West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
It has come up so often in WSB comments related to our coverage of who’s seeking liquor-selling licenses for when privatization kicks in, that we feel obliged to mention we just spotted this: Browsing the latest liquor-license applications overnight, we noticed something that does not seem to have been reported elsewhere – the chain BevMo! (Beverages and More) has revealed its first King County location, by applying for a license. According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board‘s list of local license applications, BevMo is planning a location in the Southcenter area, 17197 Southcenter Parkway (map). They currently operate in California and Arizona only, but their arrival here was a source of speculation in this recent story from our partners at the Seattle Times. (As for prospective hard-liquor sellers in West Seattle, so far, as we reported here and here, six supermarkets are the first to apply. That list is bound to grow, since privatization doesn’t take effect till June 1st.)
From WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand: Chief Sealth International High School‘s boys-varsity basketball team closed out its season Saturday night at Nathan Hale, losing 55-49. It was a quick game that saw lots of error-free ball from both sides, with only a scant few fouls called until the last minute of the game. The Seahawks came from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter to pull the game within four by the start of the fourth quarter. And things got even closer:
Then, with a little over six minutes left in the game, Sealth senior Pepe Hernandez tied the game up on a free throw. Three times during the game, he and teammate Bronte Corbray turned the game into a track meet that had both teams doing wind sprints up and down the court. During those exchanges, Sealth came out on the long end of the deal as they controlled the rebounding. That gap eventually closed to one point in the last minute of the game, but Sealth’s repeated fouling of Hale sophomore Gadisa Margarsa put the game away. He was six-for-six at the free-throw line during the last 30 seconds. Julijs Pruzinskis was Hale’s leading scorer with 14 points, Margarsa was next with 13. Sealth was led by Hernandez with 21 points and Corbray with 11.
It’s a highlight of the City of Seattle Neighbor Appreciation Day every year – open house at local fire stations. We stopped by three West Seattle stations that welcomed visitors on Saturday. At Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, we found not only Engine 37 and crew, but also members of the West Seattle See Dogs puppy-raising club, there to help their four-legged charges get acclimated to firefighters, as WSSD’s Ruth Oldham explained. That’s Corbitt the puppy with firefighter Joe Clegg, who also entranced the young humans by demonstrating equipment including a camera:
We usually see firefighters in their full gear, as they work to put out fires, treat injured/sick people, and more, so this is also a chance to meet them face to face – like Ladder 13 driver Matt Reilly:
He was on duty at Station 11 in Highland Park during the open house. Ladder 13’s been there almost two years, but isn’t expected to be there much longer, because (as per the original announcement) it was added to cover a potential response gap caused by the lack of a westbound onramp to the Spokane Street Viaduct – and the new onramp will open this summer. Once the ladder truck has departed, we’re told, Station 11 – permanent home to Engine 11 – will get some upgrades, including earthquake-safety work (explained here).
Our final stop was Station 32 in The Junction, which is on deck for a complete rebuild in the not-too-distant future (explained here):
Station 32 is home to Ladder 11, Engine 32, and Medic 32 – plus this very shiny pole:
We had just missed the big rush of visitors, the crew told us, so we took the opportunity to peer at some of the equipment:
32, 37, and 11 are three of West Seattle’s five fire stations, along with Station 29 in North Admiral and Station 36 right by the north end of Delridge Way SW (where it meets the West Seattle Bridge).
While we hope for Just got good news in the missing/stolen dog case, and we have MORE good news tonight in West Seattle Crime Watch followups: Two thefts reported here last month are resolved – and one turned out not to have been a theft at all! One involved a sled, one involved a car, and we have details on both, ahead:Read More
4:05 PM: Two cars were broken into this afternoon after 1 pm outside the Walgreens at 35th and Morgan, according to Matt, and the only thing taken from his was the family’s Boston Terrier, seen in the photo above. He adds: “$500 reward. No question. He is like my wife’s child and she is inconsolable.”
8:13 PM: Matt reports in comments that their dog has been found! He adds to everyone who helped look and offered well-wishes, “THANK YOU ALL!”
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The skeleton is 40 feet long and weighs 1,400 pounds. It’s surrounded by a wooden structure mimicking the exact structural space and framing of its eventual home at Highline Community College’s MaST (Marine and Science Technology) Center in Des Moines [map]. New kinds of riggings and connectors are being created to attach and hang it, and some of its bones are still laid out on the floor.
And it’s magnificent.
The “Arroyos Whale,” (so called by MaST Center manager Rus Higley [pictured above] and his crew) came to our attention in April 2010 when WSB extensively covered its stranding on a beach in The Arroyos in far-southwest West Seattle. Since then, it’s gone through quite a transformation, and The Arroyos Whale is giving us opportunities for research and education.
The whale is being called “The Arroyos Whale” rather than a name like “Willie” or “Shamu” for a very specific reason.
Read More
(Surf scoter we saw off Me-Kwa-Mooks during a walk on Friday afternoon)
17 highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE OPEN HOUSE: Come visit Community School of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 22nd/Roxbury, 10 am-2 pm
(updated) NEIGHBORHOOD APPRECIATION DAY AT 3 FIRE STATIONS: Open house 11 am-1 pm at Seattle Fire Department‘s Station 11 (Highland Park, 16th/Holden) and Station 37 (Sunrise Heights, 35th/Holden). Added: We doublechecked the list distributed by SFD yesterday – it ALSO includes Station 32 (The Junction, 38th/Alaska), so that’s THREE stations open for tours in West Seattle (among others citywide).
STORYTIME: 11 am, storytime at Westwood Village Barnes and Noble, all ages welcome, treats for younger readers.
NEIGHBORHOOD APPRECIATION DAY AT SOUTHWEST POOL: Noon- 2 pm, including free refreshments and a free public swim at 1 pm (2801 SW Thistle).
TOUR THE VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: On SW Orchard north of Home Depot, open to the public every Saturday noon-3 pm.
MORNING GLORY BRUNCH: Skylark Café and Club hosts the Morning Glory Drag Queen Brunch on the second Saturday of each month. From the announcement: “The fun starts at noon. Tickets are available … at the door. Jeffrey Robert starts the show with some stand-up comedy, then Magnolia Crawford and guest performers do a fabulous show while diners enjoy their brunch and drinks! It is a pretty unique and fun way to start a weekend.”
PERFUME PARTY: 1st annual Valentine’s Tea Party hosted by Sweet Anthem Handmade Perfumes from 12-4 PM, promising perfume, candy, and flowers, with local vendors/creators including Sweet Anthem’s Meredith Smith. RSVP for the event on Facebook (6021-B California SW)
SICHUAN SATURDAY AT SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 6000 16Th SW, 1-4 pm, north side of South Seattle Community College campus: “The Cultures and Landscapes of Western Sichuan.” See photos and learn about the people and culture of China’s southwest province and Washington’s sister state. Learn about NW efforts to help the area recover from the 2008 earthquake. UW Professors Stevan Harrell & Daniel Abramson will speak. Suggested donations: $7 Adults, $5 SCG Members and Students
LEARN ABOUT BEES AT BARTON ST. P-PATCH: Barton Street P-Patch invites gardeners to a buzzworthy event this Saturday: a “master gardener lecture on keeping mason bees (pollinators, not honeybees), 2-4 pm. Bring your own seating!” The garden’s at 34th/Barton.
SECOND MEETING FOR ‘OCCUPY WEST SEATTLE’: 2-6 pm, Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church, 7141 California SW.
VIGIL FOR JIM SWEENEY: The longtime community supporter/Alki Lumber owner will be remembered with a vigil tonight at 7 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (35th/Myrtle), followed by his memorial service at 2 pm Sunday, also at OLG. (Here’s our story with Mr. Sweeney’s obituary and 40 tribute comments from readers.)
SOUL JAMBALAYA: Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School present “Soul Jambalaya” – a musical celebration of gospel, blues, jazz, funk and reggae. The Total Experience Gospel Choir, Clinton Fearon, Septimus and others will take the stage at Chief Sealth High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle) at 7 pm. Admission is free – donations (going to the schools’ music programs) will be accepted.
DEBUSSY FESTIVAL: Music Northwest Concert Series 2011/12 – Debussy Anniversary Festival I: The Piano Music, 7:30 PM. Pianists Natalya Ageyeva, Duane Hulbert, Jane Harty. Preludes Books I and II (selected), Suite pour le piano, Estampes, Images, L’isle Joyeuse. Held at Olympic Recital Hall on the south side of the South Seattle Community College campus. See website for tickets and more information.
2ND TO LAST PERFORMANCE OF ‘ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest.
JAZZ: Elizabeth Dawson will perform jazz music at Salty’s on Alki from 8 to 10 pm with pianist Edward Weber, in the Cafe Bar. There is no cover.
DANCE PARTY: Monthly Candylandia dance party with DJ Cotton Candy at the Benbow Room inside Heartland Café in the Admiral District, 9 pm. More info on the Facebook invite
AT ALKI TAVERN TONIGHT: Burley Mountain, local alt country/alt rock band, sends word they’re playing the Alki Tavern (every second Saturday). $3 cover and drink specials. Hear them at myspace.com/burleymountainband
LIVE AT SKYLARK: ’80s Invasion (80s new wave tribute band) sent word they’re on tonight’s slate at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm.
It’s not on the online calendar, but we got word tonight from King County Wastewater Treatment Division that the Design Advisory Group for the Murray (Lowman Beach) combined-sewer-overflow (CSO) control facility will meet Monday night. The rendering you see above is one of the preliminary design sketches discussed when they met last month (we covered a subsequent briefing given to the Morgan Community Association). At this meeting, according to Doug Marsano from the county, “The group will be reviewing refined design concepts and discussing the public art process.” The main feature of the project is a million-gallon underground storage tank to be built across from Lowman Beach Park on what are currently residential properties that the county is in the process of buying. All are welcome to the advisory group meeting at 6:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church, 9140 California SW.
2 unique West Seattle gardens are having special events on Saturday:
(Photo courtesy Terri Lindow)
BARTON STREET P-PATCH – “BEE” THERE! The new P-Patch in Westwood is taking shape in a big way – and tomorrow the gardeners are inviting you over, not for a work party, but for a chance to learn! A Master Gardener is coming to the P-Patch at 34th/Barton 2-4 pm Saturday “to educate people about mason bees,” says Terri Lindow, adding: “This is a great opportunity to learn about pollinating bees and to see the P-Patch. Our crushed gravel pathways are in and the construction is entering the last phase. We’d love to show it off!” Bring your own seating – all they’ll have is a few “pop-up shelters.”
SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 1-4 pm Saturday, the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle Community College campus is presenting a talk about “The Cultures and Landscapes of Western Sichuan,” 1-4 pm. Julia Freimund says, “Two UW professors will be talking about the ethnic groups, the landscapes (so lots of photos!), and the earthquake recovery efforts in Sichuan province.” Here’s a flyer with details, including admission info.
Just received from the Gatewood Elementary PTA‘s 2011-2012 Board – that photo, and this explanation:
We are proud to show off our two new signs at Gatewood Elementary. They are located at the corners of Myrtle and Frontenac along Fauntleroy Way SW. This is the final piece of our Operation Imagination project that included a new big toy on the playground, construction of an amphitheater, and of course the goats, who helped us with our ivy problem. This has been many years in the making and many parents who started on the project have sense moved onto middle and high school. Big thank you to them and everybody still at Gatewood who have been so instrumental in this fabulous project. Welcome to Gatewood.
Many years indeed! Checking our archives, WSB coverage of those milestones stretches back to 2007 – including the goats’ visit in 2007 and the new “big toy” in 2008.
Duane Starkenburg, the Gatewood man charged a year ago with attacking women joggers and then charged last fall in a years-old child rape case, was back in court today. The “omnibus hearing” this morning was to determine whether his case was ready to go to trial. Ian Goodhew from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office tells WSB that it was agreed Starkenburg will stand trial starting March 7th for the jogger attacks, but the child-rape case won’t go to trial till after that.
(Jason Rudolph with the inner workings of “Dook Larue,” the animatronic drummer of “Rock-afire Explosion“)
Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’ve noticed recent activity inside the former Petco space in the Junction – Doug did, and tipped us off – here’s what we have found out:
Local resident and West Seattle business owner Jason Rudolph is currently renting the space for an indefinite amount of time to add additional staff for his technology company, Sound Advertising Group. It also gives him the room to work on “a little project that we’re doing just for fun – and if the community enjoys them, that makes it so much better!”
The project is the restoration of a 1980s animatronic band called the Rock-afire Explosion, formerly installed in a Showbiz Pizza restaurant.
Another apparent case of crime prevention via vigilant residents/neighbors. We just heard from one who doesn’t want to be identified but does want to tell the tale of what just happened in his North Admiral neighborhood about an hour ago – read on for that plus a Beach Drive burglary:Read More
Just got word from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail – one day after orcas were spotted headed north, but closer to the other side of Puget Sound, today they’re headed south and visible from west-facing West Seattle (try Me-Kwa-Mooks, we’re told).
Today we welcome West Seattle dental-care provider Dr. Kathleen Saturay as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s her message for you:
(Dr. Kathleen Saturay at center, with Reshvin at left and Angie at right)
“I am extremely excited to be part of your community. I’m Dr. Kathleen Saturay and I have just opened my practice in the West Seattle Dental Center at 3255 California SW. I have been providing dental care in the Seattle area for the last three years and received my DDS from Loma Linda University. I offer comprehensive dental care and treatment for the whole family, especially for children & young adults. Angie, Reshvin, Glenda and I are focused on our passion for dentistry and allow each patient the time necessary for a comfortable and productive visit. This ensures my young patients understand that having a healthy smile is a good thing, and pretty easy, too. I have been a West Seattle resident for many years and wanted to base my first practice in my ‘hometown,’ so when the opportunity presented itself, it was one I was not going to pass up. Because of my firm belief in children’s oral health, I am currently accepting DSHS, all insurance plans, and will customize financial arrangements for those families in need.
“Currently I am accepting new patients, and my office hours are Monday and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. Let me show your children how easily a healthy smile can be part of their lives through brushing and flossing, and of course, regular visits to my office. Oral hygiene visits can be fun, full of great tips and an excellent way to establish positive homecare. We’ll be waiting for you! Find us online at drsaturaysmiles.com or call to make an appointment at 206-935-0100. Keep smiling!!”
We thank Dr. Kathleen Saturay 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.
>(Fauntleroy Expressway at top of page; aerial photo by Long B. Nguyen; expanded view here)
Just in from SDOT – they need to close the Fauntleroy Expressway, the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge, for a full day on Sunday, February 19th, as the earthquake-safety project continues. The closure actually will start Saturday night, February 18th, and run as late as midnight Sunday night. Here’s the announcement, just in:
Fauntleroy Expressway and SW Avalon Way Closures, Feb. 13-19
Full closure from Saturday night through Sunday nightThe Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will close the Fauntleroy Expressway (from 35th SW to the Delridge ramps at the west end of the West Seattle Bridge) during the night next week, February 13-17, as previously announced, and also during the weekend beginning Saturday, February 18, at 9:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 19.
During these closures the following detours will be in effect:
· Westbound motorists traveling to West Seattle via the West Seattle Bridge will be directed to use the Delridge Way SW off-ramp.
· Eastbound motorists on Fauntleroy Way SW will be detoured at 35th Avenue SW and will be directed to the West Seattle Bridge via SW Genesee Street and Delridge Way SW.
Additionally, northbound traffic on SW Avalon Way will be restricted February 13-19 during these dates and times:
· Monday, February 13, through Friday, February 17, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
· Saturday, February 18, starting at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, February 19, at 11:59 p.m.During these times the following detour for SW Avalon Way will be in place:
· Northbound motorists traveling on SW Avalon Way will be detoured to eastbound SW Spokane Street. They will then be directed to perform a U-turn at 26th Avenue SW onto westbound SW Spokane Street and then north on Harbor Avenue SW. Northbound trucks and Metro buses traveling on SW Avalon Way will be flagged through the work zone.
These closures are required as part of the seismic retrofit of the Fauntleroy Expressway in order to make it more likely to withstand the force of a major earthquake. The work is funded by the “Bridging the Gap” transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.
For more information and a map of the detour, visit SDOT’s project website.
North Delridge neighborhood leaders have long been pushing for a traffic signal at Avalon Way and SW Genesee – and now if all goes according to SDOT‘s schedule, it’s just months away. In comments following our report on a contradictory-but-brief discussion of its status at the Southwest District Council meeting, two commenters said that signal is actually planned for installation this year. So we asked SDOT for official confirmation. Communications director Rick Sheridan‘s reply:
SDOT will install a full traffic signal at Avalon Way & Genesee, which will cover all legs of the intersection. We will additionally install new curb ramps to improve access for pedestrians and the disabled. The work is tentatively scheduled for the third quarter of 2012.
The status of another signal long sought by West Seattle neighborhood activists, at 47th/Admiral, has NOT changed, however. We asked Sheridan about that too:
We did reevaluate all signal requests in December 2011. Given limited funding for signal improvements, this location did not rate high enough compared to other locations where a signal would be beneficial.
SDOT has implemented several enhancements at 47th and Admiral to improve safety. These include curb bulbs on SW Admiral Way to shorten the crossing distance, high-visibility signage overhead and roadside to warn drivers, and flashing beacons. We also installed “stop lines” and signs to direct motorists where to stop if a pedestrian is using the crosswalk. We have also measured vehicle speeds approaching the crosswalk from the east, and the data shows good compliance with the posted speed limit on Admiral. This corridor is also equipped with radar speed signs at each end to educate drivers and enhance compliance with the posted speed limit.
The fifth anniversary of the deadly crash at 47th/Admiral was marked in November by a rally (WSB coverage here) organized by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which continues to lobby to get a light.
Chief Sealth International High School‘s boys-varsity basketball team has another post-season game tomorrow night, after a victory last night at home. Our summary and photos, ahead:Read More
(Photo by Doug Branch, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Before we get too much further into the day – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
SSCC VALENTINE WINE RELEASE AND SALE: At the Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle Community College campus, 1-5 pm today and tomorrow, featuring the pouring and releasing of “a limited edition 2009 Syrah Clone 4 pack.” Also, chocolates made by the SSCC pastry department.
WINE AND CHOCOLATES: Tonight’s tasting at Bin 41 Wine in The Junction is a pairing with Theo’s Chocolates. Details here.
TASTING EVENT AT METROPOLITAN MARKET: From Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor): “Celebrate the week of Valentine’s Day by raising a glass and toasting the occasion with all of the romantics in your neighborhood. Join us for a complimentary Sparkling Wine and Champagne tasting paired with either Hama Hama Oysters or Crab Cakes served with spicy pink aioli. Dessert tasting includes Chocolate Covered Strawberries, French Macaroons that will give you the sweet taste of Paris, and Crème Brûlée topped with Theo’s Chocolate.” 5-7 PM, 2320 42nd Ave SW.
‘ONCE UPON A MATTRESS’: “Once Upon a Mattress,” presented by West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, 7 pm
‘SEUSSICAL’ SOLD OUT! We’re told the Alki Elementary musical featured on WSB yesterday is now sold out, both shows, but in case you happen by West Seattle High School tonight and wonder what’s up – the show’s in the WSHS Theater at 7 pm.
BLUEGRASS AT KENYON HALL: Convergence Zone Bluegrass Band, 7:30 pm, details on the Kenyon Hall website.
(Photo courtesy ArtsWest)
FINAL WEEKEND FOR ‘ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT’: Tonight is the third-to-last performance of the current production at ArtsWest, which describes “All Through the Night” as “Shirley Lauro’s explosive and highly theatrical World War drama about German gentile women fighting for survival from inside the Third Reich.” 7:30 pm tonight – tickets available online at artswest.org or via phone at 206-938-0339.
Glass-art “babycakes” like that one, created and donated by Avalon Glassworks, will be part of the fundraising fun on Sunday, when WestSide Baby takes its annual Benefit Tea to the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center for the first time. WS Baby executive director Nancy Woodland confirms there’s still some room left if you haven’t already procured your ticket – but she also says the expected turnout so far already has made history – more than 500! Want to join them, 2-4:30 pm Sunday, for tea, treats, auction fun, and guest speaker Kathy LeMay? The WestSide Baby website has ticket info. (Never been before? Here’s our coverage, with photos and video, from last year.)
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
35th SW is open again in the 4800 block, near Providence Mount St. Vincent, after being closed for a while because of an overnight crash. Christopher Boffoli covered it for WSB. He says a Prius going southbound hit a light pole – bringing it down, along with wires, which required City Light attention:
Police told Christopher the driver wasn’t hurt, but was under investigation for suspected DUI.
The crash happened just before 3 am.
Wednesday night, Seattle Lutheran High School celebrated its senior basketball players – and senior cheerleader Valerie Reid, above – while closing out their regular season at home against Rainier Christian‘s teams. Ahead, our summary of the games – Lutheran won both – and photos of the senior athletes:Read More
Two weeks ago, we reported that QFC was the first to seek licenses to sell hard liquor in West Seattle, once Initiative 1183 takes effect, privatizing liquor retailing in our state. We’re continuing to watch the liquor-license applications, and there are a few more stores seeking spirits (hard liquor) retail-sales permits: All three Safeway stores in West Seattle have now applied (Jefferson Square, Admiral, Roxbury); so has West Seattle Thriftway. June 1st is the day that the state is supposed to be out of the booze-selling business.
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