day : 04/12/2012 11 results

Two updates tonight in the incident that sent two Chief Sealth International High School students to the hospital after a car hit them last Wednesday: The woman arrested the next day, 37-year-old Amy Lynn O’Brien, is now charged with two counts of second-degree assault and one count of felony hit-and-run, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office website. The King County Jail Register says she is out of jail as of just before 6 o’clock tonight; though her bail was set at $250,000 last week, the register describes it as a “conditional release” – so far, we have not found court documents explaining why, so we will have to follow up with prosecutors tomorrow. O’Brien’s arraignment is scheduled for December 17th.

Another West Seattle-to-White Center move: Aaron’s Bicycle Repair

December 4, 2012 7:43 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | White Center

First Zippy’s – then Meander’s – now, Aaron’s … Another business is moving from West Seattle to White Center. Just out of the WSB inbox, from Aaron’s Bicycle Repair proprietor Aaron Goss:

Aaron’s Bicycle Repair, Inc. says thank you and goodbye to Morgan Junction and West Seattle proper.

However, they are only moving 3 miles away to White Center!

This is very exciting news for White Center and we have been welcomed with open arms by the community.

For several years, Dubsea Bikes, a non-profit bicycle repair and ride group, has been lobbying for a bike shop in Rat City.

Starting February 1st, 2013 that will be a reality!

The bike shop will be located in the White Center Square, anchored by Hung Long Asian Market.

The new address is 9988 15th Ave. SW, Suite E.

Phone, e-mail and web will remain the same. Look for updates on the shop’s website soon. www.RideYourBike.com.

Manager Gregg Sundin said the economic downturn and increasing online sales forced the decision to downsize. The shop will re-focus on bicycle repair and service but will still sell bikes, parts and accessories.

Also offered will be community-building events like Full Moon rides, Free Flat Tuesdays and hosting Dubsea Bikes repair parties.

Here’s a map to the future Aaron’s location. The space the store is leaving was the Morgan Junction state liquor store until four years ago, when the state closed it, and the bike shop moved in from another space nearby.

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West Seattle schools: Lafayette Elementary Walk-a-Thon success

December 4, 2012 7:10 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As we reported on October 19th during this year’s Lafayette Elementary Walk-A-Thon, the fundraising goal was $65,000 – but now the final tally’s in and parent volunteers say it was so successful, it brought in almost a third more than they had hoped – $84,293! With that announcement, they’re publicly thanking their sponsors – click ahead to see the official list:

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West Seattle commute alerts: California/Fauntleroy signal trouble; ferry run still on 2 boats

December 4, 2012 4:44 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle commute alerts: California/Fauntleroy signal trouble; ferry run still on 2 boats

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(iPhone video from a short time ago, not too long of a delay headed southbound)
4:44 PM: In case you haven’t already seen this on the daily transit/traffic tracker – California/Fauntleroy is on a four-way stop system, with police directing traffic, because of signal trouble. We’d suggest avoiding if you can.

Also regarding a ferry alert from earlier – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth is still on a two-boat schedule because the third is out with mechanical trouble. As of right now, WSF says there’s a 90-minute wait at Fauntleroy.

5:32 PM UPDATE: Both situations still in effect – just checked for a firsthand look.

6:48 PM UPDATE: Good news for California/Fauntleroy – signal’s back in operation. No update from WSF yet on a third boat; VesselWatch still shows only two boats on the run.

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Followup: Water Taxi closer to getting 3rd boat virtually free

December 4, 2012 3:13 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(August 2011 photo of Spirit of Kingston at Seattle dock, by Oran Viriyincy, via Flickr)
Two weeks ago, we reported on the King County Ferry District‘s move to express interest in a federally funded boat no longer needed by its current owners. We’ve just followed up on the status of the Spirit of Kingston’s future – and it appears the boat is an almost sure bet to come be part of the King County Water Taxi system.

The Kitsap Sun reports that the Spirit of Kingston – which discontinued the Kingston-Seattle foot-ferry service for which it procured the boat – has passed a resolution to transfer it to King County. Transferring it means the Port of Kingston won’t have to pay back the $2 million-plus in federal grants that paid for the boat, which is slightly smaller, and much newer (7 years vs. almost 25 years). Now, King County just has to finalize the deal; that won’t happen before the first of the year, according to Michelle Allison, legislative assistant to County Councilmember Joe McDermott, chair of the King County Ferry District Board. She says he has formally sent the board-authorized letter of interest to the Federal Transit Administration, and a meeting between King County Marine Division and FTA is coming up, but one more KC Ferry Board vote is needed “to finalize the asset transfer.” The date for that is not yet set. As noted in our report from last month, the Spirit of Kingston would likely be used as a backup to both King County’s current leased boats and its future new boats (which also are being funded with federal grant money).

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Got shoes you don’t use? Furry Faces Foundation’s Heels for Hounds

December 4, 2012 1:28 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

Just out of the WSB inbox – a call for donations to get ready for a Furry Faces Foundation benefit coming up after the holidays. Here’s the news release:

What is ‘Heels For Hounds,” you ask? It’s the newest in a line of fun-(d)-raisers benefiting Furry Faces Foundation, a.k.a., F3.

“Ola Salon and Clementine Shoes are sponsoring this event in early 2013 and to be successful, we need donations of new or very gently worn, nice, women’s shoes,” says Rachel Karlin, Ola Salon owner. “During the event, shoes will be tastefully displayed at Ola Salon. You will be able to try them on and if the shoe fits, bid on them.’

Linda Walsh, owner of Clementine Shoes, explains, “Many of us purchase shoes for that special occasion or outfit, take very good care of them and are then ready for a new pair of shoes. So, why not clean out your closets and ‘upcycle’ them to benefit animals and their people? Who knows, you may even find a pair or two at the event that you can’t live without!”

“We are very excited about this new event,” says Teri Ensley, F3 Leader. “It’s a creative idea for a fundraiser and we appreciate Ola Salon’s and Clementine Shoes’ enthusiasm and support.’

If you have new or gently worn shoes to donate, please bring them to:

• Ola Salon: 2942 Avalon Way SW; 206-933-6702
• Clementine Shoes: 4447 California Ave SW; 206-935-9400
• Hotwire Online Coffeehouse: 4410 California Ave SW; 206-935-1510
• The Wash Dog: 6400 California Avenue Southwest; 206-935-4546; www.thewashdog.com/

For breaking news and updates about this event, check out F3‘s Facebook page. Questions? furryfaces@hotmail.com

(Hotwire and The Wash Dog are WSB sponsors.)

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West Seattle wildlife: Lincoln Park owl; your chance to see more

December 4, 2012 12:45 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for sharing her photo of a barred owl at Lincoln Park this past Saturday; Trileigh writes, “I went out to the park … to take advantage of the brief sunshine and got lucky! It’s been so dark and dreary that I thought an owl encounter might be just the thing. The eagles are also soaring around and calling, although they haven’t yet started working on their nest, so this should be an exciting winter…” Trileigh has written about her latest sighting on her website, naturalpresence.wordpress.com.

Also on the Lincoln Park owl front:

West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler has just scheduled his first guided night hike in a while, heading out to look and listen for owls at Lincoln Park this Saturday night. More information, and registration, is available via his website – go here.

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‘Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical’ premieres this Friday

December 4, 2012 11:37 am

| Comments Off on ‘Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical’ premieres this Friday

| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

They’re not just making a list and checking it twice …they’re putting the final touches on the premiere of a brand-new Christmas musical that’s having its debut run here in West Seattle. We dropped by the other day as “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor) continued rehearsing.

As explained by its creators, “Santa’s First Magical Ride” gets to the roots of the Christmas story, with original folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music and dance numbers – “a fresh new Christmas musical that tells the story of where Santa came from as a young child and how he was raised by the North Pole Elves. Important questions like ‘How DO the reindeer fly?’ (and much more), are finally answered.”

It’s based on the book “Santa’s First Magical Ride“ published last year by Paul S. Carr III, who co-wrote the musical with Ricky Gene Powell; they’re both professional singers/musicians, and Powell’s background includes playwriting and directing. Libby Carr is the executive producer. (The Carrs are former West Seattleites now living in Burien, and you might recall them from extensive volunteer involvement in area projects.)

The 12-show run at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) starts Friday night (December 7th) at 7 pm. For each of the next three Friday-Saturday-Sundays (December 7-8-9, 14-15-16, and 21-22-23), “Santa’s First Magical Ride” will be performed at 7 pm Friday, 2 and 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday.

A bonus – kids in attendance get to visit afterward with Santa Claus, and parents can take a photo!

(Two of the show’s stars – young Maia Vazquez, and Santa Claus!) Another bonus – part of the proceeds benefit WestSide Baby and Ignite, “both of which are local nonprofits concerned about the welfare and education of babies, children and young people,” as the “Santa’s First Magical Ride” team explains.

Tickets are available online right now via Brown Paper Tickets – here’s the direct link – and there’s also a new special: A group-sale discount of 2 free tickets for every 10 purchased (having a party?). The producers add, “We also welcome groups and organizations who want to enjoy this experience together and we will promote their attendance on Brown Paper Tickets. Call Libby Carr (206-938-8721) for more info on how your group can celebrate by attending this event together.” You can hear a sample of the music via this YouTube promo:

Even more details are on the official “Santa’s First Magical Ride” website.

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West Seattle development: House replacements ramp up too

December 4, 2012 10:21 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

With the economy improving, a variety of construction is happening around West Seattle – not just the medium-to-big apartment or mixed-use projects we often report on. Last night, we mentioned a unique three-home remodel/rebuild project in Westwood with special financing related to energy improvements. Today, a more typical type of project that’s happening more often (judging by demolition permits on file) after a few quiet years: Old-house replacements. Steve e-mailed us to share the photo of demolition happening right now at 2134 44th SW in North Admiral. County records show the house is more than a century old, sold three months ago to Isola Homes, a Renton-based company that’s currently building small multifamily projects in West Seattle – the five-unit “rowhouses” on which we reported last summer – as well as new single-family homes. The Isola website includes renderings of the 2 1/2-story house with rooftop deck that’ll be built after the 1906 home is demolished.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Holiday concert; WSHS event for 8th graders; kindergarten enrollment; more …

December 4, 2012 8:47 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday tide-meets-turbulent-weather photo by Don Brubeck)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular calendar:

HIGH TIDE AND ‘COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY’: High water again this morning, with a tide almost to 12 feet (same as the past few days) right around 9 am.

ROTARY LUNCH GUEST: Author Dean Adams of “4,000 Hooks,” a memoir of North Pacific fishing, is the featured speaker at today’s Rotary Club of West Seattle lunch meeting, noon, Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), public welcome.

WSHS INFO NIGHT FOR CURRENT 8TH GRADERS: If you have an 8th grader in the house who’s planning to, or thinking of, attending West Seattle High School – tonight’s event is for you. 6 pm – details here.

KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NIGHT: 6-7:30 pm at Roxhill Elementary (30th and Roxbury), a special event sponsored by the city and school district with “a chance to hear from kindergarten teachers and Seattle Public Schools enrollment specialists who will help families enroll in kindergarten and answer questions about what to expect in kindergarten. Child care, dinner, interpreters, resources, technical assistance, and translation of materials, will be provided.” Participating families need to bring:

· Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS)
· Photo ID of the parent/guardian registering the student
· Address verification documents
· Birth certificate (or similar document such as a passport)

FAMILY STORY TIME: Delridge Library, 7 pm, bring the family for story time with children’s librarian Miss Bea.

(updated time) HOLIDAY CONCERT West Seattle Community Orchestras presents the West Seattle Symphony Orchestra‘s holiday concert, “Russian Holiday,” at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 7 pm:

Join us for a lovely evening of music from great Russian composers, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Mikhail Glinka. Selections include the Overture to Russlan and Lyudmila, and Suite Number 4, “Mozartiana”, and of course Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Suite. In addition to all that, enjoy the beautiful “Fantasia on ‘Greensleeves’ “, featuring flute and harp!

More details here.

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia and karaoke! See the listings in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Stormy Tuesday

December 4, 2012 7:12 am

| 9 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)
7:12 AM: Windy and wet but no other trouble so far this morning – take extra care and time. A “special weather statement” remains in effect, warning of slides now that yet more heavy rain has fallen on already-saturated ground.

12:27 PM UPDATE: The Klahowya is out so Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferries are on a two-boat schedule TFN.

4:01 PM: Trouble reported with the California-Fauntleroy signal. Avoid the intersection.

LATE-NIGHT NOTE: Both the signal and the ferry are fixed.

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