West Seattle, Washington

23 Wednesday

59℉

month : 02/2011 317 results

Community Orchard of West Seattle grows a website, plans classes
February 8, 2011 10:43 am
|    Comments Off on Community Orchard of West Seattle grows a website, plans classes
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from orchard work party last month)
Another step ahead for the new Community Orchard of West Seattle – it’s sprouted a website! You’ll find COWS online at fruitinwestseattle.org. And there you also will find details of two upcoming events to which community volunteers are heartily invited – classes followed by lunch and a work party, 10 am Saturdays, February 12 with the topic “Perennial Plantings” and March 12 with the topic “Annual Plantings.” It all happens at the north end of South Seattle Community College on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge (6000 16th SW) – RSVP info is on the brand-new website.

Share This

Suspected ‘polite robber’ gained infamy as the ‘Transaction Bandit’
February 8, 2011 9:41 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

WSB policy is usually not to identify crime suspects until they are charged. But there are a few exceptions – same ones we had while in citywide media – including cases in which the person is photographed/videotaped actually committing the crime. So with that said, we are reporting that 65-year-old Gregory Paul Hess is the man arrested in Top Hat and then booked into King County Jail late last night on suspicion of being the so-called “polite” robber who was videotaped (here’s KING5‘s original story) holding up the Roxbury Shell last Saturday morning.

Announcing the arrest on Monday afternoon, King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. John Urquhart mentioned that the suspect had been previously convicted of armed robbery. Researching Hess’s background last night and this morning, we discovered that his criminal past brought him media coverage before: In 2003, he was arrested after a string of bank robberies (none in West Seattle) attributed to the “Transaction Bandit.” As was the case in the videotaped Roxbury heist, the robber in those cases waited until the till was open and then changed from customer to robber. Not only that – the “need money” story told by the Roxbury robber echoes the “Transaction Bandit” saga. Charges against Hess were detailed in this 2003 Seattle Times (WSB partner) story, which began:

Gregory Paul Hess hadn’t worked in months, and he had rent to pay and groceries to buy, federal prosecutors say in court documents filed yesterday charging Hess with bank robbery.

The 58-year-old Seattle man had quit his job steaming lattes at a Starbucks in Madison Park before Christmas, and he was sure his unemployment benefits would dry up any day, according to charges filed against Hess in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

According to federal court dockets we reviewed online this morning, Hess struck a plea bargain in 2004, pleading guilty to three of the five counts with which he was charged. He was sentenced to 4 years, 9 months in prison. According to the Bureau of Prisons website, he was released in July 2007. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says he’s due for a bail hearing at 2:30 this afternoon.

3:38 PM UPDATE: Hess’s bail was set this afternoon at $250,000. Prosecutors have until Thursday to file formal charges.

Share This

West Seattle Tuesday: Neighborhoods; school buses; basketball
February 8, 2011 8:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday rainbow as seen from West Seattle’s shore, photo by Danny McMillin from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Second Tuesday of the month means neighborhood-association meetings. An Admiral Safeway project update is part of the agenda for the Admiral Neighborhood Association at 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church lower-level meeting room (California/Hill); Fauntleroy Community Association also meets at 7 pm, in the old schoolhouse (9141 California SW), board meeting but public’s welcome. … Chief Sealth International High School hosts two major events tonight – an areawide meeting about the proposed district Transportation Plan, 6:30 pm (more here), and 7 pm is tipoff for the Sealth boys-varsity basketball team hosting a postseason game against Eastside Catholic. … 7 pm is also when West Seattle High School‘s boys-varsity team travels to Lakeside for their postseason game. … Arbor Heights Elementary welcomes visitors to its Open House at 6:30 tonight … As first previewed here two weeks ago, it’s the 8th anniversary of West 5 in The Junction – more on that later this morning, as they promise happy-hour prices all day (starting at 11 am) and other reasons to drop by and celebrate … Lots more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

Share This

West Seattle Hi-Yu updates: Float sketch; button-design winner
February 7, 2011 11:07 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu updates: Float sketch; button-design winner
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Seems summer begins in February. In the past week, we’ve been looking ahead to all sorts of big West Seattle summer events – and tonight, we have three previews from the latest West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival meeting. In the top photo, that’s the official design for this year’s Hi-Yu float, based on the “Sparkling Seattle” theme chosen from Junior Court Princess Riley Fredericks‘s idea in December (WSB coverage here). Once again this year, West Seattle Hi-Yu needs someplace to build the float – please contact the festival through their website if you have a site to suggest.

Next, tonight’s meeting resulted in the choice of a winning design for this year’s fundraising button:

The winning design was created by Marianne Unite, sister of Senior Court Princess Rosemarie Unite. You’ll see it on sale as Hi-Yu gets closer. Meantime, Princess Rosemarie and her court-mate Princess Victoria Ferrulli showed off this year’s princess gown:

Fashion expert Angela Nichols of Funky Jane’s Consignment – who’s also mom of reigning Junior Court Queen Taylor Nichols – calls the color “raspberry/salmon.” The queen’s gown will be the same design, but made in blue.

Share This

West Seattle scenes: ‘Sea lion spectacle’ off Lincoln Park
February 7, 2011 9:09 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

To our knowledge, no one reported spotting the distinctive dark fins of orcas off West Seattle shores today, but Trileigh is sharing photos tonight of a not-so-everyday sea-lion sighting:

My partner and I encountered a wonderful Sea Lion spectacle at the Lincoln Park beach this afternoon. There were several sea lions-at least three or four. At first they were just drifting around off the north beach, looking like logs except that they’d raise their heads every once in a while. Then we saw a single sea lion further offshore, resting on its back with flippers up, just like a big sleepy bear in the water!

We walked to the beach south of Colman Pool, and then things got really interesting. A big brown female sea lion was actively fishing, much to the excitement of the gulls flocking overhead and on nearby water … Word apparently got around, and soon she was joined by three additional sea lions (maybe those were the guys lounging around by the north beach). They dove and did headstands as they hunted underwater.

(The next photo shows) that the sea lions were pretty good fishers.

What a wonderful place to live!

Share This

Update: More than 60 turn out for a say on The Triangle’s future
February 7, 2011 6:12 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

(The city’s “Triangle Study Area,” which stretches a little beyond the boundaries of the 35th/Fauntleroy/Alaska Triangle itself)
6:12 PM: It’s already home to businesses and residential complexes like the West Seattle Family YMCA and Tom’s Automotive (both WSB sponsors), Alki Lumber and Diva Espresso, the VFW and American Legion halls, medical clinics for people and pets, Fire Station 32, the soon-to-be-made-over Seattle West Inn and Suites, the new Link residential/retail building and Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (WSB sponsors), the future lounge/restaurant The Bridge, Mountain to Sound Outfitters, the future Trader Joe’s and future Les Schwab Tire Center, and more … and from the south end of the West Seattle Bridge, it’s a gateway. So how will The Triangle evolve? Right now, it’s your chance for a closer look at proposed street-use and land-use concepts, potentially phased in over the years ahead, following months of work by city planners and a citizens’ advisory group – and your chance to share what you think about the concepts. The West Seattle Triangle Open House is under way till 8 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon in The Junction, enter from Oregon), with what’s promised to be a “short presentation” at 6:30. More to come.

7:05 PM: More than 60 people are here – both familiar faces from the business and neighborhood-association communities, and others who want to know what might be in store for this pivotal neighborhood. As shown in our photo above, Councilmember Tom Rasmussen – who has been involved in Triangle planning and brainstorming for almost three years – is here too. He spoke briefly (video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown):

Also speaking were city planner Susan McLain and architect David Hewitt. (They presented very brief toplines on the ways in which The Triangle could evolve, including pedestrian streetscapes in its interior, and the latest version of the Fauntleroy Way “boulevard” concept from SW Alaska to The Bridge – which could have two travel lanes in each direction plus a landscaped median – that’s not officially written into any city plans or budgets yet, though, according to our most recent checks.)

Also here, if you have questions – Paul Roybal and Christine Alar from the county and city respectively, answering questions about Metro’s coming-next-year RapidRide (see our latest story here). One of the Luna Park business leaders who is concerned about RapidRide-related parking loss, John Bennett, is here and voiced his concerns as the presentation ended. Harbor Properties’ Denny Onslow followed him, talking about Link, the mixed-use apartments/retail building that’s almost complete in The Triangle, which he expects will bring 300 new residents to The Triangle, as well as dozens of jobs in the restaurant, yoga studio, and child-care center that are moving in. The formal presentation just ended – still an hour left for Q/A, with planning reps, architects, and RapidRide, as noted.

7:51 PM: The public’s gone and the official participants have rolled up the renderings and folded up the aisles – it’s over. McLain says the presentation will be on the city website tomorrow (we’ll post a separate update when it turns up). Next steps, as she noted in her remarks – even more public meetings and comment periods, as city departments formally review these concepts for potential inclusion in official city planning records, where they would be consulted as redevelopment happens in the area in the years and decades ahead.

Share This

Update: ‘Polite’ Roxbury robbery suspect arrested
February 7, 2011 3:54 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Just announced by King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. John Urquhart:

The armed robber dubbed the “polite robber” by local media was arrested this afternoon by Sheriff’s detectives and the SWAT Team. He was taken into custody without incident about 2:00 PM. His demeanor at the time of arrest is unknown.

The arrest took place at a residence in the Top Hat neighborhood where the man was living. The location is not far from the Shell Station at 2805 SW Roxbury that he allegedly robbed on Saturday, February 5th about 11:20 AM. He was carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol during the robbery.

The video of the robbery, complete with sound, was released by the store owner has since “gone viral”. The suspect was quickly identified from tips.

The man arrested is a convicted felon, including convictions for Forgery and Armed Robbery (!). He is 65 years old.

Here’s our previous story.

Share This

Seattle Police Foundation steps up to save West Seattle-based SPD Mounted Patrol
February 7, 2011 2:25 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

The Seattle Police Mounted Patrol Unit is downtown right now along with police leaders including Southwest Precinct Captain Steve Paulsen as part of big news for Highland Park (and the rest of West Seattle) – Zippy’s Giant Burgers may be leaving, but it looks like the SPD Mounted Patrol is staying. OK, Zippy’s isn’t part of the announcement, but just to keep things in context … The Seattle Police Foundation has committed to fund the Mounted Patrol, which has been headquartered next to Westcrest Park since 2001, for three years – but they need a little more funding from the public. The Mounted Patrol was scheduled to be disbanded entirely because of budget cuts (as first reported here last fall). We’ll have details of the campaign shortly; a website is up at saveourhorses.net.

2:58 PM UPDATE: The news conference to announce the campaign, by the stage at Westlake Park, was cut short by a downpour of rain and sleet (as you’ll see in this clip):

(video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown)

The Seattle Police Foundation is looking for more than $30,000 from the public to augment what it’s chipping in – and the Seattle Hotel Association is its partner in raising the money. The saveourhorses.net website is where you can go to find out about donating; once the downpour eased a bit, we talked with Sgt. Ballingham of the Mounted Patrol, who told WSB they’re “grateful” for the commitment to serve the Mounted Patrol and happy to be staying in West Seattle (which is their base, though they are deployed all around the city). Note that the fundraising campaign will pay for the horses’ care, food and support, while the Mounted Unit officers stay on the SPD payroll; at one point, it was expected they would be transferred to other parts of the department. (The Seattle Police Foundation’s executive director Renée Hopkins, by the way, is a West Seattleite.)

(video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown)

3:42 PM UPDATE: Added one more clip – SPD Deputy Chief Nick Metz explaining why the department values the Mounted Patrol. And if you want to read the official news release on today’s announcement, you’ll find it here.

Share This

2011 Green Home Tour to include stops in West Seattle
February 7, 2011 2:02 pm
|    Comments Off on 2011 Green Home Tour to include stops in West Seattle
 |   Environment | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Stopping by the Sustainable West Seattle booth at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market every other Sunday usually yields the proverbial wealth of information. This time around, Laura Elfline shared the announcement of the 2011 Green Home Tour, planned for 10 am-4 pm April 16-17. She says there’ll be at least a few West Seattle stops on the tour, presented by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild. And she said the tour sites haven’t all been finalized yet, so if you know of a sustainably designed/built home that might be perfect for the tour, you can reach organizers through tour@ecobuilding.org.

Share This

Westside Professionals: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
February 7, 2011 12:54 pm
|    Comments Off on Westside Professionals: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Among our newest WSB sponsors is the networking group Westside Professionals. Here’s what they’d like you to know: We want to grow our chapter by attracting other professionals with this sponsorship. We are the Westside Professionals Chapter of BNI (Business Network International) and meet weekly to pass business referrals. Our mission is to grow our businesses through word-of-mouth marketing and we are seeking like-minded professionals to join us.

We have openings for key professions and would like to obtain a massage therapist, electrician, plumber, pet-sitter, CPA, dentist, physical therapist, promotional products, veterinarian, health insurance, event planner, caterer, architect, business coach, moving company, attorney, interior designer, locksmith, florist, jeweler, handyman, senior services, advertising agency, property management, travel agent, and many others. It is a one-person-per-profession group, so that there is not competition from within for a type of product or service. New members would be joining and complementing: Photography, Banking, Web Development, Computer Training, Security Systems, Art Glass, Personal Property Appraisals, Dermatology, Window Coverings, Professional Organizing, Printing, Acupuncture, Automotive Services, Roofing, Real Estate, Skin Care, Mortgages, Painting, Information Technology, Naturopathic Medicine, Property & Casualty Insurance, Relationship Coaching, Chiropractor, Picture Framing, Auto Body & Detail, General Contractor, Landscape Services, Fitness & Cycling, Graphic Design, Financial Advisor, Hair Stylist, and Carpet Cleaning.

On average, our members receive about $12,000 in business per year from their investment. It is a weekly commitment, but that’s why it works. We build relationships with one another and establish trust in order to pass quality referrals. Meeting Info: Wednesdays, 8-9:30 am
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Way SW (map)
Meeting Room 2 (downstairs off the main lobby)

Bring 40 business cards and plan to speak for 30 seconds about the type of business you’d like to receive. Breakfast is included. For more info: Shannon Felix, sfelix@quidnunc.net or chapter President Chris Foss, chris@fossappraisal.com

We thank Westside Professionals for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Religious items stolen; car break-in attempt
February 7, 2011 11:51 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports to share this morning – one, a car break-in that netted the thieves religious items as well as more common loot, so the victim’s hoping you will keep an eye out in case they were discarded; the other, an attempted car theft. Both after the jump:Read More

Share This

West Seattle Monday: Sights at sea; Triangle open house; more …
February 7, 2011 8:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That photo is by, and used with permission from, Alisa Lemire Brooks, one of the people lucky enough to see another breathtaking orca visit in West Seattle waters – after passing the west-facing shores late yesterday, a group turned into Elliott Bay toward downtown, and put on quite a show. Will they be back today? Impossible to predict, but one sight that IS expected in the bay (and out into Puget Sound) is the debut appearance of the new state ferry Salish, being towed to Everett from Todd Pacific Shipyards on Harbor Island where it was built (here’s our Friday preview; the tow was scheduled to start around 8 am) … Biggest event in West Seattle tonight: Come get a firsthand look into the potential future of The Triangle, at an open house where you can see the street-use and land-use “concepts” the city has drawn up after months of advisory-group meetings. One concept could involve rezoning to allow 8-story buildings along SW Alaska in The Triangle, city planners mentioned during a presentation at last week’s Southwest District Council meeting. What would you want to see as this area evolves? Officially share your opinion during the 6-8 pm open house at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) … And 3 reminders from weekend coverage: It’s the first weekday since Metro’s latest service change; the Tony’s Market produce stand at 35th/Barton reopens today, with the late Tony Genzale‘s son Joey in charge, as reported here Saturday night; and the Lumpia World food truck, which drew lines in its Saturday debut (here’s the photo we tweeted), is expected back in the California SW Rite-Aid parking lot 11 am-2 pm today … More on the WSB calendar!

Share This

Seattle Chinese Garden in West Seattle now welcoming visitors
February 7, 2011 2:39 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Ready to tour the new Knowing the Spring Courtyard at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the campus of South Seattle Community College on Puget Ridge? It’s ready for visitors, Wednesdays-Sundays noon-4:30 pm, after a “soft opening” on Sunday afternoon.

That’s program director Julia Freimund welcoming visitors at the garden’s also still-in-the-formative-stages Discovery Center. More garden photos after the jump:Read More

Share This

Shorewood crash turns fatal; teen victim’s family needs help
February 7, 2011 1:07 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Shorewood | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from January 15th)
The crash that closed 26th SW by Shorewood Market for hours three weeks ago has turned fatal. The 14-year-old boy hit by a truck, identified by family friends as Carter Allen, died this weekend. According to family friend Ericka, his injuries included irreversible brain damage, and he died after being taken off life support. She says Carter was autistic, a student at White Center’s Evergreen High School, raised by his single dad Derek Allen, who also went to EHS. Ericka writes:

Carter was a very happy boy who always had a smile on his face. Derek has been by Carter’s side in the hospital nonstop since the day of the accident, going through the ups and downs holding out hope and waiting for the day that Carter would open his eyes and he could hear his voice. He was told that it would be a long road to recovery, but never figured it would come to this.

Throughout this whole ordeal, Derek has never once asked for any help and has just said when asked that they will be fine and work things out as he can. Derek is the type of person that he would give his last dollar and the shoes off his feet if someone was in need, and he never wants to bother anyone with his troubles. It would be wonderful if his friends and those that know Carter could show them just how important they are. The medical bills are going to be outrageous and the funeral expenses are to be many, so any financial help that we can give him will help and be very appreciated. I know that Derek would do the same for someone else if they were in this situation, no matter how little he had.

A PayPal account has been set up for anyone who would like to donate, and Ericka says there will be a fundraising event in the near future. While the crash remains under investigation, King County Sheriff’s Deputies had said days afterward that it appeared to be an accident.

Share This

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center celebrates the new year
February 6, 2011 11:07 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center celebrates the new year
 |   Delridge | Health | West Seattle news

The weather truncated outdoor events for today’s scheduled Vietnamese New Year (Tết) celebration at the Vietnamese Cultural Center in mid-Delridge, next to the Tug Inn. But there were still festivities to celebrate the Year of the Cat – which replaces the rabbit on Vietnamese calendars. While stopping by, we asked about the new feature under construction on the center’s grounds:

With sponsors’ help, the center (originally profiled here in 2008) is building this structure to complement the large statue that pays tribute to General Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century hero, so that more history can be shared. It’s expected to be open in July.

Share This

Update: West Seattle Soccer Club’s Jets win statewide tournament
February 6, 2011 9:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Tim McMonigle)
The Super Bowl was not the only sports event of note this afternoon! As reported here last night, two West Seattle Soccer Club teams made it into the finals of the prestigious Founder’s Cup statewide tournament. We just got official word of the results. Both games went into overtime, according to WSSC’s Tim McMonigle, who says the BU-13 West Seattle Jets won 1-0, while the BU-16 West Seattle Moctezuma lost 3-2: “Two very exciting games!”

Share This

‘We can all win’: RapidRide-affected business owner’s counterproposal
February 6, 2011 8:55 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

EDITOR’S NOTE: As mentioned in our just-published overview of where RapidRide-related parking/traffic changes stand after a series of recent meetings, the plan to ban morning parking on SW Avalon across from the heart of the Luna Park business district is not sitting well with business owners, particularly those whose businesses depend heavily on morning sales – Luna Park Café and Java Bean Coffee. As our story notes, they feel insult is being added to injury by the fact not only does the current plan take away parking across from their businesses, but also, RapidRide will not stop in the business district. Java Bean’s owner wrote a letter to various government addressees after the most recent Luna Park Merchants’ meeting, suggesting moving the station is a must. He asked WSB to “share it with the community”:

Subject: Rapid Ride along Avalon Way West Seattle (Java Bean) A little less Potter, a bit more George Bailey!
Joe, Michelle, Brian and Bill,

As you are aware, quite a bit of discussion concerning the Rapid Ride parking issue in the Luna Park Business District of West Seattle has taken place over the past year. Many different options have surfaced, that would both accommodate the goals of Metro, the livelihood of the businesses and the retention of jobs in the Luna Park neighborhood. As the owner of Java Bean I am greatly concerned that the choices being proposed regarding the rapid ride program will put me out of business and cause 5 full time jobs to be lost in West Seattle. Given what’s in the balance I would guess most West Seattle residents would side with us – the business owners, our teammates and our fans if given the choice of either saving their neighborhood amenities or getting to work a bit quicker. Why can’t we do both?

During (last Wednesday’s) meeting I brought up a question concerning how the location of the bus stops were chosen for the C-line. One of the key factors: an average of 150 people board the bus on a daily basis up the street from our business district (the proposed Rapid Ride stop) vs. the 120 people who board the bus on a daily basis directly across the street from my Coffee Shop (Java Bean) and other businesses in our business district. Based on this as a factor, I was told, at least at this point, the plan is to remove surface street parking between the hours of 6-10 am M-F for the Rapid Ride bus line that will NOT stop in our business district. This will put me out of business, eliminate 5 full time jobs, and decrease the quality of life of the residents of West Seattle who frequent my business. Not to mention the adverse affects it will have on my associate business owners.

In fact, with the goal to get people out of their cars and on the bus, not only will my customers (who continue to drive) be unable to park from 6-10am, but my customers who do decide to use Rapid Ride will not be afforded the opportunity to jump off the bus to grab a cup of coffee since the bus won’t be stopping in our business district.

It’s a serious double whammy to the Java Bean. You take away the parking, put people on the bus and then those on the bus can’t get off.

Read More

Share This

West Seattle RapidRide parking/traffic changes continue taking shape for Luna Park, Triangle, Junction
February 6, 2011 8:05 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Click to view fullsize PDF of West Seattle RapidRide route map)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Few would dispute the observation that we are in a time of transportation transition – eventually toward more transit, fewer one-occupant cars.

The question of how to keep that transition balanced – without abruptly reducing the parking supply or constricting the traffic flow before transit services reach a true “we can get you there from here” status – is at the crux of a tug-of-war over how things will change along the route of the Metro RapidRide “C” Line in West Seattle. It’s not due to start rolling till fall 2012, but many details that must be finalized now, before stops, stations and other facilities are built – some as soon as this fall.

What does that mean to you, whether you’re a bus rider or not? We have a somewhat-clearer picture, after recent meetings in The Triangle and Luna Park, of how RapidRide will affect area business parking and overall traffic flow, particularly along a major east-west route to and through The Junction. The recent local discussion about RapidRide has concentrated on those elements, rather than on the service itself (which, according to a new study released last week by Metro, is earning high marks on its debut south-end route).

But at least two business owners aren’t happy with the results, and are vowing to keep fighting.

Read More

Share This

Relay for Life of West Seattle: Kickoff party on February 17th
February 6, 2011 7:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Relay for Life of West Seattle: Kickoff party on February 17th
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Tabling in The Junction at noontime today were Jilyan Perry and Tamara Judy on behalf of Relay for Life of West Seattle, the all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser that draws hundreds to West Seattle Stadium every June. The relay isn’t until June 10-11, but the kickoff celebration is just a week and a half away, 6-8 pm Thursday, February 17th, at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar. Relay for Life of West Seattle, and events like it around the country, benefit the cancer-fighting work of the American Cancer Society; you’re invited to come to the Feb. 17th event to see how you can help – by planning, organizing, sponsoring, organizing, any or all of the above. (This year the WS Relay for Life also is on Facebook and on Twitter.)

Share This

‘Soul Jambalaya’ benefit concert at Denny on February 19th
February 6, 2011 4:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Accompanying this poster/flyer today, an invitation from Denny International Middle School‘s principal Jeff Clark:

I am pleased to invite the West Seattle community to an upcoming benefit concert on Saturday, February 19, at 6:45 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Mr. Pimpleton, our amazing band director, has put this together as a fundraising event for our students. He and I have a goal that every student can go on every music trip-without exception. This fantastic benefit concert is something he has organized to help send all of the Dolphin musicians to California this year. I hope that you, your family, and friends can join us for this event-I know it will be great.

If you can’t read the flyer above, here’s a fullsize version.

Share This

Crime Watch: Apologetic Roxbury Shell robber caught on video
February 6, 2011 12:16 pm
|      41 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to Kim for pointing out this KING 5 story. The robbery at the Shell station at 2805 SW Roxbury happened Saturday morning in King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, not Seattle Police, so it wasn’t on our radar till now. The robber looked to be 60ish and apologized profusely to the storekeeper, as you’ll see in the video; if you recognize him, call 911.

SUNDAY EVENING NOTE: We checked this afternoon with KCSO; no word of an arrest so far.

Share This

Call it a 2-minute warning: Breast-cancer-fighting filmmaker’s video
February 6, 2011 9:54 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Nikki Mackey hopes you will take two minutes to watch that video she and her filmmaking partner have just created. We heard from her last October, when she got her hair cut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) to donate to Locks of Love – right before she started treatment for breast cancer. (Here’s that story.) At the time, Nikki explained, “I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am.” And the latest:

I am an aspiring filmmaker – part of a 2-girl filmmaking team. My “partner in crime” (Connie Finn) actually lives over in West Seattle still. She and I made a PSA that was filmed back in December between my 3rd and 4th A/C chemo treatments. We had 2 days to film – 2 days that I would feel well enough for us to get it done. We filmed this in my bathroom if you would believe it – totally indie-style! … That day also happened to be my 37th birthday – one that could have easily been my last. I hope you will consider posting the film on your site. Its run time is only 2 minutes but the message is important and clear. We aren’t seeking to make any money from this film – only to save lives. I am still in chemo – I have another 9 months to go. But I am fighting hard and I aim to win – and it is all about early detection.

As a viewer advisory, we should note there is a point in the video where some may decide to turn away. But the truth of its message is inescapable. (Here’s more information from the American Cancer Society.)

Share This

West Seattle (and a bit beyond) Super Bowl-watching 2011
February 6, 2011 9:13 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Just a few possibilities here – *not* a list of every place you can watch the game, but instead, these are the places that we have found actively encouraging people to come watch the game, via e-mail or Web/Facebook posts about parties/specials. (If you have any place to add, please post a comment!)

SUPERBOWLBECUE AT PORTERHOUSE PUB: Join the Beer Church for this event benefitting the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor). Indoor-outdoor event as time permits – full details here. Starts at 1 pm. 2329 California SW.

BAMBOO GRILL (WSB sponsor): Specials for the Super Bowl party are listed here. 2806 Alki SW. (Pre-Super Bowl, it’s “kids eat free” breakfast.)

SKYLARK CAFE AND CLUB (WSB sponsor): Projecting the game onto the stage wall “like we do with cartoons during brunch,” as proprietor Jessie SK explains. Skylark’s famous brunch is on till 3 pm. Bands will start tonight at 7:30 pm, just in case the game runs late. 3803 Delridge Way.

WING DOME: The first Super Bowl since this TV-screen-laden eatery opened its West Seattle location. 4523 California SW.

ROCKSPORT: Well, of course they’re watching the Super Bowl at a sports bar. 4209 SW Alaska.

MISSION: Open early for Super Bowl, per their FB page (thanks to Bill for the tip in comments), 3 pm. 2325 California SW.

HEARTLAND CAFE: If you’re a Packers fan, this is the place to be. They’ve even got raffles planned. 4210 SW Admiral Way.

SHADOWLAND: Drink and food specials, and “the sound will be on” for the game, they promise via FB. 4458 California SW.

ANGELINA’S WEST SEATTLE: 2nd annual Super Bowl party, with details on this Facebook event page. 2311 California SW.

BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: Super Bowl potluck, starts at 3. 6413 California SW.

TRIANGLE PUB: Pre-game breakfast plus these specials shared via e-mail: Starting at 1 pm, $2.50 brats, PittsBurger (with Swiss cheese, cole slaw, tomato fries) and $1 slider appetizers, drink specials too. 9454 Delridge Way SW.

COMPANY: This new White Center bar is also promoting a party (here’s the Facebook event page) and collaborating on food with nearby Uncle Mike’s BBQ.

MORE PREGAME BREAKFAST: Free mimosa at Highstrike Grill on Sunday mornings with this WSB coupon. 4505 39th SW.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO WATCH THE GAME: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) promises a Non-Super-Bowl Party. See for yourself here. Also note that West 5 in The Junction is closed today for its annual “spring cleaning.” Jak’s Grill is closed too.

Share This