West Seattle, Washington

14 Wednesday

50℉

month : 01/2011 351 results

Followup: Shorewood crash truly an accident, investigators believe
January 18, 2011 10:02 am
|    Comments Off on Followup: Shorewood crash truly an accident, investigators believe
 |   Shorewood | West Seattle news

(WSB photo looking south toward the crash scene on Saturday afternoon)
The King County Sheriff’s Office has sent an update this morning on last Saturday’s Shorewood truck-pedestrian crash, which shut down 26th SW south of SW 106th (map) for several hours and sent a teenager to Harborview Medical Center:

A 14 year-old boy was seriously injured when struck by a pick-up truck about 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 15th. The accident occurred in the 10800 block of 26th Ave SW, which is in unincorporated King County just south of Seattle.

Investigating detectives believe the boy came running out of a driveway and into the street. He was hit by a 2005 Dodge Ram pick-up driven by a 21 year-old man, who was not able to stop or avoid the boy. The man lives several blocks from the scene of the accident.

Detectives do not believe there were any contributing factors in the accident, such as alcohol or drugs.

10:37 AM UPDATE: According to KCSO spokesperson Sgt. John Urquhart, the boy was reported this morning to be in serious condition. The case isn’t entirely closed, though; he tells WSB, “The case is still under investigation and there have been no arrests or citations issued.”

Share This

West Seattle Tuesday: Baseball, sustainability, crime prevention…
January 18, 2011 7:05 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Baseball, sustainability, crime prevention…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo shared by JJ – looking south from Constellation Park, south of Alki Point)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: West Seattle Little League‘s first in-person registration of the year was “snowed out” last Tuesday, but the weather looks fine for tonight, West Seattle High School library, 6-8:30 pm, full details at WSLL website …Two major community meetings on the list: Sustainable West Seattle‘s Community Forum (Senior Center of West Seattle, 6:30 pm, preview here), and West Seattle Crime Prevention Council (Southwest Precinct, 7 pm, preview here). … West Seattle Community Orchestras practice tonight at Chief Sealth International High School for the first time in the new year details here … Sanislo Elementary‘s PTA meets at the school tonight, 6:30 pm … Are you the (unpaid) caregiver for a loved one, dealing with stress and relentless demands on your time? A course called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” will be offered at the Senior Center of WS (California/Oregon), 1-3 pm Tuesdays from today through Feb. 22nd, free; call to register – 206-932-4044.

UPDATE 7:05 pm: The Sustainable West Seattle meeting is moved to Coffee To A Tea, in the Alaska Junction. Happening now! (until 9pm)

Share This

NYT spotlight opens new doors for West Seattle writer Nicole Hardy
January 17, 2011 11:59 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

If you are not part of the local writing scene, you might know West Seattle poet Nicole Hardy best for her work at Circa in the Admiral District. One week ago, a national/international audience got to know her because of her essay published in the New York Times, “Single, Female, Mormon, Alone.” Tonight, Nicole Brodeur of the Seattle Times (WSB partner) follows up with Hardy and reports that the essay was received so sensationally, she now has an agent and a new book deal. (She’s already published two books of poetry, which you can read about on her website.)

Share This

MLK Day 2011: ‘Impromptu day of service’ for West Seattle kids
January 17, 2011 11:54 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Many people spent this MLK Day as they spent previous ones – volunteering in ways big and small. Some joined in organized events; some came up with their own, as did Annabelle Allen, Hayden and Anne Wainwright, and Molly Allen: Sharing the photo, Mark Wainwright described their efforts as an “impromptu … Day of Service,” explaining:

They picked up a bunch of trash along California from Charlestown to Hinds. Great work, kiddos! (And thanks to the moms, Jane and Shana, for the encouragement!

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: ‘Drop that package!’; break-in attempt
January 17, 2011 11:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports out of the WSB inbox tonight. First one is about a truck-trailing package thief; second a quick note about an attempted break-in. Read on:Read More

Share This

Happening now: Pearl Jam CD release party @ Feedback Lounge
January 17, 2011 9:54 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages | WS culture/arts

As the CD release party for Pearl Jam‘s “Live on Ten Legs” got going at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) less than an hour ago, it was so wall-to-wall, we barely had room to get Shawnte, Mollie, and Melissa to pose with their newly purchased copies of the CD and vinyl versions. Easy Street Records is there selling the album, Ten Club is there selling merchandise, and The Feedback has on-loan rare PJ memorabilia on display (in addition to their existing collection):

We’re told the party continues the rest of the night. Or till closing, whichever comes first. Next special event, Fiasco plays live, as a benefit for a nonprofit helping multiple-sclerosis patients, January 29th.

Share This

West Seattle businesses: Museum Quality Framing closing
January 17, 2011 9:22 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We took that photo tonight after Judy forwarded us the e-mail she received about the upcoming closure of Museum Quality Framing in the Admiral District (2352 California SW). Though the sign says it’s “moving,” the e-mail announcement says the store is “closing” and invites customers to patronize a South Lake Union location after this one closes January 27th. This will leave West Seattle with at least four framing stores by our unofficial count – Artistic Framers, Northwest Art and Frame, U-Frame-It, and Wallflower Custom Framing. (P.S. Yes, the store that’s closing is the same one a car drove into last May.)

Share This

Ahead this week: CSO & more @ Morgan Community Association
January 17, 2011 7:31 pm
|    Comments Off on Ahead this week: CSO & more @ Morgan Community Association
 |   Environment | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(One of the underground rooms at Lowman Beach’s Murray Pump Station, from a tour last June)
And another preview for the week ahead: The Morgan Community Association only meets quarterly, so when they get together, the agenda is info-packed. On the agenda for Wednesday night, 7 pm, lower level of The Kenney, hot topics from street changes along California SW and 48th SW, to planning this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival, to the recent recommendation for how to reduce combined-sewer overflows (CSO) into Puget Sound at Lowman Beach’s Murray Pump Station (above). As we reported in early December, the county is recommending a Murray solution that will require the purchase of private property across from Lowman Beach Park (we followed up with MoCA’s response); King County’s Martha Tuttle is scheduled to be at Wednesday night’s meeting with an update on where it stands and how the recommendation was reached. MoCA also will talk Wednesday night about its new Facebook page (you can “like” it here), and soon-to-retire Crime Prevention Coordinator Benjamin Kinlow will discuss neighborhood safety. See the full MoCA agenda here.

Share This

Ahead this week: Sustainable West Seattle’s community forum
January 17, 2011 6:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Ahead this week: Sustainable West Seattle’s community forum
 |   Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Continuing our look ahead to the post-holiday week: Volunteering opportunities like tabling at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market – where Micah Summers (above) led a home-brewing demonstration yesterday – are part of what Sustainable West Seattle will discuss at its monthly Community Forum tomorrow night (6:30 pm Tuesday, Senior Center of West Seattle, California/Oregon). Lots of other projects you can get involved with, including the forthcoming SWS film series. Other planned presentations include the West Seattle Wildlife Habitat Project and the Salish Sea Transport Co-op.

Share This

Ahead this week: West Seattle Crime Prevention Council
January 17, 2011 6:26 pm
|    Comments Off on Ahead this week: West Seattle Crime Prevention Council
 |   Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news

As this MLK Day holiday Monday winds up, we’re looking ahead at some of what’s in store for the rest of the week. Tomorrow, for the first time in 2 months, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets (7 pm Tuesday, Southwest Precinct, Delridge/Webster). In addition to police updates on local crime trends, WSCPC has a guest speaker on the agenda; Robert Gant, who works with local youth as part of the staff at Southwest Youth and Family Services.

Share This

Take the (Polar) Plunge with police at Alki: Signups continue
January 17, 2011 3:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Once again this year, local law-enforcement leaders will be part of the Polar Plunge at Alki Beach, raising money for Special Olympics/Washington. WSB is proud to be co-sponsoring the Polar Plunge again in its second West Seattle year. Just got word from organizers today that Seattle Police Chief John Diaz will be taking the plunge again this time – and Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen confirms to WSB that he will follow in his predecessor Capt. Joe Kessler‘s water-shoed-footsteps by doing the same. You can form a team or go it alone to be part of Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 29, plunging at noon, after awards at 11:15 am, and a pre-plunge performance from the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder drum line. If you register and raise the $50 minimum, you get a T-shirt and a cup of Ivar’s chowder – sign up now by going here; we’ll see you there!

Share This

Chief Sealth wins King Holiday Hoopfest game at UW
January 17, 2011 12:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We’re at UW’s Hec Ed Pavilion, where Chief Sealth International High School‘s boys-varsity basketball team just beat Bellevue High School, 60-58, as part of the two-day King Holiday Hoopfest. More to come!

3:03 PM UPDATE: Our first clip shows the team taking the floor in the big arena. WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand covered the game at Hec Ed, and reports:

Chief Sealth took advantage of Bellevue’s foul trouble late in the game to put up a 60-58 win at the 2011 King Holiday Hoopfest, at Hec Ed Pavilion on the UW campus. Both teams had foul trouble throughout the game, but Sealth’s rough patch came early. In the first quarter, Bellevue had 12 points, most from free throws. The Wolverines held onto a steady lead for most of three quarters due to Sealth leading the game in turnovers with 25. But late in the third quarter the Seahawks’ Pepe Hernandez and Keon Lewis worked to bring their team a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter. From there Bellevue’s foul problems kept them for regaining the lead.

After the game Coach Colin Slingby met the media along with Lewis and Hernandez:

Lewis and D’nique Harris-Welch were Sealth’s high scorers with 18 points each. Bellevue’s standout player was Nate Sikma, who had 27 points Nate is the son of former Sonic Jack Sikma. No break for Sealth – big game tomorrow night at home against Rainier Beach.

Share This

Update: Truck fire briefly closes ‘low bridge’; driver OK
January 17, 2011 11:58 am
|    Comments Off on Update: Truck fire briefly closes ‘low bridge’; driver OK
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

ORIGINAL 11:58 AM REPORT: That traffic-cam screengrab from a few minutes ago shows a vehicle fire that’s being put out in the Terminal 5 area, on West Seattle’s side of the Port. We don’t have information on the fire itself yet but received a call that traffic on the “low bridge” is being forced to turn around – so wanted to send out a heads-up.

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli, added 12:50 pm)
UPDATE: Christopher Boffoli is at the scene. He says the cab of a tractor-trailer caught fire. The driver got out OK, and the cargo (a load of paper) appears to be all right. No word on the cause. This is right on the west end of the low bridge, and they’re starting to let traffic through again, but he says there’s still a notable backup.

Video added 2:16 pm; no official word so far on the fire’s cause.

Share This

West Seattle treasure for sale: Walker Rock Garden (and home)
January 17, 2011 10:34 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

rhondawalkerphoto.jpg

(Photo courtesy of Rhonda Porter)
If you would be interested in living in and caring for what has to be the most unusual home/garden pairing in West Seattle today – Lita has an offer for you. She e-mailed WSB to share the news that the Walker Rock Garden and Home are for sale:

I am the granddaughter of Milton and Florence Walker, the creators of the Walker Rock Garden (located at 5407 37th Ave SW, West Seattle). We (my aunt, cousin, and myself) are placing the Walker Rock Garden and Home for sale as we can longer maintain it. … We’re hoping to drum up interest amongst locals and ultimately find someone whose heart lies in keeping the garden healthy and happy (and hopefully allowing the public to still visit).

The Walker Rock Garden, created by Lita’s grandparents over the span of 20 years, is one of those places you have to see to appreciate. Photos do hint at its memorable sights – here’s a gallery shared by Lita; here’s one by Rhonda “The Mortgage Porter” Porter (WSB sponsor). Others who have written about it include Lori Hinton in “West Seattle 101“ and West Seattle-based online entrepreneur/eclectica expert Jerry at JetCityOrange.com (his page about Walker Rock Garden is here).

The site is not an official landmark, so there’s no official guarantee of its protection. Lita shared this official flyer; we asked her a few followup questions such as asking price (not mentioned on the flyer, nor could we find a listing online) and whether they’ll have an open house – we’ll add her answers when they come in.

ADDED 8:50 PM: Lita replied:

The property will be listed on the MLS near the start of February and the price has yet to be determined. However, we wanted to get the word out so anyone interested in preserving can start to look at their finances. Also, because we do not yet know who the next owners will be, this very well could be the last year the garden will be open, so come check it out before it is too late. The hours can be found at walkerrockgarden.net.

She says they will not be requesting an official agreement that the buyer would preserve the rock garden.

Share This

Memorial service Saturday for community activist Ann Owchar
January 17, 2011 8:29 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned this Saturday for Ann Owchar, a longtime West Seattle community advocate and volunteer. In a note shared on community lists, her daughter announced Ms. Owchar “passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with a very rare and debilitating form of dementia.” Until her illness, Ms. Owchar continued to represent the Highland Park Action Committee on the Southwest District Council. She was also active in its battle against the city’s proposed jail sites in Highland Park; she joined Monica Cavagnero and then-HPAC chair Dorsol Plants in speaking to the 34th District Democrats about it in summer 2008:

Later that year, HPAC honored her, as reported here, for her decades of community service:

(Photos courtesy of Dina Lydia Johnson, who also designed the certificate)
Ms. Owchar also volunteered tirelessly for other causes/groups including Soroptimist. Sharing news of her death via the North Delridge mailing list, city Neighborhood District Coordinator Ron Angeles noted, “Delridge is a better place for all people to live and grow due to Ann’s never ending love for her community. She will be missed by many.” Ms. Owchar’s memorial service is at noon Saturday at Howden-Kennedy, 3909 SW Alaska, and will be followed by a reception at her daughter’s home at 3726 SW Webster. Ms. Owchar was 81.

Share This

West Seattle Monday: MLK Day 2011, and more
January 17, 2011 7:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: MLK Day 2011, and more
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

MLK DAY HOLIDAY: It’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; here’s our list of holiday changes, first published last night, including Metro on “reduced weekday” service, and no Water Taxi. P.S. The official regional MLK Day Celebration is at Garfield High School (map) in the Central District this year, with workshops at 9:30 am, march at noon.

ALSO HAPPENING: Chief Sealth International High School boys-varsity-basketball team plays in the King Holiday Hoopfest at UW Hec Ed Pavilion, 11 am (details in this WSB story). We got a quick quote from Sealth head coach Colin Slingsby about their opponent today, Bellevue HS:

We’ll tweet live from the game at our @wsblive account.

Tonight Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) hosts the CD release party for Pearl Jam‘s newest, 9 pm (Easy Street Records will be selling it at the Feedback) … Mondays mean Fundraising Scrabble at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 7 pm registration, 7:15 pm game (details here) – $5 to play, benefiting charity, prizes … More on the calendar!

Share This

Update: Marty Riemer returns to The Mountain
January 16, 2011 10:26 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

10:26 PM SUNDAY: Though the official on-air announcement isn’t due till 7 am tomorrow (Monday) morning on 103.7 The Mountain radio, Nicole Brodeur at the Seattle Times (WSB partner) is the latest to report that West Seattleite Marty Riemer is definitely returning to the station that axed him 16 months ago. (We noted the video hints here on Friday; Seattle Weekly confirmed his return later that day.) He’ll be on the shift that was his original claim to fame, afternoons. And that means he gets to keep doing his morning podcast. (Which apparently is taking the day off tomorrow.) Photo: May 2010, WSB photo of Marty Riemer before he emceed the West Seattle 5K.

7:04 AM MONDAY: They’ve just officially announced on-air that he’s returning to the station, on the afternoon shift. “I’m ba-a-ck,” Riemer said, appearing on-air with John Fisher (who’s on mornings from here on out) and Shawn Stewart (middays). “It was like a bad soap-opera cliffhanger,” he added, of his time away. “We keep saying,” Stewart noted, “that Marty is truly back due to popular demand,” referring to the uproar after his September 2009 firing. (His then-co-host Jodi Brothers also has a new job; she’ll be part of the Bob Rivers Show when it hits the air at 95.7 FM this spring.) [added] At quarter past 7, Governor Gregoire called in on the air, and laughed when Riemer told her she was no longer responsible for paying him unemployment benefits. He starts on the afternoon shift next Monday.

Share This

Denny students’ music: Concert Thursday; Disney help needed
January 16, 2011 9:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(April 2010 photo courtesy Denny IMS, from one of 4 marching-band performances in a single day)
Two announcements tonight from the music department at Denny International Middle School in West Seattle — first, an invitation to their next concert; second, a request for help with a chance to get to a big gig on the road:

The Denny International Middle School Music Department will be having their Winter Concert on Thursday, January 20th at 7:00 PM in the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium.

Please join us for a fabulous array of performances by the Jazz Band, Concert Bands (beginning, junior and senior), Orchestras (junior and senior), World Music Choir, and Steel Drum Ensemble. It is sure to be a night filled with delightful music created by many talented and enthusiastic students. We are very excited to be able to perform in the newly renovated Chief Sealth Auditorium — a big step up for these students from their previous performance venue.

The Denny Marching Band has been invited to give a performance down Main Street Disney which will be quite a thrill for them. If there are people out there able to help contribute to a scholarship fund, we would gladly accept donations to enable more students to take advantage of this special opportunity. Donations can be made to the Denny Music Department via department head Marcus Pimpleton. For additional information, please contact Marcus Pimpleton at mjpimpleton@seattleschools.org.

Share This

West Seattle Running Club hopes to help you stay on track
January 16, 2011 7:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Running Club hopes to help you stay on track
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Dave Howard/West Seattle Running Club)
Halfway into the first month of the new year, how’s your fitness resolution going? Need a little support? Dave Howard says he’s got just the group:

Did you make a fitness resolution for the new year? Do you want help keeping
it? Come run with the West Seattle Running Club. You may be thinking, “A running club? I might not be fast enough. These people are probably too hard core.” Not so. We are a social running group with nearly 60 members and all running levels. We welcome all paces including walk/runners. We have no rules and no expectations other than supporting each other and having fun.

Join us at the Statue of Liberty at Alki Beach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The runs are relatively informal; we all start out together and run with whoever is at our pace, and then make sure that everyone comes in safely. We usually run three to five miles during the week and maybe a longer run on Sundays. Our members run many events each year and we support each other with group training runs and schedules that are event specific.

We have been told we are a social group with a running problem. Maybe because we do pizza one night each week after the run and have coffee together following the Sunday morning runs. We do lots of cross-training activities including cycling and skiing. We sometimes put together relay teams for the events around the Northwest.

Not associated with any businesses or other local organizations, we are just your West Seattle neighbors, together for more than 16 years, to create opportunities for runners of all levels to meet and run with others, to provide support and encouragement to members in achieving their personal goals, and to have a lot of fun.

So keep that resolution, and let us help. Come on down to the beach and run with us. Just show up and we will introduce ourselves. For more information visit us at www.westseattlerunningclub.org or contact me at wsrdave@comcast.net or 206-938-2416. We look forward to running with you soon.

Share This

Holiday tomorrow: Metro changes; no Water Taxi; other notes
January 16, 2011 6:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Holiday tomorrow: Metro changes; no Water Taxi; other notes
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

A reminder tonight about schedule changes tomorrow for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day holiday: There’s no King County Water Taxi service, West Seattle or Vashon (no shuttle buses, either). Metro buses are on a “reduced weekday” schedule – check here to see if your route is affected. Though most government offices and services are closed (including Seattle libraries and Parks facilities), recycling/trash/yard-waste services are on regular schedule, if you have Monday pickup. It’s a “free parking” day for other parts of the city with pay stations/meters. Most state liquor stores are open. Last but not least – schools and banks are closed.

Share This

Candlelight vigil planned next weekend for Jeremy Peck
January 16, 2011 5:14 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Family and friends searching for West Seattleite Jeremy Peck have set the date and time for a candlelight vigil: 4:30-7:30 pm next Sunday, January 23rd, outside the Admiral Pub. That’s where they say Jeremy was last seen, early Christmas Eve morning. The newly circulated Facebook invite for the vigil is here. (An anonymous tipline has been set up at 206-478-4905; here’s our original story on his disappearance.)

Share This

West Seattle Seahawks-watching: Better luck next year!
January 16, 2011 2:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

That’s the followup to the photo we published last night from Bob in North Admiral – the house that previously flew Bears and Seahawks flags side by side now has taken down the ‘Hawks flag. Though today’s 35-24 loss is disappointing (unless you’re a Bears fan!), remember that they made history by winning a playoff game despite a regular-season losing record. A few photos shared with us during the game – Shannon shared this one of a young cheerleader:

And Kelly at Muttley Crew Cuts in Admiral noted that the dogs there had the chance to watch the game too:

With the Seahawks’ season over – you could look ahead to the Mariners‘ season, opening at Oakland on April 1st (with spring training games starting 2/27) … and for an even more-local hook, the Rat City Rollergirls just skated their first 2011 bout yesterday and have the next one on February 19.

Share This

Alki Homestead fire anniversary: ‘Somebody has to speak for the building’
January 16, 2011 10:55 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Homestead | West Seattle news

10:55 AM: We are at the Log House Museum, steps away from the Alki Homestead (above), where 4 groups are announcing their updates on the Homestead’s status, on the 2nd anniversary of the fire that closed it. Historic Seattle says it still hopes to find a way to buy it. The 3 other groups say they have asked the city to step in to prevent further damage to the building. More to come after the media briefing.

(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)

12:58 PM: Our video clip contains the complete, unedited 17-minute briefing (including Q/A). It was led by Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Clay Eals, who, toward the briefing’s end, summarized the event’s purpose: “We are speaking for the building … somebody has to speak for the building.” Full story to come; here’s an updated link to the official news release.

ADDED 1:50 PM: The snug first-floor central space of the Log House Museum was filled with media (including citywide TV crews), historic-preservation advocates, and SWSHS volunteers for the occasion. Speaking, from left, at a table facing cameras were Chris Moore from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Flo Lentz from 4Culture, Rick Sever from Historic Seattle, and Eals.

Notably absent was the building’s owner, Tom Lin, who says expert studies he’s paid for show that the building is too far gone for restoration, and would need “reconstruction.” The groups participating today said Lin had been notified of the event by e-mail and was invited to be there – as an observer, however, not as a speaker. Last summer, he had announced he would put the building up for sale, and extended an exclusive monthlong window for these same 4 groups to purchase it. Historic Seattle’s Sever would not comment during today’s briefing on the status of any negotiations and whether any talks had occurred recently, repeatedly saying “due diligence” prevented specific commenting. He also would not identify the “private investors” that were mentioned.

Regarding the request to the city regarding protection of the structure, we were told that came in the form of a letter to the Department of Planning and Development, which enforces code compliance; specific concerns were described as including being open to the elements, accessible to potential vandals, and having “waste” left around the site. Whatever complaint was filed, it’s not showing yet on the official DPD page for the Homestead/Fir Lodge site (2717 61st SW), which does note previous complaints (from unknown complainants), all listed as “case closed.”

The third major initiative announced today was creation of a new poster featuring the “This Place Matters” photo taken outside the Homestead/Fir Lodge last July 4th. Volunteers are going around putting up copies – we followed former Log House Museum director Andrea Mercado, her daughter Ruby and other young volunteers immediately after the media briefing, as they put up the first one at Sunfish Seafood a few blocks away:

So now what? As Sever repeated before the briefing ended, “In real estate, the door’s always open.” Whatever happens next, the Homestead, for now, remains closed.

Share This