day : 11/09/2011 13 results

9:18 PM: Scanner says a vehicle has overturned at 36th and Barton, and that’s why a big “heavy rescue” response was headed that way. We’re en route.

9:26 PM: Two cars are involved in the crash – one is right-side up, one is upside down. A private ambulance is on scene so it appears at least one person is hurt. Working to see if we can find out who hit who. The “heavy rescue” call was downgraded fairly quickly – no “heavy rescuing” needed after all.

9:50 PM: Police at the scene wouldn’t comment. We do know that indeed, only one person was taken to the hospital. Tow trucks were called for both cars. In comments, a neighbor says the car that flipped hit a parked car.

(P.S. Unrelated but we’ve gotten some texts asking about the westbound West Seattle Bridge – a problem on the high-rise has backed it up; [update] via Facebook, people who drove by say that looked like a rear-end crash with at least two people hurt.)

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Video: 9/11 anniversary vigil at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza

September 11, 2011 7:13 pm

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 7:13 PM REPORT: Hundreds have gathered at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza as the day ends and the 9/11 10th anniversary vigil begins, at the site of so many vigils in the first few weeks after the attacks. Though it’s not dark yet, candles are being lit:

At right, looking at the tributes and memorials that have accumulated at the statue’s base during the day (our earlier report is here), is Vicki Schmitz-Block from Fauntleroy. We’re told there is no formal program – you can just come down to remember and look back, as this solemn anniversary makes way to night. At least two TV stations are here too.

7:24 PM: A round of “America the Beautiful” has broken out – and then applause. This event was organized by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society/Log House Museum, whose Clay Eals has been showing their 9/11 memory album to visitors:

And now, they’re singing the national anthem, loudly, proudly. Some are waving small flags. One woman is wrapped in a flag-pattern sweater. … “Amazing Grace” followed, as did other songs, including “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” (update: here’s the video):

7:48 PM: It’s getting dark enough for the candlelight to stand out, ringing the base of the statue (which was recast four years ago and unveiled here on September 11, 2007; the plaza was built around it the following year, and dedicated in September 2008). Rev. Randy Leskovar of West Seattle’s Calvary Chapel offered a prayer. Absent a formal program, people are coming and going, and probably will for a while.

8:10 PM: Still at least 60 or 70 people gathered. More candles, and quiet tributes, and a luminaria bearing a wish:

ADDED LATE SUNDAY NIGHT: More photos:Read More

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9/11 + 10: Providence Mount St. Vincent service

September 11, 2011 6:47 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Some of the 1,000 paper cranes lovingly hand-made by residents, staff, and other community members at Providence Mount St. Vincent in recent days graced The Mount’s chapel for its 9/11 anniversary service this afternoon. The service featured prayers and readings from faith traditions including Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, and Hindu, and lots of music:

Mary Fierke and Ellen McClain led the music, including congregational renditions of songs from “Amazing Grace” to “America the Beautiful.” The service was followed by a dessert reception in The Mount’s café.

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Before tonight’s vigil, a look at Alki, exactly 10 years ago

September 11, 2011 6:23 pm

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

These first two photos are from September 11th, 2001, when the first night after the 9/11 attacks brought the first gathering at Alki’s Statue of Liberty, and they are by John Loftus. He thinks he might have been the only person to take photos that night.

John tells WSB, “I had an early (2 megapixel) digital camera and was able to shoot discreetly without using flash. The objects left at the Statue of Liberty have been extensively photographed, but I don’t know that there are other photos capturing the images and mood of the people at the shrine that same night it happened. When the Log House Museum did a show on the 1st anniversary, one of my photos was blown up 6 feet long, I recall.” Today, John placed a framed poster at Liberty Plaza, with a collage of his photos. WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand captured an image of it this morning, even before we heard from him about it; we published a wide shot this morning, but here’s a closer view:

He says he visited the Log House Museum 9/11 display this afternoon and that his photos were indeed the only ones in the album from that first night. Meantime, tonight’s vigil, organized by the museum, is coming up at the top of the hour (7 pm).

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West Side Presbyterian Church dedicates Centennial Courtyard

September 11, 2011 4:15 pm

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Much of the celebrating was done six months ago, but West Side Presbyterian Church‘s centennial will leave a lasting memory – the Centennial Courtyard, dedicated this afternoon.

Speaking to those gathered to dedicate the new courtyard, Laurinda O’Connell and WSPC’s pastor, Rev. Paul Smith:

Rev. Smith marks a milestone of his own this year – 30 years since he became pastor of WSPC.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Restaurant patio vandalized

September 11, 2011 1:44 pm

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| Crime | Luna Park | West Seattle news

Just out of the WSB inbox, from Deb Breuler, co-owner of the Luna Park-area restaurant Avalon:

During the early morning hours our patio at Avalon restaurant was
vandalized. Two large planters were knocked over. Plants were pulled up, chairs were broken and thrown to the sidewalk out front. It must have happened quite late we were here until 1 am and back at 8 am. It has since been cleaned up and none of our diners had to miss a beautiful day on our patio. It was disheartening to know this happened in our community. If anyone saw anything?? I have reported this to the police.

No way to tell if it’s related, but while we were taking photos early this morning today at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, we were told that shrubs had been torn out by vandals overnight; Alki Community Council‘s David Hutchinson had replanted them and was cleaning up before the 9/11 anniversary events began.

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Video: 9/11 tribute at Holy Family, with Firefighters’ Prayer

September 11, 2011 1:28 pm

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| West Seattle news | White Center

As he did while helping search the 9/11 rubble in New York a decade ago, retired fire captain Rudy Alvarado wore a red/white/blue bandanna this morning, leading the day’s first formal 9/11 tribute in the West Seattle/White Center area. As the Holy Family Community Street Fair began for the day, he read the Firefighters’ Prayer:

Alvarado’s memories were featured in this Redmond Reporter story last week. Our longer version of this story on partner site White Center Now includes another video clip, with Alvarado leading the Pledge of Allegiance today, and Holy Family School (WSB sponsor) assistant principal Anca Wilson singing the national anthem. The Holy Family fair continues until 4 pm, at 20th/Roxbury, on the south side of the school/church campus; meantime, our list of other 9/11 tributes today/tonight is here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Man & pickup to watch out for

September 11, 2011 11:14 am

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| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning, starting with 2 women out for a walk, approached by a pickup-truck driver who they say was engaging in lewd behavior, and intent on them seeing it. Details, plus a car-part theft, ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Fauntleroy/Vashon orca report

September 11, 2011 10:30 am

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| West Seattle news

10:30 AM: First the Orca Network reported that Washington State Ferries called in a sighting of three or four orcas between Fauntleroy and Vashon just before 10 pm; then we just got a text about orcas in the “Vashon ferry lane.” So be on the lookout today!

11:07 AM: Another update via Orca Network – they’ve been spotted just off Vashon’s eastern shore at Dilworth, which Google Maps shows as directly across the Sound from Seahurst. But perhaps they’ll head back north later – on our side!

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West Seattle Sunday: The rest of today’s highlights

September 11, 2011 9:23 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

In all its ruffled glory, standing on the beach, the bald eagle photographed by Melanie Dixon seems just as fierce and regal as when soaring above. Our 9/11 anniversary events list is here (and our morning visit to Alki’s Lady Liberty is here); what follows is the rest of today’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY STREET FAIR: Second day of the festivities at 20th/Roxbury, with pony rides, karaoke, salsa cookoff, vendors, live music, food, more. The official flyer is here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Today’s update (and a look ahead) from market management:

Wine Tasting at Wilridge Vineyards & Winery
Fresh Roasted Peppers from River Farm
NEXT WEEK [9/18]: Sas-Squash Fest!! Chef Demo, sampling, music, ugly squash contest and the long-awaited Zucchini 500 Races hosted by the Kiwanis Club! C’mon down!

Every Sunday, you’ll find the market at 44th/Alaska in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm.

LOOKING FOR A HOME: Friends of the Animals Foundation is at Next to Nature in The Junction with local rescue kittens (“and a few nice cats”) looking for permanent and loving homes, 11 am-3 pm.

COLMAN POOL’S LAST DAY OF THE YEAR: We took that photo on July 4th, the day the outdoor pool at Lincoln Park marked its 70th anniversary, and the weather today is just as beautiful. Swimming starts at noon; note that next year’s opening is scheduled to be later than usual because of work in the offseason. Today’s schedule is here.

AFTERNOON TUNES: Why Ask Why, described on the C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) calendar as an “eclectic acoustic duo.” 1-3 pm, 5612 California SW.

TOX-ICK’S WEAK SPOTS, REVEALED! Sustainable West Seattle presents “Don’t Feed the Tox-Ick Monster,” first edition of this educational event, 2 pm – 3 pm, West Seattle Christian Church, 4400 42nd SW. (Audience members will be eligible to win up to $1,000 in prizes like water cisterns, landscape consulting, car-wash gift certificates, oil changes, bus passes, and more.).

ARTSWEST MATINEE: “Amy’s View” continues its first weekend at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, 3 pm matinee.

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9/11 anniversary dawns with Alki Statue of Liberty tributes

September 11, 2011 8:27 am

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| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Tonight, the Alki Statue of Liberty will again be a gathering place, to remember, and to hope, as it was a decade ago. This morning, tributes are already there – including this poem:

As shown here earlier this week, Alki’s Lady Liberty is holding a flag for the occasion. Across the street, a large flag went up this morning:

Tonight’s vigil is at 7 pm, sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society/Log House Museum, whose 9/11 exhibit is viewable today from noon till 7, just a block south at 61st/Stevens. (photo added 1:48 pm)

Other West Seattle/White Center commemorations are on this list.

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Video: Vivid reasons to learn – today! – how to fight Tox-Ick

September 11, 2011 3:38 am

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| Environment | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Local diver Laura James is documenting what we’ve been warned about but can’t see … what’s pouring into Puget Sound, beneath the surface, carrying debris and toxicity from what’s on the surface, ashore. The video above was shot near Alki, part of Laura’s project to document all the runoff-carrying pipelines around West Seattle. She shares the video just as Sustainable West Seattle is kicking off its campaign against the Tox-Ick Monster, starting with a presentation – with prizes! – today, 2 pm, West Seattle Christian Church in The Junction (southeast corner of 42nd/Genesee). And if you’re still not convinced it’s a battle you need to join, here’s a different look at Laura’s work – part of an upcoming documentary with a broader look at threats to Puget Sound: