Followup: Taste of West Seattle brings Helpline $30,000
(WSB photo of the Metropolitan Market [WSB sponsor] team at Taste of West Seattle 2012)
One week after the well-attended Taste of West Seattle (WSB coverage here), we have the tally from Tara Byrne, executive director of West Seattle Helpline, which organizes and benefits from the ever-bigger event:
At the Taste of West Seattle we net profited about $21,500.
Aside from funds raised by the Taste of West Seattle, Metropolitan Market presented a check for $7,500 and West Seattle Cellars presented a check for $775. Those proceed all came from the generosity of their customers. The West Seattle Helpline feels truly blessed that West Seattle business community and West Seattle residents believe in supporting their fellow neighbor during times of need. Thank you, West Seattle!
Overall, we brought in close to $30,000 on May 17th. These proceeds will help approximately 190 families stay in their homes or keep their utilities on while regaining self-sufficiency after facing an emergency.
You can, of course, help the Helpline any time – here’s how.
West Seattle gardens: Seed-swap time at the library
The annual seed swap is on at the West Seattle (Admiral District) branch of the Seattle Public Library. They want you to know:
If you have seeds you would like to share with your neighbors, bring them to the West Seattle Branch. Small envelopes will be provided. While you’re at the library be sure to take some seeds to try out in your garden and browse our collection of gardening books. The Seed Exchange is free and will run through Saturday, June 9. Happy spring!
Find the branch’s hours and location here.
West Seattle history: Log House Museum story pole in rehab, and not alone
(WSB photo from April 13)
Last month, we showed you the Log House Museum‘s totem pole – actually a story pole, we’re told, so that’s the phrase we’ll use for the rest of this story – as restoration experts Artech picked it up and hauled it off for rehab. We caught up with them a few weeks later to check in:
The museum’s pole is at an Artech-leased facility in South King County, where it has been undergoing work alongside a totem pole that belongs to Highline Community College; that pole is scheduled to be reinstalled tomorrow, while the West Seattle pole is awaiting a reinstallation date.
Both poles (the photos above and below show the one that belongs to Highline) have been undergoing the kind of work that Artech did on West Seattle’s Rotary Viewpoint Park pole before its post-theft/recovery reinstallation in 2010 – everything from getting insect-repellent borate, to repairs, repainting, and oiling, to copper caps.
The Highline pole has something else in common with the Rotary Viewpoint Park pole. According to information that the college kindly dug up for us on request, it was carved and installed at Highline in 1977, under the supervision and guidance of carvers including Robin Young, who carved the Rotary pole. Highline provided this photo of the plaque atop the pole:
It was repainted in 1995 under the guidance of Robin Young’s son Joel Young. The pole, along with another one that had renovation work done on-site at the college, is being fixed up as part of Highline College’s 50th anniversary commemoration. Highline found Artech, the college tells us, because a Google search to find experts in totem/story-pole renovations led them to one of our stories about the Rotary Viewpoint Park pole! Back to the West Seattle pole:
Repainting hadn’t begun yet when we checked in. The 20-foot pole, which used to stand at Admiral Way Viewpoint, is destined for a spot on the east side of the Log House Museum, once its “rehab” work is done and the site is prepared.
Another reminder: Design review Thursday for 4724 California project
(Developers’ preferred ‘massing’ proposal, which includes to the north the massing of the future Equity Residential development)
Since the proposal for The Junction’s ex-Petco site at 4724 California has drawn so much interest (first report here; followup with development-team leaders here; followup with prospective owner here, first look at concept/massing here), we thought some might want one more reminder that the first Southwest Design Review Board meeting is tomorrow (Thursday) night. It’s scheduled for 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); if you’re driving, and have never been there, note that its parking lot (accessible from just north of the historic schoolhouse) is not that huge, but there’s street parking along Delridge in front, and alongside the park across the street, with a crosswalk at SW Genesee and a pedestrian overpass further south. Public comment IS allowed and welcomed in the Design Review process, but you will hear the board remind you that it needs to stick to design aspects – to find out more about that, you can read the city’s “Community Guide to Design Review.” You can review the “early design guidance” version of the project proposal by going here (PDF).
West Seattle coyotes: Pup photos, and a map
Kimberly shared photos this afternoon of three coyote pups “playing in the landscaping in the back of our community.” That’s the City Lights Condos on Harbor Avenue SW (map).
These are the first coyote photos we’ve received in a long time; we’ve been planning to relaunch our coyote-report coverage with an extra element:
The markers on that map represent every coyote sighting published on WSB in the past five years – including the ones that came up in the comment section. WSB contributor Katie Meyer went through every story in our coyote-report archive, and the comments, to make the map. We intend to keep adding to it, and this one from Kimberly will be added soon. As the coyote reports have come in over the years, someone would suggest every now and then that we make a map, so there would be more of an overview look to underscore the point that they have been seen just about everywhere in West Seattle (not just near greenbelts), and here it is. Updates to come.
City posts ‘stop work’ order after tree-cutting at Alki Homestead
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After four public reviews in six months, there’ve been none in the past 10 months for the plan to fix/rebuild the city-landmarked Alki Homestead. But the site is back under scrutiny because of tree-cutting that has drawn a complaint to the city, which subsequently posted a “stop work” order so it could investigate.
We learned about this Tuesday afternoon, when a nearby resident called to tell us a tree crew was at the Homestead site (2717 61st SW). She wondered why, asking whether work was finally beginning on the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the site. We went over to investigate; the crew was gone, but in subsequent hours, running late into the night, we obtained information from the city, from a representative of the coalition of historical-preservation groups that’s been watching the site, and from Homestead owner Tom Lin, who also provided photos of the trees before they were cut, and spoke with us about where the project stands, 3 years and 4 months after the electrical fire that closed the Homestead, a historic lodge open for decades as a popular restaurant.
Read More
Electronics recycling Saturday at Metropolitan Market in Admiral
Just got word of this – Friendly Earth will be at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in the Admiral District this Saturday, 10 am-3 pm, for dropoff electronics recycling. Here’s their basic guidelines:
This may include but is not limited to; appliances, metals, computer equipment and components, home and business electronics, batteries, machinery and electronic accessories. Speakers, light bulbs, alkaline batteries, vacuums, paints, wood based products and small miscellaneous plastics will not be accepted at this time. Fluids must be emptied from all machinery before they can be accepted.
… Friendly Earth is a non-profit electronic recycling organization based out of Seattle. Our commitment to providing alternative ways to dispose of electronic waste helps us to protect the environment and effectively recycle and reuse electronics to sustain communities and other organizations in need. One hundred percent of the items we receive are reused, recycled, refurbished or salvaged for parts.
Metropolitan Market is at 2320 42nd SW. Questions about what Friendly Earth will take? www.Friendlyearth.org, or 206.367.4111.
Leon Capelouto’s plan for Premier Liquor Store in The Junction
Just spoke with Leon Capelouto, the longtime Junction entrepreneur/property owner, who confirms he will run the soon-to-be-former state liquor store in his Capco Plaza, without much change – for starters – from its current operations. 
The state branded it Premier Liquor Store before opening it nine months ago, and that’s the signage/name that Capelouto tells WSB he is keeping for now. He says it’s “still going to be a premium liquor store, going to carry a lot of items that people can’t find elsewhere – it’s one of the most complete liquor stores in the state of Washington.” He says he is “hiring all the people who worked there, so the personnel will be the same.”
We followed up with Capelouto after reporting the state’s announcement yesterday that it would close most stores one or more days before the official transition to privatization next Friday. The last day for both West Seattle liquor stores will be next Tuesday, May 29th. Capelouto says he is one of a handful of new liquor-store owners who then will be opening their stores the first day possible, Friday, June 1st – as building owner, he said, he was able to “get a jump on” the process. (The state’s auction – in which Capelouto bid $225K for licensing rights – did not guarantee all bidders the right to the locations; they had to negotiate with property owners.)
He has plenty of retail experience, after all – as owner of the Shafrans clothing store in The Junction for more than 40 years, just steps away from Capco Plaza, which also is home to QFC and Petco stores and Altamira Apartments, as well as smaller storefronts on the building’s east side. He also was high bidder for a state liquor store he will operate in Issaquah.
Bottom line for the Junction location, he says, “West Seattle needs a fine liquor store. … I know the community wants to keep that store.” Though it will be open June 1st with, for starters, the same hours as the state has kept, he says it’ll be a work in progress and that there will be an official “grand opening” somewhere down the line.
Other West Seattle retailers planning to sell liquor include eight of the nine grocery stores (PCC Natural Markets [WSB sponsor] still hasn’t decided) and all four drugstores. (We’re checking on the Westwood state-store site.)
West Seattle schools: Sealth announces assistant principal
(Photo courtesy WSHS)
A West Seattle High School teacher/administrative intern is crossing town to become an assistant principal at Chief Sealth International High School. The hiring of Andra Maughan was announced by Sealth principal Chris Kinsey, who made the announcement in e-mail to the school community. He tells WSB that she will succeed Bob Hunt, who has worked this year as substitute assistant principal. Maughan’s background also includes work as a special-education consulting teacher for the district and as a special-education coordinator for a school on the Eastside. He says they’re working now on a transition plan so she can “begin to acclimate herself to our community” before officially starting work for next school year.
Seattle Public Schools releases report on Lafayette investigation
One Lafayette Elementary parent e-mailed us, puzzled about a PTA e-mail that arrived last night, addressing a situation that, as the note said, some had been following closely, and some knew nothing about. We hadn’t heard about it before the Seattle Schools Community Forum website published a report last week headlined “The Lafayette story.” As that site’s main writer Melissa Westbrook reported, it started with an accusation that a student had sexually harassed other students, and escalated into an accusation that the principal had mishandled the investigation. Now, the reason more are talking about it – including a Seattle Times [WSB partner] story published last night – is that the district has concluded its investigation, and says it found no evidence of wrongdoing. The resulting memo was provided to news organizations including WSB. It is the first independent corroboration we have had of this investigation. For those who would like to see it in its entirety, read on:Read More
Avalon Way changes afoot: Deal, development, & listings
The long-languishing, almost-complete building on the southeast corner of 35th and Avalon not only has a new contractor, as the banner says, it has a new owner.
The Daily Journal of Commerce reported today (thanks to Diane for the tip) – and online records confirm – that it was purchased a month ago by an entity of Chicago-headquartered Randolph Street Realty Capital, whose website touts its expertise in buying “distressed,” “unfinished,” and otherwise-challenged sites.
Four and a half years have passed since work started at the site that was once to be part of the eventually killed Seattle Monorail route. It was owned at the time by fugitive developer Michael Mastro; the project stalled in 2009, as Mastro’s money troubles mounted. Two years ago, a Bellevue company bought it for $4 million and announced it would finish the mixed-use building; the new owners are paying almost $7.3 million. According to a webpage for the project set up by its previous owner, the building has 60 apartments and 122 parking spaces.
It’s the second Chicago-based firm to recently buy into West Seattle development in a big way, after Equity Residential bought the former Conner site on the southeast corner of California/Alaska, and in fact, both of Randolph Street’s principals are former Equity Residential managers. Meantime, the potential completion of that building isn’t the only change ahead for that area; there are signs of work starting soon on the 120-unit 3261 Avalon Way project, and right across the street, three apartment buildings are for sale: Terrace Villa (36 units for $5.3 million), Westridge (26 units for just under $4 million), and Avalon West (same size/price as Westridge).
Weekend sunshine ahead: WSHS Grad Night car wash on Saturday
Another school fundraiser to mention tonight – a car wash to raise money for those who need scholarships to join in West Seattle High School‘s Grad Night celebration (less than a month away!) is coming up on Saturday. The announcement we received via e-mail notes, “With several graduation ceremonies occurring in the area on June 16, the Grad Night committee believes that it is extremely important to offer as many WSHS students as possible, a safe and chaperoned event to celebrate their HS accomplishments.” The car wash is planned for 10:30 am-3 pm this sun-forecast Saturday (May 26) at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 7501 35th SW.
Hit the links and help the kids: Sealth golf tournament
(WSB photo from 2011 tournament)
With a week and a half to go till the second annual Chief Sealth Athletics Golf Tournament, organizers are ready to see the final spots fill up so it’s a full lineup when everybody tees up. June 1st is the day, Rainier Golf and Country Club the place. Sealth athletic director Sam Reed explains, “The goal of the Chief Sealth Athletics Golf Tournament is to become the prime method of fundraising for our student-athletes. The inaugural event in 2011 raised over $5,000 which went directly toward supporting athletic efforts including transportation, uniforms and equipment, and building quality lower level programs (JV and C-teams).” There are also some specific needs, from buying banners to celebrate past championships – previous banners were lost in the remodel – to funding a certified strength coach who can design programs to help the students best utilize Sealth’s state-of-the-art weight room. If you can swing it, it’s a great excuse to take that Friday afternoon off – and you can register online right now, with the fees including food and beverages as well as golf.
West Seattle Outdoor Movies 2012: Here’s the lineup!
Only two months till you can bring your glowstick, picnic, whatever, to West Seattle Outdoor Movies in the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse – and we have first word of this year’s planned movie lineup, just decided at a WSOM planning meeting:
7/21 – Pretty in Pink
7/28 – Young Frankenstein
8/4 – Lion King
8/11 – Iron Man
8/18 – Yellow Submarine
8/25 – Top Gun
Thanks to everybody who offered suggestions, both here on WSB – we’re a co-sponsor again this year – and on the WSOM and WSB Facebook pages. The movies are always free, and they start at dusk; there’s still a lot to be determined, including pre-movie activities, and other fun stuff – updates to come!
West Seattle businesses: Martin’s Way stocking Tony’s produce
Recognize the lettering on that sign – the first sign ever to be displayed in the windows at Martin’s Way, the recently opened shop at Delridge and Findlay? If you do, you’re likely a customer of Tony’s Market, the produce stand at 35th and Barton. Three months after opening (here’s our January story), Martin’s Way is stocking fresh produce from Tony’s – right now, 8 kinds of vegetables and 17 kinds of fruit (a few of which are in this photo):
And with Penny’s chips in stock, you can even buy the makings for chips and guacamole, as the Memorial Day weekend approaches:
MW proprietors Vik and Nikhi also are stocking the items with which they started operations – an extensive selection of bulk spices, specialty salts and sugars, and some grains. Meantime, back to the Tony’s partnership – Vik says he first met Tony’s founder/namesake Tony Genzale in 2004 and was impressed with him as an entrepreneur and community member; since Tony’s death a year and a half ago, his son Joey Genzale has been running the business, so Vik says he spoke with Joey and his mom and they liked the idea of Vik stocking some of their produce – which he hopes to dub “Tony’s Market at Martin’s Way,” with a portrait of Tony hanging in the store. (Stand by for updates on that.) Martin’s Way is open noon till 7 Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon till 3 on Sundays (northeast corner of Delridge/Findlay).
West Seattle’s two state liquor stores are closing two days early
Just announced by the state Liquor Control Board, they’re closing the remaining state liquor stores in phases, with many shutting down BEFORE May 31st – meaning that since the private sellers aren’t supposed to start until June 1st, you might have a few days without availability. Here are the local stores affected, according to the WSLCB’s list: May 29th (next Tuesday) is the final day for West Seattle’s two state stores, in The Junction and at Westwood Village, while May 28th is the final day for the store in White Center. Meantime, several of the local grocery stores that will be selling hard liquor already have stocks on hand, though selling isn’t legal until June 1st.
Update: Amber Alert ends, children found safe
(4:41 PM UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled, children found safe)
(Photo of car, provided by King County Sheriff’s Office, added 2:59 pm)
1:26 PM: Not far from here so we’re repeating the alert – King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says they’re “working on an Amber Alert” – a man named Michael Riley III left the Burien Library, she says, with his 7-month-old and a 2-year-old who’s not his, “violating an order.” He’s said to be in a four-door 1994 green Lexus, WA 299UOM; call 911 if you see it.
2:33 PM UPDATE: Here’s the full Amber Alert, including descriptions. And KING 5’s Elisa Hahn has tweeted this link to a photo of the man and the children:
4:42 PM UPDATE: The Amber Alert is canceled; the children were found safe, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office. Awaiting more info.
5:13 PM UPDATE: Sgt. West has this postscript via Twitter:
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