the school’s tenth 13th-Year Promise class, the biggest-ever group to take advantage of a free “13th year” of education.

13 is a significant number for the school’s new leader for another reason, too.

That’s how old Lortz was when he realized what career he wanted to pursue.

The story emerged while we were talking with him in his new office – steps from his previous office as vice president of instruction – on campus a few days ago.

He was talking with his mom and declared that he wanted to teach college biology.

Exactly why, he doesn’t quite recall. But it wasn’t a big surprise. Both of his parents went to college; his mom was a teacher, his dad an engineer. “I knew what I wanted to do and my parents knew how” to help him get there.

His pathway was clear – and he has spent most of his subsequent years helping students find their own pathways.

At least – the first part of his pathway. While it wasn’t immediately clear that community colleges were where he would find his education calling, since Cincinnati wasn’t a hotbed of such schools, he started turning that way while in graduate school at Miami University (Ohio).

“I was talking to my adviser about master’s versus Ph.D.,” Lortz recalled, and the adviser asked what specifically he wanted to do. The answer was the same one he had at age 13: Teach college biology.

If he wanted to teach at a university, the adviser explained, he would need a doctorate, and he would likely spend a lot of time pursuing grants, doing research, “peek(ing) in the lab every so often.”

Is that what you want to do? asked the adviser.

“No,” Lortz recalled answering. “I want to teach biology.” With a master’s degree, he was told, you can teach at community college.

After some time in Utah and Colorado, he ended up back in Cincinnati, teaching anatomy and physiology at what was Cincinnati Tech College. He took an interest in the Pacific Northwest, sent out resumes, got one nibble that was “not a good fit,” so he just headed out to Seattle to take a chance. He got teaching work at North Seattle College right away, “and I was hooked.”

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AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Blue skies, gleaming wheels @ 10th annual West Seattle Car Show
August 26, 2017 10:46 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

10:46 AM: Not a cloud in the sky this year as the 10th annual West Seattle Car Show cruises through its first hour on the north side of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW). Reasons to visit:

-Cars of every color and size, spanning decades
-If you drive yours here, free leak and light checks – ask as you enter the campus
-Music – DJ with the classics right now, The Disco Cowboys performing live at 1 pm
–Double Up food-truck tent serving “vegetarian Trinidad street food,” next to the …
–Northwest Wine Academy, with award-winning beverages
–Seattle Chinese Garden, free admission for its open house starting at 11 am
-50/50 raffle – tickets at the info booth on the northeast side of the show (look for the bright blue canopy)
-Free raffle for a drone – get a “bingo card” and have the vendor booths check off the boxes for you
-Motorcycles on display too
-Applaud the winners at the awards ceremony (~2:30 pm, with the show wrapping by 3 pm)

The show is presented again this year by West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (which, like SSC, are WSB sponsors – and we are one of the show’s co-sponsors). No admission charge – just come wander!

11:15 AM: Here’s a special group of cars at today’s show – Sunbeams!

And if you like pickles and jams, look for Broken Spoke Cannery from Beacon Hill, next to the orange VW camper. We asked what’s popular – it’s the hot dills:

Along with the raffle tickets at the info booth, also be sure to ask how to vote for your favorite show participant in the People’s Choice Award. Meantime, we just checked out what’s happening inside the Wine Academy building on the north side of the show grounds:

Wine, soda, coffee, snacks, and (not in our pic) an activity table for the kids. Back to the cars:

12:18 PM: Tours of the SSC Automotive Technology program – which car-show proceeds are supporting – are set for 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. Meantime, the stream of spectators continues, gawking at classics like this one:

1:06 PM: Our portable hotspot is a little glitchy up here at the show, so we’ll add many more photos from HQ later, including the winners, now about an hour and a half away from being announced. And The Disco Cowboys are about to start playing!

1:35 PM: And there they are, in our video clip above, with a mashup of “Funkytown” and “Brick House.” If you’re more an Abba fan, part of their “Waterloo” cover is on our Instagram feed.

2:35 PM: They’re getting ready to hand out the awards – depending on how things go, we’ll either add the list and photos here, or publish a separate story (and we’d link to it here).

8:27 PM: We don’t have a simple list matching trophies to cars, so adding to this will take some time. But first – this 1960 Chrysler Imperial was a double winner – including the “people’s choice” trophy honoring the car show’s late founder Michael Hoffman:

This Nissan Figaro won “best Asian car”:

This 1973 F-100 won “best truck”:

Still adding more winning vehicles. And here’s a group shot of the winners after the trophy ceremony:

This was the biggest show yet since the move to SSC, where, it was announced, next year’s show is already set for Saturday, August 25, 2018.

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COUNTDOWN: 10th annual West Seattle Car Show on Saturday at SSC
August 25, 2017 9:09 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

With a VERY big weekend ahead, we’re planning previews throughout the day today, starting with one more reminder about the 10th annual West Seattle Car Show, presented by West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsors)! 10 am-3 pm tomorrow (Saturday, August 26th).

If you have a vehicle to show off – you can enter same-day – find the form (and fee info) here – load-in starts at 8 am on the north side of the Puget Ridge campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Show proceeds support SSC’s Automotive Technology program.

If you’re planning on being a spectator, entry is free, and the show is more than just a chance to look at cars – there’s music – the Disco Cowboys, live! as well as a DJ – kids activities, vendors, the Double Up food truck (Caribbean cuisine), other adjacent attractions including SSC’s acclaimed Northwest Wine Academy and the Seattle Chinese Garden (which is having an 11 am-4 pm open house), and a chance to get your own car checked out for oil leaks and bulb safety (just mention it to the parking volunteers when you arrive).

We’re proud to be a co-sponsor again this year and look forward to seeing you there!

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SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE CHANGE: President Gary Oertli retiring
August 22, 2017 2:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB file photo)

Just announced by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), a change at the top. Here’s the news release we just received:

After a 45-year career in higher education and nearly a decade at South Seattle College, President Gary Oertli will retire on August 31, 2017. South’s current Vice President of Instruction Peter Lortz has been appointed interim president, starting Sept. 1.

“My nearly ten years at South Seattle College has truly been the highlight of my career,” President Oertli said. “This college has such a strong culture focused on student success and a commitment to creating an environment that honors equity, inclusion and multiculturalism. That culture exists because of our dedicated faculty and staff, and amazing students.”

Oertli became president of South Seattle College in August of 2010, and had served as interim president prior to his permanent appointment. As South’s leader, Oertli encourages staff and faculty members to ask, “What is best for our students?” as the most important factor in any challenging decision. He also advocates for great customer service and creating a family atmosphere at the college, where students know they are supported, appreciated and can ask anyone for help.

During his tenure, the college was recognized for having the largest increase in full-time diverse faculty in the state, saw students recognized nationally for their achievements, and became a U.S. community college leader in implementing a “guided pathways” model for increasing student success. He also worked closely with the South Seattle College Foundation, and through their partnership the 13th Year Promise Scholarship program (providing one year of tuition-free college to high school graduates in surrounding communities) expanded from one high school to four and gave hundreds of students the opportunity to attend college.

“One of my greatest hopes is to see the 13th Year Promise Scholarship expand to all high schools in the Seattle Public Schools system,” Oertli said. “We are striving to create a college-going culture where every first grader in our city will raise their hand with confidence when asked, ‘Who here is going to college?’ ”

A West Seattle native, Oertli is a graduate of Chief Sealth High School who went on to earn his Master of Education degree at the University of Washington, where he later served as Alumni Association president. His higher education career began at Edmonds Community College, where he worked his way up from part-time instructor to interim president. He then became president and CEO of Shoreline Community College before transitioning to the Seattle Colleges District, where he held leadership positions at Seattle Central, North Seattle and South Seattle College.

Peter Lortz, who will serve as interim president from Sept. 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, was appointed by Seattle Colleges Chancellor Shouan Pan. Lortz has served as vice president of instruction at South since January of 2015. Prior to that, he served as interim vice president of instruction, dean of the Math and Sciences Division and as a full- and part-time faculty member at North Seattle College. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Zoology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Washington Executive Leadership Academy and Powers of Leadership Retreat Series.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be taking on this role,” Lortz said. “I am particularly honored to follow in the great path that Gary Oertli has laid before South Seattle College.”

A national search will be conducted in the upcoming academic year to select South Seattle College’s next president.

The fall semester at SSC starts on September 25th.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 week to West Seattle Car Show 2017
August 19, 2017 3:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

One week from today, you’re invited to the 10th annual West Seattle Car Show, presented by West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsors)! 10 am-3 pm on Saturday, August 26th, it’s taking over the north side of the Puget Ridge campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), with vehicles old and new to admire, plus music – the Disco Cowboys, live! as well as a DJ – kids activities, vendors (not just vehicle-related – jams, jellies, and pickles too), plus food trucks – Double Up (Caribbean cuisine) is already confirmed. Check out SSC programs including Automotive Technology, which show proceeds help support, and the Northwest Wine Academy. As a co-sponsor again this year, we’ll be there too, covering the show as it happens, so come say hi. Spectators get in free.

P.S. It’s not too late to get your vehicle into the show – pre-registration has ended but same-day registration is available; find the form here – load-in starts at 8 am on show day.

P.P.S. Even if you’re not entering your vehicle, yours will be eligible for free leak inspections during the show courtesy of “Don’t Drip and Drive” as well as free bulb checks via “Lights On For Safety.”

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FOOD-GROWING FUTURE: Which way should Community Orchard of West Seattle go, to keep growing?
August 18, 2017 1:27 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Community Orchard steward Narcissa Nelson checking in on the crops)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As all gardeners know, what you grow and how you grow it – whether from seed or start – will change. Not always according to plan.

So it has been for the Community Orchard of West Seattle, which is at a turning point. It’s going on eight years since the seed for COWS started to sprout.

And that’s the length of the first lease COWS has had for land at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). It began on the campus’s south end, then moved to the northeast side.

The lease comes up in January, explains orchard steward Narcissa Nelson, and decisions need to be made.

One possibility that sprouted unexpectedly – though potentially, Narcissa says, serendipitously – is that the orchard could become a college project.

All along, one of the intentions for the eighth-of-an-acre plot has been that it would be involved with food security for the area. Eastern West Seattle is a known “food desert,” after all. Along with being a place for growing and harvesting food, the orchard has also been a teaching venue – including workshops on permaculture.

We talked with Narcissa this week at the orchard, within view of its espaliered apples (above) and raised beds growing everything from tomatoes to herbs to squash; earlier in the season, strawberries, collards, parsley, kale. She explained that the college has started a food-pantry program, with an interest in access to fresh food, and the need is increasing. This growing space could become part of that.

COWS already is part “giving garden,” with food harvested for and donated to the White Center Food Bank. Part of it also has been open for community “forage,” though its visibility is minimal – it’s between a fence and a forest, separated from the nearest public road – 16th SW – by SSC’s sprawling north parking lot.

What it really needs, Narcissa explains, is consistent support for maintenance. Student/school involvement could provide that.

In the early going, the thought was that COWS could become a large-scale food-production site for the community. Early involvement was strong, especially from Puget Ridge neighbors. But many of them, Narcissa has noticed, are now focused on growing their own gardens. “A lot of people who were inspired locally have moved on to their own thing, and it’s beautiful – we were a demonstration garden, hoping to inspire people.”

Another thing that has changed: The orchard at one point had a paid manager, funded by a grant. She moved away. What project funding there is, still stems from the original grant.

But the decisions to be made aren’t about money or a lack of it. They’re about the right future for the orchard/garden and its space, whether that’s as the Community Orchard of West Seattle or something else, Narcissa says.

It’s time, she says, for open discussion. “At one point, the community asked for this” (the orchard) – “a lot of people put work into it over the years. This is yours.”

So what do you think its future should be? For starters, you can weigh in via e-mail at info@fruitinwestseattle.org.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 month to 2017 West Seattle Car Show on August 26th!
July 26, 2017 12:47 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

We’re counting down to another big summer event – this year’s West Seattle Car Show is exactly one month away, 10 am-3 pm Saturday, August 26th. Once again this year, Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks are presenting the show on the north side of the South Seattle College campus; the show supports SSC’s Automotive Technology program. Many different types of vehicles are welcomed – if you haven’t been to the show, see our coverage from last year. Lots of reasons to visit in addition to seeing the show participants – live music, kids activities, food trucks, tours of SSC programs including the Northwest Wine Academy; more details soon. If you’d like to sign up to be part of it, get the pre-registration discount price by going here. That page also includes signup info for vendors and sponsors (whose logo can be on this year’s T-shirt if signed up by the end of this week).

(Note: Swedish Automotive, West Seattle Autoworks, and South Seattle College are all WSB sponsors; WSB is a co-sponsor of the Car Show.)

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HAPPENING NOW: See and hear what amateur-radio operators are up to as Field Day continues until 11 am Sunday
June 24, 2017 5:00 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: See and hear what amateur-radio operators are up to as Field Day continues until 11 am Sunday
 |   Fun stuff to do | Preparedness | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

It’s more than a hobby … amateur radio is vital to emergency preparedness in our area and many others, too. So – both to practice their skills and to offer a public view into how amateur radio works – International Field Day is under way right now, with local operators gathered in the south field on the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge through about 11 am Sunday.

You are invited to stop by any time before then (kids welcome too!) to see and hear how it works. While we were there, solar-power demonstrations were under way:

Just look for the antennas rigged in the field, and the tents nearby:

Lots more info here.

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UNTIL 6 PM: Seattle Chinese Garden Kite Festival on Puget Ridge
June 24, 2017 2:11 pm
|    Comments Off on UNTIL 6 PM: Seattle Chinese Garden Kite Festival on Puget Ridge
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

A decent north breeze is sweeping through the Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge, just in time for this afternoon’s Kite Festival, continuing through 6 pm.

Bring your own kite or buy one at the garden, which is on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). This is the festival’s fifth year; suggested donation for entry is $3; youth 17 and under are free.

Besides kite-flying, you’ll see demonstrations and entertainment; the latter is highlighted by the International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy, scheduled to perform 3-3:30 pm.

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YOU’RE INVITED TO LUNCH! Let a graduating culinary student cook for you
May 23, 2017 1:37 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Busy for lunch tomorrow? If not – and if you’re going to be in West Seattle or able to get here – we’ve been asked to share this unique invitation on behalf of a local culinary student:

We have an invitation for anyone interested to come join us at the Alhadeff Grill at South Seattle College for graduating student Solmi‘s capstone lunch on Wednesday, May 24th. Price is $15 for the following.

Choice of Appetizer:

– Chicken Wings and Asparagus with Baby Green Salad or
– Seafood Saffron Vol au vent

Choice of Entree:

– Seed-Crusted Rack of Pork with Cabbage-Cranberry compote or
– Cod with Artichoke

Dessert:

– Sweet Cherries with Kirsch Chantilly and Pistachio Ice Cream

Seating is limited. Call 206 934-5817 for reservations between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

For additional information – darrell.tsukiji@seattlecolleges.edu

So you’ll have to call tomorrow morning. SSC (a WSB sponsor) is at 6000 16th SW on Puget Ridge.

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GIVING BACK: Arborists’ gift to South Seattle College Arboretum
May 7, 2017 5:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news


(Roger Brown of Apical Tree Services, up in a giant poplar tree)

West Seattle’s own botanic garden just got a big gift from local arborists. Here’s the announcement from the South Seattle College Arboretum, accompanied by photos:

In celebration of Arbor Day, local arborists certified by Plant Amnesty took to the trees of The Arboretum at South Seattle College last week, providing some much-needed expert pruning services.

“I am so happy that this work is getting done,” says Mark Pollock, Arboretum Coordinator. “The value of these services is somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000. It’s a tremendous gift to us and we are very thankful.”

Plant Amnesty describes itself as “a 1000-member mock-militant nonprofit organization whose mission is to end the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs caused by mal-pruning.”

Established in 1987 by the late Cass Turnbull, the organization is devoted to educating the public about the proper way to care for trees and shrubs and to providing referrals to qualified arborists and landscape gardeners.

Every year in celebration of Arbor Day, Plant Amnesty arborists volunteer their time to prune trees for a good cause. This is the second year that they have chosen The Arboretum at South Seattle College for this benefit.


(From left, Roger Brown of Apical Tree Services, Darrin Kuebler of Thor Tree, Eric Matteo of The Tree Stewards, and Mark Harman, retired owner of Stonehenge Tree Services)


(From left, Dana Harper and Jory Virtue of Legendary Tree)


(L-R, Rich Appleton and Jack Bautsch from Plant Amnesty)

Arborists who donated their time this year were from:

Apical Tree Services
Fluent Tree
Grün Tree Care
Ira Ford Ecological Design
Legendary Tree Services
Major Tree
Symbiosis Tree Care
The Tree Stewards
Thor Tree

The Arboretum at South Seattle College is a 5-acre botanical garden that serves as a laboratory and workshop for students in the College’s Landscape Horticulture Program. The garden is also a destination for local residents both as an outdoor classroom and as a soothing escape from the city. The Arboretum has one of the best conifer collections in the United States and is designated as a Reference Garden by the American Conifer Society.

Find out more about the Arboretum by going here.

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THIS WEEKEND: Peony and Bamboo Festival at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge
May 4, 2017 8:55 pm
|    Comments Off on THIS WEEKEND: Peony and Bamboo Festival at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news


(Photo courtesy Seattle Chinese Garden)

“All is looking good for our festival this weekend,” Seattle Chinese Garden spokesperson Sandy Marvinney tells WSB, as they get ready for the rescheduled Peony and Bamboo Festival. “The garden should be at or close to full bloom this weekend!” The garden is at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge, and the festival is set to run 10 am-4 pm both days this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7). Here’s the latest update on the blooms; here’s the festival flyer. $5 suggested donation for adults; all ages are welcome to visit. The lion dance at 11:30 am Saturday will be a highlight; other activities continue all weekend. You’re advised to check seattlechinesegarden.org before you go, in case of schedule updates.

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SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE UPDATES: New Aviation Maintenance Technology partner; new-building construction progress
May 4, 2017 10:23 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two updates at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):

NEW PARTNER FOR AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM: SSC has announced that it’s been selected by Delta Air Lines “as an approved partner college in training future aviation maintenance technicians for careers with the global aviation company.” The AMT program is FAA-certified and has been training technicians since the 1970s. This is the second partnership between SSC and Delta, which launched a paid internship program there in 2014. The college’s announcement says that this means “Delta will also help recruit future AMT professionals to the program and look to hire South-trained graduates for positions in their global workforce.”

Meantime, here’s an aerial look at progress on the new building at SSC:

INTEGRATED EDUCATION CENTER UPDATE: Eight months have passed since we wrote about SSC’s Integrated Education Center project. After West Seattle pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen shared that recent photo of progress on the project, we asked SSC communications director Ty Swenson how it’s going. His reply: “We are still aiming to have the new IEC building ready to open for Fall Quarter, which starts September 25.” Read more about the new building here.

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