West Seattle, Washington

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month : 01/2012 297 results

A West Seattle lost/found story with a happy – and honest! – ending
January 10, 2012 9:18 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

What would you do if you found cash just lying out in the open, absolutely no hint as to who had lost (or left) it there?

Times are tough. You can imagine that many might at least fleetingly consider keeping it.

But a WSB reader we’ll call Texasgirl – her Forums handle – decided to find the owner of the cash she and her boyfriend discovered. She e-mailed us:

My boyfriend & I were out walking (Sunday) afternoon at about 1 PM, and we found quite a bit of cash laying on the sidewalk on Admiral, on the bridge over Fairmount Avenue … It’s enough money that we’re sure the rightful owner is missing it. These are tough times for many out there, and we know this could be someone’s grocery money or rent money. If someone can identify the amount and denominations, we’d like to arrange to return the money to them. If the rightful owner isn’t located, we’re planning to donate the cash to a worthwhile charity.

We e-mailed back to suggest they contact police, and post in the WSB Forums, where lost/found notices are welcome (aside from pets, which have their own page). So they did. And it worked.Read More

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Lowman Beach sewer-overflow project: Design meeting Thursday
January 10, 2012 6:18 pm
|    Comments Off on Lowman Beach sewer-overflow project: Design meeting Thursday
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

King County Wastewater Treatment Division has announced the next meeting of the Design Advisory Group for the Murray Pump Station Combined Sewer Overflow project: This Thursday, 6:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Their summary:

The public is welcome to attend. The group will review initial architectural concepts and the project team will discuss how the design concept reflects the community’s input. The project team is seeking the DAG’s initial input now so that it can be incorporated into any larger revision efforts that will also take into account interior design work while also reflecting feedback from WTD’s Operations staff and SDOT.

The planned overflow-control project involves razing the residential properties on the east side of Beach Drive across from Lowman Beach Park – once the county owns them all – and building a million-gallon underground storage tank. As laid out in the newest timeline document, demolition on the site is planned later this year, with construction starting next year.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: New forecast mentions snow
January 10, 2012 3:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

This morning’s snow shower – of which we have video proof! – was not forecast. But the brand-new forecast just out continues to strongly suggest we might see some by weekend’s end. This forecast mentions possible “rain and snow showers” for Sunday as well as Monday (King Day, which means no school, among other things).

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Fauntleroy/Alaska ex-76 station just got something new: A fence
January 10, 2012 3:11 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

The fate of the ex-76 station at Fauntleroy/Alaska has entered a new phase: A fence went up this afternoon, with a “No Trespassing” sign and a note directing anyone interested to contact a California company for information. You might recall that the station was being converted from a 76 station to an Arco station about a year ago, and then abruptly shut down. Back in August, after notes from neighbors upset that the site was continually being trashed in ways big and small, we reported that it had been cleaned up – and that its owner told WSB he didn’t expect to reopen it, and thought it would soon be “taken over by a bank.” (Here’s that story.) We can’t find any evidence of that in public records, but we have a message out to the company whose number is on the sign on the new fence. This gas-station site, incidentally, is part of what the City Council just rezoned to 85-foot-maximum-height development (20 feet higher than before).

Meantime, you might have noticed the land-use sign up on the kitty-corner Shell station; it was briefly up for sale last year, but is now in the process of getting approvals for underground tank replacement.

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Update: USS Ronald Reagan, as seen from West Seattle
January 10, 2012 12:55 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

We mentioned this morning that the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was headed for Bremerton – and lots of folks subsequently watched as it headed past West Seattle shores in the past hour and a half or so. Bob A shares the above photo, taken from North Admiral, and also looked up its stats:

1,002.9 Feet Long
134.1 Feet Wide
Draft: 40.9 Feet Deep
Gross Tons: 109598
Net Tons: 55350
Built: 2003

The Kitsap Sun reports it’ll be at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a year of maintenance and that its homeport has been “administratively” changed to Bremerton for that duration, so that the families of its 2,500 crew members can join them here. (We’re expecting to add another photo or two later.)

ADDED 6:40 PM: Here, actually, are three photos. First two are by Greg (thank you!) – including the view that a commenter described earlier, wondering about the cars on deck; third, with the ferry, is by WSB’s Patrick Sand.

The Kitsap Sun has an updated story on the carrier’s arrival, and photos from that side of the Sound, here.

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Fire followup: How to help Teri, the cats, and Furry Faces
January 10, 2012 10:10 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

(Monday photo by Christopher Boffoli)
So many people have offered to help in the wake of yesterday’s fire (WSB coverage here) at the West Seattle home of Furry Faces Foundation‘s Teri Ensley, there’s now a coordinated list of what she, the group, and the cats (one died because of the fire) need. Thanks to Sara Riehl from AARF, another local animal-advocacy group that works closely with F3, for compiling it. We’ll link this in our BIG STORIES list on the sidebar so you can find it again later, and will add any changes in the days ahead:

(ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT) PayPal donations for emergency-relief fund: furryfaces.org/donations

(BACK TO ORIGINAL TUESDAY MORNING LIST) This weekend Kitty Harbor is hosting an adoption event for 60 cats. This event will be benefiting Teri and Furry Faces Foundation. They have 20 kittens, 20 teenagers and 20 adult cats up for adoption. It runs from 12-6 pm Saturday, and Sunday the 14th and 15th.

We will also keep you posted but are trying to put together a fundraiser for Teri and Furry Faces Foundation sometime this week at the Feedback Lounge.

Local businesses accepting donations:

Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW)
Muttley Crew Cuts (4200 SW Admiral Way)
Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor Avenue SW)

TERI’S PERSONAL LIST

Costco Gift Cards – She purchases most of her clothes there.
Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans Size 8
Calvin Klein Jeans/Pants Size 8
Her work is Business Casual, and she wears size 8 pants, medium top. She wears a size 7 ½ to 8 shoe, she loves flip flops and has most likely lost her favorite pair of red cowboy boots in the fire. She shops at PCC and Thriftway grocery store, she currently has Mac and Cheese and Stew from the Feedback Lounge but does not have any other food (she does have pots, pans and plates where she is staying)

TERI’S PERSONAL CAT/FOSTER CAT WISHLIST

Dog houses, dog igloos, cat/dog beds

Canned cat food- I know people asked for specific kinds so see the list below:

· Anything that Pet Elements sells
· She has a diabetic cat who can only eat wet food that is high in protein
· Her cats like: Turkey, Chicken, and Beef flavors
· Wellness
· Natures Variety
· By Nature
· Nutra source
· Taste of the Wild
She does not currently need any more cat litter; she had amazing donations come in already

TERI’S WISH LIST FOR FURRY FACES FOUNDATION
· Cat trees
· Cat collars
· Cat leashes
· Dog collars
· Cat food
· Dog food
· Cat beds
· Cat toys
· Dog toys

As she has written in comments, Sara reiterates that Teri is thankful for the outpouring of support and has been heartened to read the words of encouragement both here and in direct e-mail: “She is blown away by the amount of support she has had, and is so grateful to live in such a wonderful place.”

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West Seattle Tuesday: Music; community groups; anniversary…
January 10, 2012 9:24 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli‘s exhibition, opening tonight, see below)
Now that the brief flurry of weather excitement is past – by the way, we’re still trying to figure out what’s causing traffic tieups for some who report it’s been a nightmare to get to the bridge, particularly from Avalon and Admiral – today/tonight’s notes from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SCHOOL TOUR: As previewed yesterday, school tours this morning till 10 at West Seattle High School (our preview also lists tours at other local high school as well as their upcoming open house/information nights).

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: From the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events: Toddler story time at the West Seattle Library, 10:30 am; baby story time at the Southwest Library, 11:30 am; family story time at the Delridge Library, 7 pm.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: The new year begins for West Seattle Community Orchestras, with some changes – all detailed here for returning AND new musicians; rehearsals at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: Meeting starts with treats at 6:15 pm.

INTRODUCTION TO BEERMAKING: Class tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library, 7 pm. Sign up – and find out more – here.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly meeting for ANA, 7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church. See the agenda here.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Regular meeting for FCA. 7 PM at the schoolhouse (9131 California Avenue SW).

LOCOL’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 7 pm tonight, as previewed here, the neighborhood eating-and-drinking spot celebrates the first anniversary of its official opening.

CHRISTOPHER BOFFOLI’S PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION OPENS: We mentioned this in our story featuring longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli‘s “2011 in review” slideshow – the photographs that are currently gaining him worldwide acclaim are going on display starting today and continuing through February 23 at Winston Wächter Fine Art (203 Dexter Ave. N. downtown), with a reception 6-8 pm tonight.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: And now we’re seeing snow
January 10, 2012 8:19 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Short video clip, added 8:27 am)
We reported the other night that this was a possibility this weekend – but suddenly this morning, there’s snow out there. National Weather Service has a “short-term forecast alert” but it doesn’t include the s-word as of last check. (The current forecast for the day says “mostly sunny”!)

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Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to pass West Seattle today
January 10, 2012 7:33 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Just heard this mentioned on KING 5, and the Kitsap Sun has details – the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is on the way to Bremerton for maintenance, and should be visible off West Seattle shores in the 10 am vicinity.

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Help celebrate their 1st anniversaries: Löcöl and Avalon
January 9, 2012 11:24 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Two West Seattle eating/drinking spots are marking their 1st anniversaries, and both have special events this week:

(Photo courtesy Löcöl)
LOCOL: 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, January 10), the cozy neighborhood spot at 7902 35th SW is throwing a party exactly one year after opening night. Proprietor Kyle Duce‘s announcement says, “Wow, it’s been an amazing year of fantastic people, friends, neighbors, wine, beer, food and support! Thank You All!! Hope to see you tomorrow night. We will be handing out Free Cupcakes from our friends @ Stuffed Cakes and will also have Happy Hour Drink Specials all night long!”

AVALON: 6:30 pm Wednesday, Pourquoi Pas will play live at the 2940 Avalon Way SW restaurant/bar, co-owner Mary Palmer tells WSB. Last Tuesday marked one year since Avalon’s official opening. (If you can’t wait till then, tomorrow is another edition of Avalon’s “Tapas Tuesday.”)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another hit-and-run case
January 9, 2012 6:43 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another case today of bad things happening to good people … seems the latest parked car to be hit-and-run in West Seattle belongs to Jim Winder of Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular light-show fame. Jim lives in the 3400 block of 37th SW (map) and says someone smashed into his truck and took off:

I did not notice it was hit when I got home at around 4:30 (though it could have been damaged then) as I ride my Harley to work.

My son did say he heard a big bang around 3:40…also neighbor said he did not notice it when he got home… so could have happened between 3:30 and 5:30… though I was home and did not hear anything… so if anyone notices any new damage to the passenger side bumper of any cars in the area….

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Video: New president, new home page for Seattle City Council
January 9, 2012 4:56 pm
|    Comments Off on Video: New president, new home page for Seattle City Council
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

As shown in that video clip from the Seattle Channel, five Seattle City Councilmembers who were just re-elected in November took their oaths of office this afternoon, and right afterward, one of them – Sally Clark – was elected Council President. The other four include West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. Along with choosing a new president, councilmembers finalized who’s in charge of which committees this year. Just in case you want to keep track of who to contact on which topic, here’s the list; among the topics most often discussed here, Rasmussen continues to chair the Transportation Committee, Sally Bagshaw chairs what is now the Parks and Neighborhoods Committee, while Councilmember Richard Conlin is now in charge of development/zoning issues among other things as chair of the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee.

Meantime, with the leadership change, the council also made some changes to its home page – check ’em out here.

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West Seattle schools: Tours & open houses at high schools
January 9, 2012 2:21 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Though the 2011-2012 school year isn’t even half over, thousands of West Seattle families are looking ahead to next school year – so we’re gathering information about open houses and tours. Here’s open house/tour info for the three biggest high schools in West Seattle:

CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Open house: 5:45-8 pm January 26th (flyer here)
Tours: 10-11:30 am January 20th for Madison/Pathfinder students, 10-11:30 am February 7th for private/other middle school students; TBD for Denny students

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
Open house: 6:30-8 pm January 31st

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL
Tours: 8:30-10 am tomorrow (January 10th) and February 9th
Information Night: 6:30-8 pm February 16th

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Best ways to prevent crime? Councilmember’s ‘policy essay’
January 9, 2012 12:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When the Seattle City Council meets at 2 this afternoon, there will be changes, including committee chairs. Councilmember Tim Burgess, a former police officer, will no longer be chairing the Public Safety Committee (Bruce Harrell will). As Burgess leaves that role, he has published a 14-page “policy essay” with his thoughts on preventing crime. He introduces it on his website here. As he notes – and as is obvious in neighborhood-crime coverage – violent crime is not Seattle’s biggest problem, but rather what Burgess calls “persistent and extremely corrosive street crime and disorder.” His recommendations include focusing on the so-called “hot spots” where a disproportionate amount of crime happens, frequent offenders who are responsible for more than their share, and “problem-oriented policing,” proactive as well as reactive. The essay is linked from his website, or you can go directly to it here.

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Update: Cat rescued from fire at animal advocate’s home
January 9, 2012 10:41 am
|      51 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(SCROLL DOWN for updates including fire’s cause and how to help)

(Added: Firefighter Jeff Blevins with rescued cat; photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
10:41 AM: Fire units have responded to a house in the 3800 block of 46th SW – a few blocks west of California/Charlestown. First crews on scene are describing it on the scanner as a “room fire.” We’re on the way.

(Subsequent photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
10:48 AM: No report of injuries so far. Via scanner, crews say they have “knocked down” the fire, but it has “extended” – spread – into a wall, so they’re tackling that. We’ve just added a photo from our first photojournalist at the scene, Christopher Boffoli.

11:05 AM: A cat has been rescued from the house and is reported to be getting medical attention. Firefighters at the scene confirm the fire was largely confined to one room, on the second floor, but there was a lot of smoke in the rest of the house.

11:20 AM: Photo added, firefighter tending to the rescued cat. We have to disclose that we notified the homeowner, local animal advocate Teri Ensley, after recognizing the house, the scene of many fundraising plant sales she has held for Furry Faces Foundation. She is there now.

11:48 AM: We’re told the cat has been taken to a veterinarian. No word on the fire’s cause – the investigation unit, Marshal 5, was sent there, and we’re likely to have information later.

2:11 PM: We just went over to check with Teri. The rescued cat’s name is Jared, by the way. She’s found another cat who’s going to the vet to be checked out. Her house won’t be inhabitable for a while; she’s making arrangements for a place to stay and has found somewhere for the cats. We’re awaiting SFD’s official word on cause; the last fire crew was just leaving as co-publisher Patrick pulled up to follow up.

2:43 PM: The Fire Department’s account of events is up on their website. According to the update, “A Seattle Fire Investigator determined the fire was accidental. A hot plate that was left on ignited combustibles on the kitchen counter. The damage estimate is 60 thousand dollars to the structure and 10 thousand dollars to the contents.” SFD also says one 16-year-old cat didn’t make it. The update also notes that what you saw on Jared in our photo is a “specially designed pet oxygen mask” – here’s another view:

Meantime, commenters have provided info on how to help Teri and the cats; donations are being accepted at Beveridge Place Pub.

ADDED TUESDAY: Here’s a followup story with a list of what’s needed by Teri, the animals, and Furry Faces, for all those who’ve generously offered to help.

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West Seattle Monday: Schools; opera; nutrition; bridge work…
January 9, 2012 8:13 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

After a week of slowly ramping up post-holidays, you may need wings to keep up with this week. (Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for the Townsend’s Warbler photo – she says they’re not often seen around here this time of year, but that one turned up at her hummingbird feeder.) From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BRIDGE CLOSURE: Another four nights of Fauntleroy Expressway overnight closures are scheduled to begin tonight. We’ve noticed over the course of the past several weeks’ closures that the times and exact locations vary.

MEET YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Second chance to talk with West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren, 10 am-noon, West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2306 42nd SW.

CITY COUNCIL STARTS THE NEW YEAR: First meeting since the holidays for the Seattle City Council, including the inaugural ceremony for re-elected members including Tom Rasmussen of West Seattle, 2 pm at City Hall downtown.

COOK SOMETHING UP: West Seattle Cooking Club! 2:30 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, theme “On a Stick.”

PRESCHOOL FAIR: West Seattle Preschool Fair, presented by the West Seattle Preschool Association, 5:30-7:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW (details here). Participating schools include WSB sponsors Community School of West Seattle, West Seattle Montessori School, and Westside School.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: January’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting, 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. See the agenda on the NDNC website.

PTA MEETING AT ROXHILL: Next Roxhill Elementary PTA meeting, 6:30 pm. Child care is available on-site for those who need it.

OPERA PREVIEW: “Attila” preview focused on Seattle Opera‘s upcoming production, West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 6:30 pm – full details here.

TQI DIET CLASS: The anti-inflammation-diet class returns to The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Room 2 Downstairs, Seattle. First of five classes, 6:30 to 8 pm.

HOW TO HELP HOMELESS FAMILIES: Family Promise of Seattle supporters gathering to celebrate past accomplishments and focus on the future, 7 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor).

TAI CHI: 7 pm at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), Tao Jin: Foundations of a Tai Chi Lifestyle.
This class introduces basic concepts and movements of Tai Chi, as well as information on diet, mind-set, tools to facilitate a healthy lifestyle based on Tai Chi philosophy, energy regeneration, and the motivation in making positive life changes. Free to High Point’s SHA and Elizabeth House residents and KCHA Greenbridge residents. Others pay $10 to instructor on a drop-in basis. Contact instructor Caylen Storm via e-mail with questions: caylen_storm@yahoo.com

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia with Brian Calvert at Christo’s on Alki, 7 pm … Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm … Talarico’s has karaoke @ 9:30 pm.

STUDENT SPORTS: Thanks to Mark Terao for sending info about today’s Madison Middle School basketball games – he says both teams are undefeated:

The West Seattle Madison Bulldogs Boys Varsity Basketball team faces Aki Kurose Middle School Monday January 9th at 4:30pm. The game will be played at Madison Middle School, with the Lady Bulldogs playing at 5:45 pm.

Both Boys and Girls Varsity teams have a season record of 3-0. The varsity boys defeated Whitman 55-42, McClure 51-32 and earning their latest wins against the talented Denny Middle School 60-45.

The Madison boys’ varsity team roster: 8th graders Nuradin Abdi, James Bonaci, Jayshaad Carlisle, Zach Gibson, Carter Golgart, George Hendricks, Brandon Jordan, Riley O’Neil, Michael Werlech; 7th graders Keith Edwards, Blue James, Nate Pryor, Jamiek Satterwhite, Jacob Terao, and Marques Titialii.

In high-school basketball today, Seattle Lutheran teams are on the road, visiting Tacoma Baptist.

NEW DODGEBALL LEAGUE: Tonight brings the first games of a new West Seattle adult-dodgeball league, playing Monday nights at 7:30 pm, 8:15 pm and 9 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School gym.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Birthday giving, not getting
January 8, 2012 11:49 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

It’s not every day you see a six-year-old get excited about diapers; by that age, they’re a distant memory. But they were atop the wishlist for Grayson‘s sixth birthday party today at Southgate Roller Rink – he wanted to collect diapers for WestSide Baby instead of gifts for himself. His mom Meredith says they collected about 30 packages!

(You can help WestSide Baby any time – here are all the regular ways, and then there’s also one big, fun way coming up next month, their annual tea, moved to a bigger location this year so there’s room for more to be part of it; here’s our preview from last week.)

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West Seattle Weather Watch: 2 words that start with ‘s’
January 8, 2012 10:34 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: 2 words that start with ‘s’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

One is “sunset” – tonight’s was fleetingly vivid; Kathleen shared the top photo, and Tina the next one:

Then there’s that word that has been in short supply this winter: Snow. Way too soon to get excited/worried, depending on your attitude toward it, but just keep in the back of your mind the fact that the “forecast discussion” says one way of looking at next weekend might hint at something resembling snow. Or might not. The exact wording: “Some solutions show the potential for a wet period with low snow levels. Other solutions show more ridging.” So we’ll see how it looks in a few days.

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The WSBeat: Telltale backpacks; door-kicking under the influence…
January 8, 2012 9:21 pm
|    Comments Off on The WSBeat: Telltale backpacks; door-kicking under the influence…
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

As always, the WSBeat summaries are from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers, beyond our ongoing breaking-news (etc.) coverage:

*Around 1 p.m. last Saturday, several “suspicious people” were seen near SW Avalon and Genesee carrying multiple items. As officers approached, one threw a bag of meth over the fence onto the golf course. He was carrying two backpacks. Inside: Five laptop computers, three cellular phones, an iPod, and assorted small hard drives, memory cards, cables and peripherals. He was also carrying multiple tools favored by burglars, such as lock cutters, wire cutters, knives and razors. The suspect claims that he bought all the items on Craigslist and that they are not stolen. He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of possession of stolen property and narcotics possession.

Ahead, five more summaries, starting with the case of the drunk door-kicker:Read More

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How to ‘clean up the mess’? McLaren’s first community chat
January 8, 2012 6:05 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Toward the start of Marty McLaren‘s first community-conversation meeting since her election as West Seattle’s representative on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, there was a sudden wave of suspense.

Three days before the Saturday morning meeting, McLaren had told her fellow board members (WSB coverage here) she would seek to amend the district’s recommendation for short-term school-crowding relief (aka “capacity management”) by removing the plan to open the ex-Boren Junior High (5915 Delridge Way SW) as temporary home for an “option” elementary school focused on STEM (science/tech/engineering/math).

But suddenly on Saturday morning, there she was, saying, “Personally, (a STEM option school) really resonates with me.”

Was she about to say she had changed her mind? You could almost hear a few people holding their breath. Then: “In spite of how enthusiastic I happen to be, I think it’s premature, I think we need a master plan, especially after all this turmoil.”

Moments earlier, McLaren, a Puget Ridge resident, had actually apologized for that “turmoil” – though it predated her board tenure, now in its second month.

Read More

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Know the perfect band for Summer Concerts at Hiawatha 2012?
January 8, 2012 5:26 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs at 2011 Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha finale)
We’re proud to have been a sponsor of the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha each year since the series began – and tonight, we have word that ANA is tuning up for the fourth season of free outdoor performances on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center! ANA president Katy Walum has just put out the call for interested bands:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association is putting out the call for bands to apply to perform for our 2012 Summer Concert Series at Hiawatha Park! The series will again run Thursday evenings, 6:30-8pm, on the park’s east lawn. This summer’s dates will be July 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.

Interested bands may e-mail us at info@admiralneighborhood.org. Please include with your message (1) a website or other means by which we may listen to samples of your music, (2) dates you are available, (3) your band’s price for a 90-minute set (please take into consideration that we are a community organization with a fairly limited budget, and that there is value in the great exposure your band could receive as a part of our series – last year’s series drew crowds of up to 1500 people per show), and (4) stage size and/or sound requirements for your group.

Our series last year included performances from The Gothard Sisters, Massy Ferguson, Caspar Babypants, LeRoy Bell, Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs, and Yogoman Burning Band. Highlights of prior seasons included Pearl Django with Greta Matassa, Camille Bloom, Swamp Soul (zydeco), and Alma Villegas (Latin jazz). We strive in our series to provide a range of musical genres that can appeal to all members of our community.

We welcome band recommendations from WS Blog readers, though it is helpful if readers can include as much of the above requested information as possible with their notes.

We also invite local businesses and others to sponsor our 2012 Summer Concert Series. This is an opportunity for folks to support a fantastic community event and to gain substantial exposure for their business! Please e-mail us (again at info@admiralneighborhood.org) to find out more about sponsorship levels and benefits available this year.

Thanks so much, and we look forward to bringing more fabulous music to Admiral/West Seattle in 2012!

Katy Walum
President, Admiral Neighborhood Association

(The association does a lot more than sponsor concerts, of course, and if you’re an Admiral resident/businessperson interested in seeing what ANA is up to, check out its next monthly meeting this Tuesday, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Church, California/Hill.)

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Vietnamese Cultural Center to dedicate Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
January 8, 2012 4:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center has paid tribute before to both the American and South Vietnamese troops lost in the Vietnam War – here is a ceremony we covered there three years ago – and now the center has a new memorial in place to honor them, with a dedication ceremony next Saturday. Center director Lee Bui is extending a specific invitation to Vietnam veterans to come to the ceremony, and asked us to share this invitation:

You and your family are invited to the ceremony of the black granite Fallen Soldiers Memorial :

Time: 1 PM, Saturday, January 14th, 2012
Place : Vietnamese Cultural Center
2236 SW Orchard
Contact phone : 206-779 6875
Chairperson : Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, MD

Fallen Soldiers Memorial to honor the heroes of armed forces from South Vietnam and 58,000 U.S servicemen who were fighting for freedom and democracy of Vietnam

The new memorial shares an outdoor space that also includes the center’s landmark statue paying tribute to the 13th-century hero, General Tran Hung Dao. The center is open to visitors every Saturday, noon-3 pm, not just on special occasions; you may also recall its community volunteers’ recent visits to Nickelsville on Thanksgiving and on New Year’s Day.

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Body found at Solstice Park, police say foul play not suspected
January 8, 2012 12:51 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Seattle Police have closed off a small part of Solstice Park, (across from the north end of Lincoln Park). After getting a tip about this (and subsequent questions via e-mail from people wondering what was going on), we went over to find out. Investigators at the scene tell us a body was found at the park. Police are not commenting officially on the cause of death but they do tell us that Homicide detectives are not being called – in other words, foul play is not suspected. A King County Medical Examiner crew is expected to arrive soon to remove the body.

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