West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
If you’re in eastern West Seattle, or somewhere close to Boeing Field, you might have seen/heard a familiar summertime sound today – yes, that was a Blue Angels jet (the two-seater #7); here’s KING5 video with the proof. Seafair says pilots #7 and #8 were here for the annual winter briefing meetings. This year’s air show is set for August 6-8.
Seattle Public Library has officially announced the new hours/schedules that take effect February 3rd because of city budget cuts. As part of the changes, two West Seattle libraries will change to five-day-a-week schedules, while the other two will be open seven days a week. As of February 3, Delridge and High Point will be the 5-day-a-week branches, with hours 1-8 pm Mondays-Tuesdays, 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays-Thursdays, 11 am-6 pm Saturdays, closed Fridays and Sundays. Southwest and West Seattle (Admiral) will be the 7-day-a-week branches, with hours 10 am-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-6 pm Fridays-Saturdays, 1-5 pm Sundays. The full citywide list is here.
That photo’s from last year’s “Have a Heart Day” fundraiser at longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design – where they’re now making appointments for this year’s “Have a Heart Day.” This year, all proceeds from haircuts that day (men’s and women’s, but according to Illusions, “no chemical services”) will go to West Seattle Food Bank – they choose a different charity every year. They’ll also collect canned-food donations, and people who bring one in will get a chance at a “special retail promotion.” One thing different this year – Have a Heart Day is on a SATURDAY – this is the 17th annual event, and it’s always been the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, but since the Super Bowl is on that day this year, “Have a Heart Day” is on Saturday 2/6 instead, 10 am-3 pm. Prices will be $5 off regular cost; ALL proceeds go to the WS Food Bank – the staff is donating their services for the day. You must have an appointment, and you can call right now to make one – 206-938-3675. Heather at Illusions adds, “We like to limit the amount of credit card usage for this day so cash & checks are preferred.” More info if you scroll down this page on Illusions’ site.
Shannon Schinagl and the rest of the team at the Delridge Branch Library are excited about a new addition just announced for the library’s free Story Time lineup. For the first time, they’re offering Vietnamese Story Time, four Saturday mornings 11:15-11:45, starting January 15. Here’s the flyer, in Vietnamese and English.
Just in from the mayor’s office – a city official from Renton is coming to work in Seattle as the successor to Department of Transportation director Grace Crunican, who announced her resignation nine days ago – read on for the announcement:Read More
E-mail asking “what’s that ramp being built alongside the West Seattle Bridge?” reminded us it’s been a while since the last formal update on the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. The first phase involves that ramp you can see while driving the stretch of The Bridge between 99 and I-5; it will bring traffic off the eastbound bridge onto 4th, with one lane turning southbound (toward Costco), the other turning northbound (toward SODO and downtown). When we checked in with SDOT to ask about a construction photo – receiving the ones you see in this story – Marybeth Turner shared the brand-new mailer that should land in 35,000 West Seattle and SODO mailboxes today and tomorrow. In it: Dates are set for some key closures related to the projects – including one that’s happening sooner than first announced:
(date updated at noon) JANUARY 22: That’s when the two-phase shutdown of the rest of lower westbound Spokane Street will begin — first the road will be closed between 6th and 4th Avenues South; then February 1st, the closure will extend to East Marginal Way. SDOT says the closure will continue until the project is complete in 2012; the westbound side is where the new structure, doubling the width of the Spokane Street Viaduct, will be built.
(date updated at noon) JANUARY 22: The second major shutdown is a permanent one – the offramp to 4th Avenue South from the westbound SSV will be closed and demolished.
MAY: The exact date isn’t finalized yet, but this is when the ramp from 1st/Spokane to the westbound bridge will be permanently closed. Once that happens, until the new 1st Avenue South on/offramp is ready in late 2011, you will have to use either I-5 or 99 to get onto The Bridge.
SDOT also says you’ll see lane closures from time to time along the way, and temporary ramp closures such as one coming up January 22-24, 10 pm-6 am each night, from southbound I-5 to The Bridge. It’s not all about shutdowns, though – this summer, eastbound lower Spokane Street will reopen, and this fall is when the new 4th Avenue ramp will be ready to go.
This is all detailed in the flyer that’s just been mailed; if you don’t want to wait for it, you can see the whole thing here. (Our archived coverage of the Spokane Street Viaduct project is here.) NOON UPDATE: The city has sent a formal announcement of all this to media – and has already changed a couple of dates this morning; SDOT now says the 4th offramp and lower Spokane from 6th to 4th will all close on the same date, January 22. Read on to see the latest construction schedule from the news release – and note, these changes were made AFTER the aforementioned mailer went out, so they supersede what you will see if/when you get it:Read More
(Photo by Guy Smith – debris on west Alki after Tuesday’s 13+ foot high tide – another 9:08 am today)
It’s the busiest day/night so far this new year. Among the highlights:
FAIRMOUNT PLAYGROUND PROJECT, MEETING #2: 6:30 tonight, it’s the second of two public meetings to talk about what’s in store for the playground at Fairmount Playfield, earmarked for an overhaul thanks to $170,000 from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy. Safety and accessibility improvements are the main goals of the project, but the overall design is up for public discussion and that’s what tonight is about. Here’s our coverage of the first meeting; the official notes are on the city webpage for the project. Tonight’s meeting is at High Point Library (35th/Raymond).
BE GREEN WHILE YOU CLEAN: Tonight’s the hands-on demonstration event that CoolMom is presenting at Bridge Park – they dub the format “make and take.” 7 pm; RSVP via Evite.
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from neighborhood and community groups all around the western half of the peninsula meet at 7 tonight for the first time in two months, with the agenda including a transit discussion featuring SDOT reps, plus council co-chair Chas Redmond’s presentation on the West Seattle Tool Lending Library, a project that Sustainable West Seattle is spearheading. Since the last SWDC meeting, by the way, Redmond and Jim Del Ciello, who represents Admiral on the council, have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively, of the City Neighborhood Council. SWDC meets in the board room at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor).
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Scheduled for 6:30 pm, Delridge Library. Last time around, in December (WSB coverage here), the group started talking about setting up committees focused on specific neighborhood issues.
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: As noted a few days ago, tonight’s agenda as the board meets at 6 pm at district HQ in SODO (map) includes finalizing details of this fall’s transition to the new Student Assignment Plan, as well as other action items such as approving the sale of more of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse property. (If you can’t be there in person, the meeting will be on cable channel 22.)
“THREE AMIGOS”: The movie series at Freshy’s Coffee (2735 California SW) resumes tonight with comedy cinema – 7 pm. Here’s the event listing on Facebook.
Even more events for today/tonight can be found on the WSB West Seattle Events page, including yoga and Tai Chi classes this morning.
Actually, they’re looking for nominations for THREE awards this year – and one is brand new. Here’s the pitch, from Shannon Felix of Avalon Glassworks, on behalf of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:
Call for Nominations – West Seattle Business of the Year, Community Hero, and Westsider of the Year
Now is your opportunity to honor those who have made an outstanding commitment to West Seattle. Nominations are now being accepted for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Community Hero, and Westsider of the Year for 2009.
Your Business of the Year nomination should be for a West Seattle Chamber Member which best exemplifies West Seattle’s high standards of excellence. Past recipients include Elliott Bay Brewery & Pub, Tom’s Automotive Service, and Avalon Glassworks.
The Community Hero award is any West Seattle resident who has continually contributed selflessly to West Seattle. Past recipients include Jerry Robinson, Warren Lawless, and Earl Cruzen.
The Westsider of the Year is a new award designed to honor fresh faces who are improving West Seattle. Who is an upcoming community role-model? Tell us!
E-mail your nominations by January 12, 2010 to Patti Mullen, pmullen@wschamber.com.
The 2009 Chamber Award winners will be honored April 7, 2010 at the Annual Awards Breakfast at Salty’s on Alki. For more information, contact the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 206-932-5685, or visit wschamber.com.
The nomination form is on the Chamber website – direct link (PDF) here.
Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There’s news about two Alki Beach businesses we wrote about in October, Boat Saigon Café at 2632 Alki SW, and Red Nails salon (initially known as Alki Beach Nails) around the corner at 2648 59th SW.
Nhung Tran, who owns both businesses along with her sister Thu Tran, tells us that Boat Saigon Café should open mid-January. Meanwhile, the Trans may be selling Red Nails, which has been open since November.
First, the arrest. Seattle Police announced tonight that 26-year-old Shane Carlson is back in custody; he’s the suspect wanted in connection with more than 30 medical- and dental-office break-ins around the city, including West Seattle. Police released his photo in November; tonight, this SPDBlotter update says he’s been arrested in Eugene, Oregon. Meantime, two Crime Watch reports came in today – first, from Elizabeth in Westwood:
Last night, the Village Square condos across from Westwood Village were hit again by a car prowler. We were notified by the association president around 11:00pm, and it had just happened – he was inside for maybe half an hour before he left again and noticed the glass. The driver side window was smashed and the back seat was pulled out to get to the trunk. After we were hit the last time (see here: westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=21064), we stopped keeping anything in the car, so there was nothing to take. A neighbor actually saw the guy, and said he was mid-height, Caucasian, kind of chubby, and had dirty blond hair pulled into a ponytail and was driving a green sedan. The cops said a guy matching this description has hit a number of cars in the area, so be on the lookout.
And from Ian in North Delridge:
Just had a car cover stolen off my car this morning just before 7 am (they were caught on camera). This is at Youngstown on the North end of Delridge. Kind of troubling that somebody would try to steal something would take a little bit of time to grab from a place with 40 people living right above and people right about to get to work. If anyone saw somebody carrying a bulky white fabric object to a car on Delridge right before 7, please contact me or the police. It’s not a high-ticket item, but the car needs protection against the spread of rust, so I’ve got to buy another now when that money would have gone towards the car.
Last but not least, the following was posted as a comment on a Crime Watch story that’s a week old, so you probably haven’t seen the comment. It’s a response of sorts to another comment in the thread, which was itself a burglary report not necessarily related to the original story – that happens sometimes with Crime Watch stories. So for context, here’s the New Year’s Day comment by “jmo“ noting a burglary; and today, from “mom of jmo“:
My daughter posted our burglary while we were away before we returned. 2 Laptops were stolen and my jewelry box. I am thankful that the thieves did not destroy the house. I want to make a proposition to the thieves! You by now have figured out that the jewelry you stole from me has no real value….just to me for the memories some of the pieces hold. There is a large porpoise bracelet…a little unusual, huh?? If you would return the jewelry box and contents to me I will pay you $1000., no questions asked. I would just like to have my things returned. So you figure out how to do it!! Hopefully you read this blog or have a friend who does!! Oh, and by the way..you stole my husband’s electric toothbrush. Don’t use it!!! I would regret anyone catching his disease!! And also, we have 2 large, very mean dogs when someone enters the yard. Lucky for you they were boarded. We are not going to board them again but rather leave them outside when we are gone (don’t worry readers they have warm cover and beds). Thieves, please don’t make the mistake of returning!!
Credit for the tip on this story goes to this comment (from “amused“) on yesterday’s report about changes at City Hall:
A spokesperson for new City Attorney Pete Holmes confirms that the office’s Southwest Precinct liaison, Beth Gappert, is moving. According to Kathy Mulady, Gappert is moving to the office’s Vice section (the assistant city attorney in that section is moving to supervise the Domestic Violence division). She says John McGoodwin, liaison for the South Precinct, will also handle the Southwest Precinct, though how that will be divided, “he is still figuring out.” (We are working on a follow-up interview.) Mulady says the East and West Precincts also will be covered by one assistant city attorney, Jim Kenny, and adds, “There is some moving around of positions, but Pete Holmes is well aware of the value of the precinct liaison program and respects the work the attorneys do in the community.” This is a big change for the Southwest Precinct, where Gappert worked closely with police on many cases, and also was a familiar face at monthly meetings of groups including the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council and South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition. She arrived at the SW Precinct in April 2007.
(Side note – if the name Kathy Mulady sounds familiar, she is a West Seattleite who worked for the P-I till it went online-only, and also did some reporting for WSB last year before going to work for Holmes.)
Last June, we published that photo with Ron Richardson‘s followup story on the $3.8 million sale of the historic Laurentide estate in Fauntleroy. Today, the folks at Estately flagged us to their list of the 25 biggest Seattle real-estate sales of 2009, and the Laurentide transaction is one of two West Seattle deals on the list. The other is 1114 Sunset, a $2.8 million sale on Estately’s list; we mentioned that property as a $3 million foreclosure last July. See where they ranked, and what else is on the Seattle Top 25, by going here.
(Side note: If you are interested in real estate, two local experts just rejoined the WSB sponsor team this week – Alice Kuder, who’s sponsoring the Crime Watch page, and Roger Steiner.)
Shared by Ron Angeles, Delridge Neighborhoods District coordinator for the city:
Get connected to your neighbors and businesses in Cottage Grove and Youngstown and create a safer and healthier neighborhood. A community meeting will be held at the Delridge Library to learn how to organize an effective block watch group near your home. Benjamin Kinlow, Crime Prevention Coordinator, Southwest Police Precinct will provide tips on how to work effectively with the Seattle Police Department. Please share this information far and wide. Hope to see folks next Monday, January 11th, 6:30pm at the Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge Way SW).
(And you can follow that up with the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council’s next meeting at 7 pm January 19th, SW Precinct.)
Though we just updated the King County Water Taxi dock work at Seacrest Pier early this morning, it’s worth another note: The county announcement last week had said the fishing pier was expected to stay open, it was CLOSED when we were over at Seacrest a little while ago. The crane/barge work is so close that it’s easy to see why. So in case you were thinking of going fishing (or view-enjoying), take note, it may not be accessible if you go while this is happening. We’re checking with the county to see if there is any more predictable information to share on that. Fascinating work to watch, though, and thanks again to kmo39 for high-level views like the ones shared earlier today.
(added 3:33 pm) Update from Susan Whitmore at KCDOT:
I just got back from Seacrest Dock and want to update you on the status of the fixed fishing pier. It isn’t officially closed, but when the crane is working over the pier (off and on for the next few days) the construction supervisor is suggesting that folks don’t go out on the pier. They are making good progress and have already started hammering in the piles and have three in place already. The supervisor mentioned that they will also ask folks not to use the fixed pier for a day during the week of Jan 18th when the concrete pumping truck is on site pumping concrete.
(back to original 2:51 pm story) Meantime, some new construction photos from the Denny International Middle School construction/Chief Sealth High School renovation work:
Pauline Sugarman, Seattle Public Schools BEX Program Community Outreach Assistant, shares that photo of the topping-off ceremony celebrated at the Denny site just before Christmas, and this aerial of the entire project site:
(Scroll through the Denny-Sealth coverage archive to see previous aerials.) We asked if there’s an update on whether the new Denny is likely to be occupied midyear 2011-2012 or not till the start of the 2011-2012 school year; Sugarman says that the final decision hasn’t been made yet, but the latter may be more likely, as Denny work might not be done before March 2011. Chief Sealth, though, remains on track to reoccupy its permanent campus this fall, after two years in temporary quarters at the former Louisa Boren Junior High School on Delridge.
Two announcements to share this afternoon – first, from West Seattle Little League:
Grab your glove – It’s time to register for Little League! In-person registrations will be held on Tuesday, Jan 12th (in the Library) and Tuesday, Jan 19th (Room 212) – 6-9 pm at West Seattle High School. West Seattle Little League teaches not only baseball, but lessons learned through teamwork, dedication and pride. Divisions include T-ball, Coach-Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors and Seniors. T-ball through Majors play most games at Bar-S Fields, at 6464 SW Admiral Way . For registration forms, payment and more information, go to westseattlelittleleague.com
WSLL is for ages 5-18, says webmaster Cami MacNamara. Meantime, it’s also registration time for these West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) sports:
Adult Basketball 4v4 League Starts Feb 21 – Register Today!
Youth Indoor Soccer – Ages 3-11 – Registration Opens Thursday, January 7, 2010
Register on-line at www.westseattleymca.org or in person at the West Seattle YMCA or Fauntleroy YMCA
Practices start week of February 22nd
Games start weekend of March 6th
Season ends April 25th
The Y is also looking for coaches; if you’re interested, contact Matt Schlede at 206-937-1000 or mschlede@seattleymca.org. ADDED 5:37 PM: Direct link to soccer info on the Y site is here. Also, a comment on Facebook (“friend” us at WS Blog) pointed out that West Seattle Pee Wee is registering now too; here’s the link.
A new sighting this morning from Jonathan, following up on the reports shared by BB two weeks ago and by Renae three days ago– details ahead:Read More
At last night’s meeting, West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival leaders decided to extend the deadline for this year’s button-design contest through the end of this month. Hi-Yu’s Deena Mahn tells us they’ll now be judging entries at the February meeting, and they’ve added an e-mail option, if you want to send in a suggested design that way. The theme, as chosen in December, is “Dreams Do Come True” (see the art concepts in our coverage of January’s Hi-Yu meeting); last year’s button is at left – and like its designer, Kyle Jonson, this year’s winner gets to ride in the West Seattle American Legion Grand Parade in July (there’s a $25 prize for the winning design too – and all ages are welcome to enter). The design needs to be 2 1/2″ wide; e-mail your creation to wshiyu@yahoo.com or postal-mail it to: West Seattle Hi-Yu, PO Box 16130, Seattle, WA 98116.
A small amount of your time can make a big difference for local middle-schoolers. Here’s the challenge, just out of the WSB inbox from Romina at Neighborhood House (which built the new High Point Neighborhood Center):
WANTED: Mentors for Middle School Students
January is National Mentoring Month. To celebrate, Neighborhood House is launching the Recruit-A-Mentor Challenge. We’re trying to double the number of our CASASTART volunteer mentors for our middle school students.
Mentors are an important component of CASASTART. Each month, mentors join our students in various activities during after-school hours. These activities range from educational to simply hanging out. By being present each month, mentors become positive adult role models to our students which they may not otherwise have if it were not for the CASASTART program. The time commitment is two hours per month with the students plus some planning time with the other mentors. We ask that mentors commit at least six months to the program.
If you (or anyone you know) are interested in becoming a mentor, please e-mail RominaR@nhwa.org for more information on how to get started as a mentor.
(photo added 1:53 pm)
Previous reports on the new restaurant opening this Saturday in The Junction (California/Edmunds) sparked a lot of wondering about its menu; Table 35 has now posted the menu online, from sushi to steak to salads – see it here (with descriptions and prices).
“GREEN” DANCING: Well, gets you ready for the wearing of the green in two months – The Tony Comerford School of Irish Dance is kicking off new lesson sessions at the VFW Hall in West Seattle this week, including several levels of classes today. Schedule and contact info here.
WALTZ AND SWING DANCE IN HIGHLAND PARK: A new series at Highland Park Improvement Club starts tonight with Dance For Joy – details on the HPIC website.
BRUSH UP: Also starting a new session – watercolor-painting classes at C & P Coffee, with artist Jennifer Carrasco. Tonight’s the first of six Tuesdays, 6-8 pm, $120/student.
TO EVERYTHING, TURN, TURN, TURN: Your vinyl need not gather dust. Tuesday night is Open Turntable night at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge, 6 pm.
TUNE TRIVIA: Rock-solid in your rock knowledge? Music trivia time is 8 pm tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction.
Tomorrow’s a HUGELY busy night (see the WSB West Seattle Events calendar) – and one event is requesting RSVPs ASAP if you’re thinking about taking part:
LEARN ABOUT “GREEN CLEANING” WITH COOLMOM: 7 pm Wednesday at Bridge Park Retirement Community (3204 SW Morgan; map), it’s a hands-on chance to learn about more environmentally friendly ways of keeping your house clean. CoolMom says it’s a chance to make a New Year pledge to “maintain a healthy indoor environment and improve the health of you and your family by making simple changes to your everyday cleaning habits. Make, get recipes, and take home a few Green Cleaning products and other tips to use with peace of mind – all while saving money and the planet! Please bring empty glass jars with lids and spray bottles for yourself or to share! $5 suggested material fee and great door prizes!” Call 206-938-6394 to RSVP.
Thanks to WSB’er “kmo39” for that photo of work getting under way at Seacrest Pier for the King County Water Taxi‘s new dock, as the county said it would. A new floating dock and other improvements are going in with a look ahead to facilitating year-round service as soon as this fall, providing the extra money for it is nailed down by summer; this WSB story from last week shows how the new dock will be configured. The county explained a week ago how the project will proceed, including saying that the construction company will for starters “move barges and containment booms into the area between the fixed fishing pier and the shoreline. In the first stage of the project, the aging gangway, floating dock and pilings will be removed. By mid-January, installation of new pilings will begin, which requires using a large vibratory hammer to rattle the pilings into the ground.” The county hopes to have the work done by the end of February; the Water Taxi’s West Seattle-to-downtown run is scheduled to resume in early April.
From the city Parks Department:
January
Nature Programs – AnimalsExplore the wonderful animal life all around us. Fascinating facts and features of
animal life whether crawling, swimming, flying or walking.Nighttime Low Tide at the Beach – New Year’s Eve!
Ages 6 and olderHelp bring in the New Year with nudibranchs, seastars and sea squirts! Gather your
friends and family and share in the fun of exploring the fascinating world of
intertidal life! After exploring, we’ll provide the toast for the New Year! Please
wear very warm clothing and waterproof footwear. Also bring a flashlight if you have
one or we will provide one for you. All ages welcome but must be able to walk on
slippery seaweed! Please register one day before beach walk. Please register by
calling 206-684-7434.Location: Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
Course #49139 December 31, 2009 Thu 9:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6Camp Long Owl Hoot
Ages 4 and olderJoin us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long’s woodland. Early winter is
courtship time! Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Please pre-register by
January 15. Please register by calling 206-684-7434.Course #49133 January 16 Sat 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6Nighttime Low Tide at the Beach
Ages 6 and olderStart the New Year off with nudibranchs, seastars and sea squirts! Gather your
friends and family and share in the fun of exploring the fascinating world of
intertidal life! Please wear very warm clothing and waterproof footwear. Also bring
a flashlight if you have one or we will provide one for you. All ages welcome, but
must be able to walk on slippery seaweed! Please register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
Course #49141 January 30 Sat 9:15 – 11:15 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6Third Saturday Free Walks
Seward Park Old Growth FREE
Ages 1 and olderWhy would an Old Growth Forest need restoration? What else do these big old trees
provide besides shade and habitat? Walk among the ancient trees and learn about the
on-going restoration that was funded by a local philanthropist. Please register by
calling 206-684-7434.Location: Amphitheater in Seward Park
Course #50812 January 16 Sat 2 – 4 p.m.Me-Kwa-Mooks Beach Walk FREE
Ages 1 and olderMe-Kwa-Mooks, in the Nisqually dialect it means “shaped like a bear’s head” is land
that was donated to Seattle by West Seattle pioneers Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz.
Me-Kwa-Mooks sits above the best tide-pooling beach on the west side, but offers its
own unique forest habitat under restoration. Rumor has it a new Eagle’s nest resides
here. Please register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
Course #50817 January 16 Sat 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nature Walks – Preschool/Tots
Immerse young ones in the great outdoors and let them explore the wonders of nature.
Most classes require adult participation.Are You Sleeping, Mother Nature? (2-3yrs)
Ages 2 – 3Adults, explore the wonders of nature with your Tots. Discover life in the pond,
forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time, and
wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No
strollers please. $7 for one adult with one child. $3.50 for each additional person.
Pre-registration required by January 16. Please register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Outdoor Space – North of Colman Pool
Course #49147 January 19 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Activity Fee $7Volunteer Opportunity
Camp Long Third Saturday Work Parties FREE
All ages, families
Leave your family legacy at Camp Long by helping to restore a patch of native
habitat in the park, building trails or maintaining amenities. Make some new friends
while preserving a future for ourselves and native plants and animals. Register by
calling 206-423-0762.January 16 Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
February
Nature Programs – AnimalsExplore the wonderful animal life all around us — fascinating facts and features of
animal life whether crawling, swimming, flying or walking.Salamander Love Night
Ages 4 and olderDid you know that our two local mole salamander species mate and lay eggs right
around Valentine’s Day? Come with us to look for these long-toed lovers, their
Northwestern friends and eggs in their watery bedrooms. Please dress for the weather
and bring a flashlight. Please register by February 12. Register by calling
206-684-7434.Instructor: Stewart Wechsler
Course #49143 February 13 Sat 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6West Seattle Birding Loop
Ages 1 and olderExplore West Seattle’s fascinating array of parks while learning to identify winter
birds with Master Birder Woody Wheeler. This van-based tour will include short hikes
(2 miles total) into Jack Block, Alki, Me-Kwa-Mooks and Lincoln Parks, as well as a
bakery/hot drink stop along the way. We could see up to 30 species of birds while
exploring diverse and scenic parks that feature ecological restorations, marine and
forest ecosystems. Come prepared with rain gear, layers of warm clothes, warm boots
and binoculars. Families and beginning birders are welcome and encouraged to come
along! Meet in front of the lodge at Camp Long. Register by calling 684-7434.Instructor: Woody Wheeler
Course #50822 February 20 Sat 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Activity Fee $15Lincoln Park Owl Hoot
Ages 4 and olderJoin us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long’s to Lincoln Park’s. Early
winter is courtship time! Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Please
pre-register by February 19. Register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Outdoor Space – North of Colman Pool, Lincoln Park
Course #49135 February 20 Sat 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6Third Saturday Free Walks
Puget Park Walk FREE
Ages 1 and olderThe sign may be gone, but the park does live on! This small piece of the Duwamish
Greenbelt is almost unknown to anyone outside of the neighborhood. Once home to a
riding stable, this little piece of heaven has been adopted by the neighbors who
have begun asking the question about daylighting the creek, which outflows into the
Duwamish River. Register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Puget Park
Course #50818 February 20 Sat 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Dr. Jose Rizal Park Walk
Ages 1 and olderNamed for a Filipino leader, this greenbelt adjacent to I-5 was a no-person land
until the mid 90’s when neighbors wanted better access and a place to walk their
four-legged friends. A Rotary Club tree planting in the mid 80’s peppered the
hillside with trees in a planting medium that was sure to strangle them. Let’s find
out who survived and how to navigate the space. Register by calling 206-684-7434.Location: Jose Rizal Park
Course #50815 February 20 Sat 2 – 4 p.m.Nature Walks – Preschool/Tots
Immerse young ones in the great outdoors, and let them explore the wonders of
nature. Most classes require adult participation.Winter Wonderland (2-3yrs)
Ages 2 – 3Adults, explore the wonders of nature with your tots. Discover life in the pond,
forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and
wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No
strollers please. $7 for one adult with one child; $3.50 for each additional person.
Pre-registration required by February 15. Register by calling 684-7434.Location: Outdoor Space – North of Colman Pool
Course #49148 February 16 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Activity Fee $7
Volunteer Opportunity
Camp Long Third Saturday Work Parties FREE
All ages, families
Leave your family legacy at Camp Long by helping to restore a patch of native
habitat in the park, building trails or maintaining amenities. Make some new friends
while preserving a future for ourselves and native plants and animals. Register by
calling 206-423-0762.February 20 Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thanks to West Seattleite Bill Schrier – also the city’s Chief Technology Officer and the 34th District Democrats‘ webmaster – for sharing photos from this afternoon’s swearing-in ceremony at City Hall; we were a few blocks away at the County Council appointment vote. Mayor Mike McGinn was sworn in by two of his children, Cian and Miyo; City Attorney Pete Holmes was sworn in by his wife, Ann M. Holmes:
You have two new councilmembers too – Mike O’Brien, sworn in by Carolyn Cairns:
And Sally Bagshaw, whose oath was administered by Rev. Dr. Sanford W. Brown:
Seattle Channel video is here; also taking the oath of office today, re-elected councilmembers Richard Conlin and Nick Licata. If you couldn’t make it to this afternoon’s event either, the mayor’s inviting you to a City Hall open house this Saturday, 1-5 pm; he’s planning a speech from the building’s Grand Staircase at 3.
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