West Seattle, Washington

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month : 01/2014 299 results

Seattle Public Schools transportation changes set for vote this week
January 20, 2014 3:30 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Potentially major changes in school transportation are proceeding somewhat quietly down the road to a vote at this week’s Seattle School Board meeting. A local mom suggested we write about this to increase the chances people know before it’s too late to even try to comment. The proposed changes came out at the last board meeting before Christmas, and are up for a vote this Wednesday (January 22nd). They are summarized on the district website here, including these toplines:

The District is proposing to:

• End yellow bus transportation to option school students who live outside that school’s middle school attendance area
• Eliminate transportation to elementary school students who live outside that school’s attendance area
• Sunset any previous “grandfathering” of transportation that was allowed when the New Student Assignment Plan took effect in 2010 11.
• Standardize all yellow bus arrival times: 7:35 a.m., 8:25 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Please note these are not start times for schools, but the arrival times for buses. Next fall’s school bell times will be set later this winter.

The district says these changes would save more than $3 million. For full details on the proposed changes, see this district document which color-codes exactly what’s been written into the policy and what’s been taken out. The school-by-school list of next year’s proposed bus arrival and departure times can be seen here; again, as noted above, those are not the same as the bell times; you can compare to the current list of arrival/departure times. In our area, Pathfinder K-8 stands to see the largest schedule change, since it’s one of five K-8s that would be moved to notably earlier arrival times – Pathfinder’s arrival time is proposed as 7:35 am, 25 minutes earlier than it is now.

SOMETHING TO SAY? E-mail schoolboard@seattleschools.org – contact info for West Seattle’s board rep Marty McLaren is on her page. The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting at board HQ in SODO is here.

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See how ‘Ask This Old House’ helped West Seattle homeowners
January 20, 2014 2:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news

Gatewood residents Patrick and Chelsea King got some high-profile help last June when Tom Silva and “Ask This Old House” pitched in on their crown-molding project. We mentioned it here; they promised to let us know when the episode went online – and they just sent word it’s now available for viewing – the first 11 minutes of this clip. If you’d rather see it on TV, the online schedule says this episode will run again this Friday and Saturday on KBTC Channel 12 and Monday and Wednesday of next week on KCTS Channel 9.

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Puget Creek Watershed gets King Day TLC from CityYear
January 20, 2014 12:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

Peek through the trees and greenery of the forest/wetland alongside Sanislo Elementary today, and you’ll see flashes of red – the signature T-shirts worn by members of CityYear Seattle/King County. These 18-to-24-year-olds are best known for their classroom work supporting local students, but today, for the MLK Day of Service, they are out helping the Puget Creek Watershed Alliance with restoration work. That means, among other things, moving a lot of mulch:

Like so many other greenspaces in our area, the trees here are under siege by invasives like ivy and blackberries, so weed-pulling is part of today’s work too:

As noted by organizer Steven Richmond, who leads frequent volunteer work parties at the wetland, work here supports salmon habitat downstream in the Duwamish River; that’s where Puget Creek drains after an undergrounded section that the Duwamish Tribe is hoping to daylight near its longhouse on West Marginal Way – and it’s cleaner if stormwater is filtered by healthy woodlands and wetlands upstream.

P.S. If you’d like to help – the next regular work party is Saturday (January 25th); details here, including Richmond’s contact info if you have questions.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car break-ins; fence, park vandalism; stolen sign; WSCPC tomorrow…
January 20, 2014 11:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

CAR BREAK-INS: Zale reports neighborhood cars were broken into last night:

They stole our car stereo and our Garmin, which SPD found in another car. Sadly, we had our arms full of stuff when we last got out of the car and forgot to lock the doors and set the alarm. You can bet we won’t do that again any time soon. We live in Sunset Heights on 31st between Othello and Myrtle.

TAGGING VANDALISM: An Arbor Heights resident who asked for name/location anonymity says vandals tagged her fence – “about 15 feet of fence, with letters approximately 4 feet high” – and that police are analyzing it as potential gang graffiti. That’s one reason why it’s important to report this vandalism, however common. Painting it over – a challenge for her, though, since it wasn’t a painted fence in the first place – is important, too, so take a picture as evidence as soon as you can. You can report graffiti/tagging online – here’s the form.

PARK VANDALISM: If you spot vandalism on someone else’s property, or public facilities like parks, you need to get word to them so they can report it. That’s what a neighbor of Hamilton Viewpoint in North Admiral planned to do about this:

She says it’s the second time in two weeks she’s spotted these types of tire marks tearing up the turf – the photo shows the older marks too, and she noticed “dirt clumps in the road in the same area where it appears the vehicle drove off the curb. This is really annoying. The park is for everyone’s enjoyment. This has turned the park into a mud pit and likely destroyed much of the grass.” If you see or hear something like that while it’s happening, call 911, but otherwise, report it to Parks – contact info’s here.

STOLEN SIGN: For this month’s West Seattle Art Walk, eight small local businesses teamed up for an event at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor), which put up an A-board sign in The Junction to promote it. Sometime between 10 am and noon that morning, it was stolen; Christine from Office Junction says the KeyBank security guard told them a man picked it up, put it into an orange vehicle, and drove away. She says they’ve had other A-boards stolen, too. If you’ve seen any, please let them (or police) know.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Tomorrow’s the first WSCPC meeting in two months. Bring your neighborhood concerns, on any crime/safety topic, including the one that’ll be discussed by the featured guest, Ann Graves from Seattle Animal Shelter, as explained on the WSCPC website. Be at the Southwest Precinct, Delridge/Webster, 7 pm Tuesday.

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Fauntleroy chili cookoff Saturday: Room for 1 more competitor
January 20, 2014 9:42 am
|    Comments Off on Fauntleroy chili cookoff Saturday: Room for 1 more competitor
 |   Fauntleroy | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Just in from Judy Pickens in Fauntleroy:

The third annual Fauntleroy Chili Cook-Off needs one more chef to fill out the list of competitors – meat or vegetarian, your choice. The cook-off will be Saturday, January 25, 6 pm, hosted by Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW). Call 206-932-5600 for details about putting your favorite recipe up against prior winners and other hopefuls hot to win the crown.

Lots of room for attendees, of course; those details are in our calendar listing.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014: West Seattle notes
January 20, 2014 5:58 am
|    Comments Off on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014: West Seattle notes
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Good morning! First, for those who aren’t off this holiday, the transportation info:

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
METRO BUSES: “Reduced weekday/no UW” schedule
WATER TAXIS: Not running
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Regular schedule
SOUND TRANSIT: Regular schedule
PARKING ON CITY STREETS: No charge today in other neighborhoods’ pay station/meter spots

Other King Day notes: No school; government facilities closed, including city-run community centers/pools; libraries closed; Senior Center closed

From the calendar:

MLK DAY OF SERVICE – VOLUNTEER IN THE WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: While most MLK Day of Service projects required pre-registration, if you’re looking for something to help with today, the Nature Consortium has a volunteer work party in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, continuing to help restore the forest. Everything you need to help is provided; just show up. They’re working today in the Soundway section, gathering at Riverview Playfield, 10 am-2 pm. (7098 12th SW)

VETERANS’ FORUM: As previewed here Sunday night, the West Seattle Veteran Center will host a town-hall forum tonight, 7-9 pm, for veterans, family members, and caregivers, focused on VA claims issues. (3618 SW Alaska)

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Are you a veteran? Know one? West Seattle forum tomorrow
January 19, 2014 10:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

Just received this from Kyle Geraghty of the West Seattle Veteran Center:

Fellow Veterans, Caregivers, and Family Members,

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle Regional Office will be holding a Town Hall forum at the West Seattle Veteran Center on Monday, January 20, 2014 from 7 pm-9 pm.

The purpose of this event is to provide feedback and personal/individual experiences regarding the veteran claims/compensation claims process.

If you are a veteran or family member/caregiver of a veteran who has sustained injury and have applied for VA compensation, this is an event you should attend to share your experiences.

The WSVC is at the historic American Legion Post 160 building in The Triangle, 3618 SW Alaska.

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Congratulations, Seahawks & fans – Super Bowl-bound!
January 19, 2014 7:02 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Rerunning Scott Nelson‘s photo since we’ll see this from WS for two more weeks!)
7:02 PM: Fireworks are echoing around West Seattle (and we’re guessing the rest of the city) with news that the Seahawks have defeated the 49ers 23-17 and are headed to the Super Bowl, where they will face the Denver Broncos two weeks from today! First official political news release, from King County Executive Dow Constantine:

“What a tough, hard-fought game. On to the Super Bowl! It’s Denver vs. Seattle, cowboy boots vs. hiking boots, the Rockies vs. MUCH taller Mt. Rainier – Bring home the trophy! Go Hawks!!”

Since Washington and Colorado both have legalized marijuana, this has also already been widely dubbed The Pot Bowl (or similar).

ADDED 9:03 PM: Via the WSB Facebook page, Kristan shared this photo of fans she spotted on a mini-parade around Westwood Village after the game:

As Super Bowl excitement booms over the next two weeks, let us know if your business/school/workplace/etc. is doing something special – share a pic, a tip, an announcement, whatever – here’s how.

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West Seattle wildlife: Face-to-face with a falcon
January 19, 2014 6:49 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Now THAT’S a game face. West Seattle nature writer/photographer Trileigh Tucker shares photos of a peregrine falcon encountered Saturday at Lincoln Park. And it had opponents, too:

(Click image for larger view)
Trileigh tells her story of the encounter here, with more photos.

You might recall reports of peregrines nesting beneath the West Seattle Bridge – like these 2008 photos and story about a banding expedition there, and baby falcons photographed by SDOT in 2011.

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High-school basketball: West Seattle teams sail away with wins
January 19, 2014 5:58 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: West Seattle teams sail away with wins
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School‘s basketball teams headed across Puget Sound last night, and the boys- and girls-varsity teams both won. First, this coaching-staff report on the boys’ game:

The West Seattle boys’ basketball team took a trip across the water last night to Bainbridge Island to take on the Spartans.

The Wildcats, coming off a tight contest at O’Dea the night before, played a gutty game in front of a rowdy crowd and knocked off the Bainbridge Spartans, 62-50.

WSHS was led by senior DeAndre Love, who had a game-high 19 points and added 9 rebounds. Ruslan Burduzha added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Joe Hey had 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Freshman point guard Nate Pryor was perhaps the game MVP with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He controlled the pace of the game and made great decisions down the stretch, helping his team pull out the win. This was a valuable league win for the Wildcats, who next play Cleveland on Tuesday at WSHS; game tips at 7:30 pm.

As for the Wildcat women, they defeated Bainbridge 53-31, according to this report from the Bainbridge Review. They too play Cleveland next, at home, with the games on Wednesday, 5:45 pm JV, 7:30 pm varsity. (P.S. Here’s our coverage of Friday night’s busy basketball slate, including photos/narrative from the WSHS girls’ faceoff with Holy Names.)

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West Seattle weekend scene: Turnpike in the Greenbelt
January 19, 2014 3:58 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The past two days in our daily highlights list, we’ve mentioned Tristan‘s Eagle Scout project building a turnpike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Here’s the crew that pulled it off – ending work before gametime today. Thanks to Suzanne for sharing photos, including the next one, of which she explains, “You can see the mud and standing water – hence the reason for the turnpike.”

We’ll admit we hadn’t heard “turnpike” outside of a vehicle-road context before – in the forest-trail context, as with this project, it’s explained here.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt is the forest stretching along much of West Seattle’s easternmost slope – the largest contiguous forest in Seattle. It’s the site of frequent work parties by the Nature Consortium, too – find out about them here.

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Seahawks spirit @ Seattle Lutheran at ‘J-Term’ celebration
January 19, 2014 2:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Saints support for Seahawks! The group photo followed a mega-event celebrating “J-Term” at Seattle Lutheran High School right before school got out for the three-day weekend. Head of school Dave Meyer was in the spirit:

As explained here, J-Term offered SLHS students a chance to take an intensive two-week course in something not part of the basic curriculum. On Friday, they showed off what they’d been working on, even some tap dancing:

It wasn’t all about performing; another group of students learned about cooking, for example, so they made lunch on Friday. Meyer said the assembly celebrated all the effort put into J-Term, which he hopes will be a new annual tradition at Lutheran. The school, by the way, has an open house coming up for prospective families later this month – 6:30 pm Thursday, January 30th.

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Metro money on the ballot? Next step Tuesday @ County Council committee
January 19, 2014 11:56 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Will the King County Transportation Benefit District proposal to raise money for Metro and roads go to voters? The next step is a briefing Tuesday at the County Council’s Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee, whose members include our area’s Councilmember Joe McDermott. It’s set for 9:30 am Tuesday and the announcement says the committee will hear from a “panel of city leaders, human service providers, transit users, and business and labor representatives” including:

*Tom Rasmussen, Chair, Seattle City Council Transportation Committee
*Claudia Balducci, Mayor, City of Bellevue
*Nancy Backus, Mayor, City of Auburn
*Rob Johnson, Executive Director, Transportation Choices Coalition
*Jessica Szelag, Executive Director, Commute Seattle
*Lauren Thomas, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Hopelink
*David Freiboth, Executive Secretary Treasurer, M.L. King County Labor Council

The agenda’s not on the committee’s webpage yet, so we don’t know if there’s a public-comment period, but the meeting is open to the public as always, 10th floor of the County Courthouse downtown, and will be shown live online and on cable 22.

HOW TO HAVE A SAY: The measure requires a County Council vote before going to the voters. The date for that is not yet set. You can share your opinion with the council via council@kingcounty.gov.

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See which West Seattle spots are proposed for new ‘pedestrian zoning’ – and a dozen other topics @ Morgan Community Association
January 19, 2014 9:13 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“That was amazing,” exclaimed one attendee at the end of what was probably the busiest community-council meeting this month. In the basement at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), one room away from bingo, spanning 2 hours and 20 minutes on Wednesday night, it was the quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, with sixteen items on the original agenda – not counting what president Deb Barker had said she was “adding and subtracting” in the minutes before the meeting.

Hottest of the 13 topics we’re recapping is one of interest even if you DON’T live or work in Morgan – yet another city zoning initiative, one that arrived with preliminary recommendations even before the “public engagement” phase had begun:


(Click image to see full-size citywide map)
PEDESTRIAN ZONE MAPPING PROJECT: The briefing was provided by city Department of Planning and Development rep Aly Pennucci. She says this zoning overlay, if ultimately approved and implemented, would “add some requirements for new development” – including that the ground level of buildings in designated “pedestrian zones” would include commercial activity. She says the project has “started and stopped a few times over the years.” In 2012, the City Council decided about 60 areas around the city could potentially be part of this zoning – they’re shown in the map excerpted above (see the full citywide map here), and here’s the list of proposed West Seattle zones – each name links to a city doc that, if you scroll down, shows a specific map of that area (the titles are exactly as designated by the city):

Delridge Way SW between SW Brandon St. and SW Juneau St.
Westwood Park (Delridge Way SW at SW Roxbury St.)
Morgan Junction
35th Ave. SW at SW Morgan St.
35th Ave. SW at SW Holden St.
35th Ave. SW at SW Barton St.
35th Ave. SW and SW Roxbury St.
Harbor Ave. SW – N of Fairmount Ave. SW
Admiral

In some areas, this zoning could potentially further reduce parking requirements, Pennucci noted – doubling the amount of commercial space exempt from the requirement (from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet). She said this process also would formalize some of the emergency rules passed last fall after low-density commercial projects were proposed in high-density zones (specifically the potential CVS pharmacies here in West Seattle and a few other neighborhoods). She said it’s now time for community input – since what she called the “very preliminary recommendation” is out there. If an area disagrees with a recommendation to be included, the city wants to hear why, she said. Home page for the project is here; you can answer an online survey here.

The city’s assessment of Morgan Junction had holes poked into it from the start – no, it is NOT low auto/pedestrian-conflict zone, no, it is NOT a sidewalks-in-good-shape zone, pointed out Barker and MoCA vice president Chas Redmond. There are physical limitations to the space, Redmond pointed out, calling the zoning proposal “an attempt by DPD to put something into place that is not needed.”

“This is good feedback,” Pennucci responded, even as she continued to hear strong words of concern and criticism. One person finally observed that overall, “we have a lot of anger at DPD” – which Pennucci did not dispute, semi-laughing, “I feel it!” – so, she was told, some time should be taken to look more calmly at this before the city plows forward with it.

Then there was the point that this happened to be the first city presentation to a West Seattle neighborhood group, while nine proposed zones are on the “preliminary recommendation” map. This was noted by meeting attendee Dave Montoure, asking when the city would be presenting to the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (both groups he has chaired). Bennucci replied she can be there by request, saying Morgan just put in an early request.

Before she wrapped up, Redmond speaks up again and says Morgan is already pedestrian-friendly, but some parts of this recommendation would go unnecessarily far: Until we “get rid of internal-combustion vehicles, we’re not going to get rid of the Shell station” (on California a block south of Fauntleroy), for example. And with increasing fury, he took issue with the fact that DPD had come forward with a “preliminary recommendation” before any community conversation.

Climbing out of the hot seat, Pennucci said final recommendations are supposed to be presented to Mayor Murray by late summer/early fall.

Now, highlights rom the rest of the MoCA agenda – shorter recaps ahead, starting with more development-related info:

Read More

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West Seattle Sunday: What’s up before The Game; where to be during The Game; and more
January 19, 2014 6:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(ILWU Local 19 shared this pic earlier in the week – it has a flag-flying wager going with Bay Area counterparts)
Happy Game Day! Some ideas for passing the time until 3:30 pm kickoff … from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT UNTIL 10 AM: If you’re heading off-peninsula early, remember the northbound I-5 lane closures are scheduled to continue until 10 am – check this WSDOT camera to see if they’re still in effect.

HELP WITH AN EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT: Again today, your help would be welcome in the West Duwamish Greenbelt near South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), building a turnpike. Planned work hours today are 9 am-2 pm, so you’ll wrap up by gametime! Hot drinks and lunch provided; bring your own gloves. Meet Scout Tristan and your fellow volunteers in the north parking lot of SSCC at 9. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Still filling out the beverage lineup for game day? WSFM says Eaglemount Cider is back today, as are the herbal ales of Propolis Brewing. 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Admiral)

WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: 11 am at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point. Find out more about the league via its Facebook page. (31st/Myrtle)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Come see and hear Jamtime with bluegrass and “old-time music” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)

CHAMBER MUSIC FROM THE DARK SIDE: Music Northwest presents this concert, 3 pm at Olympic Recital Hall on the south side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus – see the lineup/program in our calendar listing.

WATCHING THE GAME: Lots of options – as long as you get there early! Here are some recommendations courtesy of WSB Facebook friends.

More listings of what’s up before, during, after the game … see our calendar!

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Seen from West Seattle (and nearby): Sweet Seahawks dreams!
January 18, 2014 11:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Since the first time we showed this now-famous skyline scene, you’ve probably seen dozens of variations. But look closely at Scott Nelson‘s photograph taken from Jack Block Park tonight, and you just might notice a few extra touches – other buildings getting more subtly into the spirit. Then off to the north, the beacon of victory hope shining up from the Space Needle:

That photo also is courtesy of Scott. Meantime, Karen shared the next one – not visible from West Seattle, but if you drive northbound on Highway 99, as we noticed last night, it’s crystal clear:

That building is The Wave, part of the Stadium Place development, built on what used to be part of a parking lot north of CLink.

GAME-RELATED SIDE NOTES: If you’re going to the game in person and thinking about taking the bus, here are the schedules and related info. We got a text today asking if the Water Taxi has special game runs – sorry, NOT during the winter (it doesn’t run on Sundays at all). If you’re staying in West Seattle to watch and not so sure you want to just do that at home – a WSB Facebook friend asked for suggestions; see the replies here (and add your suggestion[s]!).

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Followup: Crowdfunding boost sought by South Seattle CC aviation-maintenance students’ team chasing dream
January 18, 2014 9:21 pm
|    Comments Off on Followup: Crowdfunding boost sought by South Seattle CC aviation-maintenance students’ team chasing dream
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Since we reported January 10th on those South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) Aviation Maintenance Technology students’ plan for national competition a week and a half ago, they’ve encountered a hitch: They’re short on funding for the trip to the competition in Las Vegas in late March. Team member CrystalRose Hudelson explains, “The school has been gracious enough to pay for our training and supplies and been very supportive. However, (this week) we were informed that they have a lack of funds for our hotel and travel expenses. If we cannot get the funding, we cannot afford to go. Two of our girls are international students seeking a good education in America. One of our teammates is a single mother raising two children. Another member works full time and pays for her education solely out of overtime worked. And the last woman saved up her money and gave up her booming career at Microsoft to follow her dream in aviation.” This is an all-woman team representing a 96-percent-male program, hoping to draw more women into their field. So instead of giving up short of the goal, they have launched a crowdfunding drive – the online equivalent of a donation jar. Here’s the link. (Or, if you have or know a business or person who might be interested in sponsorship, here’s their proposal document with sponsorship information.)

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Video: 35th SW memorial walk, report #1
January 18, 2014 5:58 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

If you drive, ride, walk, or roll past the northeast corner of 35th/Graham in High Point in the hours/days ahead, you will see the tribute created during this afternoon’s memorial walk honoring James St. Clair, hit and killed while crossing there last month, just weeks after moving to this area. The bicyclist who died at that same intersection seven years earlier, Susanne Scaringi, was also a new West Seattleite; between the deaths of those two much-loved people, three others died along 35th SW, and all were mentioned today as reasons to make it a safer street. The event organized by Seattle Neighborhood Greenways and peninsula-based groups included members of Mr. St. Clair’s family, High Point residents, and safety advocates from around the city, including former Mayor Mike McGinn:

Mr. St. Clair’s niece Darlene Saxby spoke of how much she would miss him, and how she hoped his death will lead to changes that could save other lives:

Some who were on hand have the power to help make that happen, including Councilmember Tom Rasmussen:

Honoring Mr. St. Clair’s Tlingit roots, a fellow former resident of Hoonah, Alaska, Gene Tagaban, drummed and sang:

And then a sight that many were talking about long afterward – an eagle overhead:

The eagle eventually moved on – as did the participants, some staying behind to reflect, about 20 moving on to convene at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center to spend more than an hour talking about what should and could be done to reduce the chance of more deaths and injuries on 35th SW. That is what we’re writing about for the forthcoming second report – including what could be different this time, since, as some participants observed, past tragedies led to many meetings that to date have not followed by change.

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Followup: Warren Lawless’s memorial set for next Saturday
January 18, 2014 4:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Memorial plans are now set for longtime West Seattle community advocate and entrepreneur E. Warren Lawless, who died last Monday at 95. When we reported on Mr. Lawless’s passing, we promised an update when the memorial details were announced; we have now received them from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, which honored him just last year for a half-century of service. The memorial is planned for 2-5 pm next Saturday (January 25th) at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse (4470 35th SW), with a program starting at 3 pm. Mr. Lawless’s family invites everyone “to bring their memories and share with all.” You can read more about Mr. Lawless’s storied life, in this remembrance published by the Western University of Health Sciences, for which he served as a board member for more than 30 years. (WSB photo from last month’s Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)

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Stolen swine sought: Endolyne Joe’s looking for pilfered pig
January 18, 2014 12:16 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

If you have been to Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) in Fauntleroy recently, you might have noticed that flyer. In case you haven’t – the restaurant is asking us now to get the word out more widely. As explained by Rich:

Within the last month, someone decided it a good idea to take one of our decorations. It was a two-foot-tall wooden pig named “Danny.” We are not interested in prosecuting the offender. We are not interested in getting anyone in trouble. We just want our pig back. It has been a part of this restaurant since we opened. Kids have measured their growth by standing next to the pig. … We are offering a case of bacon to the person that gets our pig back…NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Tips? The restaurant is reachable at 206-937-5637. Or, drop Danny off back at the restaurant at 9261 45th SW.

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West Seattle Soccer Club’s Chris Twombley honored with national coaching award
January 18, 2014 8:50 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

(US Youth Soccer photo of Chris Twombley, via Instagram)
For the second time in three years, West Seattle Soccer Club is celebrating a National Coach of the Year award from US Youth Soccer. This time, WSSC board member Tim McMonigle tells WSB, it’s for National Girls Recreation Coach of the Year, just announced Friday night at a gala attended by more than 1,000 people: “Chris Twombley has been coaching in the West Seattle Soccer Club for 12+ years and is a great representative for our youth. He made his way up the award hierarchy, winning the award for our Association, District, State, Region, and now at the National level back at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia. We are very proud of him.” Twombley’s award-winning style was described in the official announcement:

Any player looking to get in the game can find a welcoming home on Chris Twombley’s team at West Seattle Soccer Club. Twombley communicates well with his players and provides a positive energy. He uses soccer to teach lessons and build character, and acts as a role model for his players to follow. Off the field, Chris is always offering to help and volunteer in any way the club may need.

In 2011, WSSC’s Jean Robinson won the same award for boys-team coaching, and McMonigle observes, “Both of these very visible national awards have put West Seattle and the West Seattle Soccer Club on the national soccer map.” WSSC’s spring-season registration opens February 1st.
.

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West Seattle Saturday: Pancakes with Lions; ‘Reptile Man’; 35th SW memorial walk; music; more…
January 18, 2014 6:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Pancakes with Lions; ‘Reptile Man’; 35th SW memorial walk; music; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We start today’s highlights list with a traffic reminder:

Until tomorrow morning, WSDOT is closing multiple lanes (the number might fluctuate) on northbound I-5, not too far past the entrance from the West Seattle Bridge. So 99 or other alternatives are recommended! Or – don’t leave the peninsula at all, because PLENTY is going on:

WEST SEATTLE LIONS CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST: As previewed here yesterday, the Lions Club of West Seattle hopes to see you this morning, 8 am-11 am, for a benefit breakfast with pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice, coffee, and tea on the menu, only $6/person, $4 for kids under 10, free for kids under 4. Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

HELP WITH AN EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT: 9 am-3:30 pm, your help would be welcome in the West Duwamish Greenbelt near South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), building a turnpike. Hot drinks and lunch provided; bring your own gloves. Meet Scout Tristan and your fellow volunteers in the north parking lot of SSCC. (6000 16th SW)

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: The Cove School at 9:30 am (details in our calendar listing), Community School of West Seattle 10 am-2 pm (calendar listing here).

REPTILE MAN: 10:30 am at High Point Community Center, bring the kids to be thrilled by the famous Reptile Man! If you haven’t bought tickets in advance, it’s $7 at the door. Details in our calendar listing. (6920 34th SW)

MEMORIAL WALK/35TH SW SAFETY: Join safety-advocacy groups in honoring the memory of 69-year-old James St. Clair, killed while crossing 35th last month, with a memorial walk starting at 1 pm outside High Point Branch Library (35th/Raymond), proceeding south to where he was hit (35th/Graham), and concluding at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (Sylvan/Lanham) to talk about safety with city reps and others.

MUSIC AT HOTWIRE: 5:30-6:30 pm, singer/songwriter Andrew Wurtz performs at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), also featuring vocalist Madison Boyce. (4410 California SW)

MEET THE ARTIST: 7 pm at ArtsWest, free event celebrating the new Dee Dee Redux exhibition by artist Deborah Faye Lawrence – details in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

MEET THE AUTHOR: Danny Bland reads from “In Case We Die” tonight at Twilight Gallery/Boutique, 8 pm, free – details in our calendar listing. (4306 SW Alaska)

KISS TRIBUTE: Check out the all-star lineup for KISS Unplugged tonight at 9:30 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – members from more than a dozen local bands. (6451 California SW)

LOTS MORE ON THE CALENDAR – including more nightlife options; see for yourself here!

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High-school basketball: Division-leading WSHS girls @ conference-leading Holy Names; other Friday night scores
January 18, 2014 5:05 am
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: Division-leading WSHS girls @ conference-leading Holy Names; other Friday night scores
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(West Seattle’s #21, Gabby Sarver, with 10 points on the night)

For WSB: photos by Patrick Sand, text by Tracy Record

All the local high-school basketball action Friday night was on the road – topped by the marquee game, West Seattle High School‘s girls-varsity faceoff at Holy Names Academy on Capitol Hill, two division-leading teams with big win streaks going as the game began. When it was over, the Wildcats’ streak had been snapped with a 63-48 loss – but that final score didn’t reflect the intensity of the second half, as WSHS went on a comeback tear before falling back.

The Wildcats’ #10 Charli Elliott (photo above), second-leading WSHS scorer of the night with 13 points, got two of them in the first basket of the game. Then the Cougars went on a 10-point run before WSHS managed to score again – with Elliott sinking a foul shot – and they were up 18-5 at the end of the first quarter. WSHS managed to wrangle themselves plenty of shots, but didn’t convert enough of them to keep pace until late in the second quarter, and they went into halftime down 34-18.

“Whole new half!” shouted a member of the spirited Wildcats’ cheering section as the second half tipped off, and once again, Elliott was the first to score, with a basket shortly after the half began.

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