West Seattle, Washington

19 Wednesday

39℉

year : 2010 4214 results

Future Fauntleroy fish: Special delivery for West Seattle schools
January 8, 2010 10:10 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(West Seattle Elementary fifth-grader Precious Manning pours coho eggs into an iodine bath to disinfect them before putting them in the school’s aquarium)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Youngsters at eight West Seattle elementary schools, plus the Fauntleroy Children’s Center, will soon be the proud parents of 1,850 baby salmon destined for Fauntleroy Creek.

Volunteers Phil Sweetland and Judy Pickens delivered that many eggs on Jan. 6 to students eager to start the process. The state’s Soos Creek Hatchery provided the coho eggs for the Salmon in the Classroom program, which enables students to learn about the development and habitat needs of our Northwest’s iconic fish. The eyed eggs will hatch in just a few days and, if all goes well, robust fry will be ready for release in May.

These fry will join 500 additional ones being raised by volunteer Jack Lawless for preschoolers and others who don’t have their own fish to release (allotted on a first-come basis). Also, monitoring will start soon in the lower creek to see how many “home hatch” resulted from eggs left in November by 18 spawners.

Editor’s note: You can peek at Fauntleroy Creek any time by visiting the overlook across the street (and upslope) from Fauntleroy ferry terminal (map).

Share This

West Seattle Christmas lights encore tonight … for a soldier’s family
January 8, 2010 6:29 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley from Jim Winder on Vimeo.

It was something of a “Blue Christmas” for a local family awaiting a loved one’s homecoming from Afghanistan. But tonight – according to Jim Winder, who engineered the popular synched-to-music Christmas light show at the Helmstetler Family residence across from the Charlestown water tower – that family will celebrate belatedly. You’re welcome to be there too. Jim first told us about this a few days ago:

The other night the Helmstetlers had a lady come knock on their door and asked how much longer we were going to do the light show. They said it was pretty much over…until she explained that (I believe) one of her children was coming back from Afghanistan and she had told them all about the light show and wondered if it would still be running this week.

Then very early this morning, Jim sent word that the family had heard again from the woman and made a plan to present a special edition of the show at 5:30 tonight. Jim says, “We’ll have two new songs…just for the soldier. I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Josh Groban and American Soldier by Toby Keith.” And he reaffirms that you are welcome to be there, too. The house is right across from the water tower on Charlestown – the synchronized music is not blasted via speakers, but rather broadcast on 101.9 FM and receivable via radio in the immediate vicinity – 3908 SW Charlestown; here’s a map.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: “We … learned the hard way”
January 8, 2010 6:11 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

If you think you can leave something of value in your car, maybe because it’s someplace so visible thieves wouldn’t dare try anything, consider the lesson AJ and fiancé just learned. AJ, who’s in the 7500 block of 34th SW (map), shared this note sent to neighbors late last night.

Just wanted to alert you that my fiancé’s car was broken into tonight. We aren’t sure when the exact incident happened but we estimate somewhere around 10- 11pm. His car was parked right in front of our house and the burglars broke in from the street side (his passenger side of the car). They rummaged through his glove compartment before grabbing his book bag (that had his Mac book in it.) Worst part was, we were sitting right in our living room when this happened. Please keep an eye out for your valuables, as we unfortunately learned the hard way.

Share This

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”: Brothers’ anniversary – plus, a deal
January 7, 2010 11:58 pm
|    Comments Off on “Amahl and the Night Visitors”: Brothers’ anniversary – plus, a deal
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Friday-Sunday, it’s the annual run of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” presented by Twelfth Night Productions at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – four chances to see the show. And this year’s run is a special anniversary for brothers Jeffrey and Michael Thoreson first appeared in Amahl and the Night Visitors 40 years ago this month. It was a production at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle at the time – then in the late ’80s, most of the cast reunited to do the show again, and the brothers have done it every year since – part of the Twelfth Night presentation for the past 13 years. It’s been a family affair in even more ways – early in their stint with Twelfth Night, their dad David played the third king; many other Thoresons have been onstage or in the orchestra over the past 20 years; and this year Jeffrey’s son Hans plays Amahl for the second year – though it’s his fifth year with the production, debuting as a shepherd at age 5. We asked about memorable moments for the brothers; they said, working with their dad, who really took to singing and to playing to the audience but retired from performing after a few years. He’s returned to see his sons over the years, and the brothers say he’ll be there this weekend. “Amahl and the Night Visitors” will be presented at 7:30 Friday and Saturday, 3 pm Saturday and Sunday, and there’s a special deal – go to the WSB Coupons page to print out the coupon for 20 percent off any adult admission at the box office.

Share This

Satterlee House case: Owner’s taking it to the state Supreme Court
January 7, 2010 9:13 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

hosuetoday.jpg

An update tonight on the 2-year fight over what can be built on the expansive front lawn of the Satterlee House, the 103-year-old city landmark that’s also known as the Painted Lady of Beach Drive: The attorney for the Satterlee House’s owner says they’re taking the fight to the next venue – the state Supreme Court. This follows a series of rulings against the specific 3-home plan that Conner proposes for the land in front of the house: First, the city Landmarks Preservation Board rejected the proposal two years ago, saying the proposed homes’ size and scale would take away from the landmarked traits of the site. Conner appealed the decision to the city Hearing Examiner, who upheld it in April 2008; then he asked King County Superior Court to review the decision, where it again was upheld; from there it went to the state 1st Division Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments last June, and then announced on December 21st that it too upheld the previous decisions. Next potential step was asking the state Supreme Court to review the case, and tonight the lawyer who’s led the case for Conner all along the way, Richard Hill, confirms to WSB, “Yes, the Conners intend to ask the Washington Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals decision.” We’ll watch the court records and keep tabs on what happens next; as we reported after last month’s ruling, the case has drawn national attention.

Share This

West Seattle wildlife: Rare bird spotted in Alki area
January 7, 2010 5:33 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Seeing more people than usual in the Alki area with binoculars? Here’s why. Thanks to Maurie for the photo and the explanation:

There are likely to be a lot of birders wandering around alki for the next few days. This morning a Black-billed Magpie (in the corvid/crow family) was seen moving back and forth between 61st and 63rd between Stevens and Alki Beach. This is a bird native to Eastern Washington but extremely rare for Western Washington.

It’s now on my yard list – and that’s one good bird to have on a yard list for Alki!

Share This

The people at Table 35 – and how the restaurant got its name
January 7, 2010 3:24 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

We’ve discussed the name and the menu, but before the new restaurant at California/Edmunds opens this Saturday, we thought you might want to meet the people behind it.

Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Yaz Faour is so energetic he’s practically vibrating as he darts about his soon-to-open restaurant, Table 35, at the corner of California SW and SW Edmunds.

“Let me give you a tour,” he says in Montreal-accented English, a souvenir of his birthplace – he moved to the Pacific Northwest six years ago to help his brother run Salute of Bellevue, the Italian restaurant they sold several months ago. “We’re doing a facelift; we’re not changing the layout of the place.”

Table 35 retains much of the décor of the site’s former occupant, Ama Ama, but Faour points out a new row of metal beads that now separate dining and bar areas – the beads become a slow wave of glowing color when flooded with tiny lights. He motions toward a newly christened piano area: “Here there will be background music,” he says. He demonstrates how more colored lights (which TR Professional is installing) will accent an existing textured wall. The effect is rather swank, even a little dazzling. But though Table 35 will look beautiful, it’s obvious that Faour wants his restaurant to be anything but stuffy, especially when he explains how it got its name.

Read More

Share This

From the “in case you wondered” department: Myrtle water tank
January 7, 2010 2:19 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

A few people have asked about the full-surround scaffolding around the easternmost water tank at Myrtle Reservoir (map), most recently Scott C, so we checked with Seattle Public Utilities for the latest. No, the water tank’s not coming down – though the nearby reservoir has been covered (with some of the newly created land to be turned into a park later this year), the above-ground tanks remain in service. We recalled a bit of info about the work at the water tanks involving painting, and indeed, that’s all that’s happening, according to SPU’s Elaine Yeung:

Yes, we’re repainting the inside and outside of Myrtle Tank #2 (i.e. the larger of the two above-ground water tanks). The final color of the tank will match the smaller tank which was painted earlier in 2009. Some of the work on the interior began back in November 2009 but as you noted, scaffolding is going up for the exterior work. Crews will enclose the structure within a temporary plastic cover during paint removal, priming, and painting to contain dust and paint overspray and protect the tank from inclement weather. At this point, the repair work is scheduled to be complete in April 2010.

Share This

Southwest District Council: Of trolleys, tools & neighborhood plans
January 7, 2010 12:05 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

From last night’s Southwest District Council meeting: First topic doesn’t directly affect West Seattle, but you’re invited to have a say on it just the same. The county is thinking about getting rid of Metro’s “electric trolley” buses and replacing them all with diesel-hybrid buses, explained on the county website, and covered last fall by Central District News. No electric buses run in West Seattle, but they’re seeking region-wide reaction; electric buses cost more to buy, but there was much concern last night that the costs are higher, and that electricity is more sustainable, in the long run. A survey you can take will be online shortly; Jim Del Ciello also booked presenter Jonathan Dong (of SDOT) on the spot for next Tuesday’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting. Item #2 is West Seattle through and through – a progress report on Sustainable West Seattle‘s plans to create a Tool Lending Library for the area. SWDC co-chair Chas Redmond made the presentation. Read on for those details and a couple other notes from last night:Read More

Share This

West Seattle scene: This morning’s spectacular sunrise
January 7, 2010 11:47 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Twitter and Facebook were abuzz about this morning’s incredible pink-splashed sunrise, with folks sharing photos fast and furious. In case you missed them – this is the most beautiful West Seattle sunrise photo we’ve seen, tweeted by Scott from the peninsula’s southwestern shore. (Thanks also to Judy for offering a camphone pic.) Might be too cloudy tomorrow to see a similar sight again.

Share This

Bartell Drugs’ Admiral location to stop filling Medicaid prescriptions
January 7, 2010 10:53 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Bartell Drugs has announced it’s going to stop filling Medicaid prescriptions at 15 of its 57 drugstores as of February 1st, including the Admiral branch here in West Seattle, because, it says, the state is not compensating them adequately for those prescriptions. Here’s the Bartell announcement, in which it urges concerned customers to contact the state. So far, the other Bartell stores in West Seattle are NOT making a change. (Thanks to WSB contributing journalist Jack Mayne for the tip.) FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: We asked Bartell why this particular store (and the 14 others) but not the rest of the chain. Reply: “We chose stores based upon percentage loss on average script on the program, not geography.”

Share This

West Seattle Community Clinic: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
January 7, 2010 9:32 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome one of the newest WSB sponsors, West Seattle Community Clinic. The all-nurse-practitioner clinic opened three years ago at a different location, but moved last fall to 9001 35th Avenue SW (map). The clinic is open seven days a week, takes patients of all age, and always welcomes walk-ins. Nurse-practitioner Grace Grymes Chapman, ARNP, operates the clinic and says appointments are available almost every day. She says West Seattle Community Clinic is intended to be a place where you can get medical advice from people who listen closely and respond carefully. Grace and her fellow practitioners are active in the community; they have participated in West Seattle Summer Fest and at Healthy Kids Day with the West Seattle YMCA (also a WSB sponsor). She also does pro-bono breast and cervical cancer screenings for women over 40 who do not have health insurance. West Seattle Community Clinic is open 9 am-6 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am-5 pm Fridays, 9 am-1 pm Saturdays and Sundays. They’ll make appointments any time the clinic is open – call 206-937-9722; you’ll find West Seattle Community Clinic online at ggcnp.com.

We thank West Seattle Community Clinic for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

Share This

In West Seattle tonight: Ready to pursue a park? Get city help!
January 7, 2010 7:09 am
|    Comments Off on In West Seattle tonight: Ready to pursue a park? Get city help!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

One major meeting on the calendar tonight: When voters approved the Parks and Green Spaces Levy more than a year ago, that included not only a list of proposed projects to be funded – it also included creation of a $15 million Opportunity Fund, for parks proposals citizens could envision/pursue later. Decisions about almost half the fund money will be made later this year, and applications will be accepted this spring; the first West Seattle meeting to help guide people through the process — starting with the proposal letters due Feb. 2 — is tonight, 6:30 pm, High Point Community Center (map).

Share This

Seattle School Board’s transition talk: Will siblings stay together?
January 7, 2010 6:41 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Meeting last night for the first time in the new year, the Seattle School Board took on some of the remaining details of the transition to the new Student Assignment Plan; here are the highlights. The issue many parents have been watching closely involves “sibling grandfathering” – if a child currently attends a school different from the “neighborhood” one to which they’d be assigned otherwise, they are grandfathered to stay through its highest grade, but what about a younger sibling entering school this fall (or maybe beyond) – will they be able to attend their sibling’s school? A group of concerned parents rallied before the meeting last night; among them, West Seattle’s Fiona Preedy, who has been active on the issue. She sent around a summary last night of what happened from her viewpoint; we asked for permission to share it:

About a dozen West Seattle parents joined me at a rally tonight, at the John Stanford Center, regarding grandfathering younger siblings. There were a few reporters at the rally, notably, KPLU and King 5, with their cameras’ filming the children with signs, and there was a spot on King 5 at 11 p.m. The broadcast of the meeting will be repeated on the Education channel and you can watch online.

After a few speakers about the sibling issue, (superintendent) Dr. (Maria) Goodloe-Johnson did speak to the sibling families and stated that they are concerned and they do want to help. She gave the guarantee that if younger siblings can not get in the older sib’s school, the older sib is guaranteed a spot in the reference area school, which is in the transition plan. This is rationalized by the ability to spread those students over 5 grades, rather than the concentration in kindergarten. They are calling this a safety net.

For siblings of students with special needs, they are definitely grandfathering in. Steve Sundquist asked that the placement of Spectrum at Madison and Arbor Heights, specifically to ease the load on Lafayette, be sped up to the upcoming year. He also made reference to investigating grandfathering Spectrum siblings.

Several directors strongly urged Dr. (Tracy) Libros to speed up the modeling for school capacity, as surveys and enrollments come in, so they can identify schools where there will be no problem or, on the other hand, where there will be problems. They seemed noticeably concerned over the families’ stress. Regardless of their concern, it still seems the chances of getting the plan past one year are nil. However, if this year’s enrollment goes well, they will begin in the fall to make the next year’s plan early and might even be able to do a two year plan.

Dr. Libros did have a power point about the timeline for enrollment. They’ve extended early enrollment until Jan. 15, then open enrollment will be in March. With the “safety net”, you have through Sept. 30 to decide to move your older sibling to your reference area school with your kindergartener, so if nothing happens to get you in, you don’t have to make an early decision to hold your place.

A lot of the power will be directed to the principals and staff at the schools, so be nice to your principal!

Steve Sundquist will have another meeting at Delridge Library on Saturday, January 16, 1 to 2:30, so come with your questions and comments.

Other reports from last night: Here’s the KING5 coverage and the KPLU report that Fiona mentioned; A partial update from the community site saveseattleschools.blogspot.com is here. That site also points to this helpful link if you want to tour a school before assignments are finalized – here’s the list of open houses citywide.

Share This

@ North Delridge Neighborhood Council: Library changes, and more
January 6, 2010 11:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Karen Spiel is leaving the Delridge Library – but it’s not part of the budget cuts related to the schedule changes that kick in next month (as reported here earlier today). At the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting at the library tonight, she revealed she’s being promoted to manage eight branches including Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Fremont and Capitol Hill. Spiel’s been a librarian in West Seattle since the 1990s; her successor will be Steve Delvecchio, who will manage the Columbia branch as well as Delridge. (At another meeting happening concurrently – Southwest District Council – we got the scoop on the rest of the final West Seattle library lineup: Jane Appling says she’s managing Southwest and South Park branches, Sibyl De Haan will be in charge of High Point and West Seattle [Admiral].)

More from the NDNC meeting – including changes it’s facing because of the library changes, and more – ahead:Read More

Share This

Fairmount Playground meeting #2: Two design options revealed
January 6, 2010 11:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story and photo by Jonathan Stumpf
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Two design options for the Fairmount Playfield playground were revealed tonight at the second public meeting about the project.

A small group convened at the High Point Library, where Parks Department employees Pamela Alspaugh and Kelly Davidson unveiled two design plans for the playground. The finalized plans are the result of the December meeting that we covered here, with suggestions made about the feel of the playground and what features were important to residents.

Davidson, the project manager, briefly discussed the two designs, emphasizing the important takeaways from the December meeting, specifically that the playground should have a “natural feel,” “allow for imaginary play” and something “iconic should be included that will bring people to the park.”

Alspaugh revealed the two plans:

Read More

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Bridge arrest, plus 3 reports
January 6, 2010 10:35 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We start tonight’s Crime Watch roundup with some information on an incident that several people have e-mailed tonight to ask about – another guns-drawn arrest on The Bridge late this morning. We started checking on it after one note then, but didn’t get enough details to report until we saw Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James and Lt. Steve Paulsen at tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting (separate report to come). Lt. James says it started as a domestic-violence incident in northeast West Seattle – the call went out to watch for a certain vehicle with a suspect who apparently has had encounters with police before; after a brief pursuit the vehicle was stopped on The Bridge, and the numerous police vehicles that had been engaged in “containment” to try to catch the suspect pre-bridge flocked to the scene. The domestic-violence victim, Lt. James says, was not seriously hurt. Now, on to several reports including graffiti – with a request for ideas – a car theft, and a car break-in:Read More

Share This

West Seattle food news: Heavenly Pastry and Cake update
January 6, 2010 7:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s going on 24 hours since our last update on any sort of impending West Seattle eatery, and, well, we can’t have that, so here’s another one. In November, WSB contributing reporter Mary Sheely first told the story of the West Seattle couple that’s bringing Heavenly Pastry and Cake to 2604 California SW, the Admiral storefront between Linda’s Flowers and Gifts and Alki Bike and Board; this week, she noticed posters in the window (top photo) and checked in on their progress. Proprietors Allison Barnes and Michael Stein say they have buttoned up the lease and started painting; they’re also “experimenting in the ‘Test Kitchen’ on some tasty goodies to add to our range.” They hope to be open “fairly early in spring,” as this display in the window hints:

Share This

Yet more swearings-in: Port commissioners take the oath
January 6, 2010 4:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Yet more swearings-in: Port commissioners take the oath
 |   West Seattle news

The ceremony didn’t get quite the attention that similar events at City Hall and the County Courthouse did, but three Seattle Port Commissioners have taken the oath of office this week too. Above, newly elected commissioner Rob Holland, who is making history as the first African-American Seattle Port Commissioner; he was sworn in Tuesday by former Governor John Spellman. Below, new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn administered the oath to John Creighton (below left) and Tom Albro was sworn in by son Nate.

All five commissioners’ bios are here; their meeting schedule – first, second and fourth Tuesdays, alternating locations, is here. (Photos courtesy Port of Seattle)

Share This

2 Blue Angels pilots’ whirlwind winter Seattle visit
January 6, 2010 3:17 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway

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.

Share This

New schedule finalized for West Seattle libraries, citywide system
January 6, 2010 2:44 pm
|    Comments Off on New schedule finalized for West Seattle libraries, citywide system
 |   West Seattle news

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.

Share This

Illusions Hair Design opens appointments for “Have a Heart Day”
January 6, 2010 1:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Illusions Hair Design opens appointments for “Have a Heart Day”
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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.

Share This

Delridge Library adds something new: Vietnamese Story Time
January 6, 2010 12:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

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.

Share This