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year : 2011 4273 results

Delridge Skatepark: Officially out to re-bid; SPAC airs frustrations
January 11, 2011 3:01 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As previewed here last week, the re-bidding process for Delridge Skatepark is officially open today – the city is advertising for bidders starting today, and will open the bids on February 2nd. Skatepark construction is estimated to cost about half a million dollars. The Delridge project – planned for the greenspace north of Delridge Community Center, at the northwest corner of Delridge and Genesee (photo above, with tags blurred) – was the first topic for the citywide Skatepark Advisory Committee last night. After noting that the project was about to go out for re-bidding, committee members discussed their frustration with the way the first bidding process ended – the low bidder didn’t meet the qualifications that were developed with SPAC input, but instead of then automatically giving the contract to the 2nd-lowest bidder, which was associated with the local company, Grindline, that designed the park, Parks management decided to rewrite the qualifications. One big frustration for committee members, particularly chair Ryan Barth and West Seattle’s Matthew Lee Johnston (who elaborates on the frustrations in this new post at SeattleSkateparks.org), was the fact that the city could not legally send the project out for a design/build bid; Parks staffer Susan Golub explained state law prevents that. Barth and Johnston wondered how to push for a change in that law – while noting that could take years, and more skateparks will be built in the meantime. (Delridge is one of five citywide slated for construction this year – “The Year of the Skatepark,” Barth dubbed it before adjourning the meeting.)

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West Seattle freebie of the day: Heads, free to a good home
January 11, 2011 1:51 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

Longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design is trying to get someone to take these mannequin heads off their hands. We saw their tweet from a few days ago – “We don’t want these to end up in a landfill!” – and asked if they’d mind us mentioning it here; they said, mention away! Call 206-938-3675 if you want one or more. (Same number to book “Have a Heart Day” appointments – Feb. 13th haircuts benefiting charity – BTW.)

3:37 PM NOTE: In case you haven’t seen this in the comments, Illusions tweeted that the heads have all been spoken for. “Recycling” at its best!

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4 committees for West Seattle’s new state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
January 11, 2011 1:19 pm
|    Comments Off on 4 committees for West Seattle’s new state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

In case you’ve wondered what your newest state legislator will be focusing on – a news release that just came in announces that 34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon will serve on the Environment, Transportation, Local Government, and General Government Appropriations and Oversight committees. From the announcement: “The House Environment Committee is new this session, and works on issues including Puget Sound, state parks, and climate change.” The current legislative session started Monday and is scheduled to end April 24th.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Afterschool cancellation updates
January 11, 2011 1:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | West Seattle weather

1:01 PM: Just in from Seattle Public Schools via robocall – all afterschool activities are canceled for today because of the potentially snowy weather. That includes “afterschool-activity transportation.” You can hear the announcement here. (If you know of any private-school changes, please send word and we’ll add that info here too – thanks!)

2:02 PM UPDATE: Just in: “Westside School [WSB sponsor]has cancelled today’s after school classes and childcare due to potentially hazardous weather conditions. PreK & Kindergarten children will be dismissed at 2:45 and grades 1-5 will be dismissed at 3:15.” Also, via Twitter, Seattle Lutheran High School says its basketball game vs. Bear Creek is canceled.

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Milestone for new South Park Bridge: Project goes out to bid
January 11, 2011 12:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

(King County rendering of new South Park Bridge design)
Three months after government and community leaders gathered by the west end of the old South Park Bridge to announce funding was in place for a new one, another milestone – the project has gone out to bid. It was officially advertised today. The bidding documents list the “engineer’s estimate” cost at $98 million to $108 million, with this included:

Scope of Work: This project provides for the replacement of South Park Bridge over the Duwamish Waterway in King County by constructing a new drawbridge (bascule) downriver and approximately parallel to the existing South Park Bridge, intersection improvements, roadway, drainage, and utility construction, approach spans and retaining wall construction, riverbank mitigation, incorporation of historic and art elements, illumination with decorative luminaires, demolition of the remaining portion of the existing bridge, and other work …

Bids are to be opened March 8th.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Newest forecast still says ‘snow’
January 11, 2011 10:12 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Stopped at Myrtle Reservoir Park just before noon – only snow in view was on the distant Cascades)
10:12 AM: If you’re at work outside West Seattle and wondering what’s happening back home – so far, no flakes, the clouds are high, temps in the mid-30s. The National Weather Service is out with its midmorning “forecast discussion” and says things are on track for snow, not lasting too long, but maybe a little later than originally expected:

.OUR LOWLAND SNOW EVENT IS STILL UNFOLDING AT THIS HOUR. … WILL SEE PRECIP IN THE FORM OF SNOW LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS MOISTURE OVERSPREADS THE COOL LOW LEVEL AIR MASS. TEMPS THIS MORNING ARE IN THE 20S-30S WITH DEW POINTS IN THE TEENS AND 20S…DEFINITELY COOL ENOUGH TO SUPPORT LOWLAND SNOW. WARMER AIR WILL RUSH INLAND OVERNIGHT WITH SNOW CHANGING OVER TO RAIN. ALL TOLD…MOST AREAS WILL JUST SEE A FEW HOURS OF ACCUMULATING SNOW WHICH WILL LIKELY ALL WASH AWAY BY THE RAIN EARLY WED.

SEATTLE METRO AREA…PRECIP TIMING HAS BEEN DELAYED IN THE SEATTLE METRO…MOST LIKELY DUE TO EASTERLY DOWNSLOPE FLOW OFF THE CASCADES. THE UW WRF GFS STILL SHOWS LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLE BY THE EVENING COMMUTE…AROUND 00-03Z. THE NAM12 IS A LITTLE SLOWER. THUS TOUGH TO PIN DOWN THE EXACT START TIME BUT SHOULD SEE SOME FLAKES FALLING THIS EVENING. THE SWITCH OVER TO RAIN WILL OCCUR OVERNIGHT 09-12Z…SO SHOULD NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WED MORNING COMMUTE. UNTIL THEN CANNOT RULE OUT AT LEAST 1 INCH OF ACCUMULATION…WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN SNOHOMISH CO AND OVER IN THE KITSAP AROUND BREMERTON.

Translation: Z is universal time, which is currently 8 hours ahead of Seattle time – so 00-03Z for snow arrival is 4-7 pm, 09-12Z for switchover to rain is 1 am-4 am.

11:07 AM: Still flakeless. The Olympics are even visible. Cliff Mass is out with his latest analysis – and promising a “nowcast” at 4 pm in hopes that’ll help you decide what to do.

12:10 PM: Even a sunbreak, a few minutes ago. But don’t get complacent. SDOT has sent out an advisory about what steps it’s taken, along with a reminder:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) stands ready to take on snow later this afternoon, keeping roads open, buses moving and critical emergency services accessible. Current predictions are for one to three inches of snow falling between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., followed by rain with the potential for icing during the transition period.

Last night, SDOT pre-treated all elevated structures and certain trouble spots on major arterials with salt brine. The department also treated sidewalks on bridges and pedestrian bridges yesterday. SDOT will continue its preparatory work by pre-treating the remaining portions of the snow route network today. By early afternoon Tuesday, the department will have 30 plows and four flusher trucks prepositioned throughout the city in key locations in advance of the storm’s predicted onset.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving in snow and ice, especially on Seattle’s many hills and bridges. For up-to-date information on the City’s response and roadway conditions, please visit: Seattle.gov/transportation. Motorists can also check on current traffic conditions and roadway images on SDOT’s Traveler’s Map at: web5.seattle.gov/travelers.

As a reminder, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties after a snowstorm. SDOT encourages residents and businesses to have snow shovels and materials on-hand to keep walkways clear and safe for pedestrians.

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Bryan Brenner DDS: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
January 11, 2011 9:09 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Bryan Brenner DDS, located at 10254 16th Ave. SW (map) next to the licensing agency in Dormer Plaza. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what Dr. Brenner would like you to know:

A beautiful smile is taken for granted by those who already have one. Your smile can change the way you present yourself to the world and the manner in which you are perceived. About a year and a half ago, Dr. Brenner and his wife Cheryl (pictured with daughter Charlotte) moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with Seattle. Dr. Brenner opened his family-friendly practice with the belief that a visit to the dentist does not have to be intimidating. Patients are encouraged to ask any and every dental question they have during their visits. Dr. Brenner specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry, which includes whitening, Invisalign, veneers, dentures, porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, Cerec one-visit crowns and the planning and restoration of implants. He also provides free well-baby checks for children of his patients (6 months – 5 years) so that the children become accustomed to visiting the dentist. Bryan Brenner DDS is offering a $150 Macy’s gift card to all new patients after the completion of their comprehensive exam, cleaning, and X-rays. Dr. Brenner would also like new patients to know that they he will gladly donate that same $150 to WestSide Baby in lieu of the gift card. Find out more information online at www.bryanbrennerdds.com or by visiting Bryan Brenner DDS on Facebook. If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please call 206-762-2573.

We thank Bryan Brenner DDS 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.

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West Seattle Tuesday: ‘Snow after 4 pm’ forecast; scheduled events
January 11, 2011 7:56 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

“Snow after 4 pm” is the latest prediction by forecasters from the National Weather Service – which has a “winter weather advisory” in effect – to TV. We will of course be tracking whatever happens, throughout the day/night – but just in case the forecasts don’t pan out, take note that there’s a lot on the schedule tonight – second Tuesday of the month is the busiest night for community groups’ meetings: An update on Metro’s much-discussed West Seattle RapidRide Line C is scheduled for Junction Neighborhood Organization, Fairmount Community Association, and West Seattle Junction Association members – and anyone else interested – at 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle; then at 7 pm, it’s meeting time for Fauntleroy Community Association (old schoolhouse) and Admiral Neighborhood Association (lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church). … West Seattle Little League plans in-person signups 6-8:30 pm at West Seattle High School Library (more details here) … A poetry-critiquing workshop with members of poetrybridge is scheduled at High Point Library, 6-7:45 pm (call the branch to register, 206-684-7454) … More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar; if weather conditions lead to any changes or postponements, we’ll have the latest here as well as via Twitter and Facebook. (WSB file photo by Ellen Cedergreen, from SDOT media briefing last November)

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West Seattle coyotes: Sighting in The Junction
January 11, 2011 7:56 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Quick note about a pre-dawn coyote sighting today, from David:

Just saw a coyote running south down California turning east on Edmunds, 5:45 am – it looked to be moving as fast as it could go.

We have three years (and counting) of coyote sightings archived here.

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Harbor Properties to develop another West Seattle Triangle site
January 10, 2011 10:27 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

As their new mixed-use development Link nears completion a few blocks away, Harbor Properties has revealed it’s in the early stages of planning to develop another site they own in The Triangle – the southeast corner of 36th and Snoqualmie (map). As shown in our photo taken around dusk tonight, the site’s currently a parking lot; Harbor’s Emi McKittrick says it’s been used by Link workers by day, overflow from the kitty-corner West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor) by night. She says Harbor does not have a specific plan yet, but has applied to “get a place in line” for Early Design Guidance, expecting it’ll be a few months before a meeting is scheduled, and they’ll rough something out by then. She says Harbor thinks the site could hold about 60 residential units, but isn’t sure whether the development should be entirely residential, or include retail – community comments are welcome, and they plan to start talking to Triangle-area neighbors about their thoughts.

If you’re familiar with the area, you know this is immediately north of the soon-to-be-remodeled Seattle West Inn and Suites property, which Harbor was once planning to buy. Though that deal was never completed, and the motel instead was bought by other area property owners, Harbor retained ownership of 36th/Snoqualmie (and also owns a small parcel near Link where its construction trailer has been headquartered; McKittrick says that will become a playground for the Bright Horizons child-care center that will be opening at Link in May).

Triangle side note: Reminder that 3 local groups are scheduled to meet jointly tomorrow night for updates and Q/A on the upcoming RapidRide bus service, including its Triangle route, which has drawn concern over potential parking loss and other issues: 6:30 pm Tuesday, Senior Center of West Seattle.

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North Delridge Neighborhood Council: From P-Patches to promotion
January 10, 2011 9:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Gardening | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

From tonight’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting at Delridge Library, two major topics – solving P-Patch challenges, and promoting the neighborhood. Our summaries, after the jump:Read More

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Update: Doors open at West Seattle’s newest business, Locöl
January 10, 2011 7:08 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

It’s opening night at West Seattle’s new beer/wine bar (and eatery) Locöl, as noted here last week. Before things got busy, WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen stopped by to photograph the team at mid-afternoon (they opened at noon and will be open till 2 am, the regular hours, 7 days a week): Above, that’s Chef Meredith Abbott between business partners Shane Whittall and Kyle Duce. Chef Meredith’s resumé includes lauded mobile restaurant Skillet, so she says she’s used to cooking in cozy spaces. We outlined their kickoff menu (and what’s on tap) in our Friday preview; the chef says she’ll change soups and sandwiches monthly, and will have a board out to note specials, especially in summer. The commitment to locally procured vegetables and fruit includes West Seattle Produce as well as High Point Market Garden/P-Patch. The year-plus effort to get Locöl finished and opened brought out some far-flung support for opening day/night:

That’s Shane serving some of the afternoon crowd – including a friend of Kyle’s who flew up all the way from Irvine, California, to be here for the official opening. Locol is at 7902 35th SW (map), between Kenyon Hall and Sharon’s Westwood Florist.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Snow expected TOMORROW night
January 10, 2011 4:14 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The snow that stuck a bit, briefly, this morning (as shown above on SW Sullivan in Upper Fauntleroy) is gone. The major roads look great for your drive home – we just came back from downtown via The Viaduct and The Bridge, both bare and dry. But the newest “forecast discussion” from the National Weather Service says this time tomorrow, beware (caps theirs):

THE REAL SNOW EVENT BEGINS LATE TUE AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS WARM FRONTAL PRECIP OVERRUNS THE COOL AND DRY LOW LEVEL AIR MASS. PRECIP WILL BEGIN AS SNOW AND SPREAD NORTHWARD AS THE EVENING WEARS ON…POSSIBLY MAKING THE EVENING COMMUTE QUITE MESSY. AT SOME POINT…LATE TUE NIGHT OR EARLY WED MORNING…WARMER AIR WILL MOVE INLAND WITH SNOW CHANGING OVER TO RAIN. TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS ARE QUITE DIFFICULT TO NAIL DOWN…BUT JUST ABOUT ALL AREAS SHOULD SEE ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL TUE EVENING.

So unless something changes – you might plan to leave for home earlier tomorrow, but don’t assume we’ll have a “snow day” Wednesday. Meantime, the government transportation agencies are putting out their alerts – from Metro, we have this roundup of their plan to be on “snow watch”.

5:29 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools has sent a “robocall” informing district families that they’ll decide by 1 pm tomorrow whether to go ahead with afterschool activities or not.

9:31 PM UPDATE: The mid-evening forecasts are out and neither one of the forecasts we regularly consult is particularly snow-laden. National Weather Service has put up a Winter Storm Watch and is suggesting maybe 1-3″ in the metro area; weather analyst Cliff Mass thinks something more like a “dusting.”

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Last-minute guilty plea for 1 of 4 defendants in Steve Bushaw murder trial
January 10, 2011 2:44 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We are at the King County Courthouse, in the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Joan DuBuque. What was supposed to be a trial for the 4 people charged in the February 2009 murder of 26-year-old Steve Bushaw is suddenly a trial for 3: Danny O’Neal, one of the two alleged triggermen, pleaded guilty this morning. Prosecutors say he made a deal last Friday while also giving a videotaped statement about how he says it all played out. We’ll have a longer report later; in short, he says — as charged — he and John Nikimbe Sylve (known as “Nicky”) — shot Steve Bushaw, and O’Neal says that the next day, he took apart and threw away the 2 handguns that were used in the shooting. As part of the plea agreement, he is pleading guilty to second-degree murder, with a firearms enhancement, and the state will recommend the lower end of the sentencing range, at least 10 years (though the judge is not bound to honor that), plus 16 months for the firearms enhancement.

The three remaining defendants – Sylve, alleged getaway driver Brandon Chaney, and alleged mastermind Bryce Huber – were in court this afternoon, Chaney and Sylve in street clothes, Huber in a brick-red jail-issue jumpsuit. For the past hour or so, their lawyers talked with the judge, and among themselves, discussing what happens in the wake of the eleventh-hour plea: Court is in recess until at least Wednesday, while the three defendants’ lawyers review forthcoming copies of O’Neal’s new statement; their clients still have the opportunity to enter pleas rather than go to trial, and the lawyers told the judge they’ll make decisions on that by late tomorrow afternoon. Meantime, O’Neal’s sentencing is tentatively set for March 4th. (For backstory on the case, here’s the trial preview published here last night.)

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: More details from today’s proceedings:Read More

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West Seattle Target remodeling, will include full grocery store
January 10, 2011 12:46 pm
|      52 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Westwood Village will soon have two grocery stores. Target confirms to WSB that they are converting the Westwood store to include a full grocery operation. Regional manager Randy Kraum says construction is scheduled to start in early March and continue for about three months, but the store will NOT close at any point during the work – starting in April, he says, you’ll “see some changes on the sales floor (that) might be a little disruptive,” but the store will stay open. The store has added more food items in recent years, but this will be a full grocery store, including meat and produce.

Why do this when there’s already a supermarket (QFC) steps away in Westwood Village? Kraum says the company is making the conversion with most of its stores – after converting more than 300 last year, they’re converting 400 more nationwide this year, and another 400 or so next year. Since this is being done within the store’s existing footprint – nothing to be added on – we asked if some current merchandise would be discontinued; answer – the men’s-clothing offerings will shrink a bit. The project staging is planned for the back of the store, so the front parking area used by most customers won’t be affected. If it all remains on schedule, a “grand reopening” celebration is planned June 5th. According to notations on the project’s city webpage, this is a $1 million remodel.

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West Seattle business news: Arcane Comics closing its location here
January 10, 2011 9:48 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We had checked out rumors in the past few weeks that this was likely to happen – but no official announcement was made till now. Thanks to Aaron for sharing e-mail from Arcane Comics confirming its West Seattle store (3219 California SW) is closing:

“Arcane Comics West Seattle is closing. Over the last two years we have appreciated the opportunity to serve the West Seattle neighborhood.

For subscribers, we will continue pulling your subscriptions through January 19th. We are more than happy to move your subscription boxes to Ballard at any point between now and then. However, we realize that Ballard may be too long of a trip for your comic books. If you would like we are more than happy to e-mail your subscription list to any shop of your choosing as well. Just let us know what you are interested in doing.

You can send an e-mail to acws@arcanecomics.net letting us know if you prefer Ballard, another Shop or closing your box. Let us know at your earliest convenience. We will be making other announcements throughout the weeks ahead. But you who have supported us through this process will be the first alerted.

As of today Monday, January 10th, 2011 only at Arcane Comics West Seattle Location – All single issue comics are $1.00. 50% off everything else in the store.”

Arcane opened in April 2009, taking over part of the storefront previously occupied by Prudential Northwest Realty before its move to Jefferson Square.

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What’s in the West Seattle Triangle’s future? Find out February 7th
January 10, 2011 9:46 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

For months, city staffers and community advisory-group members have worked on a look ahead to the future of The Triangle, as part of the area starts to redevelop – with Link almost complete, Seattle West Inn and Suites slated for major remodeling, and new businesses opening in the area. The date has just been set for your chance to come see and comment on what the city describes as “the proposed street design concept plan and land use concepts” – a community open house is planned for 6-8 pm Monday, February 7, at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Get a sneak peek on the Triangle planning-process webpage.

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West Seattle Monday: Snowy start; Locöl’s opening day; more
January 10, 2011 7:57 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB video from the peak of this morning’s brief 8 am snow shower, added 8:19 am)
While there’s been a bit of snow overnight, and some showers continuing again now, it’s NOT expected to last much longer, according to the forecast – but be ready for some tomorrow. No major traffic problems reported (see the cameras below, and check more here):

(Refresh for latest pic of WS Bridge, looking eastbound, and 1st Ave. S. Bridge, more on the WSB Traffic cams page)
Clearing’s expected later – then snow is forecast to start late in the day on Tuesday. Also today: As announced Friday, Rachel Marie is back on the West Seattle Water Taxi run, which means Pier 50 arrivals/departures downtown again … two meetings of note tonight: North Delridge Neighborhood Council, meeting room at Delridge Library, 6:30 pm, and the citywide Skatepark Advisory Committee, 6 pm at Parks HQ downtown (with Delridge Skatepark on the agenda – as we reported Friday, it’s cleared for re-bidding) … West Seattle See Dogs invites anyone interested in raising a puppy to become a guide dog to join them at Merrill Gardens Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) tonight at 6:30, 2326 California SW … And it’s opening day for Locöl, 35th/Kenyon, noon (here’s our report on its “soft-open” event last Friday night). Lots more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – and separate coverage if the snow shower lasts for long!

9:10 AM NOTE: … which it didn’t. And now the weather forecast has changed yet again. Now, we’re looking at some snow tomorrow evening, but then rain and wind after that … And weather analyst Cliff Mass is saying the same thing.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 hurt in ‘home invasion’ attack
January 10, 2011 2:40 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 2:40 AM REPORT: No arrests yet in a Sunday night break-in that left two people with minor injuries. It happened around 8:30 pm in the 8800 block of 16th SW (map), according to Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams. He says “initial reports” indicate two people wearing ski masks and armed with handguns forced their way into a house. They kicked one person – who declined medical assistance – and hit another with one of the guns; that person was taken to a hospital to have a facial injury checked out. A third person who was home apparently scared the attackers/would-be robbers away by running out of the house to call police; that, says Lt. Williams, led the attackers to run away too. Scanner traffic we heard at the time indicated a K-9 unit was used to try to find them, but searchers didn’t have any luck. Lt. Williams says detectives from the robbery division are now handling the case.

9:31 AM UPDATE: There’s now a story about this on SPDBlotter. Details are mostly the same, with a few additions: The ski-masked robbers are described as black men between 20 and 30; they are believed to have stolen a wallet; and police are asking the public for any information.

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West Seattle crime: Trial to start for Steve Bushaw murder suspects
January 9, 2011 11:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(February 2, 2009, sign outside Talarico’s, near the shooting scene)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Almost two full years after 26-year-old Steve Bushaw was shot and killed in The Junction, four suspects are about to go on trial.

Monday is the official start of the trial for Bryce Huber, Brandon Chaney, Danny O’Neal Jr., and John Sylve, arrested in December 2009, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. But murder trials are complicated proceedings, even more so in a case like this with multiple defendants, so jury selection won’t start for at least another week, and testimony isn’t expected before late January.

For this look ahead, in addition to revisiting the WSB archives and King County court records, we have checked in with Steve Bushaw’s family, as well as the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Read More

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Reminder: West Seattle Water Taxi back to Rachel Marie and Pier 50
January 9, 2011 9:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Reminder: West Seattle Water Taxi back to Rachel Marie and Pier 50
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

In case you missed the official announcement on Friday afternoon – starting tomorrow morning, West Seattle-Downtown Seattle commuters on the King County Water Taxi will be riding the Rachel Marie again, now that it’s completed repairs and sea trials following last September’s crash. That means Pier 50 on the downtown side (the service had used Pier 55 while Argosy’s Sightseer was filling in). The schedule remains the same – it’s Monday-Friday, commute times only, during the winter, in this first-ever year of year-round operation.

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Remodeling resolution? Ventana resumes free workshops
January 9, 2011 9:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Remodeling resolution? Ventana resumes free workshops
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If one of your New Year’s resolutions involves home remodeling … there’s a chance this week to find out more about how the process works, no cost, no obligation. Longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction is resuming its series of free workshops with information on remodeling (and custom building), 6 pm this Tuesday (January 11th). At right is a photo Ventana shared that shows one of their more unusual recent projects – a bathroom where the tile installation creates the appearance of a “pool” in the bamboo flooring, “spilling” down past the Vetrazzo countertop. Ventana also has a project in the January issue of Seattle Homes and Lifestyles magazine (page 72, headed “Green Living,” not online yet). If you’re interested in the Tuesday workshop, just call to RSVP – they’re at (206) 932-3009.

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West Seattle coyotes: Another High Point sighting
January 9, 2011 4:39 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | High Point | West Seattle news | Wildlife

High Point seems to be a coyote hot spot these days. Sara sent news of the latest sighting less than an hour ago:

I was driving down 36th Ave SW (headed north) about 10 min ago and spotted what appeared to be a small coyote (heading south in the middle of the street) at Graham. Just checked the blog and didn’t see any other spottings. It was a tad scary, as 1) it was broad daylight and 2) we walk our dogs in that area frequently. Curious to see if anyone else spotted the lost coyote.

Wondering how to deal with coyotes – both when you see one, and in hopes you won’t? Here’s some advice.

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