West Seattle, Washington

13 Tuesday

69℉

month : 07/2013 326 results
2

West Seattle Crime Watch: 3-wheel bicycle stolen
July 20, 2013 12:40 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Quick Crime Watch note – Greg is hoping someone has seen his stolen three-wheel bike, a blue Schwinn beach cruiser taken from the corner of California/Othello in Gatewood this past Wednesday. He’s filed a police report (13-256244). Seen it? Call him at 206-334-3436.

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West Seattle Grand Parade & Kiddie Parade: Final previews
July 19, 2013 11:34 pm
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 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

Less than 12 hours to go until the West Seattle Grand Parade, presented by American Legion Post 160, and the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Kiddie Parade. (Both follow the Float Dodger 5K, starting at 9:45 am at California/Charlestown, which we previewed last night.) Here are a few more preview notes:

JUNIOR ALL-CITY BAND IN KIDDIE PARADE: Don’t miss the Junior All-City Band in the Kiddie Parade! First we got this reminder from Jeff Clark, principal of Denny International Middle School, which has many ties to Junior ACB:

One of the beautiful things about our school and campus is the creation of cross-age learning opportunities — when kids of different ages have shared experiences, benefitting from cross-age mentoring. Mr. Pimpleton, Band Director for Denny International Middle School, Chief Sealth International High School, and the Seattle Public Schools All-City Band, continues to provide fantastic musical learning opportunities through-out the summer. The Junior All-City Band consists of students from all of our feeder elementary schools and current Denny students performing together — with mentoring from high school and college-age musicians. Thank you to Mr. Pimpleton and all of the volunteers who make Jr. All-City Band possible. I look forward to celebrating their success at upcoming parades! Go current and future Dolphins!

Then, from Marcus Pimpleton himself:

I would really like to highlight the work that John Aguilar has been doing. John is an alumnus of both Denny and Sealth and has participated as a volunteer in all of our Spring and Summer camps. This year he has more or less been running the Junior All-City program and deserves the lion share of the credit for what the students have accomplished this week. He has been assisted by a great group of high school students from a number of different high schools. It has been great kind of taking a back seat and watching these kids work and show what they have learned after all of these years of participating in these programs.

That’s John Aguilar in the photo above. Cheer him and the young musicians on, during the parade!

TEAM TRACY IN GRAND PARADE: Every year they walk for three days to fight breast cancer; in the West Seattle Grand Parade, West Seattleite Tracy Dart and her team will be on their feet for a few hours to encourage you to join the fight.

STUFF THE BUS: WestSide Baby‘s big contingent will be back to remind you that Sunday is the annual mega-diaper drive – although they’ll be doing some advance collecting Saturday afternoon, too, at West Seattle, White Center, and Burien supermarkets – watch our Saturday morning preview for details on that.

HOTWIRE ON THE ROUTE AND IN THE PARADE: Lora Swift from Hotline Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) says, “We are in the parade too – using a GT towing truck for an ‘all American rock n’ roll band’ – The After Thoughts. They will be on the parade route playing on the flatbed of the truck then will loop around and play in the courtyard for a set. We’ll be handing out coupons at Hotwire plus free (while supplies last) organic juice pops for the kids.”

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD HONOR GUARD: Parade coordinators told us they’re especially glad to have this honor guard back to lead the parade, since with the “sequester” removing so many military groups from community appearances (think Blue Angels and Navy Seafair Fleet), they weren’t sure whether it would affect this too.

DELRIDGE GROCERY: Organizers and volunteers from the store that’s gearing up to open next year in the under-construction DESC building will be walking in the parade.

POLITICIANS: At least two candidates for mayor will be in the parade, as of this past Monday, when we sat in on part of the parade lineup meeting. In all, as of that meeting, there were five political entries.

And many more (including faves like the cannon-firing Seafair Pirates). Review our previous preview coverage, and previous years, by scrolling through this WSB archive. Better yet, just line the parade route at 11 am and cheer for your neighbors and friends.

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Hiawatha Fun Fest: Even Caspar Babypants has Beatle-mania
July 19, 2013 7:37 pm
|    Comments Off on Hiawatha Fun Fest: Even Caspar Babypants has Beatle-mania
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

On the day that Paul McCartney‘s concert tour stopped in Seattle, some Beatles homage from local kids-music star Caspar Babypants. He’ll soon release an album of Beatles songs, and is selling advance copies at shows like today’s concert at Hiawatha Fun Fest – where he had the little ones hopping and bopping to a cut from the “Baby Beatles” collection, “Here Comes the Sun“:

With Caspar at Hiawatha, his CD cover artist and wife, illustrator and collage creator Kate Endle:

And after the concert, it was time for the hundreds of kids at Fun Fest to play carnival games:

They also got to check out the Kid Picks truck visiting from PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor):

And though this year’s Fun Fest was missing the traditional West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court coronation, royalty was there anyway:

That’s Senior Court Queen April, who you’ll see with the Hi-Yu float “Alki Deep” in tomorrow’s West Seattle Grand Parade, and her mom. (More big events ahead at Hiawatha this summer – including the start of the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series at 6:30 pm next Thursday (July 25)!

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Police response near Lincoln Park
July 19, 2013 5:16 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

We highly recommend avoiding the Lincoln Park area right now. Besides a major ferry-line backup for several reasons, there’s also a police response. Multiple WSB’ers had texted us about SPD cars heading somewhere in a hurry, and Bill solves the mystery:

Noticed a police car blocking Fauntleroy at Monroe a few minutes ago. Several more came up soon after. Walked down the street to get a look… total of 8 squad cars. 1 guy in cuffs on the sidewalk in front of Lincoln Park, another (apparently the victim or a witness) talking to police. Asked an officer what happened and he said the guy pulled a knife on someone. Police confiscated a bike and backpack too.

Working to find out more. But if you saw a TV helicopter earlier and/or TV truck at the park – this is NOT what they’re covering – they headed over for the wading-pool-closure story.

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Lincoln Park wading pool closed for ‘extensive cleaning’ after illnesses reported
July 19, 2013 3:47 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Seattle Parks has just announced that the Lincoln Park wading pool is closed for the rest of the day and undergoing “extensive cleaning” after a report of kids getting sick after using the pool (which also was discussed in the WSB Forums). Here’s the announcement:

Seattle Parks and Recreation has closed Lincoln Park wading pool today for extensive cleaning after a notification from Public Health – Seattle & King County that a group of children who attend day camp in the park became sick after playing in the pool.

Public Health suspects the children may have contracted norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting. Norovirus is highly contagious, and is spread by getting the vomit or stool of someone who is infected in your mouth. This can happen by swimming in contaminated waters, eating foods that are contaminated, touching surfaces with the norovirus on it, or by having contact with someone who is infected.

Seattle Parks and Recreation received the call from Public Health around 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19 – after the wading pool had opened for the day.

“We immediately closed the pool,” said Aquatics Manager Kathy Whitman, “and began a thorough cleaning process with high concentrations of chlorine. We are disinfecting every possible surface.”

All of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s wading pools are chlorinated, and chemical levels are checked hourly by a trained wading pool attendant. The chemical levels in the pool on Tuesday, July 16 – the day children are suspected to have contracted the virus – were within standards set by the State Health Code.

Seattle Parks and Recreation also cleaned all the play area near the wading pool, as well as picnic tables, garbage cans and bathrooms in the area as an extra precaution. Public Health – Seattle & King County has reviewed and approved Seattle Parks and Recreation’s clean-up plan.

“We are extremely cautious when it comes to water safety,” Whitman said. “If we are aware that a wading pool has become contaminated with stool or vomit, we close the pool, clean it and re-fill it. We had no indication on Tuesday that the wading pool at Lincoln Park had any possible contamination.”

Because of the resilience of the norovirus, Seattle Parks and Recreation will keep the Lincoln Park wading pool closed today so that a thorough cleaning can take place, and will re-open it tomorrow, Saturday, July 20.

Lincoln Park is the only West Seattle-area wading pool that is open seven days a week, weather permitting. Two other wading pools in our area remain open today, EC Hughes (till 7 pm) and Delridge (till 6:45); Highland Park Spraypark is open until 8 pm. Here’s the citywide schedule.

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As-it-happened coverage: Benchview neighborhood in court to challenge lot-split decision; judge to issue ruling later
July 19, 2013 1:34 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(3:35 PM TOPLINE: After a 2-hour hearing, the judge said she has a lot to review so she will issue a written ruling at a later date)

1:34 PM: It’s been six months since we reported on a West Seattle neighborhood’s challenge to a developer’s proposal to split one lot into three (that’s the city map above, the southeast corner of 55th/Manning [Google map here]). The neighborhood, known as Benchview, took the fight against the “lot boundary adjustment” (LBA) to court – and we are here at King County Superior Court, where Judge Mariane Spearman is hearing their case. We’ll report as it happens, since this case has drawn a fair amount of attention – there’s even a TV crew here to cover it.

It’s beginning with a discussion of whether the neighborhood, represented by lawyer Cynthia Kennedy, can submit additional material, though Patrick Downs, lawyer for the city – which had given its approval to the lot split in January, without the neighborhood getting immediate notification – has pointed out there was a deadline almost two weeks ago for such submissions. Also at the table with the city and neighborhood’s lawyers is Benchview resident Dave Allen and a lawyer for the property owner/developers, Melody McCutcheon.

1:40 PM: Kennedy is speaking, making their contention that the lot should only be for two homes – anything more is “starkly out of character.” The neighborhood contends that the Lot Boundary Adjustment has granted “unique development rights (to the new owner) not shared by the rest of the neighborhood. … This is wrong.” She also notes that the decision “was issued (by the city) in haste … many of the interpretations, methodologies, and calculations … were not written down and were not accessible to the (residents’) association … This process denied residents a meaningful opportunity to raise their concerns at a point in time when it would have mattered.” Kennedy has a black-and-white aerial photography of the neighborhood on an easel as an exhibit she is using to show the judge some of the key points. “This is a neighborhood where other neighbors and developments have played by the same set of rules regarding development … but this LBA does not.” She’s now showing the view from which the neighborhood takes its name, out to Puget Sound, and then the massing of the expected future development, as shown in our January story:

And she’s showing the configuration of the boundary adjustment the city approved – including one plot in an “L” shape. Here’s a version to which Benchview resident Allen had added color, also from our original January story:

**OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COURTROOM COVERAGE CONTINUES BELOW**
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Off West Seattle shores: Hugo Boss yacht; aerial view of USNS Montford Point
July 19, 2013 1:12 pm
|    Comments Off on Off West Seattle shores: Hugo Boss yacht; aerial view of USNS Montford Point
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Another eye-catching visitor to West Seattle waters – Susan shared that photo (thanks!) of the Hugo Boss-sponsored racing yacht in Elliott Bay today. It’s a 60-foot racing yacht which with skipper Alex Thomson is touring the West Coast for the first time right now – here after a visit to Vancouver, and headed next to San Diego, according to this online report. Seattle Magazine’s Ali Brownrigg reports here that it’ll be at Bell Harbor downtown until Sunday.

Meantime, after a high-profile stay in Elliott Bay yesterday, the USNS Montford Point has moved on – but we have one more photo to share, an aerial view from West Seattle photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen:

The brand-new Mobile Landing Platform vessel is now in Everett, preparing for upcoming inspections.

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Another ArtsWest departure: Artistic director Christopher Zinovitch
July 19, 2013 12:03 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(April 2013 WSB photo by Nick Adams)
West Seattle’s ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery confirms that artistic director Christopher Zinovitch is out. He had served in that role since December 2011, and had joined the organization a decade before that. ArtsWest has just issued this statement:

After thirteen years at ArtsWest, most recently serving as the Artistic Director, ArtsWest is announcing the departure of Christopher Zinovitch.

Mr. Zinovitch has given us his expertise, his guidance and his outstanding efforts. He has brought wonderful art to our stages as an actor, director and artistic leader. Under his leadership, ArtsWest has experienced box office and critical successes – History Boys, Evil Dead: The Musical, and the recent 33 Variations, to name just a few. He has brought passion and immense talent to every project he has undertaken. ArtsWest’s education program has grown under his tutelage, providing hundreds of young people the opportunity to explore theater and supplying a steppingstone in the career of many professional actors currently working in Seattle and around the country. He was also instrumental in securing ArtsWest the American Theatre Wing’s 2012 National Theatre Company Award, an honor bestowed to only ten theatres nationwide for articulating a distinctive mission, cultivating an audience, and nurturing a community of artist in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity and dynamism of American theater. The decision to part ways with Mr. Zinovitch was very, very difficult and it is with deep gratitude that we wish him well with future pursuits.

ArtsWest remains fully committed to our upcoming season. We are looking forward to a wonderful summer for our education program, followed by our mainstage season featuring a rolling world premiere, a beloved family holiday classic, two contemporary plays, and a tribute to the anniversary of the summer of love.

ArtsWest had already been seeking a new managing director, since – as reported here in March – Line Sandsmark left after less than a year; she had succeeded Alan Harrison, the 5 1/2-year managing director who left two years ago. We’re following up with a few questions and will add to this story with any additional information we get.

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West Seattle Friday: Hiawatha Fun Fest; HPIC movie; storytelling…
July 19, 2013 10:57 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Hiawatha Fun Fest; HPIC movie; storytelling…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
That’s one of at least three Steller’s Jays who have been very busy outside WSB HQ lately. Speaking of busy, we’ve been previewing some of this weekend’s MANY big events, and will continue to do so throughout the day/night – but right now, a few things to note in the hours to come, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIAWATHA FUN FEST REMINDER: Noon-3 pm, starting off with a Caspar Babypants concert (free), carnival games (tickets/pass available) and more on the east side of Hiawatha Community Center/Park. (Lander/Walnut)

SMILE, YOU’RE BEING PHOTOGRAPHED FROM AFAR: An unusual photograph of Earth, from space, is happening between 2:27 and 2:42 pm today, and you’re encouraged by “The Day The Earth Smiled“ to be outside when that happens. This was passed along by our Skies Over West Seattle correspondent, Alice Enevoldsen.

FLOAT DODGER 5K PACKET PICKUP/REGISTRATION: As noted in our update early today – you can still get discount registration for tomorrow’s pre-parade West Seattle Float Dodger 5K by going to West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) today; if you’ve already signed up, it’s packet-pickup time 3-8 pm. (California/Charlestown)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Go see the Muppets onscreen, free, at Highland Park Improvement Club – doors open at 6:30, movie at 7; details in our calendar listing. (12th/Holden)

OUR STORIES, OUR VOICES: The monthly Trusted Advocates storytelling program starts with a light meal at 6, followed by storytelling at 6:30 pm, this month featuring White Center Community Development Association leader Sili Savusa – details in our calendar listing. It’s at the White Center Cultural Center in South Delridge. (9421 18th SW)

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You can help! Twelfth Night Productions seeking set-building assistance
July 19, 2013 10:14 am
|    Comments Off on You can help! Twelfth Night Productions seeking set-building assistance
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

An unusual and very specialized volunteer request is just in from Anna at Twelfth Night Productions:

Twelfth Night Productions, a local West Seattle community theater troupe, is looking to the community for assistance with their summer musical.

Our summer musical this year is “Guys & Dolls,” a quirky romantic comedy set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City. Although we have a fantastic cast and crew, we’re asking the community for assistance in helping us present a flawless performance. Specifically, we need help building our sets at West Seattle High School this Monday, July 22nd through Friday, July 26th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Although we have an enthusiastic and dedicated crew, more hands are always needed. No experience is required- we welcome all willing helpers and will provide the tools needed. If you’re interested in assisting with our “build week,” or in any other way (including being an usher or helping sell concessions), please e-mail volunteer@twelfthnightproductions.org with your information. Thanks in advance, and we look forward to entertaining you!

WSB shares volunteer requests depending on how things are going in the news stream; e-mail info to editor@westseattleblog.com. We also encourage posting in the WSB Forums.

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West Seattle Outdoor Movies: 2013 series starts tomorrow night!
July 19, 2013 9:46 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Outdoor Movies: 2013 series starts tomorrow night!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

After a huge day of fun tomorrow – there’s one place you can sit down and have a low-impact good time: Opening night for the 2013 West Seattle Outdoor Movies series, for which WSB is proud to again serve as a co-sponsor. Kicking off the lineup announced last month: The 1964 James Bond classic “Goldfinger.” The movie starts at dusk in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor), but you’ll want to come early and make sure you get a spot (bring your own chair/blanket) – many people get takeout from nearby Junction restaurants and make a picnic out of it. No admission charge; concessions are available as nonprofit fundraisers. See you Saturday night!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday, with big weekend ahead
July 19, 2013 6:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! BIG weekend ahead. The main traffic and transit alerts for West Seattle involve tomorrow’s Float Dodger 5K and American Legion Post 160-presented Grand Parade. Parking-restriction signs are up already; the routes are part of the citywide weekend traffic alert. And if you will be riding Metro tomorrow, note the 5K/parade-related reroutes, listed here. Other big events for the weekend include the Alki Art Fair, which is again offering a free shuttle from the West Seattle High School parking lot on Saturday and Sunday.

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2nd annual pre-parade Float Dodger 5K on Saturday: 3 updates!
July 19, 2013 3:31 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(July 2012 WSB photo from first-ever Float Dodger 5K)
Before tomorrow’s 80th annual West Seattle Grand Parade – it’s the 2nd annual Float Dodger 5K along part of the parade route! Three updates this morning:

PACKET PICKUP TODAY AND LAST CHANCE TO SAVE ON REGISTRATION: Online registration has closed but you can sign up at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor and Float Dodger presenter) today for $30 – otherwise, it’s $35 on race day. Beneficiaries are the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s community-service programs. If you’ve already registered, you can pick up your packet today and avoid the race-day lines – 3 to 8 pm. (WS Runner is on the 2nd floor of Charlestown Center, northwest corner oF California/Charlestown.)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON RACE DAY: Race director Ilana Balint from Run For Good Racing Company says volunteers are still needed – can you help? Go here and enter your e-mail address to see what they need help with and, if you’re interested, sign up on the spot.

PRIZES! This isn’t just a “hey, you won, you have bragging rights” 5K. There’s a variety of prizes for costumes, age groups, even for coming in last. Tim McConnell from WS Runner shared the latest list with us:

See you at the race – 9:45 am Saturday, California/Charlestown.

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Alki Art Fair this Saturday & Sunday: Preview the artists
July 18, 2013 10:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2012 Alki Art Fair)
One of the marquee events in what looks to be West Seattle’s biggest weekend of the summer is the Alki Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday (July 20-21) – two days of arts, crafts, live music, food, and (if the forecast holds) beautiful weather at the beach. Here are the basics:

*Hours – 10 am-6 pm for the artists’ booths both days; music till 9 pm Saturday, 8 pm Sunday
*Transportation – If you’re not coming by bus or bicycle, or on foot, park at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) and take the free shuttle bus!

And fair organizers have shared the artist/food-vendor lineup – always subject to last-minute change, but here’s where things stood as of this morning:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Two burglary reports
July 18, 2013 8:26 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight – first one from a Gatewood resident who interrupted a burglary at her home near 44th and Othello:

Despite having protective film on our basement windows, intruder punctured window to unlock and slide open. He didn’t get anything and drove away in his own car parked right out front. He didn’t injure me and wasn’t armed. I got plate number. SPD says plate matched car I described and car owner matches my physical description. A known burglar on probation just arrested a few days ago.

She says it was a red ’92 Toyota sports car, first three digits AHZ. The other report comes from a Highland Park resident

I live on the 7500 block of 15th Ave SW, between Holden and Webster. During the day on Tuesday July 16th, someone (or two) broke into my house, through a small and high “back of house” window I had stupidly left unsecured. I’ve talked with the police and filed a report. The thieves entered my house and grabbed small items (sentimental to me) they probably thought might be worth something, and emptied a container of pennies. They could only exit through the same small window so that was all they stole, thankfully. When I returned home, it took me an hour of feeling like something was “off” before I finally realized I had indeed been burglarized. It pisses me off that my house was invaded/violated by little s—heads (clearly wee s—heads due to the size of the window), and they stole things my deceased family had given me over the past 55 years, but they also put my indoor cat at risk. I’m extremely angry right now for multiple reasons.

Side note from the crime-prevention department: Is your neighborhood signed up for Night Out (two weeks from Tuesday)? If not – go here.

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West Seattle bike-counter glitches: Manufacturer explains ‘unique factors’
July 18, 2013 5:19 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

More than a few local bicyclists have noticed that the new bike counter at the east end of the Spokane Street Swing Bridge (aka the West Seattle “low bridge”) seems to have glitches. West Seattleite Russ Walker caught multiple instances in a real-time video (above; in the first minute alone, four riders go by, but only one is counted). Russ’s video drew a comment this afternoon from an executive of the manufacturer, Eco-Counter:

…Eco-Counter and SDOT are still working to adjust the counter. We know it is not performing as well as it should. A couple of unique factors at this specific location are causing the problems you documented very well. …

After Russ shared news of that comment, we e-mailed the executive, Jean-Francois Rheault, with followup questions, especially regarding the “unique factors,” and the error rate. He replied quickly:

At this point, we are still investigating the cause of the problem. Some cyclists register two counts while some cyclists are not registering any. Therefore, it is hard to evaluate the error rate and I would prefer not guessing an error.

Not sure it is of interest to your readers but we think the problem may be caused by a combination of 3 factors (fast-moving cyclists, presence of high-voltage power lines, and potential problem with configuration). Separately, those factors do not cause any problem but together, they are reducing the accuracy of the counts.

I would like to mention that SDOT staff have been very responsive and professional helping us to solve the issue. Sensors sometimes need to be calibrated and we are in such a case. We are sorry the counts are not as good as they should, but please know that we are committed to making this work as soon as possible. A technician will visit the site in the next week or so.

All in all, we know there is a problem. We are doing our best to solve it as soon as possible.

The counter was purchased and donated by Cascade Bicycle Club, along with money to underwrite its first year of operation, so public funding isn’t the issue here, except for future public funding that might not be spent or planned appropriately if the usage numbers aren’t accurate.

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Landmark status for old Genesee Hill school? City hearing set
July 18, 2013 4:29 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Does West Seattle’s 65-year-old Genesee Hill Elementary School – slated for demolition and replacement – meet the criteria to be a city landmark? A hearing on that question is set for August 7th, according to an announcement from the city:

The Landmarks Preservation Board will consider landmark nomination for Genesee Hill Elementary School at 5012 SW Genesee Street. The meeting will be on Wednesday, August 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue, 16th Floor in Room 1600.

The public is invited to attend the meeting and make comments. Written comments should be received by the Landmarks Preservation Board by 5:00 p.m. on August 6 at the following address: Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle WA, 98124-4649.

A copy of the nomination is available for public review at the West Seattle Branch Library, 2306 42nd Avenue SW (206-684-7444); and at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Office in the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave, Suite 1700 (206-684-0228). The nomination is posted on Seattle Department of Neighborhoods website (in three files on this page).

This process is a routine part of projects like this, and also was done for the old Denny International Middle School, torn down and replaced by open space and recreational facilities when the new one nearby was ready to occupy. Seattle Public Schools expects to start building the new school at Genesee Hill next year.

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West Seattle Grand Parade countdown: 2 chances to participate
July 18, 2013 4:16 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Grand Parade countdown: 2 chances to participate
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

(Sustainable West Seattle in 2012 Grand Parade; both WSB photos in this story are by Nick Adams)
We’re counting down to West Seattle Grand Parade day on Saturday, and there are two chances for kids to participate if they’re not already part of an entry.

NEW – KIDICAL MASS: Just announced:

Kids on bikes are invited to ride in the West Seattle Grand Parade July 20th as part of the Kidical Mass this Saturday. Riders of all ages are welcome and kids and families are encouraged to join in the fun.

Kidical Mass is a grass-roots movement to get more kids and families excited about bike riding. Escort your child on their decorated bike as you join Sustainable West Seattle, West Seattle Spokespeople and West Seattle Bike Connections in the parade for this family-friendly ride.

Meet at Alki Bike and Board, 2606 California Ave. SW, to ride in the parade. For more details, contact alkistu@hotmail.com.

The parade starts at 11 am, south on California from Lander, and stages along side streets in advance – so we’d advise meeting at AB&B with plenty of time to spare. Meantime – one more reminder about the other opportunity for kids to participate:

WEST SEATTLE ROTARY KIDDIE PARADE: On foot or on wheels, kids are invited to parade down part of the route, from SW Genesee to SW Edmunds, right before the big parade, with the Rotary Club of West Seattle. Details (and contact info if you have questions) here.

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‘What’s that ship?’ USNS Montford Point anchored off West Seattle
July 18, 2013 2:25 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

We’ve received several questions about that unusual-looking ship anchored in Elliott Bay, not far from the West Seattle shore. It’s a U.S. Navy vessel, USNS Montford Point, a brand-new, first-of-its-class Mobile Landing Platform, christened this past March, delivered to the Navy in May in San Diego, where it was built. Its name is in honor of 20,000 African American Marine Corps recruits who trained at Montford Point, North Carolina, in the 1940s, according to the Navy announcement that says the other two MLPs will be named USNS John Glenn and USNS Lewis B. Puller (after the most-decorated US Marine). The Montford Point is not expected to go into operation for another year or so.

Yes, but what’s it doing here, you ask? According to this wire report, it’ll be berthed temporarily at Naval Station Everett while getting ready for a major inspection this fall. (More details in this Navy news release.) If we find out anything more about the Seattle side trip, we’ll add it.

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‘It’s been a privilege’: Now-retired West Seattle service-station proprietor Dick Barnecut tells his story
July 18, 2013 12:40 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The end of an 83-year-old business happened fast.

Too fast to say goodbye to everyone.

But now-retired service-station proprietor Dick Barnecut tells WSB he’s hoping to fix that – with a goodbye get-together sometime soon.

It was just five weeks ago that reader tips led to our first report of the sale and changes on the way for the Admiral Way service station founded by Barnecut’s father.

About two weeks after our report, the sale of the service station closed, and it changed hands. Admiral entrepreneur Marc Gartin owns it now; it’s still in business – as a gas station, but not the same way the Barnecuts ran it for decades, and city files indicate another change is in the works.

To follow up on the sale – which drew more than 50 comments here, some as simple and heartfelt as “You will be missed” – we interviewed Dick Barnecut at his home, less than a mile from the station.

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Seattle Public Schools chooses a calendar – but it’s not fully finalized
July 18, 2013 11:29 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

You might recall that Seattle Public Schools had board approval for two versions of the 2013-2014 calendar – because they were waiting to see if the state would approve a waiver allowing three professional development days (which would be off-days for students). The state denied the waiver, so the district just announced it’s going with its “Option B” calendar. However, it’s still not completely finalized, the district announcement explains:

Seattle Public Schools is now working with its labor partners, as part of ongoing contract negotiations, to determine when professional development will take place during the upcoming school year. More information will be communicated to families as soon as it is available.

Key dates for next year’s school calendar include:

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013
Winter break: two weeks, from Dec. 23, 2013, to Jan. 3, 2014
Mid-winter break: Feb. 17-21, 2014, including the Presidents Day holiday
Spring break: April 14-18, 2014
Last day of school: yet to be determined (June 18 or 19, 2014)

The calendar also builds in four snow make-up days, including Jan. 31, 2014, May 23, 2014, and the two days after the last day of school. It’s important that staff and families plan for students to potentially be in school during these days, and to note that the last day of school could be Monday, June 23, 2014, if snow days are not used.

The Option B calendar can be seen here.

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Friday reminder: Caspar Babypants & Hiawatha Fun Fest
July 18, 2013 11:07 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Even before we get to the summer’s busiest weekend – we’re reminding you that Friday brings a hot ticket: The second West Seattle concert in a week by kids-music superstar Caspar Babypants, who drew hundreds last Saturday at West Seattle Summer Fest (WSB video here). CB’s performance kicks off this year’s Hiawatha Fun Fest, noon-3 pm tomorrow (Friday, July 19th) on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center/Park (Walnut Avenue side). The concert’s free; bring money for carnival games, sno-cones, and/or hot-dog lunch.

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West Seattle Thursday: Birds; bees; singles; acrobats…
July 18, 2013 10:38 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That’s one of our holdover photos from last weekend’s West Seattle Summer Fest – chickens at the Sustainable West Seattle-presented GreenLife zone – and yes, they have a role in what’s happening tonight!

BACKYARD CHICKENS: Miss Christina Hahs‘s presentation at GreenLife during Summer Fest? She’s part of Ask an Expert tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library, 6-8 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Also happening today/tonight:

‘BUSY AS A BEE’ STORY TIME: At the new West Seattle Bee Garden at High Point Commons Park, a special event for kids 6 and under, 11:30 am. (Lanham/Graham)

VOLUNTEERS AT ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: Noon today, you can help sort books! Here’s our original announcement. Meet at the main office. (30th/Roxbury)

SINGLES’ POTLUCK: The Senior Center of West Seattle‘s 55+ singles group plans a potluck at Lincoln Park tonight, 5 pm at the picnic tables by the swing set. Questions? Contact info’s in our calendar listing.

ACROBATS PERFORM: It’s another week of performances by The Acrobatic Conundrum with “The Way Out,” 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS more for today and tonight (and far beyond) on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

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