So much for “Pothole Drive” – the Beach Drive wayfinding-kiosk shell that briefly held the cardboard guerrilla art/road-conditions commentary has now been completed with its intended display. The photos are courtesy of Chas Redmond, pedestrian advocate (among other roles), long involved with the kiosk project and now reporting five more are in place. Another is across from Admiral Way Viewpoint:

And this one’s along the north end of Lincoln Park:

The other two new kiosks are in Alki and Admiral. Each has two different map views, including a closer look at the area where it’s been placed, along with different art on both sides. This is part of a wayfinding project that’s been in the works more than three years – its first phase was the West Seattle Trails map (here’s an early report from 2008).

Share This

Video: Triangle Advisory Group talks streetscapes, and more

May 7, 2011 9:16 pm

| Comments Off on Video: Triangle Advisory Group talks streetscapes, and more

| Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)

Every so often, we like to put an entire local public meeting on video for those who can never make it in person, but are interested in how the discussions proceed, what it looks and sounds like, unfiltered. So we rolled on the West Seattle Triangle Advisory Group‘s meeting on Thursday night; unedited, our video is broken into the first hour (above), the second hour (below). This is still Phase II for the advisory group. City planners led by Susan McLain presented land-use “concepts” last time, and the focus this time was “street-use concepts,” including whether the much-discussed tree-lined “boulevard” concept would be feasible for Fauntleroy in the Triangle area, as well as more land-use alternatives.

(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)

Eventually, Triangle proposals are expected to go before the City Council for consideration, though that’s expected to still be months away. The presentation from Thursday’s meeting isn’t on the Triangle website yet, but we’ll publish a followup when the material appears there (you’ll see much of it on the screen in our video, which is fairly low-light since slide decks play a big role in these discussions). P.S. Can’t find an official online list of the advisory-group members; but it should be noted, this phase of the discussion includes the area with most of the former Huling Auto properties, and Steve Huling is a member of the group – he was in attendance at this meeting.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen this briefcase anywhere?

May 7, 2011 7:10 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox – Robert wonders if anyone has seen a briefcase taken when someone broke into his car:

As I walked to my driveway to go to work Tuesday morning (05/02), I saw broken glass near my car. Sure enough, someone had smashed my driver’s side rear door window during the night. The only thing missing was my briefcase. It is an old, doctor’s style black case that opens from the top. It isn’t worth much, but has sentimental value. There was nothing of real value inside, other than some personal papers and some books on education. I imagine the thief was disappointed and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was dumped nearby. If anyone runs across it, I would greatly appreciate being notified. You can email me at neoreadteach@yahoo.com. Thanks. The theft took place near 37th and SW 98th ST in Arbor Heights.

(No “you shouldn’t have left it in there” comments, please, “blaming the victim” is against WSB rules.) Police do advise that absolutely nothing be left in vehicles, even if you think it’s nothing a thief could possibly have any interest in – here’s more information about car-prowl prevention.

Share This

Registration under way for Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp

May 7, 2011 4:13 pm

| Comments Off on Registration under way for Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photo from 2010 Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp)
Registration is under way now for the 14th annual Basketball and Life Skills Camp at Chief Sealth International High School. And though it’s at a high school – it’s for second through ninth graders (the grade they’ll be entering next fall). It’s run by Sealth head boys’ basketball coach Colin Slingsby and athletic director Sam Reed, and Denny International Middle School head coach Diallo Jackson, with star player and budding coach Tre’Von Lane (a graduating Sealth senior this year) also on staff. Along with basketball, the “life skills” part of the program includes topics from goal-setting to self-discipline. There are three one-week sessions, each Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm daily, with those sessions starting June 27, July 11, and August 8. You can find out much more in the official brochure – download it here (PDF).

Share This

Happening now: Pre-Mother’s Day plant (and more) sales

May 7, 2011 12:35 pm

| Comments Off on Happening now: Pre-Mother’s Day plant (and more) sales

| Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

At West Seattle Montessori/West Seattle Academy (WSB sponsor), the halls are lined with plants and gift items for today’s annual sale – and it’s not just a shopping opportunity; edible-gardening expert and author Amy Pennington will be there at 2 pm, and a few seats were left when we checked. Angela, Delores and Dakota already have her books on hand (“Urban Pantry” and “Apartment Gardening”):

The sale continues till 3 at 11215 15th SW; WSMS says Village Green Perennial Nursery donated plants too and wants to send out a hearty thanks for that.

Meantime, a Relay for Life-West Seattle team has a fundraising plant sale under way at Ginomai (SW corner of 42nd/Genesee) in The Junction – look for the sign-waving at Genesee/California and head east:

Besides plants, they’re selling luminarias for the moving ceremony during the June 10th-11th all-night American Cancer Society fundraiser, as well as birdhouses big and small.

The sale’s under way till 4; Relay for Life is June 10-11.

Share This

West Seattle schools: Wildcats fastpitch softball wins division

May 7, 2011 11:19 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

It’s playoff time for spring sports, and once again, the West Seattle High School Wildcats have won their division in fastpitch softball. Sandy Watkins shares the news (and the team photo):

West Seattle High School’s fastpitch softball team won their division this week against their rival Chief Sealth with a score of 3-2. The winning pitcher was Toni Spadoni, who struck out 14 batters. They will enter the Metro playoffs this week, with their first game on Wednesday, May 11 @ 3:30 at Riverview Playfield. The opponent is to be determined.

This is the first year for the new WSHS coaching team reported here earlier this year, head coach Jim Perkins and assistant coach Deavonnie Spadoni. (And as pointed out in comments, the team’s leadership includes assistant coach Randy Bittermann too.)

Share This

West Seattle Saturday: ALS walk, plant sales, councilmember chat…

May 7, 2011 7:37 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Many bald-eagle photos have come in over the past few months – often in majestic detail – but nothing like this: Phil Sayles says that’s an eagle on the sidewalk outside his townhouse, spotted Friday afternoon. Make up your own caption. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, highlights of what’s ahead today:

HUB DRILL: As previewed here yesterday, today is the next West Seattle Be Prepared Emergency Communication Hubs drill, 9 am-noon (just in case you pass one of the groups involved in the fake-quake drill at Fairmount or Delridge and think it sounds like there’s an actual emergency!)

FIGHT ALS, WALK ON ALKI: Fiesta 5K Walk/Run on Alki in support of the Hackett Clan. It is ALS Awareness Month (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Race sign in is 9:30 and walk time is 10 am. Course is 2.8 miles from the Alki picnic shelter to the Luna Park Pier and back. You are encouraged to wear green. Fiesta 5k shirts for sale for a $10 donation while inventory lasts. Online donations welcome, look for “Hackett Clan.”

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE’S OPEN HOUSE: Open house at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 10:30 am – 3 pm. Starts with 10:30 am Asian Tea Group and Exercise with Willie. 12 -3 pm Open House, Meet the Staff, Fitness Challenge, Family Art Project. Workshops: Employment, Computer, shoulder pain clinic. 2:30-5:30 pm, basketball challenge. Call Seana at 206-588-4900 with questions.

CONVERSATION WITH A COUNCILMEMBER: Join Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Transportation Committee, at the West Seattle Branch Library (2306 42^nd Ave SW), 2:30 – 4 pm. Not a speech – an informal conversation opportunity. All topics are on the table. Visit Councilmember Rasmussen’s website for more information.

CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER PLANT SALE: Mother’s Day Plant Sale – The Relay for Life of West Seattle Team Go For It! is sponsoring a plant sale, selling perennials and vegetable starters as well as herbs. Get your garden growing and help in the fight against cancer. All proceeds from the sale will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of West Seattle (coming up next month). The sale will be in the parking lot of Ginomai at 4401 – 42^nd Ave SW (42^nd and Genesee) between 10 am and 4 pm. Besides plants, plant sticks and bird houses, there will be an opportunity to buy luminarias to be lit at the Relay for Life June 10 – June 11. Luminarias are lit decorated bags, each with the name of a person who has fought cancer. These will line the track at West Seattle Stadium during the Relay. These are personalized to reflect the person they are honoring. These are being decorated by West Seattle artists for a suggested donation of $10.

WSMS PLANT/BAKE SALE: “Who’s Your Mama?” garden and baked goods gift sale in honor of Mother’s Day at West Seattle Academy/West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), 11215 15th Ave SW, 9 am – 3 pm. Details here.

PARFAIT’S WEST SEATTLE DEBUT: Parfait Ice Cream truck debuts alongside Marination Mobile at 35th/Graham, 11 am – 2 pm

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WINE TASTING: Bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 2 – 4 pm. SPECIAL Saturday tasting. Sample some wines from two new Washington wineries, Convergence Zone and Lobo Hills.

SCRABBLE AT SKYLARK: Saturday afternoon Charity Scrabble continues at Skylark Café and Club, 3:30 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING: Third annual “Wine For Our Times” – wine tasting event at the Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden Street). Doors at 6 pm, tasting at 7 pm. Pre-register at hpicwine@gmail.com or call 206.938.6031.

GAME NIGHT FUNDRAISER: Sunrise Heights’ annual Poker Tournament/Games Night. Held at Our Lady of Guadalupe School Hall (3401 SW Myrtle), doors open 5 pm, start 6 pm, finish by 10 pm. 21 and older to get in. This is a fundraising event for the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association. Call Rob 206.932.2949 for info or to reserve a table.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FEEDBACK: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor, 6451 California Ave SW) at 8 pm presents HIGHWAY TO HELL VIA MEMPHIS PARTY featuring live music by GUNN & THE DAMAGE DONE. No cover, 21 & older to get in, photo ID at the door.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT MIDNIGHT: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” complete with shadow casting is presented at The Admiral Theater on the first Saturday of each month, and tonight’s the night!

Share This

The WSBeat: No parking; lashing out on the links; more…

May 7, 2011 7:03 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*While working on his car in the Alaska Junction-area, a man needed to move his vehicle for just a few moments. When he pulled into an apartment lot across the alley, he was approached by a suspect who said, “You can’t park here.” The victim explained that it was just for a moment, but the suspect pulled a pistol from his waistband, flashed a badge that said, “concealed weapons permit,” and said, “You are trespassing and need to leave.” Bystanders intervened, and the suspect drove off before officers arrived.

*At West Seattle Golf Course one recent afternoon, a golfer approached the men ahead on the course and asked the obviously intoxicated pair if they could play faster. The response was a flurry of cussing and threats of “we’ll be waiting for you.” The suspects did, indeed, wait for the victims to return to their cars. One suspect stepped from behind a pickup truck and belly-bumped the victim several times. When the victim shoved back, the suspect began swinging. Medics had to be called to treat the victim, who suffered a severe laceration to his lip and nose and a serious injury to his right hand and thumb, which required a trip to the hospital. The suspect (described as white, heavyset, in his late 50s or 60s, ruddy complexion, reddish/balding hair, and glasses) drove off in a red pickup truck. But it’s his fashion sense that might make him easy to identify: Look for the man who golfs in a green hat, orange t-shirt, a purple vest, and multicolored checkered “clown pants.”

8 more summaries ahead:Read More

Share This

Furry Faces Foundation Plant Sale May 21-22

May 7, 2011 1:21 am

| Comments Off on Furry Faces Foundation Plant Sale May 21-22

| Announcements

F3 has a plant sale coming up. Flora and Fauna all in one place, you can’t beat that!

It’s Furry Faces Foundation‘s 11th Plant Sale Season which now includes Pet Adoption opportunities as well. Come by our sale at 3809 46th Ave SW on May 21st and 22nd, from 10 am – 4 pm. We think you will love our selection. There will be 1,000+ healthy, nursery quality perennials, annuals and vegetables at reasonable prices, beautifully suited for Pacific NW gardens. Ornamental Grasses; Spiderwort; Sedums; Dianthus, Lychnis, Phlox, Campanula, Lavender, Sages, Semperviums, Unique Coleus selection, Viola, Pansies, Petunias, Nicotiana, Mosses, and more.

Looking to add a new furry family member? Different rescue groups will be onsite each day, providing you with the opportunity to meet dogs and cats that are looking to adopt a new human. Don’t shop….adopt!

All plant sale proceeds fund Furry Faces Foundation’s two programs which support animals whose humans are financially restricted—‘It’s Hip, To Be Snipped’ and ‘Oliver’s Fund’. To find out more about our group see our website at or ‘Like’ us on Facebook!

Share This