day : 09/10/2011 10 results

We were just about to publish one more thing … a reminder about Monday night’s Viaduct closure-and-post-closure meeting here in West Seattle … when suddenly this arrived, from diver/photographer Laura James, with only the video link and the description: “A bit of fun at Alki Beach today.” Seems like the perfect way to end a Sunday night, barring breaking news. Thanks, Laura!

P.S. Just realized that some of the species seen in the video are listed in the text below the clip on its Vimeo home page – here.

Fire Department trains for what you hope they’ll never face

October 9, 2011 9:59 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

They’re skills you might see firefighters using at the scene of vehicle crashes classified as “heavy rescues” – cutting through wreckage to get people out, for example – but on Friday, those skills were deployed in a different scenario. At the city’s Joint Training Facility, in the southeasternmost corner of West Seattle (map), crews faced the challenge of wrecked cars and collapsed concrete, as might be faced after bombings. The JTF has a very realistic setup to mimic that kind of rubble:

Ahead, more scenes from Friday’s training – and a detailed explanation of the scenario:Read More

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Vultures? Or? Unusual ‘flyover’ in the West Seattle sky

October 9, 2011 6:34 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

A strange afternoon in the sky over West Seattle. First we were checking out reports of low-flying – or, at least, loud – aircraft; never did solve that mystery. Then (likely not related, but who knows?) came several reports of an unusual flock of large birds, reported in the 4 and 5 pm hours. Two reports came with photos – above, John sent a very-high-resolution picture (see the original by clicking the much-cropped version we show above); and this one, from Bill, who grabbed his camera fast and is pretty sure they’re vultures:

We asked Bill why he believes they’re vultures; his reply:

I’ve seen them as far north as Lopez Island. Don’t know what they’re doing around here this time of year. I used to see them regularly when I lived in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. That’s all I can think that they could have been. Any birds of prey don’t congregate like this as far as I know. I wish I could have been able to have taken more definitive pictures, but they were just too far away. A friend of mine living down on Beach Drive sent me an email; he saw them as well and also referred to them as vultures.

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West Seattle (etc.) food & drink news: 8 notes on what’s new

October 9, 2011 4:45 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Eight notes from food and drink establishments around West Seattle & a bit beyond:

‘NEW’ BISTRO: Aimee Pellegrini shared that photo along with the news this week of some evolution in her Junction business, “to better reflect what we offer”: The Tuscan Tea Room is now the Tuscan Tea Room Bistro. Aimee says she has new dinner, lunch, and brunch menus, and is also planning a special wine dinner co-hosted by bin 41 on October 19th (details here). Tea service continues, too. Only one thing Aimee’s not doing any more: Floral design: “I’ve retired Romanza Floral. While I’ve enjoyed my 9 year floral career, this was my last season. I’m focusing fully on the TTR and culinary pursuits-my first love.” (4521 California SW)

NOT JUST COFFEE AND PASTRIES ANY MORE: Two blocks north, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) is now offering a new breakfast option – an oatmeal bar – and lunch (etc.) – sandwiches (two types for starters, and one is veggie)! Read all about it in the latest Hotwire newsletter. (4410 California SW)

NEW OPTION FOR GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA: It was among the laments in comments on our report about the Junction Garlic Jim’s closure – where to get gluten-free pizza? An A-board sign outside Olympia Pizza at 5605 Delridge now declares they’re offering gluten-free pizza and pasta (their website mentions gluten-free dough too).

NEW WHITE CENTER COFFEE SHOP:

That’s Delia, of Caffé Delia. The new coffee shop soft-opened this morning; it shares space with Proletariat Pizza, and serves Spella coffee (from Portland). More info, including hours, online.

ALSO IN THE W-C: Found this one out from the WSB Forums: Ever-popular Zippy’s Giant Burgers has added sweet-potato fries. (9614 14th SW)

FRIED CHICKEN DINNER: Speaking of fried … tried the Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) Sunday night fried-chicken supper yet? Starts at 5 pm Sundays. Details/price on their website (right sidebar). (9261 45th SW)

ADDED BRUNCH: If you haven’t been to Blackboard Bistro lately – note that Blackboard no longer serves lunch, but has added weekend brunch. (3247 California SW)

HEARD ABOUT MASHIKO’S NEW ‘SIBLING’? Mashiko proprietor Hajime Sato has opened Katsu Burger in Georgetown. It serves burgers “katsu” style – with the crunchy coating you typically find on Japanese pork or chicken katsu. Read about it here, including a link to its menu. (4th Avenue S./East Marginal Way)

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Drumming and running: New Fitness for Vitality series starts

October 9, 2011 2:53 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | Health | West Seattle news

Live music in Lincoln Park this morning for … a 5k/10k run/walk! It’s the first of personal trainer Annette Herrick‘s latest three-run/walk Fitness for Vitality (WSB sponsor) series, and this time, inviting people to “Run with Drums,” she has live music planned for each one. They start with a kids’ dash – among this morning’s participants, above from left, Emma, Jack, Morgan, Megan, and Ryden. Below, first adult across the finish line – Rich Camacho:

Yes, these are chip-timed runs! Today’s drumming, by the way, was courtesy of Arturo Rodriguez and his Latin Ensemble (we’ll add video later); next two runs are October 23 (accompanied by the Hamana Don Band) and November 20 (accompanied by Vamola), both also in Lincoln Park. You can register (and/or find out more) here.

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What the police/fire response in Luna Park district is about

October 9, 2011 1:50 pm

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| Luna Park | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Several inquiries have come in about the police/fire response in the Luna Park business district. All we know so far is that an elderly man is reported to have suddenly collapsed, and medic crews have been doing CPR. No crime or crash – police told us they are there just to help make sure firefighters have the space they need to work. As you can see in our photo, southbound (uphill) Avalon is blocked at the scene. If we find out anything more later, we’ll add it.

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Happening now: Don’t toss it, recycle it in Fauntleroy

October 9, 2011 11:22 am

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| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

That classic TV console was one of the items dropped off in the early going for today’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. We asked people on WSB’s Facebook page for caption ideas; among the suggestions so far, Stephanie suggested, “1970 called and wants its TV back.” Here again is the list of what they’ll take (for free, unlike some other e-and-other-things recyclers that request a fee).

9140 California SW, dropoffs till 3 pm.

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Reader reports: Puget Ridge break-in; Highland Park dog attack

October 9, 2011 9:16 am

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| Crime | Highland Park | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Two incidents handled by local police in the past few days – a burglary and a dog attack in which both a child and another dog were bitten. Read on for reports from the victims in both cases:Read More

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West Seattle Sunday: Recycling; running; gaming; signing…

October 9, 2011 7:59 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo of Fauntleroy ferry-dock murk, added 10:08 am)
The weather’s supposed to get better – for a while – at some point today. Really! (And remember, we have a page for that.) Here are today’s highlights, indoors and out, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ELECTRONICS – AND MORE – RECYCLING EVENT: Previous editions of the Fauntleroy Church Green Committee’s Recycle Roundup have kept tons and tons of stuff out of landfills. 1 Green Planet will be there 9 am-3 pm today; here’s what they’ll accept. (9131 California SW, but you can’t get there from the rest of California – head west on Barton from 35th, or uphill on Wildwood from the ferry dock)

RUN WITH A SOUNDTRACK: Fitness for Vitality (WSB sponsor) starts a new series of 10K’s, “Run to Drums” in Lincoln Park, with kids’ dash too, this morning, with live music! Details here.

MARKET DAY! Your weekly chance to shop the year-round West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). Market managers’ bulletin for today: “Welcome Back Anderson Acres – One of our pioneering orchards with specialty apples and if we’re lucky..RAW walnuts!”

GAME DAY: Second gathering for the new “European strategy board game” group meets at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, 1 pm – read this story for details, contact info, and a group to join online – first meeting drew 18 people!

FALL PROJECT? Weekends mean you can check something out from the West Seattle Tool Library at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (east side of main building), open 1-5 pm on Sundays.

BOOK LAUNCH: Book release/signing party for Seattle author Dave O’Leary‘s new novel “Horse Bite” at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.

LIVE MUSIC: Among the places you’ll find it in West Seattle today – C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) at 3 pm with Lindsey Boggio; tonight, Skylark Café and Club at 8 pm with Be Honest Ruth Bryan, Red Means Go, Van Eps ($5 cover).

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Learn about – and maybe even see – West Seattle wildlife

October 9, 2011 12:19 am

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| West Seattle news | Wildlife

The early bird may get … the sighting. Certainly will get the insight, from West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler, one week from today:

Predawn Owl, Coyote, Salamander, Plant and Fungus hike. Meet 5:30 am Sunday, October 16th – Camp Long (5200 35th Av SW – @ SW Dawson) at front of gate of Lodge building. Join me (Stewart Wechsler) on a predawn hike (estimated time 2 hours) through the wilds of Camp Long. We’ll likely see or hear one of the resident Barred Owls, or potentially a transient Great Horned Owl. We might see one of the Coyotes that use Camp Long as a happy hunting ground, and we will definitely see the vegetation that make up the habitat framework for these more attention drawing critters. I continue to work to learn about, and share my knowledge of, all of our wild life forms in order to maximize my contribution to the stewardship of our precious and ancient natural communities. Any contributions (not required) to support me and my efforts will be accepted . RSVP 206 932-7225 (land line) to help me estimate group size and when I should be scheduling more programs. No one will be turned away.

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