Door-to-door alert, WSB HQ edition
If you’re in Upper Fauntleroy, heads-up, you may get a doorknock from “Evans Glass.” At WSB HQ, it was a particularly energetic doorknock, er, door-pounding, moments ago. We don’t open the door to anyone, even in the interest of journalistic research; “sorry, we don’t deal with solicitors” was answered with “Oh, we’re not trying to sell you anything, we’re from Evans Glass” and we repeated “no thanks” (answered with a polite “OK”); coincidentally, we had just received a note from WSB’er Venkat, also in Upper Fauntleroy, saying they’d been at his door offering “free energy inspections” that online research suggests is a prelude to window sales.
Viaduct future: First data on “scenarios” to be released tomorrow
Just got word from the state that tomorrow, before the next meeting of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Central Waterfront Stakeholders’ Advisory Committee tomorrow afternoon, the media will be briefed on major new info that’s about to be presented to that committee — the first evaluation results of the 8 “scenarios” currently under consideration. The media alert notes that:
This set of evaluation results will include shading and views, transit access to the waterfront, and environmental issues. Because of the number of evaluation measures, data is being released as it is available. Using the complete set of evaluation results later this fall, teams from WSDOT, the City of Seattle, and King County will take the best elements from the tested scenarios to create two or three new scenarios for further evaluation.
As we did when the 8 “scenarios” were unveiled, we’ll report major developments “live” from the briefing, which is set for 12:30 pm tomorrow at Viaduct project HQ downtown.
Update on Red Cross volunteer request
UPDATE FROM ORIGINAL POST: When we first posted this a few hours ago, it was a forwarded request for volunteers to go help Hurricane Ike survivors. We have since been contacted by the source of the e-mail saying they are overwhelmed with volunteers and don’t need any more for what that solicitation specifically mentioned – but they DO have a different need:Read More
The next festival: Fauntleroy looking for volunteers
From Kim Petram, e-mailing about the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, coming up Sunday, October 19th, 2-6 pm, at Fauntleroy Church/Schoolhouse/YMCA:
This will be the 6th year of our free community festival. It has grown tremendously and this year we are expecting more than 1,200 people to attend.
There will be many of the favorite activities returning including the climbing wall, pony rides, pumpkin painting and lots of community performances and music. The wood project for the year will be a fun airplane to build and the main craft project will entail designing and painting the Metro bus stop kiosk panels for Fauntleroy.
More details to come – posters and signs will be up soon in the community.
Currently we are looking for volunteer support to fill a few slots still remaining. If you can volunteer 2 hours on the day of the event we would love to have you! Please contact terry@fauntleroyucc.org to sign up.
Crime Watch reader report: “Brazen mail thief”
Out of the WSB inbox from Lisa:
I just wanted to report witnessing a very brazen mail thief in West Seattle; we are on 42nd Ave. SW between Dawson & Hudson (just south of the Alaska Junction). On Monday, Sept. 22nd around 11 am we looked out the window to see a young man walking up to our neighbor’s door. Our dogs barked and he appeared to hesitate and walk back towards the gate, then after a few moments returned to the door. We then saw him leave the yard and cross the street. He walked a few doors down, then sat down and proceeded to open the outgoing mail he had taken from our neighbor’s mail slot. Apparently he didn’t find anything good because he dropped the mail on the ground and eventually made his way down the street. We called police and filed a report, including a description: white male, early 20’s, around 5’8” medium build, dressed like a normal young kid (black Easy Street Records t-shirt, white baseball cap, black backpack, jeans). Unfortunately, there were much more tragic things occurring yesterday, and the police were not able to respond until an hour or so later.
Our street does not have mailboxes, all of the houses use mail slots, so it was especially bold of this thief to walk all the way up to the house in full daylight to steal the outgoing mail, not to mention examining his loot just across the street. Either bold or dumb, we’re not sure which. We just wanted to send out a heads up in case our neighbors are in the habit of using their mail slots for outgoing mail. Going forward we will most likely be dropping ours at the Post Office.
Here’s the official US Postal Service advice on preventing mail theft. (That link can be found anytime in the Crime Watch page‘s resources section.)
Today/tonight: Quake drill; school out early; “Nickelsville” plea
QUAKE DRILL: A statewide earthquake drill is planned for 10:15 this morning, and EVERYBODY is urged to participate. Find out more about it here.
A CALL YOU MIGHT GET IF YOU’RE A SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARENT: In connection with the quake drill, SPS is sending out “test emergency calls” from its new SchoolMessenger system; a “random sample of 5% of … families” will get these calls; another 5% will get a “general announcement” version of test calls from the system.
SPEAKING OF SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Today is the first “two-hour early dismissal day” of the school year.
AND ONE MORE SCHOOL NOTE: Today’s the first monthly informal coffee hour that West Seattle’s school-board rep Steve Sundquist — 9 to 10 am, Coffee to a Tea with Sugar in The Junction; drop by to talk education issues.
GETTING OUT THE LONG-TERM-CARE-RESIDENT VOTE: That’s the topic of a major conference at Providence Mount St. Vincent today, 9:30 am-2:30 pm, with everyone in the local long-term-care community welcome to participate.
“NICKELSVILLE” UPDATE: Not much was reported on the second day of the homeless camp’s existence at Highland Park Way/West Marginal; tonight at 7 pm, organizers hope to rally “community supporters” as they count down the final hours till the city’s eviction notice kicks in at 5 pm Thursday.
West Seattle delegation gives Mexican village a reason to smile
That’s Tessa Code distributing toothbrushes and hygiene information in Mexico as part of a Fauntleroy Church trip this summer. While talking with Judy Pickens about the church’s ongoing centennial celebration — which includes tonight’s 7 pm showing of the documentary “The Fauntleroy Story: 100 Years of Community” (previewed here; you’re invited; showing’s in the Fellowship Hall; DVDs will be available) — she mentioned this trip, and we said we’d love to share the story with you:Read More
“Alcohol Impact Area” for South Delridge/White Center?
Just broke this story at our partner site White Center Now: King County Councilmember Dow Constantine‘s office has announced a discussion October 2nd about a potential Alcohol Impact Area in the White Center business district – and the announcement notes that since the district includes areas within Seattle city limits as well as unincorporated King County, authorities and community members on both sides of the line are invited – and that the concept of “adjacent AIAs in unincorporated King County and the South Delridge area” should be considered in the discussion. The discussion is set for 7 pm Thursday, October 2nd, during the regular meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council at North Highline Fire District headquarters. Read more here (the seventh news item today on White Center Now, with at least one more to come – newsiest day for our partner site since it launched seven weeks ago).
West Seattle Crime Watch: Sawed-and-stolen sign
(On the West Seattle border, anyway.) Just out of the WSB inbox from Vera at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor):
Hey- just to put the word out- last night someone stole our Village Green sign from the corner of Roxbury and 26th (map) – it was chained to the tree and they SAWED off the leg and stole the sign. I have the sawed-off piece. If anyone sees a sign around – probably lying on the side of the road somewhere…or being reused as a ‘newly made-over’ sign- please contact us- they are not cheap. Someone also had to have seen this event take place…sawing wood takes a minute or two…
California/Dawson pedestrian death followup: Victim, 92, identified
(Photo from Monday afternoon, while investigators worked at the crash scene)
One day after the deadly crash in the California/Dawson crosswalk south of The Junction, we checked with Seattle Police to get an update on the investigation and the people involved. First: Seattle Police media unit Officer Mark Jamieson tells WSB the victim was a 92-year-old woman; (this added 3:29 pm) the Medical Examiner’s office has just identified her as Rosemary MacCorkindale. Officer Jamieson also tells us the driver was a 77-year-old woman. Both are described as “Seattle residents.” As for whether the crash will result in a citation or charges, none so far, since the investigation is not complete yet, but Jamieson notes the driver did not appear to be “impaired.”
Alaskan Way Viaduct future: Two events this week
Last week, we mentioned a briefing planned this week by the Florida man who proposes the “Seattle Skyway” – an admittedly pie-in-the-sky, or road-in-the-sky – Alaskan Way Viaduct alternative. He called this morning to say that it’s open to the public – which hadn’t been noted before – so if you’re interested, it’s 6 pm tomorrow, Duwamish Room at Ivar’s Acres of Clams on the downtown waterfront (the room seats about three dozen, first-come first-served).
If you want to know what’s going on in the official review process for what will happen to the Central Waterfront section of The Viaduct, here’s the next place to be: 
Day after tomorrow (Thursday 9/25) is this month’s meeting of the people from all over the area who have been meeting as the Stakeholders Advisory Committee (including West Seattleites Pete Spalding of Pigeon Point and Vlad Oustimovitch of Gatewood). As was reiterated during the recent Viaduct briefing presented to the Southwest and Delridge District Councils (WSB coverage here), this committee is not making a decision or recommendation, but rather helping vet the possibilities (8 current “scenarios,” as we reported when they were first unveiled, soon to be narrowed to 3, then 1). You’re welcome at these meetings too – Thursday it’s at 4 pm, Bertha Landes Room at City Hall downtown (map).
Recent WSB coverage of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is archived here; the state has a prodigious amount of info available on the official AWV site here.
Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: CheapWineStore.com
We first mentioned West Seattle-based CheapWineStore.com when its liquor-license application went in last December (WSB report here), and now that it’s up and running, it’s 
joined the WSB sponsor team to get the word out. Here’s what its owner (photo left) wants you to know about the business: “Patrick Collins, a fellow West Seattleite, has launched a new online wine store, CheapWineStore.com. It has been created for the person who enjoys a great wine at reasonable prices, but is also interested in trying something new. CheapWineStore.com was created for the fun, unique wine drinker who enjoys trying new wines, but doesn’t really want to pay an arm and a leg for it. CheapWineStore.com will feature more than 10,000 different labels – from organic, to Washington wines, as well as ports and fine wines from all over the world. They are also offering free delivery in West Seattle for orders over $100. Patrick’s motto is: “Try something different–it’s just wine!” Patrick Collins, owner of CheapWineStore, is like many other West Seattleites. That is, he believes in giving back to his community. Therefore, Patrick also volunteers much of his time to many local charities including Northwest Harvest, the American Cancer Society, the Son Rise House and is donating a portion of the proceeds from every sale to our local animal shelter, the Animals First Foundation.” Thanks to CheapWineStore.com and all our sponsors for choosing to grow their businesses by advertising on WSB to let you know what they’re offering; our Advertise on WSB page is where you can see the latest on our traffic, plus the full list of current sponsors and how to find out about joining them.
Highland Park tonight: Crime report; “Nickelsville” vote; more
Before we get to the “Nickelsville” discussion at tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting – which ended in a way you might not have expected – the rest of the agenda, including a “thank you” to a popular policeman:
That’s HPAC chair Dorsol Plants presenting a certificate of appreciation to Southwest Precinct Community Police Team officer Adonis Topacio. CPT officers (read about them here) are each assigned to proactively work a certain area of the Southwest Precinct’s region, and Officer Topacio’s includes Highland Park, so he’s often at HPAC meetings to present updates (like this one) and listen to concerns. Tonight, he offered some crime stats from the past month and a half in the Highland Park area: Four auto thefts, 13 car prowls, 15 burglaries. Overall, though, he said it had been a relatively quiet summer, but added that police are working to deal with the recent wave of gang graffiti (WSB report here). Also on the agenda tonight, two reps from the White Center Community Development Association with a briefing on what’s going on with their organization – we’ll be writing up those details for partner site White Center Now and will link back here when that’s up. No major updates on the jail-sites issue, meantime, as the process is idling somewhat while Seattle awaits its potential partners to offer more suggested sites; Dan Mullins is trying to organize more Duwamish-corridor business owners to get involved with opposition to the WS sites and said a meeting with at least two City Council members is planned later this fall. Plants warned tonight’s attendees that if HPAC participation (about 20 people were on hand tonight) dwindles out of complacency, it raises the chances unpopular projects like this will turn up in the area. But the latest development at the potential jail site closest to Highland Park, “Nickelsville,” drew what some might consider a surprising reaction – read on to see why:Read More
What should be in the next Seattle Public Schools levy?
The school district is gearing up for a capital levy that’ll likely go to voters in February 2010, and starting meetings now to ask for input on what to ask voters to spend on. The first West Seattle meeting is set for October 10, West Seattle High School library, flyer here.
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