West Seattle, Washington

08 Friday

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month : 11/2012 344 results

Update: Fire at ‘illegally occupied’ house in Highland Park
November 17, 2012 11:01 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

11:02 PM: Crews are rushing to a house-fire report in the 8500 block of 14th SW. We are on the way.

11:21 PM UPDATE: Not a major incident – no smoke or flames visible, no report of injuries. Firefighters arr starting to pack up. Our crew is waiting to talk with the incident commander.

11:50 PM UPDATE: SFD tells us that the house was “illegally occupied” – the fire is believed to have started in a hibachi and spread to the porch. They had to cut into the structure for some ventilation. They also confirm, nobody hurt. An investigator is on scene to make the official determination of the fire’s cause.

11:59 PM UPDATE: Via the scanner, SFD just updated the address for the fire scene – not the same address originally on the 911 log. The address has a 10-year history of repeated citations for alleged city-code violations such as junk storage.

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore says this was an accidental fire: “Transients had been occupying the vacant home. One individual removed burning ashes from a second floor fireplace and placed them in a cardboard box on the front porch which lit the porch and the void space below. The fire then traveled up into the wall. The estimated dollar loss is $5,000.”

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1st girls-soccer ‘Battle of West Seattle’: Madison over Denny
November 17, 2012 9:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Another West Seattle sports first is in the books:

(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Wrapped in the West Seattle Soccer Club scarf – since that’s who organized this – the trophy awaited the winner of the inaugural Battle of West Seattle, a girls-soccer match between Denny International Middle School and Madison Middle School, who didn’t play during the season since they’re in different divisions.

Both had excellent seasons, as noted by WSSC – Denny (in blue) took its division; Madison was third in its division. On Friday afternoon, they played on despite a then-driving rain which sent the teams to respective tents at halftime:

Eventually, Madison emerged victorious.

Final score, 2 to 1. There’s a victory photo on the West Seattle Soccer Club Facebook page.

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Update: Mystery boom(s) in Lincoln Park vicinity
November 17, 2012 8:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

8:55 PM: Over the past week or so, we’ve received scattered reports of unexplained booms in the Lincoln Park vicinity. No fire/crime/injury reports resulted, so they’ve remained a mystery. We’re uphill from south Lincoln Park and just finally heard one for ourselves. We’re monitoring the scanner/911 log and if anything results, we’ll update. Nothing so far, and it’s been five-plus minutes. We also launched a discussion on the WSB Facebook page and there are several reports of people seeing a flash in the ferry-dock area at the time.

9:54 PM: An hour’s gone by, with no report of injury/fire/damage/power outage etc. (not even a 911 dispatch) So, a mystery, for now.

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Update: Lineups for Chief Sealth’s first-ever alumni basketball games next Friday
November 17, 2012 8:43 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Lineups for Chief Sealth’s first-ever alumni basketball games next Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Editor’s note – the women’s lineups are now added at the end of the story)

ORIGINAL 11/17 REPORT: The field is taking shape for a first-ever event next weekend – the Chief Sealth International High School alumni basketball games! This weekend, Sealth athletic director Sam Reed is announcing the men’s roster (there’s still a spot or two on the women’s side – anyone interested should e-mail kevkat8@yahoo.com ASAP). Friday (November 23rd) is the day, and here’s the rundown so far for the first-ever Nels Enquist Alumni Basketball Game, starting with the lineups:

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Happening now: Next chance to stock the West Seattle Food Bank
November 17, 2012 5:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We visited the West Seattle Food Bank just before their special donation-dropoff time wrapped up this afternoon, and operations director Steve Curry said thanks for everyone’s generosity – it had been “raining turkeys” during the three-hour window (but, he added, gesturing to what you see in the cooler in the photo, “it’ll all be gone by Wednesday”). Tonight, they would be happy to take your non-perishable food donations during the Beer Church‘s annual Turkey Bowl benefit at West Seattle Bowl; it’s just begun, and there’ll be someone there to accept your donation till 8 or so. If you can’t make it tonight, the food bank’s hours at its 35th/Morgan HQ are part of this “how to help” update we published a few days ago.

P.S. The White Center Food Bank serves part of West Seattle and its team will be at Fauntleroy Church tomorrow at 11 am with a refrigerated van to accept turkey donations – their overall holiday-help list is here.

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Happening now: Early Christmas spirit at 1st Seattle Lutheran bazaar
November 17, 2012 2:47 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Nothing says Christmas like … robotics. No, the robot’s not for sale, but many other handmade items are, at Seattle Lutheran High School‘s first-ever Holiday Bazaar, continuing till 5 pm. And robotics-team members are on hand as an added attraction – in our photo are SLHS junior Carina Andrews and senior Tyler Andrews. The bazaar has filled the gym:

Even if you’re not ready to shop for gifts yet, maybe decorations?

The bazaar and accompanying raffle and bake sale – complete with holiday-music soundtrack! – are scheduled to continue until 5. The gym entrance is on SW Genesee at 40th.

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Happening now: CoolMom in Fauntleroy, with don’t-idle advice
November 17, 2012 1:46 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Out in the rain in their yellow safety vests, moms and kids from West Seattle-founded CoolMom are at the Fauntleroy ferry dock this afternoon, with a message for drivers as part of CM’s “Think Outside the Car” campaign. They’re distributing educational reminders including:

*10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it

*An idling vehicle emits 20 times more pollution than one traveling 32 mph

*Idling 5 minutes daily emits 30 pounds of toxic pollutants and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year

Idling, of course, is not just a ferry-line problem – drive-throughs are another place you can shut your engine off and help clear the air. You can get involved in the No-Idle Campaign with the info you’ll find here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary victim’s advice
November 17, 2012 11:06 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Karen‘s house was hit by burglars – and she is sharing not only the report, but also prevention advice from police:

Our home was broken into (Friday) afternoon around 1:30pm. We are on 31st between Elmgrove and Thistle. They pried open a locked kitchen window. Our neighbor, on Elmgrove, about this time, saw a black, fairly new sports car with tinted windows parked on the block. Saw a 20-30ish white male with scruffy unshaven face, black hair, 6 feet, 170 pounds, get out of the car and walk down our block. A female, red hair, late 20’s, average size, remained in the car until she saw the neighbor looking her way, jumped into the driver’s seat and then drove away down our block. They took a computer, jewelry and cash. A few moments later, a silver BMW with 4 doors and tinted windows pulled up on Elmgrove parked outside of the neighbor’s house. She called the police and reported the vehicles because it seemed odd. Please report anything odd you see in your neighborhood! Our neighbor had great instincts. Also, don’t assume that locks on your windows will deter a thief. The police recommended we add wood blocks to every window track.

Find more burglary-prevention advice from SPD by going here.

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Update: Fauntleroy ferry route back to three boats
November 17, 2012 9:16 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Refresh for newest image from WSDOT’s camera @ Fauntleroy ferry dock, a fixture on the WSB Traffic page)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:16 AM: On a busy pre-holiday weekend, this might have even more impact than it would otherwise, so please note that Washington State Ferries just announced that the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is down to two boats because the Sealth needs repairs. No estimate yet for how long that’ll take. P.S. If you’re at or near the terminal, a reminder that, as noted in our daily preview, the organization CoolMom is distributing information there later today about reducing emissions by keeping vehicle engines off while waiting.

5:49 PM UPDATE: The run is back to 3 boats as of late this afternoon.

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West Seattle Saturday: 15 calendar highlights for today/tonight
November 17, 2012 8:54 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: 15 calendar highlights for today/tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Coprinus at Lincoln Park, photographed by Machel Spence)
Good morning! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – including chances to fight hunger via giving (or receiving) food donations:

TURKEY GIVEAWAY: 500 turkeys and bags of groceries are to be given away in West Seattle by Eastridge Church starting at 9 am – no prerequisites, no questions asked. They’re at 39th and Oregon, across from West Seattle Bowl.

OPEN HOUSE AT J.F. HENRY: This weekend is the big open-house weekend at houseware/tableware specialists J.F. Henry Kitchen, Tableware & Gifts (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Homemade cookies, hot cocoa, special demonstrations and savings, all weekend long – 10 am-6 pm today, 10 am-5 pm Sunday.(4445 California SW)

FAUNTLEROY ART/CRAFT FAIR: Today’s day 2, 10 am-4 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), with artists and crafters selling and showing their work. Here’s our Friday report.

FIRST-EVER BAZAAR AT SLHS: 10 am-5 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School invites you to its first-ever holiday bazaar in the gym (40th/Genesee), including food/beverages and the school robotics team showing its stuff.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT MASONIC HALL: 10 am-4 pm, 40th and Edmunds, the Alki Masonic Hall has a holiday bazaar today too.

NORTHWEST ART AND FRAME OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-5:30 pm, with demonstrations, prize drawings, and more. Full details here – and the Facebook event page has info too.

TAKING ON FERRY IDLING: CoolMom is scheduled to spend the day raising awareness about the pollution caused by idling while you’re awaiting the ferry in Fauntleroy, 11:30 am-4:30 pm.

FAMILY FUN WITH THE HARMONICA POCKET! They’re playing High Point Community Center this morning, 10:30 am. If you didn’t buy an advance discount ticket, it’s $5/person, $20/max per family. Here’s the description from Seattle Parks:

“SINGING THANKSGIVING”: This interactive 50-minute set gets young and old alike singing American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain. Audience members are invited to co-create and improvise lyrics on a Harmonica Pocket original song. Give Thanks and sing names of harvest fruits and vegetables on Apple Apple. Dance, fingerplays, a waltz with a pumpkin, and zany skits tie this program up into a thoughtful, playful package.

SPECIAL DONATION DROPOFF AT WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 2-5 pm today, bring turkeys and other food donations directly to the WS Food Bank via its garage off SW Morgan east of 35th – more details here.

SKILLS & DRILLS BASKETBALL CLINIC: Three hours of basketball tune-up as kids get ready for the winter sports season, 2-5 pm at West Seattle High School, with guests including WSHS head coach Donald Watts and Sonics legend Slick Watts – here’s our original story with details.

LOCAL YOUTH AT YOUNGSTOWN – 2 CHANCES TO SEE THEM! Freehold’s Engaged Theater presents “Aloud,” with the cast including local youth. And it’s free! Get the details here. 4 and 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

DONATE FOOD TONIGHT DURING THE TURKEY BOWL! The bowling lanes are sold out last time we checked, but the Beer Church Turkey Bowl at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) tonight is still a fun event to watch, and the perfect chance for you to drop by with nonperishable food donations to add to the tally benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. It all starts at 5:30 pm.

GARY BENSON’S CD RELEASE PARTY: He performs and celebrates his new CD at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tonight, 6-8 pm.

BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE AT ZIPPY’S: In White Center, it’s Art Walk night (third Saturdays), and this is the second time that Zippy’s Giant Burgers (WSB sponsor) is presenting live music – this time, a Black Sabbath tribute band, starting at 9 pm (9614 14th SW).

NIGHTTIME BEACH WALK: 10 pm-midnight at Me-Kwa-Mooks – details here.

Even more is happening today/tonight – these are just a few highlights; check the calendar for more!

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West Seattle Helpline thanks community for energetic fundraiser
November 17, 2012 1:49 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Helpline thanks community for energetic fundraiser
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

“The crowd had a lot of energy,” marveled West Seattle Helpline executive director Tara Luckie, reflecting on last weekend’s fall fundraiser at the Duwamish Longhouse. She shared photos along with words of gratitude, “thanking West Seattle neighbors and businesses for making the night a success.”

All that enthusiasm, and accompanying generosity, means, Tara says, “We raised enough in donations to assist 80 West Seattle families with staying in their homes and keeping their lights and heat on this winter.” Featured speaker was State House Rep. Eileen Cody, who won another term in this month’s election.

Lots of other ways to help Helpline with its mission this holiday season – keep an eye on its website at wshelpline.org.

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Fundraiser announced for South Park crash victims’ families
November 16, 2012 9:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | South Park | West Seattle news | White Center

One of the two teenagers killed in last Sunday night’s South Park crash has been laid to rest: After her viewing in White Center and funeral Mass at Holy Family, 13-year-old Lucie Hernandez was to be buried at a cemetery in Tukwila this afternoon. A funeral Mass is planned Monday at St. Mary’s in the Central District for 16-year-old Luis Martinez, who was a student at TEC High School on the Evergreen campus in White Center.

The two boys who survived the crash are also Evergreen campus students, according to Highline Public Schools, at TEC and at the Arts and Academics Academy, while the third survivor has been identified as Lucie’s sister Karla, a ninth-grader at Chief Sealth International High School.

We had previously reported an account to help Luis’s family with expenses, accessible via any BECU branch, in the name of Victor Herrera, account number 3579847581. Donations were accepted at this past Wednesday’s Denny/Sealth concert (WSB coverage here). And tonight, we have the announcement of a benefit next Monday night (November 19th) to assist both Luis and Lucie’s families:

The event will be at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant in Renton from 5 pm-9 pm. There will be a $10 buffet fee and a chance to drop off additional donations. Radio Variedades radio host Mercedes Garcia will be hosting the event live on the radio and encouraging the community to come and support. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to spread the word.

The restaurant is at 540 Rainier Avenue South (map).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Officer-attack suspect charged
November 16, 2012 8:03 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Tuesday night)
One more court case to report as the week comes to an end: A charge of third-degree assault is filed against Skyler Gronholz, the 28-year-old man accused in the Tuesday night incident that left a Seattle Police sergeant and officer injured, as well as a citizen who tried to help. As we reported in followups, police say they pulled Gronholz over for running a red light at California and Charlestown; he gave the officer a false name, then tried to drive away while she was arresting him and trying to get him out of the car – that was the start of the struggle that led to injuries. According to the documents arguing to keep his bail at $30,000 (in addition to $15,000 for an arrest warrant that was out for him):

At the time of the defendant’s arrest in this case, he was on warrant status on a case in King County Superior Court Drug Court for multiple counts of burglary and trafficking in stolen property. … The defendant has had 21 warrants issued for his arrest since 2005 in King County. In addition to the defendant’s Drug Court matter, where he was found guilty of four counts of burglary in the second degree and four counts of trafficking stolen property in the first degree, the defendant has known convictions for theft in the third degree (2002, 2006) and criminal solicitation (2010).

The charging documents also include a few more details of the circumstances: The officer’s body was “inside the doorframe of the driver’s door” when Gronholz allegedly started the car. In addition to cuts and bruises on her elbows and knees, she also had a tooth knocked loose during the scuffle. The sergeant is described as having torn muscles in the chest, arm, and shoulder, with possible nerve damage. While, as we reported Wednesday, police suspected Gronholz was in possession of drugs, the assault charge is all that prosecutors filed against him. He’s still in jail at last check, and scheduled for arraignment November 29th.

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Happening now: Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Fair 2012
November 16, 2012 5:39 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

You have three chances to check out the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Fair at Fauntleroy Church this weekend for early holiday shopping — and the first one is under way right now, till 8 pm. We stopped by just before things got under way this evening, and photographed three of the participating crafters/artists. Above, Fauntleroy’s own Ann Dawson is there with her handmade hats. Next, Holli from Holli with an I Photography:

You’ll find woodcarver James Grantham there too:

Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW and the show is on till 8 tonight, 10-4 tomorrow, 11-2 on Sunday.

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Reminder: Eastridge Church turkey giveaway tomorrow morning
November 16, 2012 4:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

In case you or someone you know is in need this Thanksgiving … we wanted to mention once more that the annual Eastridge Church 500-turkey giveaway is tomorrow morning, starting at 9 am, at the church (39th and Oregon, across from West Seattle Bowl). They don’t require any proof of need or ID – just show up and they’ll give you a turkey and bag of groceries, as long as the supply lasts.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Sons charged with mistreating elderly father
November 16, 2012 3:46 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Criminal mistreatment is the charge filed in relation to the case of an 86 year-old Alki man who died after being found in such bad condition, he died days later. This happened in 2010; two of his sons have just been charged this month. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office tells WSB they are due in court the day before Thanksgiving to answer charges. 57-year-old Kenneth Shaw and 54-year-old Keith Shaw are charged with second-degree criminal mistreatment because of what happened to their father Kyle Shaw Jr.

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Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project ceremony: ‘We’re done!’
November 16, 2012 2:57 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
After four years of construction, finally a celebration for the completion of the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. It was May 2008 when word came that the project would proceed, and we took a closeup look at “how it’ll change your life.” It’s added a 4th Avenue offramp on the eastbound side, consolidated on/offramps on the westbound side, and more travel lanes, among other things, all commemorated with this morning’s gathering beneath the SSV (known not that long ago as The West Seattle Freeway). There were of course speeches, including one from West Seattle restaurateur and Chamber of Commerce board chair Dave Montoure:

During the final phase of the project, he was part of an informal task force set up to avoid community-communication snafus like one that left many surprised by a weekend closure. But that’s all in the past – this morning was a time to celebrate, maybe even sigh in relief. Or at least, take pictures, as Mayor Mike McGinn was seen doing:

A closer look at that cake and the ribboncutting – plus what’s next, ahead:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car stolen; bicycle found
November 16, 2012 2:28 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: Car stolen; bicycle found
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports this afternoon. David’s car was stolen in North Delridge:

Could you please put up a notice to look out for a 1990 Jeep Wrangler, white, with a black hard top? License plate 465ZLU. It’s got a 3″ lift, a winch on the front, and a rear license plate frame that’s pink and reads “I Brake For Unicorns.” It was stolen last night from 28th Ave. SW at SW Adams St., right in front of Dragonfly Park, some time between 1930 last night and 0700 this morning.

Many stolen cars are found relatively close by, so keep an eye out for David’s car. Meantime, Akemi noticed an abandoned silver Redline bike on the west side of The Junction, Oregon/Glenn – we always suggest reporting these to police so they’re not re-stolen (if stolen at all), but as an FYI, she’s seen it there for a couple days.

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West Seattle holidays: Helmstetler, Junction, OLG, WC lightings
November 16, 2012 12:18 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: Helmstetler, Junction, OLG, WC lightings
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Less than a week till Thanksgiving and the holidays are rushing in. Our annual WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page will be up soon as a one-stop shop for all the events/dates you’re looking for (have you sent us YOUR holiday event/s yet? thanks! editor@westseattleblog.com) – and in the meantime, we now have a slate of holiday lighting ceremonies you can plan on attending:

WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS/HELMSTETLER SPECTACULAR: Just a reminder that, as first reported here two weeks ago, the popular synched-to-music light show on SW Charlestown will debut with a concert and free coffee this year – 7 pm November 24. (Bring a nonperishable-food donation!)

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: The 9th annual Tree Lighting is set for 5 pm December 1st in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) – with music and special guests as always. (Here’s the full slate of Hometown Holidays events.)

WHITE CENTER TREE LIGHTING: 5 pm December 1st is also when the official White Center tree at Veterans’ Triangle Park (Roxbury/Delridge/16th) will be lit in a festive ceremony.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE TREE LIGHTING/FOOD DRIVE: Just out of the WSB inbox, Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish invite you to “mingle and jingle” December 7th while helping them fill a sleigh with canned-food donations. Caroling, cocoa, cookies, and Santa too, as the event continues in the new OLG gym after the tree (the city’s highest-elevation tree, at 35th/Myrtle) is lit at 7 pm.

We’ll also be featuring West Seattle’s best and brightest again this year – once yours is up and running, share the location (and a photo if you have one, or we’ll go check it out) – here’s how. Not just blazingly lit homes – creative/unusual outdoor decorations, too – can’t wait to see ’em.

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West Seattle businesses: Thunder Road Guitars about to open
November 16, 2012 11:02 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Frank Gross)
The storefront’s painted, the signs are up, and Frank Gross is about to open Thunder Road Guitars at 3916 California SW (formerly Olivia’s, and before that, Moxie). He’s planning a “soft open” 10 am-6 pm tomorrow and keeping those hours daily until the official grand-opening celebration the day after Thanksgiving (aka Black Friday). As noted in our previous coverage, till now, he’s sold vintage and used guitars online – and now, there’s a showroom:

Thunder Road is online at thunderroadguitars.com.

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Quake-safety evaluations for West Seattle’s covered reservoirs
November 16, 2012 9:46 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

That underground video shows what West Seattle Reservoir in Highland Park looked like three years ago, before the city finished covering it and filling it with water – one of two now-buried reservoirs in WS, along with Myrtle Reservoir between High Point and Gatewood.

While they’re out of sight, today they are not at all out of mind: While Seattle Public Utilities insists there are “no safety issues,” they confirm that both of West Seattle’s underground reservoirs – along with two others in the city – are undergoing seismic evaluations, to determine whether there’s a chance they might leak if there’s an earthquake.

This story broke last night at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner); reporter Lynn Thompson writes that a firm that worked on the projects brought the potential problem to the city’s attention, saying their seismic calculations were based on above-ground structures, not underground ones. We talked about the report with SPU spokesperson Andy Ryan, who says test results won’t be in till spring, and once they are, if they show a potential seismic risk, then they’ll decide how to handle it. “We don’t expect that this is going to cost the public any more,” Ryan told WSB, pointing out that they recovered almost the entire cost of work done three years ago after Myrtle and Beacon Reservoirs’ waterproofing membranes were found to be leaky. (We broke that story here on WSB in July 2009, researching and reporting it after watchful neighbors noticed unusual work at the site and started inquiring. As Thompson’s story in The Times notes, the city and its contractors settled that case two years ago.)

Ryan says the seismic discovery – not related to the waterproofing issue, though both involved the design firm MWH – is not new; the evaluation, involving “sophisticated modeling,” has been in the works a while: “We have been working for a year and a half to get this modeling set up, to find the right people.” He stresses there is no current safety issue, no leakage – they just want to be sure there wouldn’t be, even in case of catastrophe.

One more thing we’ll be checking on: Both reservoir-covering projects in West Seattle led to the development of new park space. Myrtle is done, but WS (adjacent to Westcrest Park) is not – so we will check with Seattle Parks to see if waiting for evaluation results there might affect construction plans there.

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West Seattle Friday: Heading for the pre-holiday weekend
November 16, 2012 8:45 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife | WS miscellaneous


(Click image for larger view)
Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for her photos of Lincoln Park’s barred-owl pair! Some of what’s up today/tonight – BEFORE we get to a busy weekend – from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CEREMONY: The four-year widening project is complete except for a few finishing touches. What was originally announced as a dedication this morning for the artwork on its columns is now a ribbon-cutting on behalf of the entire project, with the mayor among those on hand. 9 am, under the bridge, east of 1st Avenue South.

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Meets today from 10 AM to 2 PM at Daystar Retirement Village, 2615 SW Barton Street, in Building # 1 (you can join the meeting at any time). Registration ($5 donation) and social half-hour at 10 AM. Followed by the 10:30 AM Business meeting, and morning study with member Julie Gramm sharing her knowledge of “Creating and Maintaining a Bog Garden.” Commentary on the Design and Horticulture Exhibits precedes the 12:00 noon Brown Bag Lunch, with dessert and beverage provided by the club. The 1 PM afternoon program. “A Look behind the Scenes at HGTV Landscapers’ Challenge” will be presented by Ruth Burrus, former member of the “Landscapers’ Challenge” television-program staff. The speaker will share her experiences of what it takes to put together an episode of this TV series. Visitors welcome. More infrmation at (206) 932-2540 or www.westseattlegardenclub.com.

‘BATTLE OF WEST SEATTLE’ SOCCER: The girls’ soccer teams for Denny and Madison middle schools have both had great seasons – Denny won its division, Madison came in third in its division – and while they didn’t get to play each other during the season, they are facing off at 3:15 pm today at Southwest Athletic Complex for the West Seattle Soccer Club‘s first annual “Battle for West Seattle” Cup.

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT FAIR: 5-8 pm at Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW) – first of three days.

ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY AUCTION: Doors open at 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Interested in checking on last-minute ticket availability? E-mail auction chair Lucy Weber: lucyweb2@yahoo.com

RESTORATIVE YOGA: 6:30-8 pm with Milo Minnis at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor; 5639 California SW). More info here.

LIVE MUSIC: We have listings from C & P Coffee, Feedback Lounge, Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsors), Skylark Café and Club, and The Benbow Room on today’s calendar page – go here and mouseover/click the plus sign on any line to expand that listing.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Foggy Friday
November 16, 2012 6:59 am
|      4 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)
6:59 AM: The fog rolled in very early this morning and is still here – so keep that in mind as you get ready to head out. Here’s one warning, via Twitter:

No other challenges so far.

8:15 AM: Might be a little bumpy on the 1st Avenue South Bridge – a crash reported southbound:

Speaking of bridges – we covered last night’s South Park Bridge update meeting for our partner site The South Park News; here’s the story.

8:23 AM: 1st Avenue South Bridge problem is now down to 1 lane, per WSDOT.

5:15 PM: Traffic’s ugly out there right now, according to multiple sources: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge and surface 1st Avenue have both been mentioned. Nothing obvious on the 911 log at this point. The city’s advisory mentions only one event of note tonight: Red Hot Chili Peppers at KeyArena.

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