West Seattle, Washington
15 Sunday
Just one high-school football game tonight: Seattle Lutheran lost to Tacoma Baptist, 35-0. (Tomorrow night, West Seattle High School plays Eastside Catholic, 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown.)
Remember this MOHAI Minute video about what lies beneath Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor)? The team’s come back to West Seattle, this time to tell the story of Schmitz Park, and e-mailed us with news of the clip. (It’s actually a three-minute “minute.”) P.S. Want an up-close-and-personal look while doing a good deed? Tomorrow happens to be a work-party morning at Schmitz Park, 9 am-noon – details on the Green Seattle website.
Till 6 pm tonight, masquerading merchants and boo-tiful businesspeople are awaiting trick-or-treaters at participanting Admiral District businesses, for Admiral Treats and Treasures. (Recognize those two?)
Here’s the map link, if you don’t have it already. Tomorrow 1-3 pm, it’s Trick-or-Treat in The Junction (with lots of bonus events, from photo sessions to costume contests – check the WSB West Seattle Halloween page), and 4-7 pm on Halloween, you can scare up some candy by trick-or-treating at Westwood Village. ADDED 5:04 PM: More photos from this afternoon’s Admiral event:
That’s your Admiral Neighborhood Association, with a table along the north side of the cleaners at California/Admiral. Lots of creative costumes all over the neighborhood:
That’s 2-month-old Leo in the pot. Then there’s the double-bagged duo we spotted:
And throngs everywhere:
Next it’s on to tonight’s carnivals and other events … WSB West Seattle Halloween all here. ADDED 11:06 PM: One last thing – video of trick-or-treaters encountering the famous Alki Bike and Board spider:
From the WSB inbox: Denny International Middle School yearbook adviser Kathy Saxon is asking for your help if you have anything to say about Denny’s half-century-plus history. This is the last year that the old building is scheduled to be in operation as a school before getting torn down (if you missed our coverage the past few years, the replacement is explained here), so they would like to hear from anyone who has “a note or quote to say about their years at the old Denny … it would be a tremendous help toward the outcome of our yearbook, which is going along the theme of the architectural features of Denny and saying goodbye to the past. Denny has been around for over 50 years, and there are so many stories that other generations could share with the current generation of Denny; we would love to include these aspects in our yearbook this year.” E-mail your “note or quote” to kmsaxon@seattleschools.org.
They’re getting ahead of Halloween celebrations at The Kenney; its Activities Department is putting on a Haunted House today; they shared this photo from the first “showing,” and they’re getting ready for one more at 3:30 pm in Community Room 3, in case you’re in the neighborhood (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW). Remember, lots of other Halloween activities in the hours ahead – and tomorrow and Sunday – see our list here.
This has been unfolding over the past few days – first an open letter from Southwest Youth and Family Services‘ Cara Kroenke about an urgent need for community help for the family rocked by last month’s quadruple murder-suicide shootings – then a followup last night, and today another update from Cara:
Thank you for the kindness and support to the Phan/Harm family in response to the letter which is included below.
We have rented a temporary storage space and will have it open this Saturday from 11-4 for you to be able to drop off donations for the family.
The family is no longer in need of a couch/sofa, but we still need beds, furniture and whatever gently used household items that you can spare. From drinking glasses to tables to lamps to spatulas, we can use them!
Here is the address of the storage unit:
7133 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, 98106If you would rather make a financial contribution, or drop off the items at the agency, that is wonderful to!
SWYFS 4555 Delridge Way SW, 98106Today the agency is open from 9-3 and will re-open on Monday from 9-7. Please call 206-937-7680 if you have any questions.
If you would like to help other families in crisis, trauma and other difficult situations that aren’t so public, please donate directly to SWYFS by designating “for the agency”, otherwise all donations will go directly to the family.
Thank you again for your generous and kind spirits.
Best,
Cara Kroenke
After two years with a pirate theme, West Seattle’s famous animatronic outdoor Halloween production is going rock ‘n’ roll for Halloween 2010. Last night we dropped by the 36th/Hanford (map) headquarters of Skeleton Theatre for a peek at what’s in store. Behind the scenes, it looks a little like a mad scientist’s workshop:
The stars of this year’s show – “The Death of Rock” – is Bonaparte, “famous rock band from the ’60s,” performing their greatest hits. Between the sets, we’re told, it’s something like a “Behind The Music” video. Here’s Chris Walker tinkering with one of the band members as spouse Maia Low looks on:
We rolled video as Chris continued working to get ready for the show:
You can catch Skeleton Theatre playing continuously in the front-yard stage (you’ll be standing on the sidewalk, or maybe across the street) 6-9 pm Sunday night (Halloween) and Monday night (November 1st). Chris and Maia say a lot of people have tried to donate $ – it’s free to watch – on site in past years, and while appreciated, it’s been a little challenging to deal with, so they ask that if you are so moved to offer something for all the work that goes into Skeleton Theatre, you donate online (the button’s on the home page).
(WSB photo by Ellen Cedergreen)
“Walk to School Month” is going out in style – and this morning at White Center Heights Elementary, in the Greenbridge neighborhood that starts just across Roxbury from West Seattle, the style was a blue school sweatshirt for King County Executive Dow Constantine. We’ll have more photos, and video, up shortly at partner site White Center Now; later today, Roxhill Elementary School has its own Walk to School Month celebration – but (as mentioned here during our Monday coverage of librarian Pat Bliquez’s special honor) it’ll be a Walk *from* School event!
(Newly released WSDOT video)
As reported when we covered the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group meeting last week (story here), this week is concluding with two milestones for the proposal to replace its Central Waterfront section with a tunnel: First, the two remaining potential design-build teams presented their proposals yesterday – and Governor Gregoire promises to go public later today with more information on those proposals. Second, the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement is officially published, and the state wants to hear what you think. “Environmental impact” means a lot more than “ecological” impact – it includes an assessment of potential traffic effects and much, much more. You can see the report here; you can ask questions and offer comments in person during the West Seattle open house on November 16th; or you can offer your thoughts any of the ways listed here, till December. ADDED 10:43 AM: The governor has announced that both tunnel proposals are within budget. Here’s the WSDOT announcement.
Thanks to Lashanna for that photo from last night’s annual Pathfinder K-8 Pumpkin-Carving Party – taken as the masterpieces were displayed. That’s a glowing prelude to what’s basically, this year, a three-day Halloweekend. The full list of Halloween-related events is on the WSB West Seattle Halloween page. Today’s centerpiece is Admiral Treats and Treasures, the first of four West Seattle/White Center business-district trick-or-treating events – 3-6 pm, here’s the updated official map. Community-center carnivals, a free family swim, and lots more on the docket too. Also: Tonight it’s time for the first-ever West Seattle Halloween Ski Swap gear dropoff, at VFW Hall, 3601 SW Alaska, 4-7 pm – this is a benefit for the West Seattle Snow Sports Council. Also tonight, it’s Halloween Rainbow Bingo at Senior Center of West Seattle (doors open 6, bingo at 7). Lots of live entertainment, like most Friday nights – among the special events is Sweet, Sweet Music with a lively lineup of performers at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm – full details on this Facebook event page.
One week from Saturday, Gathering of Neighbors 2010 brings dozens of West Seattle organizations and businesses to Chief Sealth International High School so that you can find out more about who’s doing what to help strengthen and energize our community – and meet more of our peninsula’s amazing people – with just one visit to one place. If you have a business, organization, or service, and aren’t signed up for a table yet – why not? Our reports from Gathering of Neighbors 2009 are here, here, and here, if you need to know more about what to expect – but this year, as organizers have explained, it’ll be even livelier, with workshops plus the keynote talk by former Mayor Norm Rice, who’ll be introduced by Sealth principal John Boyd. Today’s the deadline to register; the form’s online here (PDF). See you at GON, 11 am-3 pm Saturday (November 6)!
With two months left to go in 2010, West Seattle Runner‘s Tim McConnell is looking ahead to 2011 – with an invitation for you.
Ever wanted to run or walk a 5K? A 10K? A half marathon? Or all 26.2 miles of the Seattle Marathon? Ever wondered how you would get in shape for one of these and didn’t know where to start? Maybe you have never run before or just want to get in better shape? Well, then this is the program for you! A fully supported, free training program that takes you from never running or from low mileage running to running/walking a full marathon in 48 weeks. This program will allow you to miss some weeks and still be on track to run/walk the Seattle Marathon in November of 2011. It starts very slow and builds gradually, ensuring you don’t get discouraged with your progress and trying to keep injuries down to a minimum. There will be races added along the way to keep it interesting, including a 5K (or 2, or 3), a 10K, the Rock and Roll Half Marathon (based on availability) and ending with the Seattle Marathon. (All race entry fees will be paid for by the participant).
It will also introduce you to others from the area, as there will be weekly group runs. There will also be information nights were you will learn about nutrition, injury prevention, stretching, cross training ideas, proper footwear and apparel, and others we will add along the way. So come out, enjoy yourself, get healthy and meet your neighbors! Let’s all Get Fit in 2011!
And did I mention that all of this (except race fees) is free?
Come out and see if this is something you would be interested in. Our first info night will be November 5th at 7:00 p.m. at West Seattle Runner. 3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2A. That’s on the corner of California and Charlestown, upstairs next to Anytime Fitness. Check it out on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/39zexyo. Any questions call Tim at West Seattle Runner, 938-0545. See you then!
We’re featuring West Seattle pumpkins through Halloween, and tonight, three more examples of creative carvings – first, Megan carved half a dozen pumpkins, both in honor of her two Admiral workplaces (including WSB sponsor Shanti Salon and Spa) and “just for fun.” Next, Bill Schrier – who among other things is webmaster for the 34th District Democrats – has some political pumpkins in this picture:
From left, that’s Alexandria, Ryan, Lara, and Bill. And from MargL‘s three-member family, a three-pumpkin family:
Sent your pumpkin photo yet? We’ve got room for more the next three nights! Here’s how to send ’em.
(WSB photos by Ellen Cedergreen)
The Halloween wave is rolling in … and first to arrive, Toddler Pumpkinpalooza in two sessions today/tonight at High Point Community Center.
Other city-run community centers in West Seattle have celebrations tomorrow (and HPCC has another one)- but this one ushered in the festivities:
They got to show off costumes – like Clarabel above – and decorating skills:
Not only is High Point CC doing a second round of Pumpkinpalooza right now, they’ve also got a Freaky Fall Festival planned tomorrow night (Friday) at 6, same time as Halloween Carnivals at Alki and Hiawatha Community Centers; also tomorrow night, Southwest Pool has a free Halloween Family Swim at 7 pm. (Tons of other activities for all ages at multiple West Seattle venues, all listed on the WSB Halloween page.)
Five days to go till your ballot HAS TO be in – either by mail (postmarked no later than Tuesday) or by dropbox (by 8 pm Tuesday). One quick mention: If you are still making up your mind about the initiatives, there’s a new fact-checking site launched as a University of Washington project, assembled by graduate students, and it even looks at the refenda on the ballot. Check it out at factcheckwa.org. (Note – this is about the statewide measures only, not the local ones like the King County and Seattle Public Schools propositions.) P.S. King County is offering a digital “I Voted” sticker – get it here.
Another transportation alert just out of the WSB inbox: The West Seattle Water Taxi is adding a 7:30 pm run from Pier 50 downtown to Seacrest in West Seattle this Sunday, October 31, because of the Sounders’ game. That’s also the last day of the spring/summer schedule – remember the new Monday-Friday, commute-hours-only schedule starts the next day – Monday, November 1st.
In case you haven’t seen the signs that have been up along the routes leading to the 1st Avenue South Bridge – WSDOT has just sent a reminder: It will be completely closed 7 am-3 pm this Saturday in the NORTHBOUND DIRECTION ONLY for maintenance work. According to WSDOT’s advisory, a cracked half-century-old steel plate will be replaced during the 8-hour shutdown. (We’ll let you know here on Saturday if it reopens early – this alert also is atop the WSB Traffic page, which we continue tweaking to include more day-to-day information that you might miss in the main news stream here.)
Following up on the urgent call for help sent out late yesterday by Southwest Youth and Family Services‘ Cara Kroenke, and published here as well as circulated on local mailing lists – Cara just left this comment on last night’s story:
THANK YOU to everyone who is helping the family! SWYFS is beyond lucky to have such a loving community. We have raised the $1800 thanks to you and are now using the remaining money to help cover the costs of moving. They will be moving into two separate households (if all goes as planned) and will need deposit money, moving help and whatever gently used household items you might have. Does anyone know of a good storage company here in West Seattle? We could really use a small space to store the larger items until they move into permanent housing. Thank you for all you do to help SWYFS make the community safer and supported! Yours, Cara
If you missed the original coverage, this involves surviving family members of the three people killed by a West Seattle woman one month ago before she killed herself, all members of her family, as was the lone shooting victim who survived.
First, signs went up offering the forthcoming commercial space for lease. Now, scaffolding’s up on the east side of the stalled 35th/Avalon building, four months after news that it had been purchased by an area company, after being caught up in the Mastro Properties problems. The leasing is being handled by InCitySpace, described in the listing as “2415 (square feet of) retail/office space in shell condition awaiting strong tenant for build-out contribution by landlord,” $28 per square foot, potentially divisible into two 1,200-sf spaces. We have an inquiry out to ask about estimated completion and whether anybody’s signed on yet. (Thanks to everyone who sent tips about both the leasing sign and scaffolding sightings!)
Think your neighborhood needs a traffic circle? Speed-limit change? Something else to “calm” traffic? Check out this announcement shared by Delridge Neighborhood District Coordinator Ron Angeles – but this invite is for people from any West Seattle neighborhood:
A Traffic Safety Meeting will be at the West Seattle Library meeting room, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, November 17. Any resident who is requesting information on traffic calming of non-arterial streets should try to attend.
More info here – and you can get more information about SDOT‘s Neighborhood Traffic Control Program here.
(View of The Hole, photographed last month from atop the unrelated Link project)
One week after we reported the start of the trial in the tangle of lawsuits over “The Hole,” aka Fauntleroy Place, aka the 39th/Alaska site once envisioned for Whole Foods Market, Hancock Fabrics, and apartments, till everything fell apart in fall 2008, AFTER the site was excavated for what was to be a big underground parking garage. Yesterday, we went back to court to see how the trial’s going. For WSB, Katie Meyer sat in on yesterday’s session in King County Superior Court, and reports that Judge Susan Craighead estimates there’s enough testimony and cross-examination remaining to continue till at least Tuesday, with closing statements expected that day, and “oral findings” next Thursday.
Witnesses yesterday included BlueStar Management executive Steve Hartley, geotechnical engineer David Cotton, and Bryce Bryan Campbell, who was executive vice president of financier Seattle Capital when it was dealing with various parts of the 2-years-stalled project. Most of what they’re all arguing about (we published the full list of parties involved, from atop the legal documents, here) is who has the right to what compensation and in which priority/order. Ultimately, however this gets settled will affect what happens at the site next – a new entity related to Madison Development has been trying to take over the site, seeking “judicial foreclosure,” but until all the liens are settled, that apparently cannot happen.
Part of what’s being sorted out is how the whole thing fell apart, how BlueStar moved from being the developer to not being the developer (and some of that firm’s circumstances at the time were part of the questioning in court yesterday). BlueStar had told WSB this past spring that they still hoped somehow to be able to take over the project again; executive Hartley noted in court yesterday that they’d worked on it for seven years. Testifying later, former Seattle Capital executive Campbell said Fauntleroy Place had originally been seen as an investment for the firm, not a loan: “At the time, it wasn’t obvious the whole economy was going to come down.” He said SC had no intent to take the project through to completion, but rather to find a new buyer/sponsor for construction expenses, while retaining some ownership interest in the project. They had a choice between two such firms, and UDR won – but the path to finalizing that grew rocky, he testified. Whose fault it was that the project fell apart, is still at issue, as the different parties have different views, and that’s what the judge will have to sort out. Today is the last scheduled day of testimony for the week; we’ll go back to court when it resumes next week.
For the next four days/nights, it’s almost ALL about Halloween. Our all-in-one-place, by-category-of-event West Seattle Halloween list is here; from that list, High Point Community Center has two Toddler Pumpkin-Palooza sessions today, 10-noon and 5-7 pm ($5/child); The Sanctuary at Admiral shows the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu” (a “Dracula” adaptation) tonight, with live pipe organ, 7:30 pm ($5 person, also collecting nonperishable food items for West Seattle Food Bank). From the rest of the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – 3 fundraisers tonight: Pegasus Pizza on Alki is raising $ for the Livestrong Foundation, 4-11 pm; Beer Junction‘s tasting event benefits 2 animal-advocacy groups, 5-8 pm; tonight’s monthly WS Tweetup raises $ for breast cancer, 5:30-7:30 pm @ Endolyne Joe’s. On the not-West-Seattle-but-it’s-being-followed-here-closely front, today’s the day that the two firms still in the running to design/build a tunnel to replace the Central Waterfront section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct are supposed to officially present their proposals. More on the calendar (and again, the Halloween page, with dozens of events from now through Nov. 1, is here).
Story and photos by Karen Berge
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
More than 25 residents, plus a handful of presenters, attended last night’s information-packed meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC).
The meeting at Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC)’s historic headquarters began with an informative, but brief, presentation by Cari Simson from Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC). She provided an historic overview of the Duwamish, including photos; then in contrast, she described its extremely polluted current condition, “basically, it’s a 5 ½-mile-long Superfund site,” a reference to the Duwamish being added in 2001 to the list of the most hazardous and toxic sites in the country.
Simson’s presentation included two especially memorable slides: One lists more than 40 pollutants that have been found in the river that exceed healthy levels, the second shows warning signs that are posted along the river that urge people not to eat any of the bottom-feeding fish from the river.
More about her presentation and other agenda items, ahead:Read More
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