West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

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month : 11/2009 343 results

West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Theatrically thrilling edition
November 6, 2009 6:01 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

If you like live theater, your cup runneth over in West Seattle this weekend – and that’s why we call it theatrically thrilling. At right is a photo from “The Diviners,” which Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) is opening tonight at Youngstown Arts Center and describes as “the story of a disturbed young man named Buddy who holds the ability to divine water in a town where water and faith are in short supply. When a charismatic preacher who has lost his faith comes to town, the two outcasts find a common bond and help each other divine for truth, faith and hope.” Then, of course, the story takes a turn – you’ll just have to see for yourself. Also playing tonight (and tomorrow): “Invasion From Mars” at West Seattle High School, two final shows re-creating the classic radio drama, 7:30 both nights – and the theatrical trifecta is rounded out by ArtsWest with “Measure for Pleasure,” continuing this weekend. Also in store, great benefit dinner/auction events for Arbor Heights Elementary and Admiral Church … artists’ reception for the Community Art Show at Southwest Branch Library … the closing-weekend sale (and cat adoptions!) at All the Best Pet Care on Alki … More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More

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Admiral Safeway at Design Commission: 1 addition to the plan
November 6, 2009 2:20 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The architects working on the Admiral Safeway redevelopment project have made one big change since the project’s most recent Southwest Design Review Board session two weeks ago – one that answers repeatedly voiced criticism from citizen commenters as well as board members: They’ve added an entrance along the store’s west side on California SW. That was the big headline from Thursday afternoon’s presentation to the Seattle Design Commission, which has to sign off on Safeway’s request for an “alley vacation” – asking the city to give up an L-shaped path that you probably don’t even think of as an alley.


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The commission usually makes its decision in two sessions – reviewing the project’s “urban design” first time around, and the “public benefits” offered in compensation, the second time. Read on for details of the meeting:Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Don’t let it slide
November 6, 2009 1:33 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Tonight’s ferocious weather offers another chance for everyone to button up all that readiness in case of winter stormtastrophes — and gives us an excuse to remind you of the city’s Landslide Information Meeting this Saturday morning in West Seattle – 10 am at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) — full details here. If slides are even remotely a risk in your neighborhood – be there. ADDED 5:36 AM: One more way to get ready – today and tomorrow, 8 am-4 pm, free filled sandbags are available at Delridge Community Center, up to 25 for homeowners/business owners in floodprone areas – just drop by.

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High-school sports: Seattle Lutheran’s big win
November 6, 2009 12:45 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Senior night for Seattle Lutheran High School‘s football team, with players and parents introduced just before kickoff Thursday night at West Seattle Stadium. Though the weather calmed as the game progressed, that didn’t help Evergreen Lutheran, beaten by the Saints, 42-14. Seattle Lutheran’s Fred Lisko turned in the big play of the night. In the second quarter, Evergreen moved the ball steadily down the field, only to fumble on the five-yard line. Lisko recovered that fumble and ran straight down the sideline to score. The play pretty much reflected Evergreen’s night. Each time the Eagles made some progress, the Saints managed to wrangle the ball back. During the first half, the Saints managed to successfully hang onto the ball, despite the wind and rain. Here’s Alex Reese scoring the first touchdown of the night.

The win advances the Saints into the 2B playoffs, where they’ll meet Adna next week, details TBA. (For more play-by-play notes from Thursday night’s game, check out @wsblive, where we tweeted it as it happened.)

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West Seattle ways to help: Volunteer Recognition; Operation Chano
November 5, 2009 9:49 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Both reminders, but the clock’s ticking and you can make a difference:

WEST SEATTLE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: November 13 is the deadline to nominate someone to get big kudos for the important work they do – it’s the second round of West Seattle Volunteer Recognition, presented by the Southwest and Delridge Neighborhoods District Councils and WSB. Here are the basics of who’ll be honored (excerpted from our original late October announcement):

*2 individual volunteers from community/neighborhood-related group efforts
*2 individual volunteers from youth-related efforts
*2 individual volunteers from environment-related efforts
*1 group award

“Volunteer” means unpaid work, done for a nonprofit-type organization, facility, campaign (etc.), primarily serving West Seattle. And when you send your nomination – please remember that what you write is all the judges have to go on, so don’t hold back on describing the great work your nominee has done! The plan is to honor the recipients at the West Seattle Community Tree Lighting December 5, always well-attended, to make sure they get a hearty round of applause from the community that benefits from their hard work. So how do you nominate someone? You’re just a click away – here’s the online form.

Friday, Nov. 13, is the deadline – the form’s fairly short – suggest somebody now! Thanks. Meantime, another reminder:

2 DAYS TILL “OPERATION CHANO”: He’s taken some great photos you’ve seen here, and 2 of Christopher Boffoli‘s images from Italy – including the one above – are among the items up for grabs in the raffle for the Westenders Scooter Club-organized “Operation Chano” this Saturday, to help the family of Cafe Revo (WSB sponsor) co-founder Chef Sean “Chano” Goff (photo right). The ticket gets you pasta, music, and the featurette “Mondo Scooterama“, with the raffle featuring a variety of prizes — full details at westenders.org. 5 pm Saturday, Rainier Yacht Club.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Windy till midnight (or so)
November 5, 2009 6:49 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) proprietor Lora Lewis just sent that photo of a tree blown down by her shop in The Junction – she says it “just missed the parked car.” It’s going to be windy until at least midnight, according to the newest forecast – but still breezy after that, for the next few days. 11:40 PM: Serious sleet, and thunder in the distance, just now. The sleet itself came down for a moment or two here with a roar. Click to listen.

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Wondering who replaces Dow Constantine as your councilmember?
November 5, 2009 5:29 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

We asked this morning for information on the process to fill the County Council seat – representing West Seattle, White Center, Vashon Island and other areas – once Dow Constantine is sworn in as King County Executive on Nov. 24th. The info just came in – according to the process that’s being proposed, they’d be taking applications shortly for an appointed councilmember to serve until next year’s fall elections – read on for the details:Read More

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Election 2009: New numbers; McGinn still leads for Seattle mayor
November 5, 2009 4:41 pm
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 |   General Election 2009 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

King County Elections has just published its latest results, and the Seattle mayoral race hasn’t changed: Mike McGinn, 65172, 49.78%; Joe Mallahan, 64657, 49.38%. (Statewide, “yes” on 71 is further ahead of “no” than this time yesterday.) 5:18 PM: The Associated Press has officially declared Referendum 71 as having passed.

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Police officer’s murder: “Vehicle of interest” images & a “profile”
November 5, 2009 4:25 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(added 4:34 pm – car at left is the “vehicle of interest” police are seeking)
4:25 PM: Update to the photo we published earlier, showing a car similar to the one police think might be connected to Saturday night’s murder of Officer Tim Brenton – SPDBlotter now has details on the “profile” of who they are looking for, as well as images of the actual “vehicle of interest.” We’ll pull those out in a moment but right now, go here to see them. 4:36 PM: To help this get as wide exposure as possible, here’s the entire text of what’s on SPDBlotter:

While I cannot discuss all of our current investigation details and methods, please know that we are working with local, state and federal agencies to process all of the forensic evidence. There is no technology or resource that is not or will not be fully exploited in order to identify the individual (or individuals) responsible for this crime. As we continue in our efforts, we are calling for the assistance of the public to help us identify this subject or this group. We believe this subject engaged in recognizable behaviors and activities prior to, during and after the commission of this crime. He likely possesses certain traits and characteristics that would be noted by those around him.

His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training. He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them. These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies. In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.

After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form. This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight. It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210. It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.

After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it. He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting. Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.

On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight. If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.

He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past. This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure. Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance. We’d like to know what this grievance is. His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life. We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them.

He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry. We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.

While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group. What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime. In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer. If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety. We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.

Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.

We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident. Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you. You may contact us by the following ways: 206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES).

We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.

Below are images of the 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210. The color appears to be white or beige. These images were captured by Seattle Police Department in-car cameras of officers responding to Officer Sweeney’s call for help. The images were captured in the vicinity of the murder.

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Election 2009: Dow Constantine’s transition team announced
November 5, 2009 3:43 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   General Election 2009 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Photo by Mike Siegel/THE SEATTLE TIMES [WSB partner])
West Seattle-residing King County Executive-elect Dow Constantine has just announced his transition team – including another West Seattleite, Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis. Read on for the official announcement (p.s. regarding the main not-settled-yet race, Seattle Mayor, the next vote count should be out within an hour or so):Read More

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Photo of “type of car” sought in police murder investigation
November 5, 2009 2:32 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Just breaking this afternoon: Seattle Police are distributing this photo in connection with the shooting death of Seattle Police officer Tim Brenton. They are looking for a Datsun B210 car similar to this one shown in an online car advertisement. The vehicle may be connected with the Saturday night murder. Again, here’s how to get police information about the case (this is excerpted from SPDBlotter):

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000. Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637). Your text message should include “TIP486″ to ensure proper routing.

The reward fund has passed $100,000.

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In the holiday mood yet? 2 West Seattle notes
November 5, 2009 1:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

3 weeks till Thanksgiving and some holiday decorations are already up (passing by Morgan Junction Tully’s last night, we noticed stockings and lights) – holiday news to share too: First, Village Green Perennial Nursery is taking orders for trees – priced from $30 to $400 (11-foot Noble Fir) – with a percentage of the proceeds raising $ for Community School of West Seattle. Here’s the price list and how to order. Second, Susan Melrose from the West Seattle Junction Association talked a bit at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting (other SWDC stories here and here) about the upcoming Hometown Holidays celebration in The Junction: You can mark your calendar for the tree lighting on Dec. 5, three Hometown Holidays Sundays with carriage rides and Santa photos on Dec. 6/13/20, and a special “shop late” holiday West Seattle Art Walk night on December 10th. (Be sure to let us know about your holiday events so we can get them on the calendar – editor@westseattleblog.com or “share” them via Facebook, facebook.com/westseattleblog – thanks!)

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The Little Gym of West Seattle: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
November 5, 2009 11:53 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, The Little Gym of West Seattle, about to open at California/Myrtle (map). It’s WSB tradition for new sponsors to get the chance to share information about their business, so here’s what The Little Gym wants you to know: When new parents come to us and ask “why should I sign up for a class at The Little Gym?”, we ask them a very important question back- “What are you looking for in a program?” Some parents are looking for their children to learn fundamental motor and gymnastics skills, while other parents are looking for a class that emphasizes structured social interaction for their children. Others might want a place to take a class with friends in an environment that is fun and friendly, where they can connect and interact with other parents who have children of the same age. The reasons that people bring their children to The Little Gym are numerous, but the reasons that they stay with us have to do with both the dynamic teachers and the curriculum of our classes. We strive to create an environment of love, patience, respect, security and fun, while at the same time teaching real gymnastics skills from an early age that will get them started toward a healthy and active life. Our teachers are continually trained in both movement analysis and children¹s developmental milestones. Starting with babies at 4 months, and going through the age of 12 years old, The Little Gym gives children and parents a solid skill foundation that includes gross and fine motor skills, strength, coordination, balance, and a healthy dose of positive self image. We teach children to try their best, and that it is always ok to make a mistake – mistakes are how we learn and improve. We currently have 6 teachers from our other locations coming to teach at The Little Gym of West Seattle (3 are West Seattle residents!), and will continue to add more friendly faces as the program grows. Interested families are always welcome to join our program for a free introductory class, which they can either schedule over the phone at 206-937-0311 or online at www.tlgwestseattlewa.com. Our first week of classes will begin the week of November 9th, and our Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 21st from 2-5 pm – bring a food donation for West Seattle Food Bank!

On a side note, our computer system had an email address glitch in it for a few weeks in September. We did not receive e-mail inquiries during this time, and were only able to recapture some of the lost e-mails. If you inquired and did not get a response back, we are sincerely sorry for the problem and would love to hear from you again!

We thank The Little Gym of West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

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Early-morning Highland Park fire ruled accidental
November 5, 2009 11:24 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

While Seattle Fire investigators have their hands full with an arsonist in the North End (PhinneyWood coverage here), they have ruled NO foul play in an early-morning fire in Highland Park: The fire at a house in the 7900 block of 9th SW (map) was accidental, no injuries, damage estimated at $70,000. (Thanks to Diane for the tip.)

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West Seattle restaurant news: Angelina’s reopens tonight
November 5, 2009 10:54 am
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

That’s Allison Rich (thanks to Krista for the photo!), co-owner of the newly remodeled Angelina’s in Admiral (2311 California SW) – she just sent word that after several nights of “friends and family” dinner rehearsals, they’ve passed their inspections and Angelina’s will reopen to the public as of 5 pm tonight. Allison says it’ll be dinner only till Monday, when they add lunch. Allison and husband Skip Rich bought the restaurant from its longtime owners and did extensive remodeling inside, including adding a bar (here’s our story from halfway through the 2-month remodeling process). 1 PM UPDATE: Just went by for a couple photos:

(Note in the dining room photo, the chalkboard on the wall in the booth, as mentioned in our earlier story – they also have portable ones if requested for the non-booth tables.) The menu’s not online yet but we took a sneak peek at that – it does indeed include some old faves from the Trattoria days (tonight’s Fresh Sheet, for example, is topped by the chicken-and-hazelnuts fettucini, but also includes steak). Their website is just bare bones now, with more to come: angelinaswestseattle.com.

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Today/tonight: Admiral Safeway, neighborhood plans, HS sports
November 5, 2009 8:58 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

ADMIRAL SAFEWAY ALLEY VACATION: If you’re proposing a street or alley “vacation” – in which the public right-of-way is relinquished, for development or another reason – the Seattle Design Commission has to review your plan, including the “public benefits” you’re offering to make up for it. That’s why it’ll be looking at the Admiral Safeway redevelopment plan (here’s the most recent public presentation) today, 2 pm, Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall downtown.

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING – BE THERE! West Seattle’s 5 areas with official plans – Admiral, Delridge, Morgan Junction, The Junction, Westwood/Highland Park – did a stellar job of representing at the neighborhood plan status/update meeting on that sizzling July day at Youngstown. Tonight’s the next step – a meeting to review how that information was processed, whether you agree the “status check” represents where things stand in your neighborhood, and what happens next. The WS neighborhoods are sharing a meeting place with a few others, so this meeting is on Beacon Hill, 6 pm, Mercer Middle School (directions). You’re also invited to participate in this online questionnaire.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TONIGHT: In girls’ soccer, West Seattle High School is in the Metro third-place game vs. Lakeside, 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown; in varsity football, *Seattle Lutheran High School plays Evergreen Lutheran, 7 pm at West Seattle Stadium.

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North Delridge Neighborhood Council: Traffic projects & produce
November 5, 2009 2:34 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Health | Transportation | West Seattle news

From Wednesday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting: NDNC has prioritized the traffic projects it hopes the city will fund, and settled on a list to send to the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council for review – here are the top three:


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1. Delridge Way SW between Andover and Myrtle: Traffic calming by adding a median with trees and plants – cost between $6.8 and $8.3 million


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2. Brandon between 23rd & 30th: Sidewalk to continue across creek and up the hill – cost between $2 and $2.5 million


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3. Hudson between 26th and Puget Blvd: Add a sidewalk, as there is a school bus stop that serves 2 school buses — cost between $1.3 & $1.6 million

Before the group voted, discussion centered on a need for sidewalks, especially near bus stops – Metro as well as school buses – and in the areas where new townhouses have brought new density, and more people on foot. Also last night: Though the Delridge Produce Cooperative‘s “mobile market” experiment is over, the group is alive, well and looking for help in drawing up a business plan to create a storefront. DPC chief Galena White talked about the 525 surveys filled out during their four-week experiment, indicating high interest in locally grown organic produce being regularly available. The group meets 6 pm every Tuesday at Pearls on Delridge; online, you can find them here. And there was another reminder about Saturday’s Adopt-A-Street cleanup – show up outside Delridge Community Center (map) at 9:45 to get tools, supplies (and coffee!) – Nancy Folsom told the group they’ll have a drawing for a (Heart) Delridge T-shirt (as seen at right) from among those who show up.

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Friday night at the movies! Invitation for your family
November 5, 2009 12:53 am
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 |   Announcements

From Laura at CoolMom, word that they’ve got room left for you and your family to join them in getting into the holiday mood this Friday:

RESERVE YOUR FAMILY’S SPOT @ Family Movie Night Hosted by West Seattle CoolMom – Nov 6, 6:30-8:30pm, Camp Long. It’s FREE and appropriate for ALL AGES! But you have to call ahead and reserve space for your family (206.684.7434).

Magic School Bus Holiday edition – This movie is based on the books by Joanna Cole with illustrations by Bruce Degen. The animated holiday film features voice talent by Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. Basic plot: During a class trip to Murph’s recycling plant, Wanda’s toy soldier is accidentally turned into plastic pellets. Unable to get into the production of the Nutcracker ballet without her toy soldier, Wnda wishes for a world without recycling. Ms. Fizzle decides to show Wanda and the other children the importance of recycling by un-recycling everything in Walkerville. Plus other features.

Bring your blankets/pillows and dinner if you choose. Donations to help cover the cost of the space appreciated. Questions? Contact Laura Elfline, West Seattle CoolMom Coordinator, 206.715.0893.

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From Chief Sealth High School: IB Night report; dinner sellout
November 4, 2009 11:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tuesday night wasn’t just Election Night – at Chief Sealth High School, it was International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Night. From left, student ambassadors Alisha Dacus, Katie Marvin, Irene Idos, Natasha O’Rourke, Megan Korling, and Paul Duncan were among those there to answer questions. IB is a challenging academic program that’s in its third year at Sealth. Its courses are offered in junior and senior year, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead – the Sealth website even offers advice on what middle schoolers can be studying to prepare for IB. Meantime, as principal John Boyd (photo at right) told those in attendance last night, the school itself has grown tremendously too – 750 students when he started five school years ago; 827 last year; 1000 this year. Asked by parents what the new attendance boundaries (reported here last night) may mean to Sealth’s size, he said that’s not clear yet, but the renovated school on SW Thistle (where they’ll be moving back next fall after 2 years in the temporary Boren quarters on Delridge) will have a “functional capacity” of 1130. Two more Sealth notes: the Chief Sealth PTSA just announced that the November 12 Seahawk Spirit dinner/auction is sold out; also, if you haven’t seen it yet, the school newspaper the Southwester is now online – check out the latest edition, with opinion as well as reporting.

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Southwest District Council briefing on West Seattle Golf Course
November 4, 2009 11:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

The city is getting ready to spend $20 million on its golf courses over the next 20 years, and almost half that sum is designated for the West Seattle Golf Course, the Southwest District Council was reminded tonight. Deputy Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams attended the meeting to brief the SWDC on the status of plans for WSGC improvements (as discussed here in April). Williams said they’ll start pursuing the bond funding for the $20 million in January – leveraging the $1 million-plus profit the city’s golf courses make each year – and that’s also when he expects planning and design to begin for the first West Seattle project that’ll be teed up, a driving range (West Seattle is the only city golf course without one) against the hillside along 35th SW. Williams listed its cost at $4.5 million – that’s up from what was mentioned last spring, and says it’s slated to be built in 2011 after a year of planning and design that he promised will include meetings and other chances for public involvement. Also in the works, the $700,000 “perimeter trail” that will further connect the golf course with Camp Long, but Williams says it isn’t scheduled to be put in until the sixth or seventh year of the 20-year funding plan, and he says the clubhouse/crew facilities wouldn’t be built till “the end of the bond lifecycle.” Not good news, said Fairmount Community Association rep Sharonn Meeks – “that thing [current clubhouse] is falling down.” She also pointed out that nearby residents have concerns about the lighting for the driving range. One last note – Williams said West Seattle is under consideration for electric golf carts; it’s not just a matter of swapping out the carts, he explained, saying electric carts need special paths and a “cart barn” where they can plug in to charge up. (More info on golf-course improvement plans and the city’s Golf Course Master Plan can be found here.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: At least “they closed the door”
November 4, 2009 10:43 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From a resident who wanted to be anonymous, word of a burglary today:

My house was broken into 11/4/09 between the hours of 7:30am to 5:30pm. Burglar broke window on side of house through the alley. Took coins in jar and rummaged through closets and jewelry. Fortunately when they left, they closed the door, thus keeping my 2 beloved cats safe in the house. House is located on Genesee between 44th and 45th [map].

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Cyclocross controversy postscript: Parks Deputy Supt. at SWDC
November 4, 2009 9:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

Just back from the Southwest District Council meeting at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), where one of the guests was Deputy Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams. His main topic was an update on future West Seattle Golf Course improvements; we’ll write about that separately. After that briefing, he asked if anyone in the room — the council is made up of representatives from community groups and organizations around western West Seattle, which the city calls the “Southwest District” — had questions or concerns about the cyclocross controversy. (If you missed it – that was a bike race scheduled for Halloween in Lincoln Park, till the Parks Department canceled the permit with days to go after being contacted by upset community members.)

No revelations, but for the record, since the topic generated so much interest here originally (and spawned a couple of citywide media stories, here and here): First Williams recapped the background — saying Parks promised it wouldn’t allow those races in “natural-area parks” after a 2002 cyclocross race at Lincoln Park left some trails and turf at the park “utterly destroyed,” but that policy “got lost” in the bureaucracy somewhere until the granting of this permit came to the attention of “members of the community” who “reminded us of our commitment,” at which time, “five days before the event, we canceled it … The department was trying to keep a commitment we made to the community, trying to recognize that Lincoln Park is a natural-area park that needs to have uses compatible with its design as a natural-area park.”

One point of interest in his brief recap: He acknowledged that the cancellation announcement brought “a lot of e-mail from people who were upset on both sides … that kept us busy for a number of days.” The race promoters went on to have an event on Halloween after all, in White Center’s Lakewood Park; Williams says there’s one scheduled in Seattle, in Lower Woodland Park, for November 15.

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Remembering Officer Brenton: West Seattle HS friends gather
November 4, 2009 6:21 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

Photos and memories are being shared at Pegasus on Alki right now during the event previewed here this morning – West Seattle High School Class of 1988 alums gathering to remember their fellow ’88 alum Officer Tim Brenton, the first Seattle police officer murdered in the line of duty in 15 years. Those at the gathering when we stopped by (along with a couple TV stations) included, from left, Julie Gossard, Pegasus general manager Clara Doray, Rick Antonelli and Eileen de Guzman:

They’re collecting donations for the Brenton Family Assistance Fund (details here) and also have a donation box set up on the Pegasus counter:

Clara said they all used to hang out together in high school, and getting together seemed like a natural thing to do. They’re talking about the possibility of some kind of ongoing memorial, but it’s just in the idea stages right now. Rick told us he first heard the name go by on TV over the weekend – (Officer Brenton was identified at the Sunday afternoon briefing, 17 hours after the shooting) and went online to see if it was the same guy he remembered from high school – finding out it was, they all said, gave them chills. Their gathering is scheduled to continue at Pegasus till 9 tonight.

Meantime, today’s developments in the aftermath of the murder include: The reward is now up to $105,000 (more details on the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild website); the ambush survivor, Officer Britt Sweeney, has asked to return to work (here’s the Central District News story – also, you can join a new Facebook group, Support Officer Britt Sweeney); and, as noted here earlier, the procession route to precede Officer Brenton’s Friday memorial has been announced.

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