West Seattle, Washington

17 Wednesday

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month : 07/2010 367 results

West Seattle food news: The Swinery’s founder, suddenly gone
July 2, 2010 2:50 pm
|      57 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Swinery staffers photographed today by Christopher Boffoli: Head Butcher Joseph Brewer, Head Cook Garrett Doherty)
Another twist for the much-lauded West Seattle meat mecca The Swinery: Its founder, Gabriel Claycamp, announced via Facebook that he’s moved on, just one week after its “grand reopening.” He says he’s looking for work. But he also says he leaves it in “good hands” – it’s not closing. As we write, we’ve just heard from Christopher Boffoli, who has covered The Swinery extensively – he is there now and says this happened abruptly, adding that he’s been told the primary investor is at the bank now, changing ownership papers, and, “Employees here say the Swinery will continue and that this is a positive thing. Claycamp was not meeting payroll.” 4:05 PM UPDATE: Christopher has just spoken with Claycamp – read on for some of what he said:Read More

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2 Hiawatha Playfield notes: Sunday, lights; Monday, 2-week closure
July 2, 2010 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 Hiawatha Playfield notes: Sunday, lights; Monday, 2-week closure
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

2 notes about Hiawatha Playfield: First, the lights will be on for a few hours Sunday night to discourage people from setting off fireworks on the synthetic (and relatively new) turf – part of a citywide program, as Seattle Parks explains here; then on Monday, Parks’ Garrett Farrell confirms, the plan is still on to close the Hiawatha track/field to apply the finishing touches – rubberized track. Farrell explains, “Cold, wet weather last year did not allow us to put the new rubber track surface in place. Contractors will fence off the track July 5th and apply the new surface. There will be no access across the track to the field for two weeks.”

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One more addition to West Seattle Summer Fest: Satchel
July 2, 2010 1:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The super-secret-surprise act that people have been wondering about, next Friday night at West Seattle Summer Fest, is finally public, according to Jason Fitzgerald of The Workshop – it’s Satchel:

Satchel is playing a surprise set at West Seattle Summer Fest on Friday July 9th on the Alaska Stage from 8:30pm – 9:30 PM. Of course, this show, like all West Seattle Summer Fest music, is ALL AGES and absolutely FREE.

The rest of the West Seattle Summer Fest music lineup is online, here.

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Independence Day 2010, and more
July 2, 2010 12:04 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Independence Day 2010, and more
 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

wswllicon3.png4th of July info/events have a WSB page of their own (see it here), but that day’s only a third of the weekend (maybe a fourth of yours if you’re taking the “official” Monday holiday off). Still plenty going on if you’re not leaving town – just click ahead for this week’s West Seattle Weekend Lineup:Read More

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And a not-so-mysterious materialization: Flamingos @ The Kenney
July 2, 2010 10:10 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Second story in a row about something turning up in a local yard – this, however, is no mystery: The Admiral Congregational Church Youth Group is the latest local organization to engage in the festive practice of flamingo-flocking … and today, their “target” is The Kenney, who shared the photo. (CEO Kevin McFeely tells WSB that the birds are in honor of a resident who’s an Admiral UCC congregation member.) WSB contributor Keri DeTore also spotted the flock last week outside a home on California SW in Gatewood:

P.S. If you’re interested in flamingo flocking, the cost and details are now on the Admiral Church website – you can even order online – go here. You can also call the church office at 206-932-2928.

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Bicycles mysteriously materialize in West Seattle yard
July 2, 2010 9:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seaview | West Seattle news

Recognize either of these bikes, a maroon Nishiki and orange Gary Fisher? If so, get in touch with Seattle Police – they’d planned to pick the bikes up, after a phone call from the WSB’er who says the bikes turned up in her yard near 46th and Brandon (map). And they’re not the first bikes to materialize in the area – in mid-June, she says, a black mountain bike was left by a street sign nearby, and remained there for a week. “I can’t imagine why someone would go to the trouble to steal a bike and then just leave it,” she says (although we suspect it’s similar to those who steal cars and “just leave” them). Again, police were picking these up, but we hear from time to time about stolen/lost bikes, so thought it would be worth publishing the photo – call the non-emergency number at 206/625-5011 if one’s yours.

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West Seattle 4th of July: No major Alki traffic/parking changes
July 2, 2010 8:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | Transportation | West Seattle news

This is part of the info on the WSB 4th of July page (see the JULY 4TH tab under the header), but in case you haven’t seen it there yet – police are NOT planning any traffic/parking changes on Alki. The only major traffic effect you’ll notice Sunday is that if you happen to be heading northbound on California SW in North Admiral during the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (which starts at 10 am), you’ll have to stop for a while as the parade crosses from the neighborhood west of California to Hamilton Viewpoint. (9:21 am addendum: 61st SW also will be closed 12:30-3 pm Sunday between SW Stevens and Alki SW for the Alki Homestead rally/photo – we’re told that it’ll be reopened sooner if the crowd clears before 3.)

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Update: Fight turns to shooting on north side of Lincoln Park
July 1, 2010 11:53 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

11:53 PM: There are reports of one victim and possibly one arrest. 47th and Fontanelle (map). 12:13 AM: Christopher Boffoli talked with police at the scene. They say two men were fighting. It escalated to shooting. 1 man was shot in the arm. Both have gone to the hospital (the second for beating injuries). 12:42 AM: See comments for additional info from people who live nearby. Adding photos from Christopher – showing that the scene was right at the north end of the park.

Christopher also reports that police told him the two men involved – estimated to be in their 30s – knew each other. Police also reported finding the gun, and “other belongings,” taking them as evidence.

ADDED 7:46 AM: Police have published this summary on SPD Blotter:

On July 1st, shortly after 11:00 PM, Southwest Precinct officers responded to reports of shots fired in the north end of Lincoln Park (near the 7300 Block of 47th Avenue SW). Officers arrived and located two men. One was attempting to hold down the other. After separating and detaining both men, officers learned that the two were together in the park when they began arguing. At some point the argument became physical, and the two began fighting. During the fight, the 35 year old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several times, striking the 32 year old victim in his left arm. The Seattle Fire Department responded to treat the injuries to both men (suspect had been struck in the face several times during the altercation and had difficulty breathing). Both men were then transported to the hospital for additional treatment. The injuries are not considered life-threatening. AFter receiving treatment for his injuries, the suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault. Detectives will follow up with the investigation.

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In case you wondered too: Cameras behind Admiral Way sign
July 1, 2010 10:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re learning more about the type of traffic information the city’s new technology is supposed to bring us in the future – today, thanks to a question e-mailed by Dave, who wrote, “Heading down the (Admiral Way) hill toward the bridge today, I noticed two cameras mounted behind the new reader board. I am guessing speed cameras, as there is one for each lane.” (The small cameras are hard to see in our photo – but they’re side by side on the metal overhang just past the message board.) We checked with SDOT. Nope – something else, explains Marybeth Turner:

The cameras are part of the travel time network the city of Seattle is putting together to provide the public with travel time information (how long it is taking to get to certain destinations). The West Seattle Dynamic Message Sign will be outfitted with travel time information–how long it is taking to get to SR-99 exit, First Ave South and I-5. This information will help folks to make a decision on which route to select. We anticipate this information will be available to the public at the end of September. We will also provide the travel time information on Traveler’s Information Map.

To come up with the travel-time info – cameras like these, and others, snap your license plate. Turner says, “We read a license plate from point A to point B to figure out the travel time of a segment of a road. The data is encrypted and never stored.”

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Congratulations, West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars!
July 1, 2010 8:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Victory huddle after tonight’s win)
Just got word from our correspondent at Bar-S that the West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars have defeated the Rainiers 14-8, which means, according to the WSLL update we published this morning, that they advance to the state tournament in two weeks in Yakima. Photos to come – and remember that the 9-10 All-Stars play Saturday at 10 am at Bar-S – so go cheer them on (as these spectators did for the 10-11’s tonight).

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Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade: T-shirt to debut – and more
July 1, 2010 6:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Sure, fireworks are great, but the big 4th of July fun in West Seattle happens about 12 hours earlier – as hundreds of kids and parents from all over WS fill North Admiral streets for the annual Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade. It’s coming up Sunday morning (here’s our original preview) – followed by family fun at Hamilton Viewpoint, with concession sales handled this year by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, also offering its new T-shirts and jackets publicly for the first time. Above is the logo that’s on the front of T-shirts and back of jackets; below right, the back of a kids’ shirt shows the ship’s-wheel logo on the back of the shirts and front of the jackets. More from ANA president Katy Walum:

The first batch of Admiral t-shirts and jackets is IN, and we’ll be debuting them at our concessions table at the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade! Mike Barker, owner of Admiral Tattoo, graciously designed the logos for us gratis – love that Admiral Tattoo! – and we’ve printed them up on American Apparel (U.S.A.-made, sweat-free) gear.

We’ll be selling the men’s and women’s t-shirts, in royal blue and red, for $20 each, and the kids’ t-shirts, in navy blue and red, for $15 each. Also available are stylish navy blue track jackets, in men’s sizes, for $50 each. A fantastic way to show your Admiral pride!

You’ll also want to stop by and see us at the end of the parade to purchase some tasty treats. Just look for our umbrella – we’ll have a pushcart with three varieties of popsicles for sale. In addition, we’ll be selling bottled water, juice boxes, chips, AND some local confections donated by our friends at Little Rae’s Bakery, Sugar Rush Bakery, and Metropolitan Market! You’re sure to find something to enjoy at our table as you celebrate the holiday with your friends and family at Hamilton Viewpoint.

All proceeds from the sales of these items will go to the Admiral Neighborhood Association, to help us to keep doing great things for this community! We will gladly accept your cash or local check.

We look forward to seeing you all at this great family event. Thank you all for your support of this community, and here’s hoping for sunshine!

Again, all are welcome to walk/ride (bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers) in the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade, which starts at 10 am at 44th/Sunset (map) – parking can be challenging since that’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood (streets close for the event, and police help the parade get safely across California SW toward the end) so take the bus, carpool, etc., if you can.

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New Parks crackdown on illegal Alki beach fires starts this weekend
July 1, 2010 3:04 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Remnants of an illegal fire, photographed at Alki in May by David Hutchinson)
Consider yourself warned. Seattle Parks plans to crack down on illegal fires at Alki starting this weekend. Spokesperson Joelle Hammerstad explains, “We have been getting some pretty consistent complaints of illegal beach fires at Alki Beach, and starting this weekend, we are doing a stepped-up enforcement with our Park Rangers. Rangers will be patrolling throughout the holiday weekend, but we’re not saying when. Illegal fires will have to be extinguished immediately. Violators will be cited and fined.” So how do you know if your fires are legal? For one, Hammerstad points out, “There are 6 fire rings between the Alki Bathhouse and 58th Street SW. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only clean firewood is allowed as fuel.” For complete details on what’s legal and what’s not, here’s the Parks webpage about beach fires at Alki. It’s been two years since a ban was briefly under consideration – proposed because of environmental concerns; the idea was doused fairly quickly, though it was acknowledged that enforcement efforts like this were needed.

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See the Duwamish River, close-up: Kayak tours start soon
July 1, 2010 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on See the Duwamish River, close-up: Kayak tours start soon
 |   Environment | Fun stuff to do | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(WSB photo taken from the South Park Bridge on Wednesday)
One day after kayakers on the Duwamish River witnessed history as the South Park Bridge creaked open one last time, the next round of community kayak tours on the river has been announced by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, in connection with West Seattle’s Alki Kayak Tours, as well as Camp Long, and other organizations. Read on for the schedule, and how to save your spot:Read More

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1 week till pre-Summer Fest Art Walk: Practice ‘Minute to Win It’
July 1, 2010 2:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

One week from tonight, it’s the biggest West Seattle Art Walk of the year – the night before West Seattle Summer Fest, which means that when you visit the venues in The Junction, the streets already will be shut down for the three-day street festival. At right is Anné Burke of TILA Real Estate, which is presenting a $10,000 “West Seattle Minute to Win It” contest during Summer Fest, with a chance to practice on Art Walk night – the game includes balancing 3 golf balls (which Anné is demonstrating in the photo), “ping-tac-toe,” and bobble-head, plus, she says, “the final game of a dice roll to spell out T-I-L-A.” You can practice during West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm next Thursday (July 8th) at TILA offices, 4727 44th SW. P.S. The $10,000 prize competition is for 18+ only. (Watch the Art Walk website for more info soon on what else you’ll find – around the peninsula, not just in The Junction – next Thursday night.) P.S. Besides game practice, TILA has some other Art Walk highlights planned, including music, a magician, wine and chocolate, and 12 glass pieces donated by Avalon Glassworks, to be auctioned as a fundraiser for Northwest Hope and Healing.

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West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park project gets another big OK
July 1, 2010 12:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park project gets another big OK
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We’re at City Hall downtown, where the Seattle Design Commission has given its blessing to the West Seattle Reservoir/Westcrest Park project design shown at last Saturday’s community meeting. From the Parks Department, project manager Susanne Friedman was there, along with Parks’ Michael Shiosaki, and SiteWorkshop architect Mark Brands. Commission members expressed not only support but even excitement about some of its potential elements, particularly the possibility for much of the landscaping to be planted as “Garry Oak savannah” (above).

They also liked the proposal to pay tribute to the underground reservoir with a grid of squares echoing the columns beneath, as well as markers on its corners (explained in the screenshot above, taken from Saturday’s presentation). A few new bits of information: Friedman said they still have “some details to go back and vet with Seattle Public Utilities” regarding “load limits” atop the covered reservoir; Brands said Parks is talking with the Department of Neighborhoods regarding “alternative funding” for the orchard/community garden proposed as part of the project. He explained the offleash-dog-park expansion that drew the most questions and concerns Saturday; commission members thought the suggested multiple-gate scenario had promise for getting people between what will then be two separate areas for dog romping. West Seattle-residing member Brendan Connolly gave the project team kudos for recognizing the importance of the nearby West Duwamish Greenbelt forest, but suggested perhaps an even “stronger response,” like a loop trail that takes people into the forest and back out to the park, to tie the two together more closely. There was some concern about a lack of lighting; Brands explained they’d like to consider solar, but “its cost is prohibitive right now” – maybe there are future possibilities.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Design Commission will see the project once more; the Arts Commission is scheduled to take a look at that aspect of the project (we’re checking to see if it’s on the agenda for the group’s July meeting). And, as Friedman said on Saturday, a public open house will be scheduled in fall to show an updated design, before final construction plans are made.

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West Seattle Little League update: Come cheer the All-Stars!
July 1, 2010 11:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Little League update: Come cheer the All-Stars!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From the West Seattle Little League:

We’d love to encourage the community to come out and cheer on the West Seattle Little League All Star teams. The West Seattle All Star 10/11 team will play the Rainiers tonight in the CHAMPIONSHIP game for District #7. If West Seattle wins- we go to the state tournament in Yakima in 2 weeks. 5:30 pm @ Bar S field

The West Seattle All Star 9/10 team will play the Championship game on Saturday @ 10am @ Bar S. NOT sure who we’re playing yet—depends on the winner of tonight’s game in the 9/10 bracket. If they win- they will go to state in Shoreline in 2 weeks.

Good luck, All-Stars! (If you’ve never been to Bar-S, it’s along the Alki Point end of Admiral Way – here’s a map.)

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Admiral Safeway ‘alley vacation’ hearing officially announced
July 1, 2010 10:36 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

As reported here last month, the project team for the Admiral Safeway redevelopment has announced that construction won’t start till September, because the city didn’t schedule the public hearing on the necessary back-of-the-lot “alley vacation” till late July. This morning, the official announcement of that hearing is out – it’ll be before the City Council’s Transportation Committee (chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen) at 9:30 am July 27. This city webpage has details on how to comment before, and at, the hearing. While the “alley” isn’t recognizable as one, the way it’s used on the site now, it remains city right-of-way, and that’s why approval is required before it is given over to the project (that area will be under the future expanded store.)

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Holiday help: A call for West Seattle blood donations
July 1, 2010 10:12 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Holiday weekends, unfortunately, are always times of great need for blood. So Kim at Puget Sound Blood Center says they’re hoping more prospective donors will make appointments for one of two drives in West Seattle in the next few days – tomorrow, there’s a last-minute mobile drive at Westwood Village (by Pier 1), 9 am-3 pm (closed 11 am-noon); Monday, they’ll be at PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor), same hours. Walk-up donations will be welcome but if you think you can participate in either one, please call for an appointment ASAP – 800-398-7888.

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West Seattle coyotes: Two south-side sightings
July 1, 2010 8:18 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Westwood | Wildlife

2 coyote-sighting notes in the south half of West Seattle in the past 12 hours. First, from Dave in Westwood:

Got up @ 3:10 am to change a diaper … sleepily glanced out the window. Wasn’t expecting to see a coyote staring back at me across the street. Once it knew I had seen it, it ran down 34th toward Barton [map]. It also appeared like his/her left hind leg was injured, as it ran very awkwardly. Maybe that’s just how coyotes roll, but it didn’t move like a dog or wolf.

Next, from Kelly:

I’m almost positive I saw a coyote on Cambridge & 21st [map] @ about 9:20 pm. it was walking west on cambridge, I drove past, turned around to get another look, and it was walking into a woody area on 23rd. Run, kittens, run!

And that’s the point toward which we share these reports – in case you want to reconsider where your pet goes by itself, for example, if coyotes are seen nearby (and even if they’re not seen, chances are that they aren’t far). The state offers advice for how you (AND your pets) can co-exist with coyotes – read it here. (Previous sighting reports are archived here.)

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South Park Bridge, report #4: Closing-night sights, and what’s next
July 1, 2010 8:05 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Previous WSB reports: #1 “as it happened” here, #2 with video here, #3 with photos here)

As our area wakes up to its first day with one less bridge – for at least a few years – Christopher Boffoli‘s video shows you what it was like to be there last night. This morning, a night for the history books is followed by a morning facing the practicalities of how to get around; TV traffic reporters are offering advice, as well as traffic-camera images like this one. The official “closure plan” has resulted in maps of how to get around the area – if you didn’t check them out before, here’s where to find them. Getting to South Park itself remains relatively quick and easy from south West Seattle, and the area will be working to market itself as a destination – a promotional brochure is one of the early steps. Meantime, the search for money to build the replacement bridge continues, with $80 million pledged, of the $130 million needed; the next major step is application for a federal grant that could bring in more than half the remaining amount. And small steps toward the project continue so that it will be ready to go when funded – next Tuesday, for example, the county conducts a public hearing on “right-of-way realignments” (official notices here).

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South Park Bridge farewell, report #3: More photos
July 1, 2010 2:52 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
Around 8 o’clock Wednesday night, the South Park Bridge‘s final opening was also a severing of the physical tie to the other side of the Duwamish. “Half of Boeing came here for lunch,” Boeing employee Michael told WSB contributor Keri DeTore; Georgetown Community Council Chair Holly Krejci said: “Georgetown will miss the connection and solidarity with South Park.” SP resident John added, “Life just got a lot harder — we as a community can’t sustain these businesses. We have to make this (neighborhood) a destination — this is the best neighborhood I’ve ever lived in.”

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
But at least for the night, the concern about the years ahead without a bridge – even with funding for a new one starting to build up, it wouldn’t be done for at least three years – was eclipsed by the party atmosphere of the bridge wake, on the bridge and alongside it:

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
Classic old transit buses were the final vehicles to cross. Earlier – perhaps in homage to the bridge’s age (70) – other classic vehicles were seen:

(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
Meantime, more than a few elected officials came to South Park for the bridge sendoff, including Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, photographed talking with King County Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi:

(Photo by Keri DeTore)
The mayor told Keri: “We’ve worked to provide support to the local businesses and will work with the community. We have an interdepartmental team of police, fire, SDOT, neighborhood and economic groups to provide services to the broader community. We will do our share to work on the bridge replacement.” Similar vows have come from county elected officials like Councilmember Jan Drago, decked in a pink hat and pink boa – same color on the tulle that fluttered from the bridge as it went up:

(Photo by Tracy Record)
Though $80 million has been raised toward funding a new bridge, many are concerned about where the remaining $50 million will be found. South Park resident Betty had an idea: “Put single moms in charge of the funding — they’ll get it done!” Speaking of done, the end of bridge operations means the end of the line for bridge tenders here:

(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
One last round of photos – this is a Flickr grouping from the occasional contributor we refer to as Junior Member of the Team – he was part of the five-member WSB team covering the historic occasion:

And we also have a shot to add from the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) bridge memorial – customers were invited to help build a bridge:

The Feedback, of course, created what was pretty much the official shirt of the wake – everywhere you turned, someone was wearing the distinctive white-on-black shirt (as you can see in many of our photos).

Ahead: A video collection of highlights, plus “what’s next” for the bridge-replacement project and its neighbors.

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2 ‘Bezos Scholars’ from Chief Sealth International High School
July 1, 2010 1:31 am
|    Comments Off on 2 ‘Bezos Scholars’ from Chief Sealth International High School
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A student-educator team from Chief Sealth International High School will be in Colorado next week after being named “Bezos Scholars” – read on for the details in a Seattle Public Schools announcement:Read More

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