West Seattle, Washington
13 Friday
For the second time today, we have news of a longtime WSB sponsor moving to a new location: This morning, it was M3 Bodyworks (story here); tonight, Click! Design That Fits. After six years in the Admiral District, Click! just announced it’s moving south, to the West Seattle Junction storefront recently vacated by Friends and Company (4540 California SW). John Smersh from Click! tells WSB, “We’re excited to move to the Junction and be a part of its retail core. Our blend of contemporary home accents, jewelry, accessories and gifts will be a great complement to the businesses there.” The Junction storefront is bigger, which means Click! can offer some new items, including an expansion of what John calls “the cornerstone of our business” – Smersh Design Jewelry – and more of the contemporary home furnishings for which they’ve become known, including the lighting that’s been a hit in their Admiral store. John says, “We plan to open as soon as possible in early October. We will remain open in our current location through the month of September – unless our buildout goes faster than expected and we move early! Our opening party is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th.” (P.S. Click! has a new art show coming up in its current location, with artist Alena Hennessy on hand for a reception next Saturday night.)
We’ve been gathering coyote updates for a larger story for a while now (still in the works) – but this one, while not unique, is an important, sad, reminder. Out of the WSB inbox tonight from Teresa:
I never wanted to add to the ongoing concern about coyotes in our neighborhood, but unfortunately, our family’s tragedy has been a painful reason to do so. My parents, who live in the Seaview neighborhood along Southwest Juneau Street, lost one of their beloved cats to a coyote last night. My parents thought their cat was in, but they did not see her personally, and now she’s gone. Their neighborhood is scarcely wooded, but it’s become all too obvious lately that that is no longer a deterrent for urban wildlife. It also seems there is at least one coyote frequenting this corridor, based on what you reported throughout July.
I know this comes up every few weeks or so, but please remind your readers, again, that small outdoor pets are highly susceptible. Owners should be particularly diligent about bringing them in at night. That certainty far outweighs the alternative.
Now, the link we’ve shared many, many times before – advice on coexisting with coyotes, both for you and your pets’ benefit, and theirs. And also note that other wildlife can clash with pets too – we’ve heard about bigger, bolder raccoons lately – here’s information about them.
Just out of the WSB inbox, more details on an event coming up September 18th:
Walking tour of West Seattle’s old-growth gem: Schmitz Preserve Park.
Join local historian Peder Nelson on a walking tour of West Seattle’s old-growth gem, Schmitz Preserve Park. Learn how this beautiful city park came to be and how it has remained an urban forest while traversing its many scenic trails. Experience West Seattle in its natural state! September 18th, at 10:00 am.
The tour will meet at the northwest entrance to the park on 58th Ave SW and SW Stevens St near Alki Elementary. Rain or Shine of course.
Free with museum membership (available pre-tour) or $5 donation.
For more information visit www.loghousemuseum.info or call 206-938-5293
Sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society (501C3) – all proceeds benefit the Log House Museum
Five nights ago, photojournalist Cliff DesPeaux covered the Chief Sealth International High School “sneak peek” tour with that video for WSB – now, it’s the night before the ribboncutting ceremony to dedicate the school’s multimillion-dollar renovation project. 9:30 tomorrow morning, you’re invited to the event at the school’s main entrance (2600 SW Thistle; map) for the big event. That’s one of two school ribboncuttings in West Seattle tomorrow – we’ve also been reporting on Westside School‘s move from a campus on 28th SW just south of the city/county border to the former EC Hughes Elementary in Sunrise Heights (7740 34th SW; map), since first word back in March, and their ribboncutting celebration is at 4 tomorrow afternoon. (Both schools start classes Wednesday, and both have public open-house celebrations/tours at later dates – Westside on September 19th, Sealth on September 25th.)
There’s a new deadline to apply for Trees for Neighborhoods – a partnership between EarthCorps and the city. EarthCorps’ Lina Rose reminds us that Roxhill, Westwood, and Highland Park are the West Seattle neighborhoods eligible for the tree distribution program this time around, because, she says, “they have the lowest percentage of tree canopy coverage in the city” (along with several other Seattle neighborhoods). The application (you can apply as an individual – doesn’t have to be a group request) is available online, where you’ll notice the new deadline is October 4th. Here’s where to go to get started!
Now that the news seems to have slowed down a bit, on the final day of this holiday weekend, we are writing this note to thank you, and to let you know about two WSB milestones.
Thank you for continuing to be part of WSB – whether you “just read,” or have contributed anything from a comment to a news tip to a photo (or more – e-mail with questions, for example, often leads to the best followup stories!). The number of people who are part of WSB keeps growing – 27,000 homes/businesses currently visit the site at least once a week (more than a third of them, at least once daily) – and as a result, a longstanding WSB record just got broken. The monthly-pageview record had stood since the who-can-forget “Snowpocalypse“ month of December 2008. So many people were here that month, getting and giving information about roads, buses, snowfall, and more, that WSB pages were read 829,588 times in December 2008. (Photo above was courtesy Sage K, from our 12/20/08 coverage.)
While continued growth brought us close this year, the record stood until last month – the August 2010 traffic for WSB (per Google Analytics, the industry standard) was 834,935 pageviews. We had long since eclipsed other numbers from December ’08, such as visits and visitors, but pageviews are a point of pride; since the “blog” format has few “jumps” – unlike newspaper or TV websites, which usually require you to click to another page to get the full story – pageviews are more difficult to stack up.
Part of the August record is because of August 17th, the day of what some dubbed “Obooma!” – the startling sonic booms from jet fighters scrambled out of Oregon when a floatplane violated airspace restrictions during President Obama‘s brief Seattle visit. (Photo at left, as Air Force One departed Boeing Field, courtesy of David DeSiga)
A moment after the booms rocked WSB HQ, we published one line – headlined “Yes, we heard it too,” to let people know we were checking to find out what it was – and that was our last website update for 10+ minutes. So many people came to WSB to seek information, it briefly crashed our previously-beefed-up server; thanks to our server-management firm WiredTree for boosting capacity immediately (and permanently, now that we know what might happen in case of a sudden big event), while we continued updating Twitter and Facebook (which we would have done anyway – we do breaking news on all three major “channels”).
But there were other big days and events. The sonic-boom report wasn’t even August’s most popular (shared/linked) WSB story – here’s what was: The hot new band Fistful of Mercy performing at Easy Street on August 26th. We didn’t realize how big it was till we started getting word from people at the show that the crowd was spilling out into the street (as shown in Christopher Boffoli‘s photo). After that, and the sonic booms, the third biggest story of the month was the “musical protest” video shot inside West Seattle’s Target store and publicized nationwide – thanks to a note from WSB’er Amy, we got, and shared, word of the “local angle” before most of the rest of the region.
Second milestone: Since we’ve been running WSB as a 24/7, multiple-channel news service for three years (our unofficial anniversary was August 28th, the date in 2007 of our first and only “Pledge Day” to raise $ to formalize this as a business) – we haven’t really taken time off, out of 24/7 broadband range. Not that we’ve particularly wanted to, really – we are privileged to be able to make a living doing this, and we chose to do it full time. But people often seem to have a note of concern in their voice when they ask, “Don’t you ever take a vacation?” Well, guess what – we did. Your co-publishers here were out of town for a week recently. We weren’t completely unplugged from WSB, but unplugged enough to relax a bit, and that’s only thanks to some INCREDIBLE people who covered the news 24/7 in our absence:
First and foremost, we want to thank Christopher Boffoli, who has worked with WSB for three years – originally as a volunteer (till we started paying professional contributors in 2008). Christopher is a vital part of Team WSB, a talented photojournalist, thorough writer, and so quick to spot breaking news, he’s often on the scene before we’ve heard about it back here at HQ. While we were away, in addition to stories ranging from a car fire to a concert to the Southwest District Council, Christopher handled the 24/7 news-tips-and-business-calls line, which rings a LOT (thanks to everyone who calls – we really do answer round the clock!).
We also want to thank Jason Grotelueschen, a relatively new contributor to Team WSB, but an experienced online editor/writer who handled “the desk” most days we were gone – including a very busy mailbox – as well as some in-person coverage. And big thanks also go to Katie Meyer, who kept watch on the scanners, to ensure that our vacation didn’t affect fulfillment of the WSB commitment to timely, accurate coverage of breaking news, around the clock; Katie also went downtown to check on some big court cases too. Important stories in West Seattle also were covered while we were on the road by Keri DeTore, Edgar Riebe, and Cliff DesPeaux, and for our White Center site White Center Now, contributor Deanie Schwarz reported on the week’s biggest WC events.
This was a milestone for more than the fact your co-publishers took a bit of a breather before what could be another intense fall/winter: It meant this has grown beyond something that critics insisted was teetering precariously on the shoulders of two overworked people. WSB is a news service – a growing, sustainable business, dedicated to serving the community, in partnership with the community as well as with professional contributors. We were deeply honored to have those attributes recognized and celebrated within the community, when the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce named WSB “Business of the Year” this past spring, and when American Legion Post 160 presented WSB with the West Seattle Grand Parade‘s Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community. We want to hear from you about how WSB can better serve you and all of West Seattle – and you’ll hear soon about a new way we will be inviting that feedback, beyond all the ways you can reach us 24/7/365.
P.S. Another milestone is imminent for participants in the WSB Forums – sometime this week, the number of posts in the Forums, which became part of WSB in December 2007, will surpass 100,000. This is a standalone area of WSB where people interact directly with each other and launch their own topics beyond home-page news stories; it has grown from its original mission, meant first to be a place for recommendations like “where’s the best Thai restaurant?” or “who sharpens knives?”, to add free listings for jobs, as well as yard sales and freebies, as well as conversations about politics, schools, and more.
Again, thank you for being part of WSB, and part of the incredible community we are thrilled to call home: West Seattle.
-Tracy Record and Patrick Sand, WSB co-publishers
Just announced by Michael Mandell of M3 Bodyworks, a longtime WSB sponsor – a new location a short distance north of M3’s old one!
As of September 6th, 2010, M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is pleased to officially announce its relocation from the old clinic at 5410 California SW to our new space at 5236 California SW (map)!
Our new clinic is only a block away from the old one, but it offers many exciting improvements. We will be more visible and accessible, with a front entrance right off the street. We will have more treatment rooms, which will make it much easier for us to accommodate your scheduling needs, especially those last-minute appointment requests (you know who you are)! We will also have a small courtyard where you may sit and relax before or after your massage.
We at M3 Bodyworks believe that this move will help us fulfill our mission to provide the community of West Seattle with outstanding massage therapy at a great price. To help welcome you to our new home, we would like to offer you $10 off your next 60- or 90-minute cash visit*. Just mention “West Seattle Blog $10 off“ when booking your appointment. We are looking forward to seeing you for many years to come in our new clinic!
M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic, 5236 California Ave SW, Suite D, Seattle WA 98136
(206) 331-3999
M3bodyworks.com(*Only one per customer, valid for new or existing customers. Not applicable toward package discounts or copays, not valid when combined with other coupons or discounts)
When we brought you first word that the West Seattle-based – but operating citywide – shelter for homeless families, Family Promise of Seattle, had to temporarily close for lack of $, board member Laura Bermes promised word would be forthcoming about fundraisers. Here’s the first big one, just out of the WSB inbox:
Family Promise of Seattle, our West Seattle Shelter for homeless families, is looking for individuals and teams to help raise funds in a FUN way! FP is hosting its first-ever Rock and Roll Glow Bowling Tournament called PINS FOR PENNIES. Pins for Pennies is a simple way for individuals in our community to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
To participate, interested bowlers (or teams of bowlers) contact Laura Bermes at lbermes@comcast.net or 206-219-9173 to get a pledge packet. The idea is that each bowler collects donations and then shows up to bowl on Friday, October 8th from 6-9 pm at Roxbury Lanes. Every bowler that collects $200 or more in donations will be entered into a raffle for an iPod nano. This is a perfect opportunity for office friends, youth groups, Scout troops, reading groups – think of the groups you belong to that might enjoy making a difference in the lives of local children who are homeless. For more information about the Family Promise of Seattle and our upcoming Pins for Pennies fundraiser, check out our website at www.familypromiseofseattle.org.
Seattle, we NEED your HELP! Please consider participating in this fun opportunity to help Family Promise of Seattle get back on track to caring for homeless families!
Our Family Promise story was recently showcased when the Seattle Times focused on the plight of homeless families and included stories by its neighborhood-news partners – here’s the regional roundup; here’s the Times’ followup on reaction to its series.
This Thursday night, dozens of West Seattle venues from Alki to Westwood are open again for the monthly West Seattle Art Walk. Some of them are a bit off the proverbial beaten path – but well worth your time – like “The Building” in Gatewood.
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“The Building” is a deceptively simple name, given the amount of creativity and art that comes out of this former day-care and school building at 4316 SW Othello (map) in Gatewood. The Building houses a dozen artist studios where the artists produce work from sculpture and oil painting to ceramics and custom guitar-making.
Owner Randy McCoy, who has developed other affordable artist studios in the Seattle area, recalls walking into the building back in 2000 when his daughter attended day care there: “I thought, ‘Man, this would make killer studios!’” The building has soundproof walls, plus a restroom and janitor’s sink on each floor — perfect for artists’ needs. Randy, a West Seattle resident who is an artist specializing in abstract painting and sculpture, recognizes the need for affordable spaces for artists to work; he bought the building in 2008. He says: “Other buildings get converted, but this will be art studios forever.” (The photo above shows Randy getting a drink from an original day-care water fountain.)
The Building is open to the public every second Thursday of the month for the West Seattle Art Walk, providing the community with the opportunity to visit with the artists who work in the studios and to see works of artists featured in the monthly rotating displays. In August, photos by David Blank adorned the walls of the ground floor gallery.
Shaun Doll, owner of Northwest Encaustic, which operates on the ground floor of The Building (photo above), is the curator of the rotating shows. If you’re an artist who would like to have work displayed at The Building, contact Shaun at: shaun@nwencaustic.com.
Touring through the building, you come to appreciate the spaces that have been provided for the artists who create here. They all have high ceilings and natural light, and the upper floors have amazing views of the sound. Oil painter Craig Kosak – shown above with his dog Tucker – paints in one of the upper floor studios. He notes: “Randy’s been a blessing for us all. He makes studios available for a good price.”
Among the painters and sculptors in The Building you also find David Myka, who builds custom guitars. Asked about the market for custom guitars, he notes that not only is this the busiest he’s been in 3-4 years, he’s got a year-long backlog and will be taking on an apprentice at the end of this year. He says: “People are investing in things that will last. In the depression, people started investing in hand-made furniture.” His clients include students in music conservatory and “Weekend Warrior” musicians.
While most of the studios are private, the ceramic studio is available to rent for day use and Shaun’s encaustic painting studio offers classes to the public as well as daily rentals. To learn more about the encaustic studio, visit: nwencaustic.com.
Further, studio space opportunities are coming up for ceramic artists in the Mutablefire Studio. Ceramicist Steve Knipp, pictured above with his kiln, says that they are reorganizing the studio to make room for two other artists. For more information, contact Steve at steve@knippart.com.
There’s a strong sense of community among the artists who work in The Building, including the occasional sharing of materials. Sculptor Shawn McLean, who has rented space here for two years notes that he’s used beeswax with the help of Shaun Doll, and David Myka has provided wood to use as sculpture bases. Randy McCoy adds: “There’s strength in numbers, we’re all supportive and we push each other. It’s really healthy to be around other artists.”
For the full list of participating venues in this Thursday night’s West Seattle Art Walk – and details on who’s showing what, where – check out the official site at wsartwalk.com; you can also find the official map by going here.
TRANSIT: Metro is on a Sunday schedule, and the King County Water Taxi‘s West Seattle run (including shuttle buses) is on a regular weekday schedule, while the Vashon run isn’t operating (details here). Sound Transit – per its Facebook page – will run its express buses on a Sunday schedule, but no Sounder train service. Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a weekend schedule.
TRASH/RECYCLING: Normal schedule, per Seattle Public Utilities
CITY-RUN POOLS/COMMUNITY CENTERS: Southwest Pool’s maintenance closure continues; Colman Pool is open (then closed until the weekend, its final two days of operation this year); this would be the last day for the last open wading pool in West Seattle, Lincoln Park, IF it was going to be 70+ degrees but that doesn’t look likely. City-run community centers are closed.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Last day of the weeklong systemwide closure
LIQUOR STORES: Open
MAIL DELIVERY: No
PARKING: If you visit an area of the city with parking meters/pay stations, note there’s no charge today, since Labor Day is a “parking holiday”
FOR A REGIONAL OVERVIEW: Here’s the “what’s open/closed” roundup from the Seattle Times (WSB partner).
LOOKING FOR COFFEE? We haven’t checked everybody’s schedules, but we do know that longtime WSB sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW) is open 7 am-7 pm.
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