West Seattle, Washington

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month : 11/2012 344 results

West Seattle Thanksgiving 2012: Beautiful birds
November 22, 2012 6:43 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two of the many things for which we’re thankful – West Seattle’s wildlife, and the photographers who share their images so we in turn can share them with you. Tonight, Mark Wangerin sent these three beautiful photos – thanks, Mark! – identifying the birds he photographed on a Thanksgiving Day walk in Lincoln Park as, above, a surf scoter; next, a horned grebe:

And a pigeon guillemot:

Mark notes that the scoter and grebe are common here, and that the grebe and guillemot are sporting “non-breeding plumage.” To find out more about these birds and others found in our area, explore this Audubon website.

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2012: Giving gifts as well as thanks
November 22, 2012 3:23 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

Long before this week’s downpour brought an outpouring of help for the West Seattle encampment that calls itself Nickelsville, dozens of volunteers from the Vietnamese-American community had already planned to be there today, as they had been last Thanksgiving too. Late this morning, they were there and busy – serving hot gumbo:

… providing free haircuts:

… and giving free flu shots too:

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center coordinated the big event again this year. Its director is Lee Bui, at center in the photo below:

The center is in its seventh year of operation and is open to the public every Saturday, noon-3 pm, at 2236 SW Orchard, across from and to the north of Delridge Home Depot.

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2012: Donation delivery
November 22, 2012 2:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

While checking in at Nickelsville late this morning, we found Teri Ensley of Furry Faces Foundation with a carload of donations – F3 is working with Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) to accept and coordinate items including pet food. Just last night, Hotwire’s Lora Swift took this photo with the pile of donations that generous West Seattleites already had brought in:

Hotwire will accept donations at least through this weekend – they’ve just closed for the day but will be open again tomorrow (next to the Junction Post Office, 4410 California SW). The camp still has standing water:

In light of that, and with more storms on the way, Teri told us about one thing that’s needed now at the camp: Storage bins for what’s been donated, to keep it safe from the weather. If you decide to buy some, clear plastic is great so it’s easy to tell what’s inside, but ANYTHING would be gratefully accepted. On behalf of F3, Teri also said they’ve taken a cat from Nickelsville for treatment at South Seattle Veterinary Hospital in Top Hat, and if you’d like to contribute to its bill, you can contact SSVH. An overall wish list from the camp was shared with us last night, and you can see it on the WSB Facebook page.

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Going to Macy’s Parade downtown? Cheer for West Seattleites!
November 22, 2012 12:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Macy's Parade in Seattle

(Santa in Macy’s Seattle Holiday Parade; photo by JC Winkler via Flickr)
Well, cheer for Santa too, if you’re going downtown for the Macy’s Holiday Parade on Friday morning – which always ends with Mr. Claus’s appearance – but we wanted to make sure you’re on the lookout for West Seattle musicians: The West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, and Denny Middle School marching bands have announced they’ll be in it; and when you see the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder go by, yell hi to West Seattleite Michelle Edwards. (Anybody else?) The parade starts at 9 am Friday “at 7th and Pine, then travel(s) west down Pine St. to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to University Street, west on University to 4th Avenue, and then north on 4th to Macy’s doorstep,” as described on the Macy’s website.

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2012: Fixing the Fauntleroy feast
November 22, 2012 9:55 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

Michael Chase is one of the busiest cooks in West Seattle today. Actually, he’s not only a cook – he’s a chef – Executive Chef, to be precise, for Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering at The Hall at Fauntleroy. We watched him in action early this morning as he and volunteer helper Adam worked to get everything going for this afternoon’s free community Thanksgiving dinner (noon-3 pm).

The stacks and stacks of pans include stuffing made with 8 sheets of focaccia and 30 pounds of sausage. Then there’s six pans of Carrots Provencale, with olives and garlic cloves in the sauce (and a basil garnish when it’s all done).

Back in the walk-in cooler, 5 pans of homemade cranberry sauce – plus the groundwork for simple pasta with marinara sauce, for vegetarian guests:

Here’s the real secret: We thought we’d find ovens and ovens full of roasting turkeys. Actually, Chase – who’s been with T&TS for 15 years – roasts turkey breasts: 12 of them, split, so, 24 pieces in all:

Here’s where you come in: If you are coming to dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy, bring a dessert if you can. Not mandatory. Even if you’re not, you are welcome to donate – drop one off any time – the doors should be open now. And again, ALL are welcome for dinner – it’s not just for those in need – it’s a gift to the community that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes has offered for years now. Noon-3 pm, on the south side of the old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – right next to a beautiful wooded ravine:

There’s parking behind the schoolhouse, accessible from its south/west side, by the way, and it’s right on the RapidRide bus line. (The Fauntleroy dinner details are part of the comprehensive Thanksgiving guide – and beyond! – on the WSB Holidays page.)

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2012: Good morning!
November 22, 2012 7:05 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As the holiday begins, just a quick reminder that if you are looking right now for:

–Coffee shops that are open
–Restaurants that are open
–Supermarket hours
–Beverage-store hours
–Free community dinners
–Morning workout opportunities

…we have compiled ALL that information in the Thanksgiving section atop the WSB West Seattle Holidays page.

And if you’re taking the bus today, Metro is on a Sunday schedule. More to come!

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Local students invite you to be part of ‘Holidays 4 Hope’ toy drive
November 21, 2012 10:16 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattle’s generosity has manifested yet again in the outpouring this week for flooded Nickelsville – and many other gestures of help, such as donations to food banks. Here’s another chance to give big, in small ways, this season: Chief Sealth International High School seniors Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill are launching their senior project, a toy drive they’re calling “Holidays 4 Hope.” Above, they’re with the team at JC’s Deli, one of the dropoff spots they’ve already lined up, and they’re looking for more. Here’s their story:

Families continue struggling with the ongoing impact of a slow recovery from the great recession; we asked ourselves how we as high-school students might be able to help.

Knowing how young children look forward to the holidays, we decided to see if we could make a difference for some local families in the South Park Community area. Through local sponsors, we have purchased holiday donation bins that we have located throughout the West Seattle community. Our goal is to gather new toys, books, games and stuffed animals for ages 3-10 years old, to donate to the holiday party “Winter Fest” at South Park Community Center, who we are working with on this project. It is our intention that “Holidays 4 Hope” will continue and grow in future years.

Our greatest need at this time is making people aware of “Holidays 4 Hope”. Donation bins are located in local West Seattle businesses who are sharing the “Holidays 4 Hope” on their websites or e-mail notices to their customers. So far we have donation bins located in a few local businesses.

We have one located at The Original Bakery, owner Bernie Alonzo, who is a great supporter. Also, we have just placed a donation bin inside a new deli right on 35th ave across from the Southwest library called JC’s Deli, whose owner is Jeanette Cummings. I am hoping to have one more spot somewhere in West Seattle area to place a final donation bin that has already been sponsored. Since these businesses are helping me out, I hope they would get new and more customers from their great support. We are encouraged by the response so far, but realize that starting up this endeavor will require hard work and persistence.

So their request for you is twofold: 1. Donate toys at those dropoff spots; Original Bakery is at 45th and Wildwood in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne mini-business district; JC’s Deli is at 35th and Henderson, across from Southwest Library. Join Ms. Forsell‘s third-grade class from Shorewood Christian School, which has already done its part:

2. If you have a business that could host a dropoff bin, contact Conrad and Clint at crhill2013@gmail.com and c.hewitt206@gmail.com.

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From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page: Tree time!
November 21, 2012 6:39 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Even before Thanksgiving, it’s tree time! We took the top photo at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon) this morning, as they continued setting up this year’s trees. We also have heard from West Seattle Produce (Fauntleroy south of Alaska), which has trees and will be open 9 am-9 pm daily (after Thanksgiving) through December 23rd. And trees are on sale at Junction TrueValue (Edmunds/44th). On Friday, even more tree lots open for the season – the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (on the north side of the 42nd/Genesee school again this year) and Tony’s Market (35th and Barton); on Saturday, Son-In-Law Tree Farm opens in the old Charlestown Café lot (California/Charlestown). We’ll be checking for others, and continuing to update the list that is part of our comprehensive West Seattle holiday-event/information guide.

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West Seattle holiday giving: Black Friday blood drive
November 21, 2012 4:30 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holiday giving: Black Friday blood drive
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Out of the WSB inbox this afternoon, from Mike:

As an alternative to getting frustrated by all the Black Friday madness, please consider giving blood. Puget Sound Blood Center will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe on 35th Ave. on Black Friday for blood donations. It’s quick, easy and painless. Donation times are from 10-12 and 1-4 November 23rd, Black Friday. Donations are always needed, but especially this time of year. My father-in-law recently passed from cancer, but before he did, he utilized a substantial number of units of blood. This was made possible by members of the community who took the time to donate.

OLG is at 35th and Myrtle (map).

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Thanksgiving Eve rainbow
November 21, 2012 2:10 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

A promise that the weather will improve? Forecast says that tonight and most of tomorrow should be calmer. Meantime, WSB’ers have shared views of the rainbow sighting this past half-hour or so – top photo is from Glenn Brooks. Next, from Lise Thivierge, a High Point view:

And from Willie Ellenberg via the WSB Facebook page, a double rainbow!

Thanks as always to everyone for sharing – editor@westseattleblog.com (or other contact channels) any time!

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Capco Beverages liquor/wine store: New WSB sponsor, with coupon!
November 21, 2012 1:02 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

On this busy pre-holiday-shopping day, we welcome one of our newest sponsors – Capco Beverages, the liquor store opened by longtime Junction entrepreneur Leon Capelouto in the spot that was previously the state’s premier liquor store; now it’s a premier private liquor/wine store, as the Capco Beverages team wants to make sure you know:

(WSB photo: Jan, Jane, and at center, manager Dolly)
The word “premier” isn’t just a label; this is not your average liquor store. Capco Beverages‘ stock includes unusual and rare spirits. “We have things you won’t find anywhere else in West Seattle: bourbons, scotches, tequila,” store manager Dolly Amend says. “All the local Seattle area bourbons. Our Scotch section is constantly growing. We want to have the best selection of Scotch, bourbons, gins, liqueurs, tequila and vodkas anywhere in the state.” The Scotch section of the store is absolutely the best in the city, if not the state, says Dolly – single malts, for example, you might never have found in Seattle before, such as Laddie Classic, Ledaig, Tobermory.

Capco Beverages also offers an extensive tequila section, with what aficionados call “fantastic mezcals,” and a selection of liqueurs from all over the world: Italian Amari, pastis from France, Cynar, every possible fruit liqueur. Dolly says that if a product is listed with a distributor, she will stock it. If a customer asks and it isn’t on the shelf, she will try to get it. And dozens of made-in-Washington labels are in stock.

Its merchandise also includes a collection of Alki t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and caps, martini shakers, and just about every tool and ingredient for making cocktails – including tipsy cherries, cocktail onions, many bitters, even a special salt to rim your Margaritas. Plus ginger beer, soda, tonics and many different vermouths. We also have wine and drink gift baskets ready to purchase – or custom baskets can be made.

“Grocery stores wouldn’t have room to carry the 3000-plus brands and sizes of liquor we have now,” Dolly says, also pointing out that Capco Beverages has a “huge, wonderful selection of wine.”

Capco Beverages is at 41st and Alaska, in Capco Plaza (same building as QFC and Petco). You’ll also find the store on Facebook. And you can use a special coupon you’ll find here on WSB to get a discount on your purchase.

HOLIDAY NOTE: Capco Beverages plans to be OPEN Thanksgiving Day – 10 am-2 pm. Regular hours are listed online.

We thank Capco Beverages for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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Newer boat for West Seattle Water Taxi service? King County pursuing idled Spirit of Kingston
November 21, 2012 11:40 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Spirit of Kingston in Seattle

(August 2011 photo of Spirit of Kingston at Seattle dock, by Oran Viriyincy, via Flickr)
Right after the holiday weekend, the King County Ferry District Board will consider taking a step toward acquiring a third boat at little or no cost – even before it builds its own two new boats for West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi service. This was first reported by KUOW, and we have since followed up with the office of County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who chairs the board. The boat is the 65-foot catamaran Spirit of Kingston, now idle after Kingston-Seattle foot-ferry service ceased. Here’s what McDermott legislative aide Michelle Allison tells WSB:

The Port of Kingston recently discontinued service from Kingston to Seattle and announced they would no longer be a passenger ferry service provider. Their primary vessel, the Spirit of Kingston, is available for transfer to another public agency with no capital cost outlay to that entity. The vessel was purchased for 2 million dollars using Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. The vessel is certified to carry 147 passengers and a crew of three. Due to the FTA investment, there may be an opportunity to obtain the vessel at no cost to the King County Ferry District (KCFD).

The Marine Division (KCMD) has evaluated the costs and potential savings associated with obtaining a third vessel and found that in addition to improving operational and service reliability, the addition of the Spirit of Kingston to the KCFD fleet would reduce overall expenses over the next five years and beyond.

Specifically, KCMD is recommending that Spirit of Kingston be brought into the KCFD fleet as the primary West Seattle Water Taxi vessel, and move the Rachel Marie into back-up vessel service. When the new vessels are constructed, the Spirit of Kingston would be moved into back-up vessel service. This approach increases reliability and is anticipated to save more than $425,000 on lease and rental expenses over the next five years.

Last week the Executive Committee passed a motion supporting the Chair in writing a letter of interest that would be submitted to the FTA. The full Board will weigh in on November 26th. If the full Board supports the motion, the Chair will then write the letter to the FTA. The final decision is up to the FTA but would also require one more action of the Board to approve the transfer of the asset. … As you know, we are currently running a two-boat, two-route operation so the option of a third boat as a back-up vessel with no capital cost to the Ferry District is very appealing.

Port Townsend had been interested in the Spirit of Kingston, but is reported to have shelved its plan for a foot ferry to Seattle, so King County may not have any competition if it finalizes interest in the boat.

Rachel Marie, as Water Taxi riders know, has had multiple problems in recent months. The Spirit of Kingston is slightly smaller – 65 feet compared to RM’s 77 feet – but much newer, built in 2005, while RM (as noted in this WSB report before the county leased it in 2010) was built in 1988. According to a detailed briefing paper that Allison also provided (you can read it here), the district has three options for deploying Spirit of Kingston if it’s obtained – including saving even more money in 2014, by letting one of its current vessel leases expire 9 months before the newly built boats come into service.

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Vietnamese Cultural Center organizing volunteers again to offer free flu shots, haircuts, food on Thanksgiving
November 21, 2012 11:17 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | Highland Park | How to help | Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

Vietnamese Cultural Center director Lee Bui sends word that the center, along with Puget Sound Pharmacy, will bring flu shots, haircuts, and hot food to Nickelsville tomorrow – as they did last Thanksgiving (WSB coverage here). It’s not only for Nickelsville residents, he says, but for others who are low-income/homeless, too – just show up. Along with pharmacist Rosalie Nguyen and Dr. Khanh H. Tran, volunteers will be there offering the service 11 am-1 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Nickelsville is at West Marginal Way SW/SW Highland Park Way.

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West Seattle Wednesday: What’s up this Thanksgiving Eve – including where/how to help others
November 21, 2012 7:59 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Day before Thanksgiving; here are two groups of notes:

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page:

DESSERT DONATION: The traditional free community dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy isn’t till tomorrow, but organizers welcome dessert donations, which you can drop off as early as 10 am-3 pm TODAY (or after 9 am tomorrow). South side of the old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California SW.

FOOD BANKS’ LAST-MINUTE HOURS/NEEDS: West Seattle Food Bank is open 9 am-3 pm for donations (and told us yesterday that canned hams are their biggest need), southeast corner of 35th/Morgan; the White Center Food Bank (10829 8th Ave SW) is open 8:30 am-5 pm, and says turkeys are what they need most.

From the regular year-round WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (plus a last-minute sighting or two):

HELP FOR NICKELSVILLE: Via Facebook, The Forsythe Studio in The Junction (4456 California SW) announced it’s collecting donations today, 10 am-7 pm, for Nickelsville – “ANY warm clothes, blankets, socks, etc. for the displaced families suffering from flooding … ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated! Things will be picked up (today) and distributed on Thanksgiving morning! We thank you in advance!”

MORE HELP FOR NICKELSVILLE: Just found out that Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor; 4410 California SW) is collecting donations too, through the end of the holiday weekend. Proprietor Lora Swift says – “waterproof outerwear; gently worn boots, coats, pants, hats, and socks. Pet supplies too.”

LIVE GLASS-BLOWING: “Because we know you have family in town looking for entertainment, we will have live glass-blowing 11 am-5 pm,” says Avalon Glassworks” (2914 SW Avalon Way).

LUNCH TO HELP SUPERSTORM SANDY VICTIMS: The West Seattle Eagles are raising money to help fellow Eagles back east – every Wednesday lunch in November goes to that cause; more info here.

NEW BABY? Early Days drop-in support group at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction welcomes you, noon-2 pm, more info here.

LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s listings on the calendar include Jonny Smokes’ Thanksgiving Eve show at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thanksgiving Eve edition; alerts ahead
November 21, 2012 6:42 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
More rain overnight. And it’s windy right now – a short-term burst of nasty weather, says the National Weather Service. But that’s it for problems, at the moment. BUS ALERT: Metro will be on its Sunday schedule tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) and “reduced weekday” schedule for Friday.

7:04 AM NOTE: In case you work to the south (or have other business there this morning), we should note there’s a power outage right now in parts of Burien, Boulevard Park, and Seatac. See the boundaries on the Seattle City Light website.

1:56 PM: If you are heading toward Ballard, note that a crash has blocked all northbound lanes of the Ballard Bridge, so you’ll want to take an alternate route, maybe through Fremont, or westbound from Wallingford/U District off I-5.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Latest trends, plus 5 reader reports
November 20, 2012 10:20 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just back from the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting. The transit discussion – which swerved back and forth across just about every imaginable bus-related issue that’s come up recently – will be in a story all its own. So we’ll start this Crime Watch roundup with the WSCPC meeting-opening briefing on crime trends, followed by 5 reader reports we’ve received.

The briefing:

Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen said that a spike in property crimes about a month ago is over because of recent arrests – the rate had dropped back down in the past week or so. He says the year overall remains on track around 20 percent below last year’s property-crime rate – a year that in turn was about 20 percent above the long-term average.

Another “bump” may be ahead, he warned, because it’s “that crazy time of the year, the holidays,” when thieves and burglars are after items you’ve bought for gifts, maybe even before you get them into your vehicle or home: “(When shopping) you become more of a target, so be aware of your surroundings, look around,” Capt. Paulsen warned, adding that there will be more police presence at Westwood Village and The Junction – not on overtime, but by “shuffling around” resources. He also cautioned people to arrange for deliveries in ways that won’t lead to packages unattended on front doors.

Betty asked about the Fairmount Springs break-in reports that circulated one week ago (they’re in this WSB Crime Watch roundup), apparently targeting homes inhabited by women, home alone. The cases were news to Capt. Paulsen and Community Police Team Officer Jonathan Kiehn, who monitor for patterns, but said these hadn’t surfaced as one. Another attendee said she had come to ask about the incidents too, and the perception that there might be a known suspect who hadn’t yet been arrested. Police promised to check into these cases ASAP.

One attendee brought up mail theft and asked if police could “set up a sting.” Short answer: No, since it’s a federal-jurisdiction crime, but if you see it happening, do call 911, the citizen was told, since, Capt. Paulsen said, they have caught mail thieves “over the years.” He was also advised to look into a locked mailbox. Immediately after the exchange, he and Officer Kiehn started a followup conversation.

Now, Part 2 of this roundup: The latest reader reports – five in all, the first two with photos:

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West Seattle police honor citizen hero for helping injured officers
November 20, 2012 6:17 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

We’re at the Southwest Precinct, where Capt. Steve Paulsen has just presented a certificate of appreciation to Ken Wicklund. He’s the citizen who asked an officer and sergeant if they needed help when they found themselves in a struggle with a suspect one week ago tonight near the old Charlestown Café. They said yes – he jumped in to help. And tonight, the commander and his team – including Sgt. Joe Bauer and Officer Sara Mulloy (at front left in the photo below) – said thanks to Wicklund, whose family was on hand too.

We’ve been covering the case, most recently with a report on the charge filed Friday against suspect Skyler Gronholz, who remains in King County Jail, in lieu of $45,000 bail for this case and a warrant that was already out for his arrest.

Wicklund works as a captain for Argosy Cruises. He told us that this happened after he left home to pick up dinner at Spiro’s Pizza, just blocks away. He came home and saw police activity near his home – and as he got closer, he noticed officers and suspect on the ground, and that’s when he asked if they needed help. He, and Sgt. Bauer and Officer Mulloy, were all injured, but all are OK now. We have video of tonight’s ceremony and will add it here once it’s uploaded (added – here it is):

After tonight’s presentation, the Wicklund family got a guided tour of the precinct.

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Madison Middle School once again gives the gift of food
November 20, 2012 4:15 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(One group of Madison students who helped with this year’s food drive)
Again this year, Madison Middle School held a food drive to help families in their school community. School nurse Sami Hoag organized the effort:

Thanks to many staff, students and families who donated a total of 5,850 pounds of food to put into 45 large Thanksgiving baskets for our Madison families in need.

In addition we were able to help 5 Madison families who live in shelters with grocery cards.

Several students bought a large amount of food with their own money. Most of the baskets were delivered by volunteers in the pouring rain.

Our Madison students did the following to help with this project:

-Make signs, made presentations and collected food in their science classes
-Sorted food after school into baskets
-Made Thanksgiving cards for each family
-Moved hundreds of pounds of food into family cars

Thanks to Anne Weglin for sharing the information from Madison.

If you are still looking for a way to help local people in need, before Thanksgiving- we have food-bank-donation information at the end of the Thanksgiving roundup we published this morning. Both local food banks – West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank – have donation hours tomorrow, and in a word, WS most needs canned hams, WC most needs turkeys.

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Ready to ski? WS-headquartered Seattle Ski Shuttle heads out tomorrow
November 20, 2012 3:53 pm
|    Comments Off on Ready to ski? WS-headquartered Seattle Ski Shuttle heads out tomorrow
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather | WS & Sports

Just in from Seattle Ski Shuttle, which is operated by the same folks who bring you Mountain to Sound Outfitters and Alki Kayak Tours:

Crystal Mountain is officially opening on Wednesday, November 21, 2012. The Seattle Ski Shuttle will be running our first shuttle of the season that day. Also, starting Friday, November 23rd, we will be operating our regular schedule to Crystal Mountain (Mondays, Thursdays, & Fridays every week)! We will also be running a shuttle to Snoqualmie Central on weekends once the mountain opens up. For more information and to book a seat, go to: seattleskishuttle.com

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Thundershower, and wind advisory too
November 20, 2012 2:05 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Wild weather this afternoon! The photo was shared by Carlos H. via Twitter. And though there’s a band of blue sky advancing as we type, you should know we’re under a wind advisory till early evening, too, as the next front literally blows through. Local meteorologist Patrick K. points out that what you see in Carlos’s photo is a “squall line.” Latest forecast says rain/showers are expected to continue off and on all week. If you can, take advantage of the impending break in the rain to clear your nearest storm drain! It’s usually a quick job, since yours probably isn’t THIS imposing:

That’s the Longfellow Creek sluice gate at 25th and Juneau; Lauren has been telling us about it, and shared the above “before” photo, with leaves, sticks and logs cluttering it till cleared – not by city crews (though we’ve seen them out and about all day) but by her husband. If it gets clogged, there’s a risk of big flooding, Lauren explains.

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New Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill: Design under way, before full funding finalized
November 20, 2012 1:51 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Though the vote on the Seattle Public Schools BEX IV construction-project levy isn’t until February, the process of planning one of its designated projects is under way now.

Last night, the Design Team for what’s for now known as the new Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill convened a “community conversation,” inviting neighbors to come talk about ideas and concerns. The school will be built on the site where the closed Genesee Hill Elementary now stands; it was long home to Pathfinder K-8 until that school moved into what had been Cooper Elementary on Pigeon Point in fall 2009, as part of the school-closure plan that shuttered GH permanently.

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Nickelsville flooding followup: What the encampment needs now
November 20, 2012 12:13 pm
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | How to help | Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

(Photos taken this morning by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
For a while this midday, it was raining again – just as they’re trying to pump out the floodwaters at the homeless encampment on the southeast edge of West Seattle that calls itself Nickelsville, as it has since it was founded at that site four years ago, the site to which it returned a year and a half ago. After publishing these photos by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams during Monday’s deluge, we went back this morning to see what’s needed, since many are asking. The campers we talked with said about half the residents had gone to emergency shelters when their tents became uninhabitable in the floodwaters. But even tiny residents are poking around, like Coffee the cat:

You may have heard via our friends at KING 5 News that a pump donated this morning was making progress in clearing out the standing water – before the rain resumed. Here’s what they told WSB they need:

Gas for the existing pump

Another pump, as this pump was donated but has to go back tomorrow morning

Dry blankets and dry bedding

Labor needs are up in the air, as they need to get the standing water out before they can determine what needs to be done

With donated items or any other offers to help, just show up at their main gate, which is off the small parking lot on the southwest side of the triangle of land they are on, at West Marginal Way and Highland Park Way.

SIDE NOTE – NICKELSVILLE’S FUTURE: The water woes are bringing new light to the camp’s situation – a year and a half without either authorization or eviction on a government-owned site. We’re waiting for a reply from Mayor McGinn’s office regarding its stance on what’s happening there. We also checked this morning with Food Lifeline, the nonprofit which is pursuing a possible purchase of the site, as reported here in October. From spokesperson Amy Lee Derenthal: “We’re still in conversations with both the city and state and nothing has changed since we first shared we were interested in the property for our Hunger Relief Center.”

12:59 PM UPDATE: We had asked Mayor McGinn’s office earlier today for comment on the situation and just got the official reply via spokesperson Aaron Pickus: “Our Human Services Department is working with Public Health to help place families with children in shelter tonight. We have opened our severe weather shelter at Seattle Center and are providing bus tickets to residents who wish to access shelter. Our shelters at City Hall and Frye Hotel are also open. Our Public Utilities and Finance and Administrative Services department are also assisting, as appropriate.”

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West Seattle scene: Puget Sound spillover on Alki
November 20, 2012 11:41 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Jenn Padilla for sharing that photo from the Alki boardwalk, where high water from our record rainfall has augmented what was already one of the month’s highest tides, 12 feet, peaking about an hour ago. Jenn texted us the photo (206-293-6302 any time), saying she’d never “seen the Sound so full that it spilled over.” (The peak high tide was 12.6 feet last Saturday.) P.S. From just around the point to the south, here’s high-tide coverage on Beach Drive Blog.

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