West Seattle, Washington

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month : 03/2014 336 results

West Seattle development: 30-apartment, no-off-street parking 6917 California SW gets land-use approval
March 17, 2014 7:49 am
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

This morning the decision is in from the city Department of Planning and Development – land-use approval for the 30-apartments, no-parking-spaces project at 6917 California SW (map), with DPD determining its “environmentally non-significance,” meaning the city will NOT require a full environmental-impact report. Read the decision here.

After we broke the news of the plan here last October, it drew citywide attention as another flashpoint of concern over increasing density adjacent to single-family neighborhoods – including commentary on its official sign:

Though the project was not planned for Design Review, three meetings were held in December – one with contextual information about the land-use process, one with developer Mark Knoll, a third with city planners, organized after they gathered enough signatures to ask DPD to call the meeting for comments. The decision document includes the results of planners’ review, including these paragraphs about the parking concern:

The proposed 30-unit apartment building proposes zero on-site vehicular parking spaces, and eight bicycle spaces in the basement of the structure. The subject site is within a multi-family zone, the Morgan Junction Residential Urban Village, and is within 1,320-feet of a street with “frequent transit service” (SMC 23.84A.038 “T”); therefore, there is no minimum requirement for on-site parking (SMC 23.54.015).

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Manual indicates that the residential use could generate peak demand for approximately 41 vehicle parking spaces (1.37 spaces per residential unit peak demand). However, these estimates are generated based on data collected from suburban sites, with typical market-sized residential units. The proposed development consists entirely of studio sized residential units that are approximately 220 square feet in size, located in a dense neighborhood with frequent transit and opportunity for walking and biking to nearby services. It is reasonable to expect that the actual peak parking demand from this project would be less than 41 spaces. As is typical with residential projects, the peak parking demand is expected to occur during late evening and overnight hours.

To better understand the impacts of this development, the applicant submitted a Parking Demand and Parking Utilization Study (William Popp Associates, January 22, 2014). This study estimates the parking demand for this use, and evaluates the existing availability of on-street parking in the area. What the study finds is that this apartment building will likely generate a parking demand of approximately 15 vehicles (0.5 per unit), and that these vehicles can be accommodated on the street as the study area has a late evening parking utilization rate of 55% (282 legal on-street spaces with 156 vehicles parked). The expected 15 project-related vehicles would increase the on-street utilization rate to 61%.

The decision can be appealed to the city Hearing Examiner; deadline is two weeks from today, March 31st. Meantime, demolition and construction permits are pending.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: St. Patrick’s Day edition; 99 closure tonight
March 17, 2014 6:49 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: St. Patrick’s Day edition; 99 closure tonight
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! No major problems so far. But if you’re using the Spokane Street Viaduct eastbound between 1st and 4th Avenues, take note of a big pothole reported Sunday morning – we’re hopeful it did get fixed, but can’t confirm that until later.

Also of note: WSDOT is not done with the Spokane St. Overcrossing bridge restriping just south of the West Seattle Bridge, so it’s expecting to close 99 between East Marginal and Atlantic again for up to 3 more nights, starting tonight, 9 pm-5 am. We’re told that the closures are weather-dependent – so they’re not a sure thing if it’s rainy.

8:02 AM: 911 log shows a crash at 40th/Hanford.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 burglaries; 2 car prowls; WSCPC…
March 16, 2014 9:14 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports – two burglaries and two car prowls – in our weekend West Seattle Crime Watch report. Details ahead:

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West Seattle High School Class of 1974: Reunion time!
March 16, 2014 8:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you’re a 1974 graduate of West Seattle High School, you have two more weeks to buy discounted advance tickets to your 40th class reunion this summer. The official announcement:

The West Seattle High School Class of 1974 40th Class Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 6:30 to 11:30 PM at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Avenue SW. Tickets are $75 per person if paid by April 1, 2014 and $85 after.

Additional information and payment information is available on the website: www.wshs1974.com. You can also “like” the “West Seattle High School – Class of 1974” page on Facebook for updates. Or you can e-mail Heidi Blaustein Newman at heidin129@aol.com. See you in July!

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Bringing Roxhill Bog fully back to life: WWRHAH searches for more community history, seeks help for bog’s future
March 16, 2014 7:28 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Southwestern side of Roxhill Bog, photographed today by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Just a short distance past the playground and skatespot in Roxhill Park is Roxhill Bog – historically, where Longfellow Creek begins.

It’s undergone some restoration work in the past, but needs a lot more, and the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council has been working to put together a plan/request for Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities. The bog’s past may be a key to our area’s future – and the proper restoration could help reduce flood problems along the Longfellow Creek corridor, as well as reducing the area where trouble sometimes lurks.

They’ve gathered a fair amount of information already, but, as WWRHAH secretary Joe Szilagyi explains, “At this point we’re just trying to fill in the last gaps of knowledge and information over a very, very long period of time before we can finalize our planning and bring this to SPU and Parks.” So if you have had any historical knowledge of/information about Roxhill Bog, they’ve set up a special e-mail address and invite you to get in touch: bog@wwrhah.org.

P.S. The area’s wetlands have had rough treatment in the past – while doing some added research, we found in the Seattle Municipal Archives this city photo dated exactly 53 years ago today (March 16, 1961), labeled “W. Roxbury paving, peat bog/26th and Barton,” though we can’t tell exactly where it is in relation to the current park site:

Meantime, if you are interested in more background on the current challenges and potential benefits of tackling them, read on for the text of the letter Szilagyi has sent to city and county leaders on WWRHAH’s behalf:

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After you go green for St. Patrick’s Day, go bald for St. Baldrick’s
March 16, 2014 5:14 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Heard about St. Baldrick’s?

Organizer Emily Austin is asking West Seattleites to agree to go bald on March 29th to help kids with cancer. She and Shanti Salon are organizing the fundraising event at Mind Unwind (2206 California SW) in The Admiral District, just a few blocks from the salon.

(St. Baldrick’s Foundation photo)

The act of giving up your head hair, says Emily, is “a gesture of solidarity for children who lose their hair in treatment, or anyone else who has gone through the hair loss trauma while undergoing treatment.”

Cheering on the shavees – who will have gathered sponsor pledges ahead of time – is just part of the event, so you’re invited even if you’re planning on keeping your hair. Says Emily, “There will also be silent auction items, raffle items and other ways to donate. We are still in need of a few donations of goods, services, gift cards, or table ready baskets to auction off.” But most importantly:

We’re actively searching for a few more folks who would consider shaving their heads and in particular, those willing to collect donations in advance. Our event link makes it quite easy to sign up, and sometimes, people or businesses will even form a team to make things more interesting. Anyone can get involved, from getting shaved, shaving heads, sweeping hair, helping collect donations for the raffle tickets that evening, to just coming by the event and lending support.

Emily hopes to build the event in the years ahead to where 100 people will get their heads shaved in a single evening. If you’re willing to help her head in that direction – sign up here. And join her at Mind Unwind on Saturday, March 29th, 6-8 pm.

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Countdown to 10th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 10th: Registration starts soon
March 16, 2014 1:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

garagesaledaysmalllog5.jpgThe 10th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is coming up on Saturday, May 10th, and we’ve set the date for registration to begin: Monday, March 31st, which is two weeks from tomorrow. If you’re new to West Seattle, this is one big day with hundreds of sales around the peninsula, 9 am-3 pm, always the second Saturday in May, and we promote it around the region to draw shoppers from all over, though its major mission is to provide a chance for neighbors to meet and mingle … some people choose to just walk to the nearest sales, while others get out on two or four wheels and explore further. This will be the seventh WSCGSD since we started coordinating and promoting it in 2008. When the registration form goes live on March 31st, we’ll announce it here, as well as in the WSB social-media channels (links to all of them are at the top of the sidebar); the registration period will run at least two weeks. Again, sale day is May 10th – coming up fast – updates to come!

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High-school sports: West Seattle HS baseball begins
March 16, 2014 12:12 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school sports: West Seattle HS baseball begins
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Play ball! High-school sports’ spring season is starting. Thanks to Greg Slader for sharing photos as Coach Velko Vitalich‘s West Seattle High School baseball team takes the field for the year, after finishing 2013 as #2 statewide. Above, the official team photo; next, two of Greg’s images from the pre-season jamboree Saturday at Liberty High School. Here’s Kevin Cuddy throwing the first pitch:

And Jimmy Mai rounding third base on his way to scoring a run:

Greg reports:

WS tied Kentwood in three innings at 3-3 and jumped on Liberty for a 4-1 edge. Offense had plenty of big hits as the top of the order scored seven runs in six innings. Five pitchers have stepped up this season and seem ready for the challenge ahead. Defense was shaky but they should return to last year’s form as they work together more.

Up next for WSHS – two games at home (Hiawatha), Garfield on Tuesday and Ballard on Thursday, both at 3:30 pm.

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West Seattle Bridge alert: Watch out for ‘metal plate’ on eastbound east end
March 16, 2014 10:15 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

10:15 AM: We’ve just received two reports of a hazard on the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct – near the I-5 ramps on the east end of the West Seattle Bridge: It’s described as a protruding “metal plate,” in the left lane between the 1st and 4th Avenue exits, and one texter reports seeing people pulled over with flat tires. We’ve advised people to call 911 to report it since it sounds like it needs urgent repair work; on weekdays, the SDOT hotline 206-684-ROAD would be the place to call.

10:22 AM: The texting tipster says 911 promised to get someone out to fix it.

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West Seattle Sunday: Chinese Garden open house; dog-costume contest; Gear Swap, day 2; cookie conclusion; more…
March 16, 2014 6:34 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The migratory Rufous Hummingbirds are showing up just in time for spring – and Mark Wangerin got a good look at this one last Thursday. Quite the commute – they overwinter in the Southwest. You won’t have to go far at all to check out what’s on the calendar today/tonight.

FIRST, HIGHWAY 99 TRAFFIC ALERTS: If you’re traveling Highway 99 north of the West Seattle Bridge today, take note of lane/ramp closures near downtown all day, and the Battery Street Tunnel/Aurora closure this morning (7:30-11 am) for the St. Patrick’s Day Dash. All of that is detailed here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: New vendor today – Heavenly Honey, with raw honey. West Seattle’s own Sod House Bakery promises shamrock cookies. It’s almost spring, so you’ll find something new every week. 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)

CHINESE GARDEN’S SPRING OPEN HOUSE: Another sign of impending spring – an open house at the Seattle Chinese Garden!

Come see what’s blooming (SCG-provided photo above) and what else is new – free. Lots of info in our listing. North side of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE GEAR SWAP, DAY 2: 11 am-3 pm, Mountain to Sound Outfitters presents the swap just down the street at the American Legion Post 160 Hall – details on the M2SO site. (3618 SW Alaska)

HOW TO CREATE A DISASTER KIT ON A BUDGET: You know how important it is to be prepared – for anything. Just in case. Even though you hope you’ll never need to use your kit, bag, etc. If you’re not quite ready yet, go to the Southwest Branch Library 1:30-2 pm today for a free class on “how to create a disaster kit on a budget.” (35th/Henderson)

CELTIC SWELL DOG-COSTUME CONTEST: 2-4 pm, it’s the wearing of the green for your pup(s) at Celtic Swell Irish Pub/Restaurant on Alki, hosted by Tracey Conway, donations benefiting the Seattle Humane Society, part of the CS’s St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival. (2722 Alki SW)

MUSIC NORTHWEST: “Chamber Music from the Folk Side” is the theme for today’s 3 pm concert at Olympic Hall on the SSCC campus – find out more by checking out our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

SECURITY BREACH INFORMATION NIGHT: If you are concerned about the recent reports of fraud related to a security breach with the Archdiocese of Seattle, Holy Rosary is offering its school community an information night tonight with a credit expert, 6:30 pm – information on the school website. (42nd/Genesee)

MONA CONCEPCION IN BELLEVUE: Not IN West Seattle, but … WS stand-up comic Mona Concepcion is featured at 7:30 pm tonight in Dis/orient/ed Comedy, “the first-ever (mostly) all-female, all-Asian American stand-up comedy tour.” Until noon, tickets are available online – go here; they’ll also be on sale at the door. Parlor Live in Bellevue. (700 Bellevue Way NE, 3rd floor)

LAST DAY OF COOKIE SALES: Girl Scout Cookies fan? Last chance to get ’em! Here’s the list of who’s selling where, and when, 8 am-8 pm.

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Fairmount Ravine cleanup followup, plus: How about an ivy-fighting day – are you in?
March 16, 2014 2:03 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

After the 22nd annual Fairmount Ravine cleanup, a lot of work’s been done, and much remains. The photo, report, and question, are from Sarah Schieron:

23 volunteers joined to remove 65 large bags of trash, 4 tires, 5 chairs, a kids swimming pool, and many many cans and bottles out of the Fairmount Ravine this morning.

This year, we saw fewer volunteers than last year despite very favorable weather conditions. However, those that participated, to a person, worked hard and made a valuable contribution. Volunteers ranged from 2 to 86 years of age and over half were participating for the very first time. We were grateful to have veterans, John Lang and Blair Constantine, participate for their 22nd consecutive year as their history and experience in this green space is so useful.

Our thanks to Metropolitan Market, Zatz a Better Bagel and Natalie Steffens of the Admiral Starbucks for donating generous refreshments. SPD Officers Flores and MacNeil were a very helpful presence and arranged for trash pick-up at midday.

Each year the majority of our time and effort is under the Admiral bridge. We do some invasive plant cutting, but we never make the impact we would like on this growing concern. We wonder if our community has the interest and commitment for a second work day specifically to cut back ivy? There are many trees that are overcome by this invasive plant and will die and fall without some intervention. If helping in this way interests you, please contact sarahbroz@yahoo.com so we can plan another community workday in the next month (before the nettles grow taller).

Thank you to the volunteers, donors, and police team who made Saturday such a success!

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Prosecution calls final witness as Morgan Junction murder trial ends third full week of testimony
March 15, 2014 11:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

After 3 1/2 four-day weeks on the case, the jury in the Morgan Junction murder trial is hearing from what’s expected to be the prosecution’s final witness.

Seattle Police Homicide Unit Detective Tim DeVore has been seated at the prosecution’s table for most of the trial, until now. On Thursday afternoon, he got up and crossed the courtroom to sit in the chair that constitutes “the witness stand.” Monday morning, he will be there again.

But first, Thursday began with more discussion of blood-alcohol levels, followed by an analyst’s report on defendant Lovett “Cid” Chambers‘s gun and ammunition – how it was tested and what she believed it showed.

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Want an update on the pump-station project? Or another Fauntleroy issue? Tuesday’s your chance
March 15, 2014 9:04 pm
|    Comments Off on Want an update on the pump-station project? Or another Fauntleroy issue? Tuesday’s your chance
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news


(Click image for larger view)
That’s an aerial view of the Barton Pump Station upgrade project north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed this week by Long B. Nguyen. It’s a project of the King County Wastewater Treatment District, and they’re one of dozens of participants slated for the big annual membership meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association this coming Tuesday (March 18th).

The meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy is part info fair; at last Tuesday’s FCA board meeting, we were told confirmed participants include, besides KCWTD, Washington State Ferries, the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse Community Center, Fauntleroy Church, “Diver Laura” James with Tox-Ick.org, The Whale Trail, Seal Sitters, The Kenney (WSB sponsor), ArtsWest, the Fauntleroy Y (WSB sponsor), Morgan Community Association, and the Southwest Branch Library.

It’s also a chance for Fauntleroy residents to pay their annual FCA membership dues and vote for the board; and local bites are offered as an incentive – including The Hall’s own Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering, nearby Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor), Bird on a Wire Espresso, The Original Bakery, and Stuffed Cakes. It all starts at 6 pm; The Hall is on the south side of the historic schoolhouse at 9131 California SW.

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2 schools, 1 campus, 1 busy road: Safety improvements sought before Arbor Heights moves in with STEM
March 15, 2014 5:32 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(School-zone beacon near Boren, now fully operational; photo courtesy Robin Graham)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Next school year, the former Louisa May Boren Junior High School on Delridge will be home to two schools – ongoing permanent home to K-5 (future K-8) STEM, and starting its two-year status as temporary home to Arbor Heights Elementary while AH is rebuilt.

That’s 800 or so students filling the campus, plus their teachers and other staffers.

Space in the building is not much at issue. Safety is – specifically, safely getting all those students to and from school, which fronts one of West Seattle’s main arterials, Delridge Way, a much-used route to and from the two bridges across the Duwamish River connecting the peninsula with downtown.

Though this is the second year K-5 STEM has occupied the building, it is only now getting something as simple as flashing beacons to catch drivers’ attention in the 20-mph zone. The beacons just began operation, and SDOT’s Brian Dougherty says that when Arbor Heights moves in this fall, the lights will be programmed to reflect the staggered times both schools will be in session on the campus.

The lights are welcome, but nowhere near a full solution.

Read More

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Update: Emergency response at Terminal 5
March 15, 2014 3:28 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

3:28 PM: Big Seattle Fire callout to the 2900 block of SW Florida. 911 log calls it a haz-mat response. More to come.

3:31 PM: Scanner says an unknown substance sprayed on a worker at Terminal 5.

3:48 PM: “Cutting fluid” is what’s suspected to be involved. Via Twitter, SFD says the worker’s “symptoms are minor.”

5:07 PM: No additional official info, but after an hour and a half, the incident is now closed.

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St. Patrick’s Day 2014: West Seattle HS, Denny IMS bands in downtown parade
March 15, 2014 2:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

We’ll confess we weren’t able to make it downtown for today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but thanks to King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, we are able to show you a bit of the West Seattle High School Marching Band‘s performance as they marched along the parade route on 4th Avenue.

As noted here on Thursday, the Denny International Middle School Marching Band was scheduled to be in the parade too – any pics/video of them (and/or other participants from West Seattle), please consider sending – editor@westseattleblog.com – so we can add!

5:43 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark for sharing photos of his school’s band in the parade:

As with WSHS, it was a repeat performance.

P.S. One week from tonight you can hear musicians from Denny and adjacent Chief Sealth International High School at their Big Band Dinner Dance fundraiser, also featuring the esteemed West Seattle Big Band – all the details are in our recently published preview.

P.P.S. Today’s parade included the Highland Park-based Seattle Police Mounted Patrol, who just published photos via Facebook – including this one.

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Spring arrives Thursday! Join Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park
March 15, 2014 2:04 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Yes, we know, that’s a SUNRISE (photo courtesy of Karen, this past Thursday) and Alice Enevoldsen‘s events are SUNSET gatherings. But we didn’t want the attention-getting beauty to go to waste. Get ready to celebrate spring, which arrives a few hours after sunrise on Thursday (March 20th) – just before 10 am. Then you’ll want to come to Solstice Park east of Lincoln Park for sunset, which is a few minutes past 7, but you’re advised to arrive around 6:45. Alice has just published the official invitation on her Alice’s Astro Info website; it’s an all-ages event, fun and educational. (Alice will also be happy to talk with you about the new discoveries out in space.)

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Need a break? WSHS student leaders offering ‘Parents’ Night Out’ to benefit community-service project
March 15, 2014 12:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Need a break? WSHS student leaders offering ‘Parents’ Night Out’ to benefit community-service project
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Student leaders at West Seattle High School are working on a service project to help homeless people, but they’re not just asking for donations – they’re offering you a chance to leave your kid(s) with them and go have a fun night out this coming Friday (March 21st). Here’s what they’re offering and how to sign up:

We will provide dinner, snacks, and beverages for your children, and then we will be playing games and movies in our theater and gym!

Minimum Donation: $20 per kid with $10 for each additional child in family

Time: 5 – 10:30 PM

Dinner: Pizza, snacks, and veggies!

Sorry, but no diapers!

We will be having experienced students and teachers there at all times. Please RSVP at wshsparentsnightout@gmail.com

To RSVP please include: parent’s first and last name, child’s name and age.

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The WSBeat: Unanswered doorbell; arson followup…
March 15, 2014 11:35 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

This edition of The WSBeat contains summaries written from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers – generally cases that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?” Or on the bridge, or the beach, or …

*Around 8:30 a.m. on the 7th, in the 9200 block of 17th SW (map), someone repeatedly rang the doorbell at an apartment. When the resident didn’t answer, a loud “BOOM” shook the building as the would-be visitor tried to kick the door in. Video shows a slim, light-skinned black male wearing a beige hoodie jumping over a gate and into the victim’s side yard. He remains at large.

Four more summaries ahead (it’s been quieter lately) including a followup on an arson case reported here earlier this week: Read More

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Happening now: 22nd annual Fairmount Ravine cleanup
March 15, 2014 10:42 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If young volunteer Woodrow can do it, you can too. The Fairmount Ravine cleanup is under way and if you happen to see this before 11:30 or so, extra hands are still very welcome – their trash pickup is scheduled at noon (so bags aren’t blocking the sides of the not-so-wide road used by many on foot and on wheels) and the more that gets bagged by then, the better.

The ravine runs under the Admiral Way Bridge – you can get there via the south end just east of Hiawatha or the north end at Harbor Avenue.

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West Seattle Saturday: Rummage sales continue; Gear Swap starts; new Log House Museum exhibit; nature walks; music; more!
March 15, 2014 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Rummage sales continue; Gear Swap starts; new Log House Museum exhibit; nature walks; music; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

morning light along the trail

(Morning light along the Longfellow Creek Trail; photo by Flickr member “wsLaura,” via the WSB Flickr group)
Morning through late night, we have options for your West Seattle Saturday, from the calendar (where you’ll find even more):

FAIRMOUNT RAVINE CLEANUP: 8:30 am, meet just east of Hiawatha – to be part of the 22nd annual Fairmount Ravine cleanup, pulling invasives to help the greenbelt survive, as well as picking up thrown-out and dumped items. More info in our Friday preview. Refreshments/snacks! (Fairmount/Forest)

TIBBETTS SALE: Day two of the twice-annual rummage sale at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 9 am-3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (41st/Andover)

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN SALE: It’s also day two of the “gigantic garage sale” at West Side Presbyterian Church, 9 am-2 pm – details in our calendar listing. (3601 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE GEAR SWAP: First day of this weekend’s West Seattle Gear Swap, presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters 10 am-6 pm (one last chance to drop off gear for sale during the first two hours). Sale is at American Legion Post 160 just down the block from M2SO. (3618 SW Alaska)

SCOUTING FOR FOOD: Cub Scout Pack 793 reminds us that they and other local Scouts (including Troop 282, mentioned here earlier this week) will be out this morning to place door-hangers for the Scouting For Food door-to-door food drive. They’ll be back next Saturday (March 22nd) to pick up donations left on doorsteps – and if you are missed, they’ll also be collecting food at their gathering spot 9 am-11 am that day (44th/Hill grassy triangle) – we’ll remind you again! Scouting for Food is nationwide and dates back to 1988.

TEA EXTRAVAGANZA: 10 am-1 pm, explore teas at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), with baked-goods samples too – details in our calendar listing. (California/Stevens)

HAPPY 6TH, ATOMIC BOYS: As mentioned in the biznotes published here Friday, Atomic Boys in The Admiral District invites you to stop by to help celebrate the toys/candy/more store’s sixth anniversary today, 10 am-6 pm. (4311 SW Admiral Way)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPENS WITH NEW EXHIBIT: After two weeks of setup for the next chapter of “Telling Our Westside Stories,” the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum reopens at noon. You’ll be greeted by videos, SWSHS executive director Clay Eals explains, like this one with Bob Washburn‘s memorable story:

Eals says that’s “a good example of the interviews done by Madison Middle School students with still photos edited together to make videos that museum visitors will see when they come in the door.” More info on the LHM website; the museum is open noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. (61st/Stevens)

WEST SEATTLEITES IN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE DOWNTOWN: If you’re going to the 12:30 pm parade downtown, our report from Thursday mentions West Seattle participants (and if we missed any, please let us know!) and has links to other parade info, including the route. (On 4th Ave., northward from Jefferson)

SALAMANDER SEARCH: 3 pm at Camp Long, for ages 6 and up (all children must be accompanied by an adult) – details in our calendar listing. (5200 35th SW)

MADISON ‘CASINO NIGHT’ FUNDRAISER: The Madison Middle School PTSA‘s biggest fundraiser of the year starts at 6 pm at Brockey Center on the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus: “There will be some terrific auction items up for bid, including: a mountain-cabin weekend for 6, a distillery tour & tastings for 12, 6 hours of architectural services, dinner for 4 at Zippy’s, 5th Avenue Theater tickets …” Buffet dinner too. No ticket yet? Go here. (6000 16th SW)

OWLS AND OTHER ORGANISMS: 6:30 pm guided nature walk at Lincoln Park with naturalist Stewart Wechsler – details in our calendar listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

‘THIRD’: Curtain time for ArtsWest‘s production of the Wendy Wasserstein play is 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN WEST SEATTLE: The orchestra’s third concert of the season, “Music for the Soul,” is at 8 pm at Holy Rosary Church, featuring Bruckner’s 8th Symphony and “Motet” by Northwest composer Clement Reid. Ticket information is in our calendar listing. (42nd/Genesee)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CASK: Acoustic set with Gary Benson, who specializes in singing the music of “James Taylor and other artists of that era.” 8-10 pm at The Cask. (2350 California SW)

CHLOROFORMULA AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 9:30 pm – be there. (6451 California SW)

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4755 Fauntleroy: Rasmussen’s response to ‘volume of correspondence’
March 14, 2014 9:07 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   4755 Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(From project team’s presentation at last Tuesday’s hearing)
Following up on Tuesday’s City Council Transportation Committee hearing (WSB as-it-happened coverage here) on the requested “alley vacation” for 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, recently named The Whittaker, aka “the Whole Foods project” for the only tenant announced so far for the ~400-apartment, ~600-parking-space mixed-use building: The committee’s chair, Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, has made public the e-mail he is sending to those who’ve contacted him with concerns. Read it here or below:

As noted both in Rasmussen’s e-mail and our Tuesday coverage linked above, the next official step is the April 8th committee meeting. It will also have a public-comment period, but since it’s not the formal public hearing on the proposal, it won’t be as long as the hour last Tuesday. Along with Rasmussen, the committee includes vice chair Mike O’Brien and member Jean Godden. The final vote on the proposal would be up to the full council.

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Remembering Mary ‘Butch’ Gribble and her friendly face
March 14, 2014 5:53 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

You might only have known Mary “Butch” Gribble from Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) or community benefits, but if you met her, you wouldn’t forget her. Her sister Sue Lindblom, Illusions proprietor, shares this remembrance:

Mary (Coghill) Gribble

It is with sadness we report the passing of the friendly face of Mary ‘Butch’ Gribble to many residents living in West Seattle. After 23 years, she retired in November 2013 from Illusions Hair Design and passed peacefully at home on March 4th.

She was born Mary Coghill in Montana but was raised in West Seattle with siblings David, Angus, Susan, and Bill. Her family lost Angus in 1994.

She always loved her Scottish heritage and loved playing by ear her piano, accordion and squeezebox. Her father had musical talent but unfortunately she was the only one that took up the ‘ear.’ She had always been a real caretaker to many in her life including family members and friends. She started her working career for many years at Sears. All remember her energy and sense of humor wherever she was. Many remember her face at one of the car washes or dinners held at the West Seattle Eagles for a Pencil Me In For Kids benefit.

She leaves behind her devoted husband and best friend Grant Gribble, sister Sue (Mike Lindblom), brothers Bill (Debbie) and Dave, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great nephews, co-workers and past co-workers. There will be no services, as per her request. The family thanks all who have so kindly expressed their condolences.

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