West Seattle, Washington
17 Thursday
If you’re interested in the Delridge Greenway – a city project to designate a stretch of road through North Delridge as a bicycle/pedestrian-safe alternative to braving Delridge Way – but couldn’t go to Thursday night’s open house, here’s a recap on the North Delridge Neighborhood Council site, by NDNC’s transportation chair Jake Vanderplas. Jake writes that about 30 people showed up to discuss ideas with city reps and each other. The city is scheduled to return on January 15th with a proposal, as first announced last month.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports to share. First two are home burglaries. From Dana, who’s in Westwood, between 32nd and 34th on Barton:
Our house was broken into (Thursday) sometime between 9:30 am-3:45 pm. In bedroom window, out the back door. I think it was typical robbery: they got laptop, jewelry, prescription (expired) meds, and Wii controllers(?). Reported it to SPD, they filed report and took some fingerprints. Officer said (reminding all of us) this is the season for break-ins (before/around Christmas).
That indeed was the reminder we heard from a Community Police Team officer at this week’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting.
(Birthday guy with Nature C’s Nancy Whitlock; photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
The College Street Ravine near King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s home got him into politics – and every year, the West Seattle-based Nature Consortium organizes a work party there to mark his birthday. Today was the day, and he was there before noon (right about the same time that, back in downtown Seattle, his office was sending word King County would start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples at 12:01 am December 6th). Later in the evening, he was scheduled for his traditional “39th birthday anniversary.” Back at the ravine, West Seattle musician Dan Pearson serenaded volunteers:
The Nature Consortium focuses on restoring forests/greenspace, and has a work party in the College Street Ravine every month (among other places) – sign up to join in, here.
‘Tis the season to cook festively. And that’s why the holiday-season Shop Late Thursdays in The Junction kicked off tonight with a triple bill at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) – from left, cookbook authors Jeannette Sauvage, Cynthia Nims, and Kim O’Donnel – all Seattleites, though their work has fans far beyond. O’Donnel’s newest book is another guide to vegetarian offerings that will please carnivores, “The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations“; Nims has cooked up a book to help you make your own “Salty Snacks“; and Sauvage has published her first cookbook, “Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays.” (All three books can be purchased at Click!) They brought samples, too. So what’s up for NEXT “Shop Late Thursday” on November 29th (next week obviously will be skipped for the holiday)? Check out your favorite shops; the participants are all listed here.
For our partner site The South Park News, we covered tonight’s SP meeting to follow up on the revelation earlier this month that the new bridge won’t be done until early 2014 – at least a few months later than projected. The meeting led by project reps from King County was lightly attended but went into detail explaining the setbacks and what’s ahead. You can see the full report here.
With Fire Station 32 right across the street from the south side of Highline Medical Center‘s brand-new West Seattle facility at 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW, it seemed natural for its crew members to join in the dedication ceremony this evening – and that’s where our video clip begins.
We first told you back in August 2011 about Highline’s plan to take over what was once part of the Huling Brothers automotive sites, then Cycle University (now on Harbor Avenue), and turn it into its new West Seattle offices, which have been located on 41st SW east of Jefferson Square until now.
They’re closing tomorrow afternoon for the move – and referring patients to their Roxbury clinic if care is needed over the weekend. But first, a celebration:
Once the new location opens, the SW Alaska side of the new Highline center will hold the entrance for Highline Urgent Care; the Fauntleroy Way SW side will be where you go in for Highline Family Medicine.
(UPDATED 9:32 PM with comment from preschool spokesperson)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Long before the Seattle School Board almost ordered them out of the public-school building they leased and fixed up just two years ago, Westside School (WSB sponsor) had been seeking a permanent site. Now, it appears Westside has found one.
School leadership has sent a letter to Westside families saying they are in the process of purchasing Hillcrest Presbyterian Church at 34th and 104th in Arbor Heights. The city Department of Planning Development website notes the early stages of a plan to renovate the main church building as part of Westside School’s campus.
We just spoke with Westside’s first-year head of school Kate Mulligan to get some answers to questions that are already ricocheting around the community along with copies of the letter.
If you still don’t believe that suicide is an epidemic – that it should get at least as much attention as homicide, if not more – consider this: King County is just out with its report on 2011 deaths, and the number of suicides, 265, was almost five times the number of homicides, 54. The number of accidental drug overdoses, more than 200, is also a concern. But the county says its 2011 report also shows traffic deaths and homicides on the decline. Here’s the full news release; here’s the entire report.
P.S. The county’s advice for help if you or someone you know is considering suicide: Contact the Crisis Clinic, crisisclinic.org or 866-427-4747.
Just in from King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office – he will open the County Recorder’s Office literally the minute that same-sex marriage is legal, to start issuing licenses. Here’s the official announcement:
King County Executive Dow Constantine will open the County Recorder’s Office at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 – immediately upon certification of the November election – to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“I don’t want couples to wait a minute longer than legally necessary to get the rights that voters have recognized,” said Executive Constantine, who will personally sign the first marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m.
The move will make King County the first jurisdiction in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on voter approval.
Much more information ahead regarding how it’ll work:Read More
There’s a new proposal for changes to parking in The Triangle and in the Fairmount neighborhood to its south – see the map above. It’s being circulated after the city’s followup conversations with the Triangle Advisory Group and other neighbors. So far, the postcard above has only gone out to homes/businesses in the immediate area – but it’s certainly of wider interest, so we are sharing it here. An online survey is open right now (go here), and/or you can send comments by Monday, November 26, to kiersten.grove@seattle.gov.
This morning, Mayor McGinn put out a call for Seattleites to donate food, money, and time to their local food banks. People in our area are already answering that call – here are updates we’ve collected in the past few days:
STUDENTS COLLECT TURKEY MONEY: Sharon from Union Gospel Mission shares the photo of Our Lady of Guadalupe School students Alex and Hope, who she says stood outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) for two hours last weekend and raised $274.39 to buy turkeys for UGM, inspired by a news report. She quotes Alex, 12, as saying: “Homeless people who come here for a meal is a blessing. I have food to last me through the night but homeless people don’t. And a meal helps them stay healthy and have a fuller stomach then they would otherwise,” and Hope, 13, as saying: “Food is important. Being homeless is hard. Some people starve to death. I wanted to make a difference. It feels good.”
CLINICS’ FOOD-DRIVE WRAPUP: You might recall our reports on Sound Physical Therapy organizing a food drive as a “competition” involving 9 PT clinics in the area, in honor of National Physical Therapy Month in October. Sound PT sent word that together, the participating clinics (all listed here) collected 1,500 pounds of food for the West Seattle Food Bank – three-quarters of a ton!
LAFARGE FOOD DRIVE, HAPPENING NOW: Lashanna at Lafarge sends a reminder of their monthlong drive – and an invitation for you to participate:
Just a community reminder that Lafarge needs your help with our annual food drive to benefit Northwest Harvest! Please drop off food at 5400 W. Marginal Way SW – there is a donation box right by the staircase and fountain!!!
WE(st) Seattle puts the “we” in community – we found the hummmmm ……. we built a park….. we can feed those in need too! Please donate today.
PRE-THANKSGIVING ‘FOODRAISER’ DANCE CLASS AHEAD: Jenna at Gildenfire is organizing this kids’ class for next Tuesday (November 20):
Next Tuesday I am going to teach a free-with-2-cans-of-food dance class for ages 2-4 with parent or caregiver to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. The class will be 10:45 on Tuesday morning at Highland Park Improvement Club and is open to residents of West Seattle and White Center. The class is Creative Movement. We will do a Brain Dance Warm-Up, play some dance games like Freeze Dance and Underwater Adventure, do a Dancing Story and end with an amazing obstacle course and open play time for kids to practice their hula-hooping, somersaulting, mini-trampoline, ball skills and free dancing with scarves.
HOW TO HELP LOCAL FOOD BANKS DIRECTLY: Two days ago, we published the Thanksgiving-season needs lists for the WS Food Bank and for the White Center Food Bank. While the needs range beyond holiday turkeys, if you’re interested in giving those, there are special dropoff hours at WS Food Bank (35th and Morgan) this Saturday and at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW) on behalf of WC Food Bank this Sunday. All the details are in the earlier reports:
—WS Food Bank here
—WC Food Bank here
(Recent fall-colors aerial of Duwamish Head/North Admiral, by Long Bach Nguyen, shared via WSB Flickr group)
BIRTHDAY PARTY WORK PARTY: As previewed here last weekend, today is the annual Nature Consortium work party in honor of County Executive Dow Constantine‘s birthday. You can join them at College Street Ravine between 10 am and 2 pm.
SPECIAL STORY TIME: Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village reports “a special storytime between 1-3 pm today, with Rite Aid’s Health and Wellness Ambassadors doing the storytelling! There will also be a craft, making hand turkeys for Thanksgiving!”
ROAD TO COLLEGE – WITH FREE DINNER: Got a high-school student in the house? Free dinner and information about college access and related topics, 5 pm tonight at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
FALL HARVEST AUCTION FOR WSHS: The annual West Seattle High School fundraising auction is tonight at 5:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).
FREE WINE TASTING: The weekly Thursday tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor; 6026 California SW), 5:30-8 pm, will feature Spanish wines this time.
SHOP LATE THURSDAY – INCLUDING COOKBOOK AUTHORS AT CLICK! The Junction’s Shop Late Thursdays are back for the 2012 holiday season, 6-9 pm, and one big event is happening tonight at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor; 4540 California SW) – cookbook authors Kim O’Donnel (“The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations”), Jeanne Sauvage (“Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays”), and Cynthia Nims (“Salty Snacks”). Full details here.
TEST DRIVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WESTSIDE SCHOOL: Big event tonight for prospective middle-schoolers and their families:
Westside School is hosting a really exciting, interactive event this evening starting at 6:00 pm. Prospective students for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will have an opportunity to “test drive” the Middle School at Westside. They are invited to come and learn about Westside’s Middle School program, through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Talk with our fantastic Middle School teachers, and meet our administrators. Learn more about it HERE.
(Westside is a WSB sponsor; 7740 34th SW.)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CENTER! Come check out the advisory council of the Southwest Teen Life Center and Pool – 7 pm tonight on the lower level of the center, 2801 SW Thistle. These are the community volunteers who help support activities there (among other things), as explained in the official notice.
WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: The group for local business owners meets tonight at Lezlie Jane‘s Hilltop Studio at 7 pm. The theme is Marketing Ideas for the New Year. Address: 10643 19th Ave SW – phone: 206-383-7283
SOUTH PARK BRIDGE MEETING: As first reported on partner site The South Park News, the bridge work is running longer than planned and it won’t be done before early 2014. Tonight, you can find out more during a county-organized community meeting at the South Park Neighborhood Center, 8201 10th Avenue South, 7 pm.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL MEETING: 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds). Here’s the agenda:
1) Nominations and election of ACC Board and Officers
2) Review of Tentative 2013 Budget
3) Results of November 13th FAA Greener Skies Meeting with Beacon Hill Community
4) Progress on ACC’s 501 (c) (3) Application
5) ACC Goals for 2013
Tonight’s nightlife highlights (music, comedy, pub quiz) and more – plus what’s ahead tomorrow and beyond – on the calendar!
Just in from West Seattle Crime Prevention Council president Richard Miller – next week’s monthly WSCPC meeting will focus on transit – safety, in particular:
Our November meeting will focus on how the recent Metro Transit route changes and the creation of a Transit Center in the Westwood neighborhood have impacted West Seattle. Our guests will include Dale Cummings, Senior Transit Planner (Metro); Mike Bergman, Service Planning Manager (Sound Transit); and Christine Alar, Transit Planning and Policy (SDOT).
The meeting is at 7 pm Tuesday, November 20th, in the meeting room at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), everyone welcome, with your chance to not only ask questions of the guests but also to bring up community concerns to the Seattle Police leadership in attendance.
A three-school concert at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium last night – Sealth, Denny International Middle School, and the University of Washington – began with some reflection from Denny’s principal on what’s been a difficult week so far, because of the loss of 13-year-old Denny student Lucie Hernandez, killed along with 16-year-old former Denny student Mario Luis Martinez Herrera in a Sunday night crash. In our video, you’ll hear principal Jeff Clark‘s remarks, followed by Denny/Sealth maestro Marcus Pimpleton‘s introduction to the concert, and then the first number by Denny musicians. (The second number, “Over the Rainbow,” was dedicated to Lucie.) Before the concert, a reception in the Sealth commons included a collection for the families of the crash victims.
One more note from the Denny/Sealth Music Pathway – next week, both schools’ marching bands will be in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown (9 am Friday, November 23rd), as will the West Seattle High School Marching Band (noted here last week).
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:42 AM: One week till Thanksgiving. Another rainless morning for your commute; nothing to report in or near West Seattle as we start out.
7:03 AM: Fog is advancing from the west, so unless it suddenly stops, at least part of the peninsula is likely to be socked in soon.
8:16 AM: The fog has stopped short of “socked in,” at least so far – and right now, the bridge cam is positively basking in sunshine. Meantime, a reminder: If you’re interested in firsthand information on the status of the new South Park Bridge, there’s a meeting tonight at 7 pm in SP – details here.
9:08 AM: Pioneer Square/International District alert, especially if you drive in via 4th – there’s a semi/bus crash at 4th and Jackson that is said to be causing “traffic delays.” No injuries reported so far.
9:21 AM NOTE: The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council just announced that transit is its focus at next week’s monthly meeting – if you have safety issues regarding transit and the recent changes, be there. Details here.
Big booksigning tonight for West Seattle first-time novelist Michael G. Hickey – he had already sold a box of books by the time we stopped by the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) to check in. Full house, too, wishing him well as he promotes “Counterclockwise” – fans on hand included Mike’s standup-comic wife Mona Concepcion (below left) and his boss Gary Oertli (below right):
You probably recognize Oertli as president of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), where Hickey is on the faculty. Wondering what “Counterclockwise” is about? Hickey’s description: “It’s 1980, Tucson, Arizona, and a grocery store clerk becomes friends with a world-famous rock singer. Their friendship inspires each to face their respective pasts and the demons that seem to be sabotaging their respective futures.” It’s 34 years in the making – with its roots in a series of short stories of ihs from back in 1978!
This weekend marks the end for Shipwreck Tavern in The Admiral District. After getting a tip tonight from Guy (thanks!), we went there to confirm the reported shutdown, and co-owner Scott told WSB it’s true. The Shipwreck also made the announcement via Facebook:
This is Scott and Chris here, telling all yall, this is the end. The ship is wrecked. We will be closing the doors this Sunday the 18th. We want to thank everyone for all their support and especially to all the wonderful musicians who have graced this bar. Also everything is for sale so come in and have one last beer with to celebrate a new beginning and buy some nautical s–t, and grab your stein if you have one. We love you all and thanks again.
It’s been three years since Shipwreck Tavern opened, meant to be a nautical-themed haven for drinks and tunes.
A memorial is planned at Forest Lawn next Tuesday (November 20th) for Frank Lunetti, who died this past Monday. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:
A birth, a death, eternal life with God. Frank R. Lunetti passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 12, 2012 to be with our Lord. He was born July 1st, 1939 to Roy and Elizabeth Lunetti in Tacoma, Washington.
Frank met the love of his life and partner Bob Schultz in 1964. The relationship of 36 years ended when Bob died in 2000. Together he and Bob had business ventures that spanned manufacturing statuary, dog grooming, a laundromat, and a bookkeeping service.
Frank spent 17 years with ITT Continental Baking Company. Frank continued his career as a private bookkeeper until his retirement.
Frank enjoyed traveling, especially to Mazatlan, Egypt, and China. He also was an avid gardener. Frank is survived by his sister-in-law Doris Lunetti and three nieces, Marie Eubanks, Ede Readel and Sandy Owens. Frank’s extended family included many friends and business associates.
It is Frank’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to “Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Research Fund,” c/o Dean Jerry Baldasty, UW Graduate School, Box 353770, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 98195-3770.
Funeral services and internment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle on Tuesday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Bail is set at $45,000, according to the King County Jail register, for the 28-year-old man arrested in West Seattle last night for allegedly assaulting a Seattle Police officer and sergeant and the civilian who tried to help them, when a traffic stop turned into a tussle. The suspect is a Kent resident who is now in jail for the 10th time this year; he waived the right to be present in court for his bail hearing this afternoon. As we noted in an update earlier today, most of the jail stays relate to a burglary case in which he was charged one year ago today – accused of stealing from college dorm rooms elsewhere in Seattle and pawning stolen property – allegedly for money to support a heroin habit. He is under investigation for two counts of third-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault, and one drug charge; prosecutors have until Friday to decide on charges. We asked SPD how the officer and sergeant are doing; Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen tells us tonight that they are “sore, but OK.” More details on the incident are included in the documents from this afternoon’s bail hearing – read on:Read More
Also in from SDOT late today:
SDOT paving crews will restore a gas line on SW Brace Point Drive at California Avenue SW on Friday, November 16, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, if needed, they will continue work on Monday, November 19. One shared lane of traffic will remain open with flaggers assisting drivers taking turns traveling through the area. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
SDOT crews will return to SW Brace Point on November 26, 28, and 30 to work again from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, to complete paving the street as part of SDOT’s annual paving program. There will be one lane of traffic each way during construction with periodic delays. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
As first reported in our coverage of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting this past Monday – and information we found online afterward – the contract for next year’s big Delridge repaving/road-rebuilding project has been awarded. And now that the city knows the price, it also knows how far the paving will stretch – SDOT had said that depending on the bids, it would be able to add more of Delridge, and possibly even some of 16th. As noted in our earlier story, the contractor is Gary Merlino Construction, and the winning bid includes the “first additive” – which means Delridge will be repaved from Orchard all the way to Roxbury, but 16th will not be included. Read on for the official city announcement:Read More
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:20 PM: Police and fire are rushing right now to 32nd and Raymond in High Point. The scanner says an 8-year-old on a bicycle was hit by a car; he is reported to be conscious. More when we get there.
3:29 PM UPDATE: Co-publisher Patrick Sand is there and says he can see that the child is conscious and sitting up. Looks like he will be taken to the hospital to be checked out. They are trying to find his parent. The driver is visibly distraught and talking with police.
3:42 PM UPDATE: According to radio traffic, the child may have a broken bone. The medic unit is taking him to the hospital right now.
Today’s scheduled King County Superior Court arraignment was postponed for 34-year-old Ryan Cox, charged with malicious harassment (hate crime) for hitting a man with a baseball bat in an attack allegedly based on his perception of the victim’s sexual orientation. (Here’s our original October 29th report on his arrest following the incident.) Cox instead will now undergo a mental-health evaluation, to see if he is competent to stand trial. At least three previous cases involving Cox have been dismissed because he was found not competent, and he wasn’t considered a likely subject to be “restored” to competency (via forced drug treatment). King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe says Cox’s arraignment has been rescheduled for December 5th, and a competency hearing will be part of the proceedings.
| Comments Off on Delridge Greenway: NDNC report on this week’s meeting