day : 13/05/2010 14 results

Tonight, the Highland Park Action Committee toasted the end of their intense two-year fight against a potential jail in West Seattle – that’s current HPAC chair Dan Mullins at left, with former chair Blair Johnson and photographer/webmaster/sign designer Dina Johnson, celebrating at Triangle Tavern. We had asked Mullins earlier for his thoughts on this morning’s announcement by King County Executive Dow Constantine (here’s our as-it-happened report – and here’s our previously unpublished clip of the start of the announcement):

Mullins’ reaction afterward: “As difficult as it has been fighting the prospect of a huge jail being built it our neighborhood, some good has come out of it. Our little neighborhood has become much more organized, people have a stronger sense of community and a better understanding of how our government works. And City Hall now knows who we are and where we are and that we are vocal.” (His e-mail to the Highland Park list was a little more exuberant, with the subject line NO NEW JAIL/GOOD JOB, EVERYBODY!)

So now what? There was some concern in the comment section following this morning’s story, regarding the language of the official announcements – suspended, proposed, etc. Toward the start of this short clip from this morning’s announcement, the mayor was a little more definite in the term he chose:

We spoke later with Katherine Schubert-Knapp and Catherine Cornwall, both of whom worked on the city of Seattle’s part of the jail project. The official announcement warned that if future projections suggest more capacity will be needed, jail planning could have to restart as soon as 2013. Could any of the work done this time around be reused, we asked? Answer: Basically, no. But they both stressed that the proposed regional cooperation brings the process to a whole new stage – if the need can truly be handled between a combination of county beds, plus beds from other facilities such as the south end jail that’s opening next year, and alternative sentencing. Regarding the “proposed” languaging, Schubert-Knapp notes that since so many governmental entities have been involved in this, the respective councils have to sign off on the plan – King County Council, Seattle City Council, etc. – but that’s not expected to be any kind of speed bump. Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata, who headed the council’s Public Safety Committee during much of the site-search process, also seemed vehement that it’s over:

A variety of documents are now linked to the North/East Cities Municipal Jail website, which also carries a stern notice that it will not be updated from this point forward. We asked Cornwall and Schubert-Knapp if any particular study or report had triggered today’s announcement; they say the county’s decision to offer a longer contract extension, coupled with a second year of data showing lower jail population, comprised the game-changer. And of course, the city and county both have new elected leadership, in McGinn and Constantine, this year; Constantine had declared in June that if he were elected, the jail project “will not happen”; McGinn also had voiced, during his campaign, opposition to the idea of a new jail.

But long before the campaigning, the Highland Park Action Committee was in action, with research as well as passion. If you missed our stories from the period in 2008 when Seattle was considering its own new jail, with two of the four proposed sites in West Seattle, this report (with video) from a June 2008 meeting tells virtually the whole story of how things were going in the heart of the fight. Even then, as we wrote, projections were showing jail populations dropping. And now, watching those populations is paramount, warns the summary document released today:

While this proposed approach creates additional time to plan for our region’s future jail needs, it is not a long-term solution for our region’s jail capacity needs. The county and cities will need to regularly track the region’s jail population trends and use of jail capacity and be prepared to resume planning for new capacity by 2013 or even sooner if trends indicate the need for additional capacity before 2020.

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West Seattle Art Walk, including opening night for knows perfume

May 13, 2010 9:14 pm

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The Junction’s newest store, knows perfume (originally previewed here in February), opened its doors tonight for the first time – just in time for the May edition of the West Seattle Art Walk. That’s proprietor Christen Cottam, beaming in her brand-new space at 4536 California SW. Also seen along the Art Walk path tonight:

That scene was from about a block away at Brunette Mix (WSB sponsor; 4306 SW Oregon): Jessica Dolens had a multimedia presentation in the corner – film on the back wall, art on the screen in the salon. Elsewhere in The Junction:

From left, at Twilight Artist Collective (4306 SW Alaska), that’s Eva Funderburgh, Justin Hillgrove, and Mike Capp – Eva created the art they’re standing next to.

Next West Seattle Art Walk is the second Thursday, as always – June 10th, 6-9 pm – watch wsartwalk.com for updates, as well as the WS Art Walk page on Facebook.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 beachfront car break-ins, & more

May 13, 2010 8:38 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

The three newest West Seattle Crime Watch reports include two car break-ins along Harbor Avenue, and a home break-in – read on for full details:Read More

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Illegal dumping alert: Trimmings tossed in Westwood alley

May 13, 2010 7:20 pm

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| West Seattle news | Westwood

It might not be as glaring as a load of trash or old furniture, but it’s illegal dumping just the same, and Dave wonders if it might have been your yard debris that wound up in his alley, maybe without your knowledge:

On Tuesday morning, May 11, I discovered a pile of tree / bush trimmings blocking our alley. The guilty party had the debris tied with a long rope and tied the other end to a utility pole. Driving off quickly pulled the mess off the truck and onto the ground. I had to quickly move everything to the side as garbage and etc. trucks were due Wednesday. This was way more than a pickup truck load. The pile was almost six feet high.

If anyone paid to have bushes trimmed on Tuesday, see the pictures …

This occurred in the alley between 32nd and 34th Avenues SW with Cloverdale on the North and Trenton on the South (there is no 33rd Ave).

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New York Times spotlights Bakery Nouveau and Full Tilt Ice Cream

May 13, 2010 4:30 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

There’ll be no living with us now. We are the sweets capital of the region. In an article for next Sunday’s New York Times (it’s dated May 16 but online today), a Seattle-based writer talks about five places she loves to stop for sweets, and two of them are in our area – West Seattle’s Bakery Nouveau, White Center’s Full Tilt Ice Cream. Read the story here; the FT photos start here. (Thanks to Alex for the tip!)

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Go fish! West Seattle Sportsmen’s Hi-Yu Kids Fishing Derby Saturday

May 13, 2010 4:17 pm

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| West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

That photo is courtesy of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, which wanted to get out one more reminder that it’s kicking off West Seattle Hi-Yu season with the annual, free Kids’ Fishing Derby this Saturday at Seacrest. 8 am-11 am, the first 150 kids ages 12 and under get a chance to catch one of the fish with which a portable pond will be stocked, right on the Seacrest dock. No registration required – just show up. Here’s the official flyer.

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Alki Statue of Liberty due for cleaning soon; bench work today

May 13, 2010 3:21 pm

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Low tide wasn’t the only big activity at Alki today – David Hutchinson sends a photo and update on Statue of Liberty Plaza work:

Seattle Parks & Recreation employees were at the Alki Statue of Liberty early today applying an oil finish to the benches in the plaza. We also have been informed by Tiffany Hedrick, of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, that the cleaning and waxing of the statue will be taking place shortly. These two maintenance items are part of the commitment Parks made in an agreement with the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project and fiscal sponsor Urban Sparks. This work, which is done twice a year, is paid for by the Parks held maintenance fund which was created with the proceeds from the earlier sale of bricks and bronze plaques. Money from that fund will also pay for the new plants that will be placed in the landscaped areas surrounding the statue later this year.

The Alki Community Council wants to thank Seattle Parks & Recreation for the excellent work they are doing. We particularly appreciate the contribution of Parks employees Ed Jackson and Carol Baker in coordinating these tasks. The ACC is continuing to accept orders for approximately 100 more engraved bricks and 5 bronze plaques. Information and order forms can be found at the plaza or downloaded from www.sealady.org . Money raised by this sale will be turned over to Parks and will supplement the existing maintenance fund.

David Hutchinson
ACC Brick Sales

Note that this is one park not contributing to the department’s maintenance-funding crisis (we expect to hear the latest citywide budget info at the Parks Board meeting tonight). Meantime, the ACC’s next meeting is a week from tonight – 7 pm May 20, Alki UCC Church. Scheduled guests include Brenda Peterson of Seal Sitters and Dolly Vinal of the West Seattle Wildlife Habitat Project.

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Keller Williams ‘RED Day’ sprucing up expanded Skate Church digs

May 13, 2010 1:38 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

“We give where we live” is the motto for RED (Renew, Energize, Donate) Day, a nationwide day of service today for Keller Williams Realty. The West Seattle crew is giving their time and talents to a project just blocks north of their Junction offices: They’re working on the West Seattle Baptist Church basement that’s been taken over by the Junction-based Skate Church. Pastors Rob and Serena Wastman from Skate Church say it’ll be a great place for activities including movie nights and afterschool programs – and they also say they’ll make it available to community groups looking for a meeting space.

From left, Rob and Serena, with Keller Williams event organizer Eric Slawson, and Skate Church’s Jovan Wiggins. The church plans a grand opening celebration for their share of the WSBC space in September.

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Great weather + low tides = West Seattle beachwalkers’ paradise

May 13, 2010 12:46 pm

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| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Great tidewalking conditions along Alki at midday today – and the tide will get lower still for the next four days, from a -1.4 today going down to -2.6 on Sunday (per this tide chart).

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Ramp-closure countdown: SDOT to tweet “low bridge” openings

May 13, 2010 10:50 am

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| Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

Wednesday afternoon, SDOT used its Twitter account to say the Spokane Street Swing (“low”) Bridge was “closing” – as in, closing to vehicle traffic so marine traffic could get through. We asked if that was a preview of things to come after the 1st Avenue South ramp to the westbound West Seattle (“high”) Bridge closes as of next Monday (part of the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project) – and indeed, per an announcement this morning, it is. Though the U.S. Coast Guard said no to officially restricting bridge openings during rush hour, this is part of the “voluntary notification” process worked out – read on to see how you can be sure to get these advance warnings:Read More

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BULLETIN: No new jail; county to extend contract; site search ends

May 13, 2010 9:18 am

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| West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news

FIRST REPORT, 9:13 AM: As mentioned last night, a “significant development in the regional jail-planning process” is promised this morning. It’s been two years since Seattle announced it needed new jail space, and started looking at sites that currently include one in West Seattle (West Marginal/Highland Park Way) as part of what’s become a regional effort. We’re at King County’s Chinook Building downtown, expecting to see a group any moment that we’re told will include County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Mike McGinn. As soon as the “development” is announced, we’ll add it here.

9:20 AM ANNOUNCEMENT: The headline on the news release reads, “Proposal to extend jail contract clears way for cities to consider shelving plans.” Jail contract may be extended thru 2020, Constantine announces. Mayor Mike McGinn says that means an end to the jail-siting process. “This is good news, Seattle,” the mayor said, after Executive Constantine announced the proposal to extend the agreement. “Today as a region we will work together to do this.” Shoreline’s mayor has also spoken; that city was under consideration as a jail site. Details of the proposal, from a news release handed out here: King County is offering the cities 150 jail beds through 2020. In addition, they are proposing creation of “a regional jail planning and management group.” Negotiation of this proposed agreement will start next year. Councilmember Nick Licata says “We have pulled the plug on the jail-siting process – and I can almost hear the cheers.” (As we read further into the news release, however, it warns that if there is an indication for new capacity after 2020, the jail-planning process may have to resume as soon as 2013.)

9:34 AM: They’re taking questions now. We asked Constantine, what do you tell the people of Highland Park (and elsewhere) who went through two years of anguish – not to mention the time and money spent by the governments – was it all for naught? We have his entire answer on video and will add it later, but bottom line, he said, he wished it hadn’t played out that way, but it did, and it’s time to move on. (added 9:57 am, here’s his entire answer on video)

Regarding the possibility of needing new space in the future, he notably mentioned the possibility of adding on to the regional county jail complex in Kent. He also said that part of this regional jail process would involve figuring out who has space where so that it could be used more efficiently – including the new jail that is being built by the south end SCORE group. Constantine also said that a future process would be conducted more “rationally” – saying this one seemed to have been “sudden” (regarding the 2008 disclosure that more space was needed and planning for a new site would commence immediately).

10:35 AM UPDATE: We talked with two key behind-the-scenes people after the room cleared, and will include their perspective in a followup story – what’s next, and what’s to keep this all from revving up again in a few years? Meantime, the county has published the full news release about today’s announcement on its website – you can read it here.

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3 ways to help: Tech donations; bike donations; jazz & wine night

May 13, 2010 9:04 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news

LAPTOPS AND MONITORS NEEDED: Bob Huppe, one of two West Seattleites on the board of the nonprofit Technology Services Corps, is looking for flat-panel monitors and laptops for a special trip this summer: TSC works with high-school students who go overseas to install computer labs for their counterparts to learn in. This summer, they’re working with Garfield High School students going to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, to install 30 computers. They have computers but need flat-panel monitors (which use less power) to go with them, and 12 laptops for the students’ teachers, most of whom commute by bicycle or bus to their school and need something portable. If you have anything to donate – take note, the laptops would be wiped by local recycler InterConnection – e-mail Catherine Berner, one of the students planning the trip: ch.berner@comcast.net – Bob says, “Someone would be delighted to pick up monitors or laptops, and all donations are tax-deductible.”

BICYCLES FOR HUMANITY: Holy Rosary Church will be collecting bicycles 8:30 am-2:30 pm May 23 for the “Bicycles for Humanity” drive; they’re destined for the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, which among other challenges has 50 percent unemployment. Here’s the official flyer.

AN EVENING OF JAZZ AND WINE TASTING FOR CHIEF SEALTH: The EB Foote Winery in Burien is the site of an event just announced as a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Band, 6 pm June 11th. Here’s the official flyer with information on how to get tickets, which includes snacks, tickets and of course, the wine.

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Tonight: 41 venues will welcome you during West Seattle Art Walk

May 13, 2010 6:43 am

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Second Thursday of the month is here already – West Seattle Art Walk night, all over the peninsula, from Alki Bathhouse in the north, to Fauntleroy’s Gail Ann Photography in the south, to ActivSpace on Harbor Avenue in the east, and beyond, with perfect weather expected. Here’s the map of all 41 venues – which include knows perfume, the Junction shop opening for the first time, plus the new Junction wine shop Bin 41, as well as WSB sponsors ArtsWest, Brunette Mix, Click! Design That Fits, Cupcake Royale, 8 Limbs Yoga, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Mural Apartments. You’ll also find photographer Wyn Bielaska, who took Mother’s Day shots at Hotwire last Sunday, exhibiting his work at Bakery Nouveau; treats at locations such as The Kenney (whose catering team will be on the job) and Blue Willow/Emma’s Cakes (wedding cake samples!). Scroll through the official Art Walk website, wsartwalk.com, for a sample of the artists whose work will be on display tonight – and sample the images on the West Seattle Art Walk Facebook page. 6-9 pm tonight – here’s that map again – see you out and about.

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High-school baseball: West Seattle HS to state tournament

May 13, 2010 12:30 am

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

From our partners at the Seattle Times, word of the West Seattle High School baseball team’s win over Eastside Catholic on Wednesday, 9-6, sending them to the state tournament – but first, the Metro League title game vs. Bishop Blanchet at 2 pm Saturday. More details to come!

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