day : 08/03/2012 16 results

Design Review doubleheader: DESC project OK’d, with conditions

March 8, 2012 10:20 pm

| Comments Off on Design Review doubleheader: DESC project OK’d, with conditions

| Delridge | DESC Delridge project | Development | West Seattle news

Quick topline as a 3 3/4-hour Southwest Design Review Board meeting wraps up: DESC‘s Delridge Supportive Housing project won a unanimous board vote recommending design approval, with a variety of conditions; the first project on the night’s agenda, what turns out to be a 2-phase, 43-unit-total project on 20th SW in South Delridge, will advance from Early Design Guidance to the second round.

ADDED: The 20th SW recap:Read More

West Seattle scene: Full moon rising (and aurora update)

March 8, 2012 10:16 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Full moon rising (and aurora update)

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Cheryl Nellis for sharing her photo of the full moon rising tonight. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the sky because of the predictions of aurora visibility – Spaceweather.com explains tonight why that didn’t happen last night, but might still be in the cards (that link includes an amazing photo from Iceland).

Next Alaskan Way Viaduct closure scheduled for March 24-26

March 8, 2012 9:27 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

The latest weekly roundup of upcoming traffic alerts (see it here) brings us first word of plans for the next weekend-long closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. It says Highway 99 will be closed from 6 am Saturday, March 24, till 5 am, Monday, March 26, “in both directions around the clock for the bi-annual Alaskan Way Viaduct Maintenance Inspection.”

Update: West Seattle Art Walk scenes, March 2012 edition

March 8, 2012 8:33 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

If you haven’t been out yet – there’s still half an hour to join in West Seattle Art Walk – check wsartwalk.com for a participating venue near you. Above, Charles Smith was painting “live” at Mind Unwind in the Admiral District (2208 California SW), so new it’s not on the list yet. We made some other stops and will add to this later!

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: You’ll usually find live music at several stops on Art Walk night –

Jada and Wes were performing with The Five Buck Band at Windermere West Seattle. Across the street at CAPERS, we found mixed-media fine artist Susan Mulligan:

Starheadboy was at Sugar Rush Baking Company:

Eva Funderburgh is curator of the “Chimeras” ceramics exhibit now open at Twilight Artist Collective:

And circling back to Mind Unwind, muralist Glenn Case (who you might know for his Easy Street work) was on hand too:

Many venues keep the art on display for the entire month, so when you’re out shopping in The Junction or Admiral (and beyond!) in the weeks ahead, check the walls (etc.) and appreciate, maybe even consider purchasing, local art! Meantime, next month’s Art Walk will be the first of the spring quarter, and there’s usually some rotation of venues, so watch for a new list of places to explore – it’ll be on April 14th, second Thursday as usual.

DESC Delridge project: Advisory Committee’s second meeting

March 8, 2012 7:00 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| DESC Delridge project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tonight (8 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle), the Southwest Design Review Board takes its second, and possibly final, look at DESC’s Delridge Supportive Housing Project, a proposed 66-unit housing complex for homeless people living with challenges such as mental illness and/or substance abuse.

It’s the second community meeting this week related to the project. On Tuesday night, the project’s Advisory Committee met for the second time. During that meeting, DESC distributed a printed list of its answers to community questions about the project, which have since been published online (see them here).

One section of note, since the topic has come up in multiple discussions:

DESC runs a criminal background check on all potential tenants prior to offering an apartment, but they are not prohibited from being housed due to a criminal background, including sex offenses. We do screen out those whose criminal histories indicate that they would be a threat to vulnerable people. Even though sex offenses are not prevalent among DESC’s target population, contrary public perception is so strong that DESC has informed Delridge neighbors that we will exclude sex offenders from living at our Delridge location if such a request is made to DESC by the organized neighborhood group. So far, that request has not been made.

The FAQ wasn’t discussed during the meeting, but many other topics were. Read on:Read More

The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

March 8, 2012 4:47 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

We’re welcoming The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro (4521 California SW in The Junction) as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what proprietor Aimee Pellegrini would like you to know:

The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro is a completely unique dining experience right in West Seattle. There is really nothing like it in the city. Our staff is totally passionate about what we offer and strives to make every visit a special experience for our guests. We just love working together, have a real team mentality, are all local, care about each other and our community, and really enjoy sharing the experience. As a restaurateur, I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and caring staff, and I believe that makes the difference. At heart, we are just a neighborhood bistro serving honest, clean, and unique cuisine.

The most common comments we hear are,”But I don’t want to leave yet!” and,”We didn’t realize you had such an amazing menu!” and, “The name threw us off! Have you thought about changing it?” (Yes, all the time! LOL!) and “We will be back soon and will tell all of our friends!”

Our guests are really incredible. The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro usually has a strong effect on people. We have guests who come for 30-year intimate lunch reunions, dinner birthday parties, romantic evening dates, bridal showers, family dinners, and no reason at all. The common thread I see that really makes it so rewarding is that they are all really connecting. There is something about the whole experience that helps people slow down, relax, and enjoy each other. It’s a beautiful thing. I think this is what people come for and why they return with their friends. A lot of our clientele is from West Seattle but also from beyond. In some ways it seems that West Seattle is still discovering us. I always smile when a local asks,”How long have you been HERE?! I’ve never seen you before! Wow!” And it’s true; we have been quietly building our service by word of mouth. People try us and they come back; that’s all you can ask for!

Also – I’d like to introduce our Sunday Jazz Brunch, with Loren Temkin on piano and Dune Butler on standup bass every Sunday. Our Eggs Benedict al Rustico with Dungeness crab, saffron-hollandaise and pesto over our toasted parmesan country bread is a standout that is causing a stir!

The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro is also involved in community charity work, most recently as a proud sponsor of the wildly successful WestSide Baby Tea. You’ll find them online at thetuscantearoom.com (find the menus here), on Facebook here, and by phone at 206-906-9914.

We thank The Tuscan Tea Room Bistro 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.

Double the speed limit on Admiral Way, and other stops

March 8, 2012 4:40 pm

| 53 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

For the second time today, Seattle Police have published an Aggressive Driver Response Team roundup – and this one is topped by a double-the-limit speeder reported on the Admiral Way hill. See the list here. (The highlight of today’s earlier list: 71 mph on The Bridge.)

West Seattle businesses: Atomic Boys’ birthday party Saturday

March 8, 2012 3:34 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The store’s actual 4th anniversary was four years and one month ago today – we covered the opening of Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama on February 8th, 2008. But who’s counting? Kent Sadow (pictured) and Parris Sadow finally get a chance to celebrate their retro-toys-and-candy store’s milestone this Saturday (March 10), and they’re inviting you:

Atomic Boys is celebrating its 4th Birthday.
Join us for drawings for cool stuff, food, and all-day fun!
Stop in anytime, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, to help us celebrate another great year.
Thanks to all of you, of course!!!

Atomic Boys (named after the Sadows’ sons) is at 4311 SW Admiral Way.

Want to sell liquor where it’s sold in West Seattle now? Bid!

March 8, 2012 1:55 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

As of today, you can bid on the right to sell liquor, when privatization kicks in June 1st, at (or near) the sites of existing state stores, including the two in West Seattle. The auction listings also include some interesting facts about those stores. Example: Here’s the bidding page for the Westwood Village store, less than two years old. It mentions that the store’s gross sales totaled $3.5 million last year. And here’s the bidding page for the new “premier” store in The Junction, not open long enough for a full year of sales stats. Exactly what does the winning bidder get? Kind of complicated, but explained here.

West Seattle Trader Joe’s: Now the real sign’s going up

March 8, 2012 12:32 pm

| 28 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle Trader Joe's

(Photo by WSB editor Tracy Record)
Eight days ago, we showed you the first “signage sighting” at the soon-to-open West Seattle Trader Joe’s, as banners appeared on the construction fence, including “Now Hiring.” (Our February 29th story includes info on how to apply.) Driving past the site at 4545 Fauntleroy in The Triangle a few minutes ago, we spotted crews putting up the permanent signage. Projected opening date remains April 13th (no official corporate HQ announcement yet, so there’s always a chance it might change.)

SATURDAY NOTE: We have since photographed the second and third signs – you’ll find them on the WSB Facebook page.

Update: Police seek robber after Charlestown 7-11 holdup

March 8, 2012 9:47 am

| 50 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

9:47 AM: Police are rushing to the California/Charlestown 7-11, after a report it was robbed by a man with a gun. Seattle Police media relations Officer Renée Witt confirms the robbery report and says they got the call at 9:41 am. Also using information via the scanner, we’ve heard a partial, early description of the robber – black, male, wearing a cap, braids, gray sweatpants, 5’9″, no facial hair, last seen headed east on Charlestown; his gun had been in his right jacket pocket. We’re headed to the scene and will have more from there shortly.

10:25 AM UPDATE: Added a photo. Police at the scene weren’t commenting. No word of an arrest.

11:58 AM UPDATE: There’s been a discussion in the comment section about area schools. We verified with Seattle Public Schools that there were NO lockdowns – the robber was running AWAY from the schools, not toward them (and the schools are about a half-mile away), so there was no danger.

12:51 PM UPDATE: Seattle Parks confirms, as discussed in comments, that Hiawatha was on lockdown for a while as a precautionary measure (though it too was not in the direction the robber was going). They reopened the doors shortly after noon, according to Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter.

3:09 PM UPDATE: Just talked with police. No arrest reported so far.

Meet a West Seattle centenarian: 104-year-old Ina Mann

March 8, 2012 9:47 am

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(With Ina, from left, her great-granddaughter Ali, granddaughter Rachel, son Huntley)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When Ina Mann was born on December 21, 1907, West Seattle had only been part of the city of Seattle for five months.

Of course, we should note she wasn’t here at the time – she was born in England. But the 104-year-old has been here long enough to merit honorary Seattle native status.

We met Ina and members of three generations of her family recently at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home. Ina has lived there for about five years and it’s clear the caregivers dote on her, as of course do her family members.

Caregiver Penny Nemoede: “When she moved in, she was 99 and we thought she was going to be here short-term. She just keeps going, like the Energizer Bunny!”

Penny was our interpreter, of sorts, during our interview – Ina is hearing-challenged, so Penny relayed our questions with a sort of hug given while delivering them, loudly, into her left ear.

Centenarians aren’t just admired these days, they are also studied for clues and secrets. One thing Ina has, we’re told, is apparently fairly common to people who live that long:

WS Crime Watch: Another missing Outback; drugs, guns, cash found

March 8, 2012 8:23 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning:

ANOTHER MISSING OUTBACK: For the second day, we have a stolen Subaru Outback whose owner is asking for your help, though this theft happened a week ago. Michelle says her red 1996 Outback Impreza was stolen in the North Admiral area on the morning of February 29th. Distinctive features: “It has a rusted dent on the drivers side front tire area and on the driver-side tail light, the inner part is covered in red tape. All hubcaps missing!!” If you see it, call 911.

SUSPECT ARRESTED: From SPD Blotter this morning – police went to the 4800 block of 47th SW (map) southwest of The Junction late last night with a warrant for a suspect’s arrest, and found more than they expected:

Officers contacted the homeowner who let the officers know that the suspect was in a downstairs bedroom. Officers went downstairs, only to find a locked door. The suspect’s roommate was located in the garage and opened the locked door with his own key. The 23 year old warrant suspect was located sleeping inside and was arrested without incident. Officers observed guns and drugs inside the room. Officers wrote a search warrant and then arrested the roommate as well for Violation of the Uniform Firearm Act (VUFA) and Violation of the Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA). The roommate, a 49-year-old male, is a convicted felon and two of the guns recovered were stolen. Officers recovered a large amount of methamphetamine and other drugs, as well as a large amount of cash.

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; Design Review; ‘Bite’ at WSHS

March 8, 2012 8:09 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That photo from our short-lived Tuesday-morning snow is courtesy of Machel Spence, whose work is at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) as part of tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, which is one of the highlights:

‘BITE OF WEST SEATTLE’ AT WSHS: Tonight, join West Seattle High School students for the “Bite of West Seattle,” 6-8 PM in the WSHS Commons. From the announcement sent by Haily Hage: “This is the third annual Bite of West Seattle hosted by the West Seattle High School Diversity Club. It is a potluck and all are welcome. There will also be performances by cultural clubs.”

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK NIGHT: West Seattle Art Walk, from Alki to Admiral to The Junction, and elsewhere – meet artists, enjoy their work, explore local businesses, all free, 6-9 pm. Here’s the venue list/map for tonight; preview some of the exhibits and artists on the official WS Art Walk website.

WOMEN IN ART AND MUSIC: That’s the theme tonight at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW) as part of West Seattle Art Walk, details here (including other upcoming Alki Arts events)

AT MIND UNWIND: They’re not on the official list because they opened after it was issued for the quarter, but Mind Unwind in the Admiral District is participating in tonight’s Art Walk too. 6-9 pm: “The Collective” with artists Charles Smith, Robroy Chalmers, Mark B. Bauschke, Monica Depeisse and Scott W. Pietz. More info here.

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 2 PROJECTS INCLUDING DELRIDGE DESC COMPLEX: Southwest Design Review Board mets at 6:30 pm for Early Design Guidance for 20-unit proposal at 9051 20th SW (“packet” here), and at 8 pm for 66-unit DESC Delridge Supportive Housing project (“packet” here) at 5444 Delridge Way SW, both meetings at Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon)

SAVE THE SOUND, HELP A SCHOOL: Fight the Tox-Ick Monster and help Sanislo Elementary (1812 SW Myrtle) win a $1,000 grant – show up there at 7 tonight for an hour-long presentation explaining how you can reduce toxic runoff into Puget Sound. Free pizza! More details here.

‘GIRLS’ FIGHT NIGHT OUT’: At Lee’s Martial Arts (3270 California SW), fundraising event for new Web comedy series “The Collectibles” (with West Seattleites among the co-creators and stars), 7-10 pm – full details and ticket link on this Facebook page.

‘RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE: Comedy continues at ArtsWest in The Junction, second night of the run, 7:30 pm.

P.S. – WEST SEATTLE WRITER FEATURED IN BALLARD: The “It’s About Time” Writers Reading Series performance at the Seattle Public Library branch in Ballard (5614 22nd NW) tonight, 6-7:45 pm, includes West Seattle poet Katy E. Ellis.

West Seattle schools: Seattle Lutheran’s CHIP Day

March 8, 2012 2:24 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A little time out of the classroom can go a long way. Seattle Lutheran High School students and staff got the chance to test that on Wednesday – including the freshmen in our photos, taken at Camp Long. SLHS’s Bil Hood explained that it was “CHIP Day,” focusing on the school’s “core values – Confidence, Hope, Integrity, Passion.” The first value was taken on by the freshmen, on a field trip to work through the park’s new Challenge Course. In part, as Hood explaied it, the Challenge Course was meant to “enable participants to grow at both the team and individual levels, exploring confidence, risk, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and coaching.” Collaboration was a big lesson for the “low” portion of the course, including this balancing challenge:

Other activities scheduled included sophomores pursuing “Hope,” by spending time working at the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville,” while juniors explored “Integrity” with an “honesty test” of sorts (which is being kept under wraps till its results are in, which will take days), and seniors explored “Passion” through one-on-one conversations with people over 60, about their life experiences.

West Seattle schools: Opening night for Lafayette play

March 8, 2012 1:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Edgar Riebe)
Wednesday night, about 100 third- through fifth-graders from Lafayette Elementary debuted in this year’s school play, “The Wartville Wizard,” at nearby West Seattle High School Theater. The school bulletin describes it as “a story about littering and how
one wizard takes care of the problem,” adapted from a book by Don Madden. The title role is played by Leo Schuehle:

“The Wartville Wizard” will be performed three more times – once for the school, twice for general audiences (Friday and Saturday at 7 pm).