West Seattle, Washington

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day : 07/09/2012 13 results

High-school football: Tonight’s Sealth, WSHS scores
September 7, 2012 10:45 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Tonight’s Sealth, WSHS scores
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We’re working on separate stories, both with photos, for each of these games, but in case you hadn’t heard the scores yet: At Memorial Stadium downtown tonight, Chief Sealth over Cleveland, 32-14; at Southwest Athletic Complex, West Seattle lost to Seattle Prep, 32-12.

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West Seattle schools: Lafayette Elementary burning for learning
September 7, 2012 10:33 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

So Admiral-based Engine 29 pulls into the Lafayette Elementary schoolyard this afternoon:

No fire, but there was a sense of urgency. The entire school was out on the playground, watching the engine come to a stop:

Then a woman in a firefighter’s hat bounded out of the engine.

We knew the secret – it was actually Lafayette’s new principal Shauna Heath, who used the first assembly of the school year for a “dramatic entrance” to announce the year’s theme: “Lafayette is on fire!” (As in, burning for learning, etc.) She and some of her staff were also wearing T-shirts with another slogan – “Only the best is good enough.”

Hot day – apropos to the theme – so the kids (and staff!) weren’t kept out too long; they got a pep talk and then it was back to class.

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West Seattle weekend: One more summery day ahead
September 7, 2012 9:43 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend: One more summery day ahead
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to JayDee for the sunset view from Upper Alki tonight! The forecast suggests one more summery day is in the works – likely getting into the 80s again – before clouds move in for Sunday. Outdoor events for tomorrow on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar include the Street Fair at Holy Family School (20th/Roxbury), 10 am-4 pm tomorrow – with an outdoor movie Saturday night! – and the Grandparents’ Day celebration at Life Care Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), with a free community barbecue, 11 am-2:30 pm. And while you’re in Admiral, check out Sechin Tower‘s book signing event for “Mad Science Institute” at Atomic Boys, 1-4 pm. See more on the calendar – for tomorrow, Sunday, and weeks/months into the future.

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Video: Presentation on ‘Greener Skies’ air-traffic changes
September 7, 2012 7:22 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

The past two nights, the Federal Aviation Administration has held open houses as part of the environmental-assessment process of the flight-path/-procedure changes known as Greener Skies. Though the plan affects West Seattle, with more jets turning over Elliott Bay instead of farther north, neither of the meetings was in West Seattle – so we went to the one last night in Ballard, to at least get it on video (above) for anyone interested in commenting; the public-comment period runs for another week. The FAA contends that the changes will not mean a significant increase in noise – which is considered part of the environmental effects they’re assessing – for West Seattle. Take a look at this map to see the turn pattern over the bay, north of Alki and Admiral:

Some testing already has been under way, as The Seattle Times (WSB partner) reported in June. Alki Community Council president Tony Fragada has been following this and was at the open house last night:

You might recall from our coverage of Mayor McGinn‘s recent Town Hall meeting here that Fragada brought up the issue during Q/A. The mayor promised to look into it. We asked his spokesperson Aaron Pickus today what has transpired since then. His reply via e-mail:

The mayor directed his Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to connect with appropriate public offices, agencies and stakeholders to gather more information on this issue to determine the city’s options for addressing the Greener Skies proposal.

If you’re interested in commenting – September 14th is the FAA’s deadline. Contact information is here.

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West Seattle restaurants: New owner, name for Brickyard BBQ
September 7, 2012 4:14 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Another change in the Admiral District restaurant scene, in addition to the upcoming Copper Coin (here’s our 8/16 report on that): Brickyard BBQ at 2308 California SW has a new owner and will soon have a new name. José Prieto, who with his family owns Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Fauntleroy, took over Brickyard on September 1st. He says it too will soon be called Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (after the city in Mexico that he’s from). He told WSB’s Katie Meyer that he thinks the place has potential, so he wants to clean it up and fix it up to have more of a “family atmosphere,” though he’s keeping its bar. A Mexican menu will be added next month, but barbecue, he says, will also stay on the menu at least through the winter. Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 11:30 am-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, noon-10:30 pm Sundays, with lunch specials daily and happy hour 3-6 pm weekdays. (We’ll be updating the WSB West Seattle Restaurant Guide with the new info. Thanks to Frank for the tip on the Brickyard change!)

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You asked for it, you got it: Junction to close streets for trick-or-treating during new Harvest Festival
September 7, 2012 2:59 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

For years, after the West Seattle Junction Association trick-or-treating event, some would ask if it would be possible to close the streets to enhance safety and fun. Now – that’s finally going to happen. WSJA has just officially announced the new Harvest Festival, 10 am-2 pm October 28th. And trick-or-treating is just part of it. Here’s the official announcement:

The Junction Association is excited to introduce a new event – The Junction’s Harvest Festival. We are expanding the popular Trick-or-Treat in The Junction into something new for our neighborhood. The Harvest Festival will be an opportunity for West Seattle families to continue the Trick-or-Treat tradition while adding elements that appeal to a broader audience. Most importantly, WE’RE CLOSING THE STREETS!

A core element of the Harvest Festival will be celebrating the year-round West Seattle Farmers Market. In partnership with the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, over 40 local farmers will set up on California Ave to share their goods at the peak of harvest. Farmers will bring fresh seasonal produce including a surprising variety of apples, fruits, melons, and a collage of vegetables. The Farmers Market’s colors, smells, and vibrancy will be the heart of the Harvest Festival and will be open between 10am and 2pm.

Additionally, there will be a kids’ costume parade followed by Trick-or-Treating between Noon and 2pm. Details will follow as they develop. In an effort to bring more healthy options to Halloween events, The Junction is inviting schools, clubs, non-profits, churches, and even businesses to set up a Harvest Activity tent (art activities or a game). It’s free to set up an activity but it will be free for festivalgoers. Please email Susan Melrose, susan@wsjunction.org, if you’d like to provide a Harvest Activity to be approved by the committee.

The West Seattle neighborhood has enjoyed our Trick-or-Treat in The Junction for years. With more new families and interest in this event, it became necessary to close the streets and do something different. Please help spread the word that the event is moving from Saturday to Sunday. California Ave SW will be closed between Edmunds and Oregon, and Alaska St. will be closed between 44th and 42nd.

The Junction Association looks forward to creating a fun event for West Seattle.

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West Seattle development: Design Review date, and new details, for 4755 Fauntleroy project
September 7, 2012 1:03 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   4755 Fauntleroy | Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

New information today about the big project in the works for 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, first reported here in July.

The first Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the plan is now set: 6:30 pm Thursday, September 27th, at the Senior Center of West Seattle.

The project site has grown, too. In addition to the former Huling Chevrolet site fronting on Fauntleroy and the current Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home site and used-car-lot site fronting on SW Alaska, the Shell station adjacent to those properties is now part of the plan – that’s a change from our last conversation with John Wunder, who represents the Huling-owned properties and is speaking for the project team. We talked with him again today after the Design Review date was made public.

We also have learned that this will be the biggest project in the new wave of West Seattle development – more than 350 apartments are envisioned on the five residential floors that will be designed over 55,000 to 60,000 feet of retail. No retailers are signed yet, according to Wunder.

And we also know now who’s developing the project: It’s a partnership between two multi-state firms, Weingarten, known as a retail-center developer, and Lennar, known as a homebuilding company. The property planned for the project is all under contract, according to Wunder.

Right now they are in the “conceptual design” phase; no renderings to show yet, though there will be soon, with the first Design Review meeting three and a half weeks away.

On behalf of the major property sellers in the deal, the Huling family, Wunder says of the developers, “They are very, very pleased that they are under contract with Weingarten and Lennar – they’re great to work with, and we think, at the end of the day, the project they put on the site will be a great asset to the community.”

The project team has been talking with community leaders and hopes to hear from the community at the September 27th meeting. (The city webpage for this project, by the way, is here.)

Even if the Design Review process moves at the fastest-possible clip, though, don’t expect to see construction at this site starting any time soon. They’re envisioning that construction would start toward the end of 2013, and would last about 2 years.

ADDED MONDAY 9/10: Another detail has emerged regarding the retail space in the project. Developers say they are in “advanced” negotiations with a grocer for much of the space.

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West Seattle road work: 35th SW changes in Arbor Heights soon
September 7, 2012 12:19 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to “Luckymom30” for breaking this story via the WSB Forums: SDOT expects to start work later this month on a project along 35th SW in north Arbor Heights. As part of it, southbound 35th at Roxbury will be changed to a left-turn-only lane and shared through/right-turn lane; the second part involves sidewalks:

From 97th to 100th, sidewalks are planned along the west side of 35th. The city webpage for the project says the work should start the week of September 24th.

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Why helicopters are over White Center: Body found
September 7, 2012 10:53 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news | White Center

We’ve received calls about helicopters over White Center, south of downtown WC. King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a body that Sgt. Cindi West has tweeted was found in the Mallard Lake area, near the Coronado Springs Apartments at 14th and 107th. We’ve gone to the scene and will have continuing coverage on partner site White Center Now.

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Photo tour: Before building a tunnel, the state builds a pit
September 7, 2012 10:39 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
As the next phase of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program intensifies – digging the launch pit for the tunnel-boring machine – dozens of curious people joined a walking tour through part of the work zone last night, and contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there for WSB. Above, deputy program administrator Matt Preedy (a West Seattleite) was among the project leaders pointing out sights like this –

Our photo tour continues ahead:Read More

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Looking for a meeting room? School libraries now available
September 7, 2012 10:29 am
|    Comments Off on Looking for a meeting room? School libraries now available
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Community groups, whether new or established, know how tough it is to find someplace affordable and available to have a meeting, particularly at night. New solution: The city and school district say they’re opening up public-school libraries citywide, for a low price per meeting. Read on!Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 more bike-theft reports
September 7, 2012 9:15 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The latest West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports: 2 more bike thefts. From Eric, who also sent the photo:

Last Thursday my gold Kona Kikapu was stolen out of my garage. I filed a police report and I’m keeping an eye out. The ironic part is my friend’s son had his bike stolen on Thursday, also a few blocks away by the Admiral fire (station) out of his garage, and my neighbor found it in our alley. My bike must have been a little nicer. The bike has small dent in the top frame tube between the seat post and the neck. Any info would be appreciated.

And from Leah:

Hi, just thought I’d let you know that our electric Hebb bike was stolen from the alley near 36th SW and Willow near Myrtle Reservoir park. The bike is silver with Hebb lettering in black on the frame. There is a black Burley bike rack over the back wheel that accommodates a Burley tag along. I can supply the VIN number if it turns up anywhere.

P.S. With a caveat that the city police-report map is not necessarily comprehensive, it still can at least offer a sense of trends – here’s what it shows for bike thefts reported and mapped in the past 3 weeks on the peninsula:

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West Seattle Friday: Barbecue; wine & chocolate; football; music…
September 7, 2012 7:45 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Barbecue; wine & chocolate; football; music…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(One of the newly installed mural panels on pre-demolition fence @ Lowman Beach/Murray CSO project site)
Today/tonight highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PET ADOPTIONS: The Humane Society MaxMobile is scheduled to be at Pet Pros in Westwood Village, 3-6 pm.

OUTDOOR MOVIE AT SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY: Doors open 6:15, movie at dusk (around 7:30), on the playground: “The Lorax.” Benefit for 4th-grade trip to Islandwood. Details in our calendar listing.

WSHS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE: Preceding the football game at Southwest Athletic Complex, the West Seattle High School Cheerleaders host a back-to-school barbecue starting at 5 pm – $3 for hot dog, chips, and soda – more info here.

ROTARY WINE AND CHOCOLATE AUCTION GALA: 6 pm at Salty’s on Alki, the second annual gala wine/chocolate/hors d’oeuvres event for the Rotary Club of West Seattle, raising money for projects including scholarships and the Holiday Shopping Spree. You’re invited too – ticket info’s on their website.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth vs. Cleveland at Memorial Stadium, 5 pm; West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep at SW Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: The third monthly edition of the pop-up drop-in bar at HPIC (12th/Holden), starting at 6 pm, including live music by the Drew Medak Trio. Beverage info on the HPIC website – and yes, Corner Bar is all-ages.

LIVE MUSIC: Alan Ehrlich at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), x pm … The Slags at Shipwreck Tavern, 9 pm …

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