(Screenshot from 3/7/12 school-board meeting video)
Gatewood Elementary visual-arts specialist Julie Trout was in the spotlight at this week’s Seattle School Board meeting, honored as Teacher of the Year for the Puget Sound Educational Service District, which includes 35 districts. Here’s the clip – forward to about 2 minutes in:

Julie is now a contender for state Teacher of the Year. We had hoped to catch up with her at Gatewood’s “Bids for Kids” auction last night, after a fellow teacher told us she had “planned and designed all the student art projects” that were featured. We didn’t cross paths, but did see her students’ work, including these creations:

As is the case at most of the school galas, participants really get into the spirit. Gatewood had a Hollywood theme; Tracy Chantorn was channeling Audrey Hepburn as she handled drawing tickets:

Prime time for school auctions – which have become indispensable for raising money to supplement the basics, in an era of public-funding challenges – continues at other local schools throughout this month.

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20th annual Fairmount Ravine cleanup: Defying the rain

March 10, 2012 6:22 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The 20th annual community cleanup of Fairmount Ravine got going a bit later than planned this morning – the weather wasn’t too friendly, but that wasn’t going to stop the Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group. They have a lot of history, as noted in the preview we published this past week. So off they went, up onto the slopes that line the road that travels beneath the 85-year-old Admiral Way Bridge:

You wouldn’t notice while driving or riding through, but those who live, walk, and run there are acutely aware of what builds up from people who hang out around the bridge’s base, maybe to camp, maybe to party. So bags were filled by the intrepid volunteers:

In the end, they were amassing a sizable pile, as usual. What was unusual this year? we asked. You can’t tell from this photo, but a fair number of … DVDs.

(added 10:13 pm) John Lang shares his recap:

It was nice to see younger families be involved especially when climbing the steep slopes under the bridge. Today’s event brought together a total of 21 neighbors spanning 4 generations. Granted, the six-month-old baby slept most of the time.

The number of bags tripled after Patrick took his photos because there was considerably more trash on the west side than anticipated. We have a new problem this year. People are throwing their old “tube-type” TVs, VCRs (including one with the Dukes of Hazzard tape!) over the bridge resulting in considerable broken glass. If you have ever moved a 32″ TV, you know how heavy they are. There were several TVs shattered under the bridge. This made the cleanup very tedious, slow and more dangerous this year. Also strange were the 20+ well used bicycle tires left under the bridge. Now why would they be there?

We will have to get the police back to start checking under the bridge periodically as there was evidence of considerable party activity. re: 200+ beer cans/bottles. Another interesting twist to the day was when I left the site and drove down to remove temporary signs we put up for the event; 5 minutes later, a pickup truck was stopped to pick up all the scrap metal and bagged recyclables. An interesting sign of our economic times.

This year’s vintage find was a ~50-year-old 7Up bottle in perfect condition.

By the way, Fairmount Ravine has gained a little more fame since last year’s cleanup – this music video featured here last summer, by Cause and Effect, included one sequence (see it from 1:15 to 1:45) in the ravine:

Our coverage of previous Fairmount Ravine cleanups:
2011
2010
2009
2008

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West Seattle businesses: Tony’s Market reopens after remodel

March 10, 2012 2:41 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Joey Genzale is excited about all the improvements at his Westwood produce megastand, Tony’s Market, which just reopened at 35th/Barton a few hours ago after its traditional post-Christmas break. It’s a later reopening than usual, and here’s why:

That’s just part of the new 24-foot refrigerated produce case lining the north wall – which means the produce stays fresher longer – “Perfect lettuce! Perfect mushrooms!” enthuses Joey – and that’s good for customers as well as for the store’s bottom line. There’s also a brand-new cooler up front by the checkout stand, for non-produce merchandise. And even on the south side, the non-refrigerated items – such as tree fruit – is arranged up against the wall, improving traffic flow inside the store.

Something else new:

Joey says he’s been working on improving his hand-lettering sills for the signs that have long been a trademark of the produce market, run by his dad Tony Genzale till his untimely passing in December 2010. He had some ready to go last night – and then the rain swept in and undid his work. “My dad’s getting even with me,” he laughed.

When we were there in the 1 o’clock hour, they were still finishing setup, but almost done, and definitely open – and Joey is asking everyone what they think of the improvements (which include some fresh interior paint): “After 16 years, it was time.”

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West Seattle business: Beer Junction’s last weekend in old store

March 10, 2012 2:12 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

The big move is finally almost here for Morgan Herzog‘s beverage shop The Beer Junction – moving from its original location at 4707 42nd SW in The Junction (which is on the site of the future Equity Residential development) to a big new space less than 2 blocks away (4511 California SW). We first told you about the plan last July; now, the move is at hand, and Morgan is having a sale this weekend to try to clear out inventory before closing the old store. Tomorrow (Sunday) is the LAST DAY at the old store – everything is 10 percent off today and tomorrow. Morgan added in his announcement, “If you have boxes or cloth bags you can bring to package up your purchases, it will be a great help (with the moving process we’re currently running low on extra boxes).” After close of business tomorrow, TBJ will be closed for up to two weeks, Morgan says, to get everything switched over – no hard-and-fast reopening date just yet.

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Toxic-Free Kids Fair: Free, fun health info Sunday in Fauntleroy

March 10, 2012 1:51 pm

| Comments Off on Toxic-Free Kids Fair: Free, fun health info Sunday in Fauntleroy

| Environment | Fauntleroy | Health | West Seattle news

The Fauntleroy Church Green Committee – known far beyond Fauntleroy for popular events such as the twice-yearly Recycle Roundups (another one’s coming up in late April, by the way) – is inviting you to come learn tomorrow about how to live a more non-toxic life. Judy Pickens shares the photo and this preview:

Finding out what toxins may be in the care products used by children or in the toys they are given will be easy at Sunday’s Toxic-Free Kids Fair for the community hosted by Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW; map). Members of the church’s green committee, as well as staff from the Washington Toxics Coalition, Lullaby Organics, and Earth Ministry will be on hand 11 AM – 1 PM in Fellowship Hall to help you determine toxicity (even by smartphone while you’re in the store!) and provide practical advice about the harm that certain toxins can do to growing bodies.

It’s free and all are welcome. (That’s Green Committee chair Liann Sundquist in the photo, getting ready for tomorrow’s event.)

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Reader report: West Seattle Y Dolphins’ swimming success

March 10, 2012 11:59 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

This weekend, members of the Dolphins swim team from the West Seattle Y (WSB sponsor) are likely still savoring their successes from last weekend’s Northwest Regional YMCA meet in Boise. One team member even qualified for nationals, according to the swim-team parent who shares the photo (from the pre-meet team dinner) and report. And if someone in your family is interested in competitive swimming, there’s contact info in the story too. Dive in!Read More

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West Seattle weather: ‘Genuinely blustery’? Maybe Monday

March 10, 2012 11:21 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle weather: ‘Genuinely blustery’? Maybe Monday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

11:21 AM: We’ve been watching the National Weather Service outlooks since the local NWS first issued a “special weather statement” on Friday; the newest version technically includes our area, but if you read the fine print, the strong winds discussed for tomorrow are mostly expected out on the ocean coast. However, this morning’s regional “forecast discussion” says that as the approaching “cold front” gets closer – “This looks like the sort of system that will actually give something more like … a genuinely blustery day for all of Western Washington Monday.” If that holds through the next few forecast updates (three to four times daily), they’ll issue a wind advisory, so be on the lookout.

5:38 PM UPDATE: The “special weather statement” has been dropped because, for now, NWS says that our area doesn’t look to be in for much more than typical March bluster. So far.

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West Seattle Saturday: Benefits; sales; free yoga; brunch…

March 10, 2012 6:30 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Karen, aka “Old Desolate” on Flickr, via the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar (please “pardon our dust” on the calendar page – the software changeover should be complete by weekend’s end):

HELP CLEAN FAIRMOUNT RAVINE: 8:30 am, come help in the 20th annual event to take care of a ravine used by many more people than just those who live nearby: “We meet at the intersection of SW Forest St and Fairmount Ave, just east of Hiawatha Park. Everyone is welcome to participate. Community awareness keeps the ravine cleaner than past years and our focus this year will be on removal of invasive plants as well as general cleanup. Coffee, hot cocoa and donuts are provided. Please dress for the weather, wear boots and gloves as well as bring large cutters, saws if interested in plant removal. Your two hours can make a huge difference.” Here’s our preview from earlier this week.

TIBBETTS, WESTSIDE RUMMAGE SALES CONTINUE: The two big semi-annual church rummage sales are in their second and final day today. It’s 9 am-3 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor; 3940 41st SW), and 9 am-2 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW). We visited both on Friday.

ARBOR HEIGHTS PTSA FUNDRAISER: 9-6 am today and tomorrow, a “family photo event” at the school – check ASAP to see if appointments are still available (Amanda, 206-902-6324 or maxnokes@comcast.net. (More details in the preview we published.)

SEATTLE BIKE EXPO: Not in West Seattle, but Cascade Bicycle Club is sponsoring WSB through tomorrow to make sure you know about the Seattle Bike Expo – 9 am to 6 pm at Pier 91 in Magnolia (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal). Full schedule of speakers/events online.

KNITTING CLASS: For both beginners and project help, 9:30 – 11:30 at C&P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATOMIC BOYS: 10 am-6 pm, the Admiral District store specializing in retro toys and candy is celebrating its 4th anniversary – stop by! Here’s the preview we published a few days ago.

‘WRITING THE WORLD THROUGH FOOD’: Author Crescent Dragonwagon presents this all-day workshop for food writers at Camp Long, full details here.

OLD FIRE STATION 37 – OPEN HOUSE: Open house at former Fire Station 37, which is up for sale, 10 am-2 pm at 35th/Othello. Here’s our previous report.

FREE YOGA! The quarterly free class (all levels, no registration necessary) at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) is this morning, 10:30-11:45 am, 5639 California SW.

WINERY’S GRAND REOPENING: Cairdeas Winery will release its new wines and reopen its tasting room at 3400 Harbor Ave SW today (street level of ActivSpace), noon to 5 pm.

MORNING GLORY DRAG BRUNCH: Second Saturday means the fun starts at noon at Skylark Café. Jeffrey Robert starts the show with stand-up comedy, then Magnolia Crawford and guest performers do a fabulous show while diners enjoy their brunch and drinks!

BAKE ‘N’ BOWL: 1 pm at West Seattle Bowl. From the announcement: “Come out for a “Bake n’ Bowl” event like NUN-OTHER!! We are bringing in the spring with a Bowling event and Bake Sale. We’ll have an array of different delicious treats while you are knocking down the pins, working to score that perfect 300! We’ll also be having a bowling competition with fabulous prizes! Come out and support for an afternoon for a fundraiser for Rise n Shine! $15 per player or $25 per pair. This is an all-ages event.” (Facebook event page here.)

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: Special class, 1 pm, Seattle Integrated Martial Arts. From the announcement: “Participants will be given their own special Kubotan Keychain as part of the class fee! These are very simple, non-lethal, yet effective tools for personal protection! Call 206-935-4531 for details and to register.” (ASAP, to be sure there’s still room.)

FREE WORKSHOP: 1:30 pm today, an event presented by WSB sponsors Ventana Construction: “Join us for an informative workshop about remodeling and custom home construction. Learn from experienced professionals about how to get started, what to expect, and the steps you can take to make your project successful. This 1½ hour event is free and takes place monthly at Ventana Construction’s West Seattle offices at 5458 California Ave SW. Call 206-932-3009 to reserve your space.”

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL AUCTION: The Madison community celebrates each other and raises money during its annual “Class Act” auction/dinner, 5 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Here’s our preview.

RAISE MONEY TO FIGHT CANCER: West Seattle Eagles 2643 cordially invites you to our third annual Art Erhmann Cancer Gala Dinner and Auction – in honor of Linda Crank; all proceeds to the Art Erhmann Cancer charity! 5:30-11:30 pm. Dinner: Pulled Pork Sandwiches w/fries and cole slaw, $6; jello shots/beer special with all proceeds to the cause; live/silent auction, door prizes, music/dancing. 4426 California SW.

PARTY WITH WSCO: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ second annual gala, 6:30-9 pm @ Highland Park Improvement Club (details here).

MAKING MUSIC: At Kenyon Hall, at 7:30 – Kern at Kenyon, with the Cornucopia Concert Band. From the announcement: “A program to appeal to the heart, mind, and foot, showcasing romantic songs by Jerome Kern, including a selection from Show Boat. The sublime will be interspersed with other frolicsome fare, the usual eclectic collection of tunes from the vast Cornucopia archive, some only recently exhumed.” Please visit cornband.org for more information.

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, LIVE IN CONCERT: From the announcement: “Songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer – offering songs that are honest and confessional, yet never overbearing; and performances that engage audiences with an appealing mix of intense passion and humor.” All proceeds go to benefit clean drinking water around the world. 7:30 pm. WSCC Activity Center, 4400 42nd SW. $15, kids under 13 are free with paying adult. Go to cwseattle.eventbrite.com for full details.

BENEFIT FOR ‘IT GETS BETTER’ PROJECT: Cynthia Reid e-mailed to note that tonight “there will be a reunion of the one and only Annie Rose & The Thrillers! They are playing the Feedback Lounge along with West Side Sally. This will be a benefit for The It Gets Better Project and also a birthday celebration for the illustrious Cynthia Reid (yeah, that’s me…since I’m coordinating the event I get to celebrate!!) Annie Rose was the very first band I ever worked for back in the early ’80s, and this will be a very rare appearance they’re making just for me!!! I am a lucky girl!!”

SPRING FORWARD! And in case you haven’t heard enough reminders – 2 am Sunday (as in “overnight tonight”) is when clocks/watches/etc. “spring forward” an hour to Daylight Saving Time.

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2 West Seattle crashes overnight; 1 person rescued from wreckage

March 10, 2012 3:13 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

That was the most serious of two overnight crashes, so far, in this area. Around 12:40 am, that car crashed into a railroad signpole at 11th SW/SW Spokane, just east of the “low bridge,” which was blocked off for a while because of the investigation. Before we got there, firefighters spent at least 15 minutes extricating the driver from the wreckage, according to scanner traffic. He was reported to be unconscious when rushed to Harborview Medical Center, and that’s all the information we have so far. The other crash happened an hour earlier at 40th/Morgan, and led police to block off Morgan for a while, according to nearby residents; early scanner reports on that one said that a parked car had been hit by another vehicle, whose occupant(s) then left the scene. We have a message out to police to see if they were ever found.

SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams says of the 40th/Morgan crash, “The two males that fled the scene did not return, but officers were able to track them down and verify who was involved. The driver, a 16-year-old, was cited. He also received some medical attention for minor injuries he sustained in the crash.”

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