West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

39℉

month : 03/2008 311 results

West Seattle Crime Watch: Gatewood car break-ins
March 27, 2008 12:31 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news


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Thanks to Matt for sending this alert circulated on a Gatewood list:

“We received two emails from folks around Heights Place SW & 41st Ave SW (2 blocks east of California; area shown on map at left) and both had cars broken into last night. One just rummaged through glove box but the other had a checkbook stolen. One also reported their neighbor had his SUV stolen last week.”

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Get that sinking feeling when you drive on The Viaduct?
March 27, 2008 11:33 am
|    Comments Off on Get that sinking feeling when you drive on The Viaduct?
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

The results of last weekend’s inspection are out a day early. Here’s the full text of the news release from the state Department of Transportation – which says The Viaduct’s still sinking, good thing they’re shoring up columns (as featured in WSB video last month):Read More

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Guess what! We’re downtown!
March 27, 2008 11:29 am
|    Comments Off on Guess what! We’re downtown!
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Thanks to Sue for sending the link to the Seattle Condo Tour, with a “Downtown Seattle Tour” coming up April 5-6, and featuring … Sylvan Ridge Townhomes (High Point) and West Water (Morgan Junction) … and even Burien Town Square. Participants will shuttle from Fisher Plaza downtown.

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“Micropermitting” site now has a name
March 27, 2008 10:30 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

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The teardowns-to-townhouses complex going up in the 3400 block of California now has a name: Madison Heights, per the new sign shown above (which promises “luxury living”). This is what used to be there:

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It’s one of the sites discussed in this “micropermitting” post that got citywide attention. P.S. Slightly north of this site, in case you were wondering, no decision yet in the Hinds-to-Hanford “upzoning” proposal.

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Saving Fauntleroy Schoolhouse: 3 months to make a plan
March 27, 2008 6:46 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

schoolhousefoto.jpgThey’re not ready to ask for your money yet – but they’re asking for ideas, and optimism. Board members of the Fauntleroy Community Services Agency convened a community meeting last night to lay out where things stand with Seattle Public Schools‘ decision to sell Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (one of five former schools now declared “surplus”) and FCSA’s hope of buying it — and it’s going to be a challenge, to say the least:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Still fairly quiet
March 26, 2008 10:08 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

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First, a photo – this one from Mac, who asked this Seattle Police traffic officer for permission to take his picture – he obliged, then wished Mac a “good day” before zooming off to write a ticket. Not too much else happening in police-land according to our most recent review of reports at the Southwest Precinct:Read More

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It’s snowy-slushy-sleeting out there
March 26, 2008 8:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle weather

While driving back from the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse meeting moments ago, we spotted something we hadn’t seen in a loooong time – big wet snowflakes smacking against the car windshield. At least here in Upper Fauntleroy. And you? 8:49 PM UPDATE: Should have checked the forum first, Todd says it was snowing in Westwood as of 20 minutes ago. 8:52 PM UPDATE: Forecast says the “showers mixed with snow” could continue into tomorrow. 10:12 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Todd for the photo!

cutekidsnowpic.jpg

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Park-strategy plan’s out – now it’s your turn to review it
March 26, 2008 7:11 pm
|    Comments Off on Park-strategy plan’s out – now it’s your turn to review it
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We told you March 10 about another round of city Parks Department public meetings heading this way to gather thoughts on the new Strategic Action Plan, developed after the first round of meetings (WSB coverage here) late last year. The draft plan is online (here), and that’s not all:Read More

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The big picture: Junction/”Triangle” development at a glance
March 26, 2008 3:53 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news


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With BlueStar‘s announcement today of Gateway Center (earlier WSB coverage here), seemed like a good excuse to put together a clickable map of what’s been announced in the area so far. Each spot on the map will click to a brief description of what’s happening there plus a link to our most recent report about it, if applicable. We added some of the real estate that’s up for sale in the area. Certainly more parcels than this are in play (lots more ex-Huling/Gee land, for example), but this is a start. We’ll add to it as it goes and find it a home of its own soon, but here’s version 1.0.

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Another Alki restaurant site listed for sale (at least, its building)
March 26, 2008 2:23 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

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We broke the news here 2 1/2 weeks ago about the Homestead being up for sale (the business, not the building). Today while researching West Seattle development/real estate for an upcoming update on this morning’s Gateway Center announcement, we happened onto this: The Duke’s on Alki building, described as “10-year lease to Duke’s Chowder House on the main two floors plus unique penthouse,” listed at $3,950,000. Just left a message at Duke’s HQ to see if we can find out more. THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE: Got a message back from Duke Moscrip himself; he stresses, THE RESTAURANT IS NOT FOR SALE – just the building. Duke’s, he says, is expanding its “concept” to more locations elsewhere (and in fact, a liquor-license application has just been filed for the Southcenter location he mentioned) but is not selling the actual Alki restaurant, just the building.

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Coyote sighting in Upper Fauntleroy
March 26, 2008 1:58 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle 101 | West Seattle news | Wildlife

“West Seattle 101” author Lori Hinton just saw one running down her Upper Fauntleroy street. “Right past a ‘Coyote Warning’ sign,” she adds. (By the way, we will add two more pages tomorrow to our new “West Seattle 101” section featuring selections from Lori’s book – including a spotlight on one of WSB readers’ favorite restaurants – look for the official announcement in the morning.)

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West Seattle locksmith arson victim’s sign of thanks
March 26, 2008 12:59 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

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As reported here Monday night, Puget Sound Key and Lock owner Michael Dein said at the fundraiser organizing meeting that he would affirm his rebuilding promise by putting up this banner – and today, we got the photographic proof. (If the text isn’t entirely clear on your browser, it says “Thank you, West Seattle, for your love and support/WE ARE REBUILDING/Donations can be made at Wells Fargo Bank to Puget Sound Key and Lock Fund.” That, of course, is the donation account set up by the WSB Forum members who are planning the fundraiser – date and place still being worked out – if you want to get involved, check out this forum thread – organizers also are looking for auction items. Meantime, still no word from police on arrests or big breaks in last Friday morning’s arson, but it’s a priority for the Arson and Bomb unit; if you have any information, call 911 or the arson hotline (800-55-ARSON).

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Happening tonight: Future of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse
March 26, 2008 11:52 am
|    Comments Off on Happening tonight: Future of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

On the night the Seattle School Board votes on a new “surplus property” policy, the Fauntleroy Community Association invites everyone interested in the future of one of those properties, the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, to gather there tonight, 6:30-8 pm, The Hall @ Fauntleroy.

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Breaking news: BlueStar to build on ex-Huling showroom site
March 26, 2008 9:48 am
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

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This just in from BlueStar (which also provided the rendering shown above – we’re heading out for a different angle on the existing building so you can better compare the before/after):

BlueStar Management, Inc., of Shoreline, Washington announced today plans for “Gateway Center,” a mixed-use project to be developed on a one-acre site at the northeast corner of Fauntleroy Way and SW Alaska St. (adjacent to 39th Avenue SW).

The site is directly across the street (39th Ave. SW) from Fauntleroy Place, another BlueStar Management, Inc. project set to break ground in May, 2008. Fauntleroy Place will feature Whole Foods Market, Hancock Fabrics and 170 apartment homes.

BlueStar is also the developer of Spring Hill, a mixed-use development at the 5000 block of California Ave. S.W. in West Seattle, which is currently in the permitting phase.

Preliminary plans for Gateway Center include more than 100 residential units along with 47,000 square feet of commercial space on two floors. Marketing for the commercial space is underway.

Gateway Center Fast Facts*:

-6-Story building (four floors of living space above two levels of commercial)
-3 floors of underground parking (250 individual stalls)
-100+ residential units
-47,000 sq. ft. of total retail
-Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2009
-Completion expected in early 2011
-Commercial leasing is available now!
-Contact for leasing – Robert Mitchell, Associate Broker, 206-455-1165

*(subject to change)

ADDED 10:20 AM: The logo on the rendering is for Collins Woerman, which is also the current architect on Fauntleroy Place (here’s BlueStar’s page for that project). If you haven’t read before about Spring Hill, which is also mentioned in BlueStar’s press release above, here’s our most recent coverage. We’re now working on a “roundup of announced West Seattle megaprojects” to post later today, since it’s now getting to be almost difficult even for us to keep up with, and we track ’em (among other news) for a living!

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Semi-secret shows of the year: Eddie Vedder @ Kenyon Hall
March 26, 2008 6:17 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

kenyonhall.jpgThanks to Greg for pointing out the Pearl Jam message board thread on this. Not like we travel in rock ‘n’ roll circles or anything, so it’s news to us and maybe to you too: West Seattle’s Most Famous Musician, Eddie Vedder, played Kenyon Hall (35th just south of Kenyon) the last two nights. The fans are particularly abuzz about the limited-edition poster (you can see it here; also, somebody’s already selling one on eBay).

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From our food banks: Boss bidding; nutritionist needed
March 25, 2008 10:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

First, The Boss – it’s been mentioned here before but time’s almost up: Bid on two tickets to see Bruce Springsteen Saturday and get into the E Street Lounge – proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. Bidding ends 6 pm tomorrow (Wednesday); place your bid here. Second, the other food bank that serves WS, the White Center Food Bank, has a sudden need for a nutritionist – WCFB boss Rick Jump e-mailed WSB looking for one who can volunteer Wednesday mornings:

I have just learned that our current nutritionists are unable to continue the cooking classes at the WCFB. … Cooking demos are held Wednesday mornings from spproximately 10 am to 11 am. Volunteers take product from the food bank, develop a nutritious recipe & type it out, demonstrate how to prepare it and then offer clients a sample to taste. This program has been extremely popular with our clients. A current food-handlers permit is required. Volunteers may volunteer one or more days per month. Interested persons should contact Rick Jump at 206.762.2848 or by e-mail at rjump_wcfb (at) yahoo.com.

When we interviewed Jump for this video feature on WCFB, he told a great success story about those recipe demonstrations — how the nutritionists managed to take an unpopular donation of figs and turn it into a smash hit by creating a granola recipe. You can be the next creative chef to follow in their food-steps.

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Local students ready for “An Inconvenient Ride” — cross-country!
March 25, 2008 7:02 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle schools | West Seattle video

That’s Sydney Fuller, a Gatewood Elementary student who’s about to join 5 Chief Sealth High School students – and some adult chaperones – on the bicycle ride of a lifetime. Under the title “An Inconvenient Ride,” they’re going to spend three weeks bicycling across the country (here’s their route) as an “environmental-awareness project,” returning home for a triumphant arrival on Earth Day — April 22nd — at a Benaroya Hall benefit for Project Earth Care, in which students from the schools already have been cooperating:Read More

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California/Alaska/42nd project: Local leaders meet developers
March 25, 2008 4:45 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

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Spent the lunch hour today at a gathering in The Junction where reps from Conner Homes — developers of the upcoming buildings @ California/Alaska/42nd (city map above) — met local leaders, to start keeping their promise of making the rounds to talk about the megaproject, and to listen:Read More

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Next step for West Seattle Walking Trails
March 25, 2008 2:13 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

walkmapgrab.jpgWe first told you one month ago about the West Seattle Walking Trails project, as the map was made public for comment — now, Chas Redmond e-mails to say it’s time for the next step, development of wayfinding kiosks — and today, there’s a call for artists. Read on:Read More

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2 new education businesses in West Seattle
March 25, 2008 12:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two announcements to share with you – one for a new Spanish-language preschool, another for a new tutoring service that addresses attention-span issues as well as conventional tutoring and ESL work – full details ahead:Read More

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Interested in tech & “social change”? Event tonight
March 25, 2008 11:31 am
|    Comments Off on Interested in tech & “social change”? Event tonight
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway

It’s not in West Seattle but your editor here is on the panel (along with folks from the Times and P-I) and in case it’s a topic of interest, we’re mentioning it briefly here: Net Tuesday tonight in Belltown; here are full details.

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Update: Power outage (and lengthy repairs) explained
March 25, 2008 10:57 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

citylight.jpgWe have new information on last night’s power outage – which, as discussed in comments on the original report, continued well into the night for some. City Light spokesperson Scott Thomsen explains repairs were particularly difficult: “The outage started Monday about 6:50 p.m. when a car crash near the corner of 4th Avenue and 96th Street took out two utility poles. In addition to the downed lines, the damage involved four or five transformers. Repair crews had to replace both poles, the transformers and rework the overhead lines for the street. Power was routed around the damage to restore service to as many customers as possible. We still have 51 customers without power while the crews are hanging the last of the new overhead lines. We expect full restoration about noon.” 4th/96th is in unincorporated King County (here’s a map) but still within City Light territory.

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So you wanna be a star? Two new things to try
March 25, 2008 10:11 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

First: C & P Coffee is hosting an April Fool’s talent show – no foolin’! – 6-8 pm 4/1, to support Gatewood Elementary. Families welcome; sign up at C & P or click to e-mail. Second: Twelfth Night Productions is kicking off opening night of its next play, “Deathtrap,” with a Dyan Cannon lookalike contest. (The former West Seattleite turned movie star, previously known as Diane Friesen (Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu 1955!), starred in the movie version in the early ’80s. From that same era – since we couldn’t find a free-use photo of her, we found this early ’80s YouTube clip (a tiny bit risque’) of Cannon with TV legend Johnny Carson:

Back to the lookalike contest – it’s planned for 7:15 pm Friday, “Deathtrap” opening night @ Youngstown Arts Center. How to enter, you ask? From the Twelfth Night announcement:

To enter the contest, please e-mail a photo of you as Dyan Cannon, as well as your name, age, phone number and e-mail address to Twelfth Night Productions, janeatay (at) msn.com. Both men and women are encouraged to apply.

The contest winner will be awarded the title “Miss West Seattle of 1955 of 2008.”

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