West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

58℉

month : 11/2014 290 results

West Seattle scene: From Burnaby Mountain to Harbor Island
November 23, 2014 4:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Dozens of people gathered outside a Harbor Island office this afternoon to demonstrate in support of hundreds who are protesting almost 200 miles away, on Burnaby Mountain, east of Vancouver, B.C. The Harbor Island office belongs to Kinder Morgan, which wants to triple the capacity of its Trans Mountain pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby to carry tar-sands oil.

The expansion would bring hundreds more oil tankers into Northwest waters to receive that oil. While today’s Harbor Island rally was uneventful – though Port of Seattle police were visible nearby – the protest in Canada has resulted in dozens of arrests since Kinder Morgan obtained an injunction to prevent opponents from interfering with their preparatory work, which currently involves drilling. The pipeline-expansion decision is in the hands of Canada’s National Energy Board, which has an infopage about it here.)

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3 R’s – reading, reading, reading! Roxhill Elementary literacy updates
November 23, 2014 2:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Roxhill Elementary library teacher Chris Robert for sharing the report and photos:

– Like Sanislo, Roxhill has received its shipment of $6,000 in books from its 2013-14 partnership with the Seattle Public Libraries funded by an Allen Family Foundation Grant. Many thanks to Sanislo Librarian Craig Seasholes and former Roxhill Librarian Pat Bliquez for securing this partnership.

– Thank you to the Friends of the Library for its donation of 2,500+ books to give away to Roxhill students. Books are covering the lunchroom tables, and students will select at least five books each when they come with their families for conferences … continuing through Tuesday.

– Author and illustrator Wendy Wahman visited, spoke, and drew with Roxhill 1st and 2nd graders. Ms. Wahman read her story “Snowboy 1, 2, 3” and shared her process when illustrating books. Thanks to the PTA for funding this event.

– Roxhill’s Book Fair @ Barnes & Noble included read-alouds by Roxhill teachers, parents, and students. ([Above] is a pic of teacher Mike Nguyen.)

We appreciate receiving school news we can share with the wider community – both after events happen, and info ahead of time for potential coverage by a WSB crew – e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com any time!

P.S. Seattle Public Schools‘ Thanksgiving break is just a few days away – one-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday off, back to school Monday, December 1st. (As mentioned above, elementary schools have conferences instead of classes in the days before Thanksgiving.)

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Happening now: JF Henry Cooking & Dining open house
November 23, 2014 12:42 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: JF Henry Cooking & Dining open house
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

How about a miniature Alki Point Lighthouse or Space Needle for an ornament and/or wine-bottle tag, cut from remnant slate/soapstone? They’re custom-made for JF Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, and among the items you can browse/buy while visiting the Holiday Open House, continuing until 5 pm today. The Christmas-tree train is in the window again this year:

More ornaments nearby, including one that reminded us of an ongoing topic of local coverage:

Upstairs in the store (4445 California SW), don’t miss the complimentary Open House cookie bar:

And if you’re not ready to buy gifts yet … maybe something extra-festive for your Thanksgiving cooking:

We asked proprietor Tom Henry what else is hot this year – he mentioned Kyocera’s new non-toxic (ceramic) non-stick cooking line, among other things. More open-house info here (including the fermentation demo coming up at 3 pm).

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Here’s what’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Sunday
November 23, 2014 9:50 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday night sunset reflection, seen from Seacrest: WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

TURKEY DRIVE: Until noon, drop off one or more turkeys for the White Center Food Bank at Fauntleroy Church – WCFB is outside with a refrigerated van to happily accept your donation. (9140 California SW)

ARTS & CRAFTS SALE PLUS CRECHE EXHIBIT: Until 2 pm, second and final day for this newly expanded annual event at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – handmade holiday items for sale, plus a chance to see an exhibit of creches. (California/Hanford)

(added) OPEN/MASTERS CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS: As pointed out in comments, big USA Track & Field-sponsored event today at Lincoln Park, starting at 10 am – details here.

(back to original) FAIR TRADE SALE: The annual Fair Trade and Bake Sale at Our Lady of Guadalupe is under way now until 1 pm – details in our calendar listing. (35th/Myrtle)

J.F. HENRY OPEN HOUSE, DAY 2: 10 am-5 pm, second day of the big Holiday Open House at J.F. Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Deals, demonstrations, treats, more – see who and what will be there and when, by going here. (4445 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last session of the WSFM before Thanksgiving, 10 am-2 pm. (added – we spotted greenery!)

(44th/Alaska)

CLOTHING-DONATION DROPOFFS AT VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Again this year, West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center is going to spend Thanksgiving helping homeless people, and they’d love to have your help, via donations of clothing/socks/etc. You can drop the items off 11 am-5 pm, at the center. (2236 SW Orchard)

GREAT BIG BAZAAR: Noon-3 pm, second day of the Great Big Bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood – details in our calendar listing. (39th/Thistle)

TAILGATE PARTY AT HPIC: Doors open at noon, game time at 1 pm, potluck tailgate party at Highland Park Improvement Club – details here. (12th/Holden)

KITTY HARBOR ‘PRE-BLACK FRIDAY DOORBUSTERS‘: Noon-5 pm, second day of pre-holiday cat/kitten adoption specials at Kitty Harbor. Be like Luci, dressed up in kitty-cat clothes as she waited in line with her parents Zach and Tati on Saturday:

Get more details here. (3422 Harbor SW)

KINDER MORGAN PROTEST ON HARBOR ISLAND: 12:30 pm, demonstrators plan to gather outside the Harbor Island offices of Kinder Morgan to show support for the Canadian campaign against an oil pipeline. Details on this Facebook event page. (2720 13th SW)

FALL WINE RELEASE/PRE-HOLIDAY SALE: 1-4 pm November 23rd at Two Brothers Winery. Wine, appetizers, live music. (3902 California SW)

FRED TALKS: 3-5 pm at Kol HaNeshamah – if you’ve heard of TED Talks, check out the first FRED Talks at KHN, as previewed here when first announced: “FRED Talk speakers will share stories of gumption, grit and gratitude and allow time for questions. Attendees will hear from all four speakers with a short intermission along the way. Suggested admission is $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Children’s activities will be available, ages 3-11, for $5 a session.” (6115 SW Hinds)

LATE-NIGHT LOW TIDE: This time of year, the low-low tides are late at night, and tonight it’s out to -2.3 feet around 11:20 pm.

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West Seattle scenes: Sea-star sighting, and a video review
November 23, 2014 3:46 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

A sea star wasn’t always such a memorable sight on a tidepool walk. Saturday night, though, we were glad to hear some were spotted in Constellation Park during a nighttime low-tide walk with Seattle Aquarium naturalists. The photo is by Antonio Ventimiglia, shared by Tom, who spotted the exploration event (sorry we didn’t have it on our calendar; turns out two more are coming up in December and January, and tonight you might just want to explore the beach yourself, as the tide will be out to -2.3 feet around 11:20 pm Sunday). Back to the sea stars; you’ll recall a new report earlier this week suggested a not-so-new virus might be factoring into the massive die-off. “Diver Laura” James, who has long been watching and investigating the sea star situation as a “citizen scientist,” went back to survey in Cove 1 near Seacrest shortly afterward; she shares this video spanning 8 years, from a time of plentiful starfish, to now:

Before and after Sea Star wasting syndrome – Cove 1 West Seattle – footage spanning 8 years from Laura James on Vimeo.

P.S. Laura was out whale-watching Saturday afternoon, as were many others – here’s her video, featuring a multitude of spouts as the group of orcas swam in nearby waters.

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West Seattle weekend scene: WSHS auction success
November 23, 2014 2:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Big fun and big giving Friday night at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):

The West Seattle High School PTSA thanks the community for making the annual “Reaching for the Stars” auction a tremendous. success. The auction was held on Fri. Nov. 21. Principal Ruth Medsker and PTSA President Cathy DeVore welcomed guests and supporters, including Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine (WSHS alumnus), pictured holding a member of the WSHS class of 2032:

If you missed the auction, you can still support WSHS students via the PTSA’s fundraising efforts – go here.

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Aaron’s Kids Swim Program launched with family’s gift to the Y
November 22, 2014 8:55 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(YMCA photo: L-R, Raymond Mann, Kathryn Mann, Allison Wherry, Josh Sutton)
Thanks to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) for sharing the news that the legacy of a favorite Y staffer will live on, as an endowment started by his family, who presented the launch donation this week (photo above). Here’s the announcement from the Y:

An endowment fund is being established in remembrance of Aaron William Mann. Aaron was an employee and volunteer of the West Seattle YMCA and previously worked at YMCAs in Anchorage and Colorado Springs. During his more than 20 years at the Y, Aaron was a lifeguard, swimming instructor and a teacher of thousands of kids, families and members. More than anything, Aaron enjoyed teaching and being around “his kids,” and had a special gift for turning their hard work into fun. Aaron taught them swimming and water safety skills, along with life skills. Aaron’s Kids Swim Program is intended to honor his memory and continue his loving support of Y kids.

Aaron’s parents, Kathryn and Raymond Mann, are establishing the endowment fund with an initial donation of $20,000. The purpose of the fund is to “Provide scholarships to kids and families for participation in the West Seattle YMCA aquatics programs.” Scholarships will be awarded to kids and families to offset the costs of swim lessons and aquatics activities. Funds may also be use to purchase aquatics equipment, particularly to meet the needs of kids’ swim programs.

The Mann family has also pledged to match the first $10,000 of incoming donations to the fund and to actively solicit continuing donations to the fund, with a first-year goal of a $50,000 endowment. Once established, the program will be managed andadministered by the West Seattle YMCA. All donations will be tax deductible in keeping with the YMCA’s non-profit status.

Thank you to the Mann family for their generous endowment and also for helping us keep Aaron’s spirit of service alive in all of us.

Aaron Mann was just 44 when he died this past June. Contact the Y for information about donating to the new program.

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Have you seen Ella? Missing teen might be in West Seattle
November 22, 2014 5:27 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Family and friends are looking for 13-year-old Ella Blalock in this area, two nights after she was last seen, and hope you can help. They say the boy she might be with has friends here, and they might have headed this way. We don’t have details of her disappearance but we know police are on the lookout too, so if you have any information about her whereabouts, call 911.

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Memorial on Monday for Army, Air Force veteran Chad Hammond
November 22, 2014 5:08 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

44-year-old Chad Hammond will be remembered at a funeral with military honors on Monday. His family is sharing this remembrance:

Chad Preston Hammond was born in Gaffney, South Carolina on October 29, 1969. He passed away on October 22, 2014 at his home in West Seattle, just a few days shy of his 45th birthday.

Chad was a retired military veteran, having spent 5 years in the Army and 14 years in the Air Force Reserves. While in the Army, Chad was based out of Fort Lewis and also spent three years overseas in Panama. He worked out of McChord AFB for his Reserve duty. He was activated several times during his time in the Reserves, including time spent supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chad also held civilian jobs during his time in the Reserves and after his retirement.

Throughout the years, he worked a medical assistant, heavy equipment operator, and a semi-truck driver. Chad loved to do thrilling, adrenaline-pumping activities such as sky-diving, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and dirt bike & motorcycle riding. He also loved sports, and when his sons were younger, he volunteered as an umpire for West Seattle Little League Baseball. Chad was very much loved by his family and friends and is greatly missed. He is survived by his three sons Tyler, Bryce, and Jacob Hammond of West Seattle, his parents Robert and Linda Hammond of Dayton, TX, and his brothers, Kyle Hammond of Flagstaff, Arizona and Justin Hammond of Crawfordville, Florida. There will be a military funeral for Chad on Monday, November 24th at 11:00 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, where he will also be laid to rest.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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Diver in distress rescued off Seacrest, taken to hospital
November 22, 2014 2:22 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Photo by Carolyn Newman, rescuers helping diver)
If you saw the emergency response off Seacrest earlier this afternoon: A 19-year-old diver was in distress and brought to shore safely, then taken to the hospital by Seattle Fire medics.

(WSB photo)
They were gone when we got there to check it out, but police who were still there say she was alert and talking when transported.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Eastridge Church’s turkey tradition
November 22, 2014 10:25 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Those are a few of the people who served the hundreds lining up along 39th SW this morning, giving the gifts Eastridge Church offers before Thanksgiving every year – turkeys and bags of groceries for holiday meals. This year, between their West Seattle and Issaquah campuses, Eastridge planned to give out 1,500 turkeys – that’s quite the logistical undertaking.

But it goes faster if you keep smiling.

It’s the 12th year Eastridge has given the pre-Thanksgiving gifts – no questions asked, no proof of need required.

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West Seattle whale watching: Orcas traveling past us again
November 22, 2014 8:53 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Trileigh Tucker)
8:53 AM: Southbound orcas were seen from the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry about half an hour ago, according to a thread on the Orca Network Facebook page. That could place them off our shores now or soon. Still blustery out there, so you’ll almost certainly need binoculars (also, sounds like they’re closer to the east side of the Sound). Let us know if you see them!

9:38 AM: In comments, Gary noted them passing Alki Point, and we’ve since received Jeff Hogan (Killer Whale Tales)’s text report of a Lincoln Park-area sighting, still southbound. This time of year, they are chasing the chum salmon run – same one that has brought net fishers into view in the past few weeks – so here’s hoping they are finding the food they need for survival.

(Photo by Paul B)
2:27 PM: See comments for the orcas’ travels since then. Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail has just posted on Facebook that they’ve turned back northbound and could be passing south West Seattle shores again by 3 pm if they continue their current path. We’ve also added photos from earlier.

3:37 PM: Donna just called – the whales are visible from Lincoln Park, with the blows visible from this side, and she’s off to the South Alki area in about 10 minutes – look for a pod of people watching from shore (she brings excellent binoculars).

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West Seattle Saturday: Holiday open houses; donation drives; more
November 22, 2014 6:39 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Long B. Nguyen: Luna/Anchor Park, Don Armeni, & Hamilton Viewpoint all visible)
The weekend before Thanksgiving is the full-on kickoff for the holidays, and today’s slate of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar won’t disappoint:

TURKEY GIVEAWAY: From 9 am until supplies run out, Eastridge Church is again giving away turkeys and bags of groceries to anyone who shows up – no proof of need required. (39th/Oregon)

SOUTHEAST ASIAN EDUCATION SUMMIT: 9 am-4 pm at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), presented by Southeast Asian/American Access in Education – free to attend; details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

LONGFELLOW CREEK SALMON WALK: 10 am, meet Puget Soundkeeper Alliance stewards at Dragonfly Pavilion to embark on an exploration of Longfellow Creek, learning about its salmon, as previewed in this WSB report. (28th/Dakota)

J.F. HENRY OPEN HOUSE, DAY 1: 10 am-6 pm, first day of the big Holiday Open House at J.F. Henry Cooking and Dining (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Deals, demonstrations, treats, more – see who and what will be there and when, by going here. (4445 California SW)

JUNCTION TRUE VALUE OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-2 pm, the big holiday open house at Junction True Value (WSB sponsor)! Refreshments, gifts, prizes. Coupon for ornaments, good Saturday/Sunday. Bring nonperishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank! (4747 44th SW)

GREAT BIG BAZAAR: 10 am-3 pm, first day of the Great Big Bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood – details in our calendar listing. (39th/Thistle)

NORTHWEST ART & FRAME OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-5:30 pm, including demonstrations, refreshments, specials. (4733 California SW)

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK HOLIDAY FOOD DONATIONS:11 am-2 pm, drop off turkeys (or cash) at the WC Food Bank‘s headquarters. (10829 8th SW)

CLOTHING-DONATION DROPOFFS AT VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Again this year, West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center is going to spend Thanksgiving helping homeless people, and they’d love to have your help, via donations of clothing/socks/etc. You can drop the items off today (and/or tomorrow), 11 am-5 pm, at the center. (2236 SW Orchard)

FREE LUNCH AT WSPC: Hungry? Chilly? Just need some good company? Noon-1:30 pm, you’re welcome to come have lunch, free, at West Side Presbyterian Church. (3601 California SW)

KITTY HARBOR ‘PRE-BLACK FRIDAY DOORBUSTERS‘: Noon-5 pm, pre-holiday cat/kitten adoption specials at Kitty Harbor, as detailed here. (3422 Harbor SW)

WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK TURKEY DRIVE: 1-4 pm, drop off turkeys (or cash) at the WS Food Bank‘s headquarters. (35th/Morgan)

TEA WITH GEORGIE: She’s a comic, a musician, a writer, a rabblerouser … Don’t miss the chance to spend the afternoon in the company of West Seattle’s one-of-a-kind Georgie Bright Kunkel, 3 pm at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

ARTS & CRAFTS SALE PLUS CRECHE EXHIBIT: 3-5 pm, first of two days at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church‘s newly expanded annual event – handmade holiday items for sale, plus a chance to see an exhibit of creches. (California/Hanford)

BEER CHURCH’S TURKEY BOWL: 5:30 pm at West Seattle Bowl. The lanes are sold out but you are invited to come down, cheer the Beer Church and its bowlers, have a brew, buy a raffle ticket, and most importantly, bring food (and/or money!) for the West Seattle Food Bank, which gets a big boost from this every year – and this is the 16th annual edition! (39th/Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ GALA: As previewed here earlier this week, tonight is the night to celebrate with the West Seattle Community Orchestras at Highland Park Improvement Club, and help them support student music! Doors open at 6; we’re told there’s still room. (12th/Holden)

FLOURISH BEAUTY SHOPPING EVENT & DONATION DRIVE: 6-9 pm, with local vendors plus raffle/donation drive for West Seattle Helpline – details in our calendar listing. (Fauntleroy/Raymond)

THE BURNZ AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free all-ages in-store concert with Seattle’s own The Burnz at Easy Street Records in The Junction. (California/Alaska)

‘DOGFIGHT,’ FINAL NIGHT: 7:30 pm, closing night for the musical “Dogfight” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4711 California SW)

SOUTHWEST TEEN LIFE CENTER LATE-NIGHT THANKSGIVING: 8 pm, ages 13-19 get to celebrate early with a full Thanksgiving dinner at Southwest TLC. (2801 SW Thistle)

ALL THAT, BUT STILL … there’s more! Go directly to our calendar to see for yourself.

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‘Pre-Black Friday Doorbusters’ – the furry kind, @ Kitty Harbor
November 21, 2014 11:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

Less than a week until the shopping day that’s become known as “Black Friday” (shop local indies!), we have word tonight of “Pre-Black Friday Doorbusters” … adoption “deals” at Kitty Harbor in West Seattle this weekend:

Avoid the crowds and bring home something much more special and lasting — an adopted cat(s)! This weekend, all colors of black kittens’ adoption donation is $20 less. We have panther black, elegant black, ink black, sleek black, reddish black, sexy black and more! Black cats are our personal favorite — they have cool personalities, beautiful eyes and are very loving. Did you know they were worshiped in ancient Egypt?

Prefer a more mature cat? Our 15 amazing adult cats want you to know that their adoption donation is just $50 this coming weekend. They’d like to remind you that they are yesterday’s kitten, are still playful, loving and very dignified.

It gets better! The above kitties will be sent home with their very own, special Christmas stocking, chock full of kitty kibble, toys, and catnip. Just our way of making sure you don’t have to go out shopping for their Christmas gift. We have 35 Adults, teenagers and kittens that are looking to meet you.

Kitty Harbor is at 3422 Harbor SW, open noon-5 Saturday and Sunday.

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West Seattle development: New Junction apartment-building proposal, 60 units at 4528 44th SW
November 21, 2014 8:57 pm
|      67 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Scouring the latest Department of Planning and Development data, we turned up another new apartment-building proposal for The Junction. The 1952-built 8-unit building at 4528 44th SW (map), shown above in a King County Assessor’s Office photo, is proposed for replacement with what the city website describes as a “new 60-unit apartment building, five stories plus basement, five enclosed parking spaces.” The 5,850-square-foot site is zoned for development up to 65′ and borders the alley behind several retailers. It’s also almost directly across 44th from the under-construction 38-unit Lofts at The Junction at 4535 44th SW. According to the DPD website, this proposal will have to go through the Design Review process; no date set yet – it’s in the relatively early stages, with its newest “site plan” filed just this past Monday.

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Holiday giving: West Seattle Food Bank turkey drive Saturday
November 21, 2014 8:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Food Bank is up to 300 of the 500 turkeys it needs for the holiday season. It’s just added another chance for you to help close the gap. From WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino:

We will be holding a last-minute Turkey Drive tomorrow at the West Seattle Food Bank, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Drop off your turkey/donation and get a tour of our facility from our Executive Director or Operation Managers. In addition to turkeys, we also need stuffing.

We’ll also be at the Junction True Value Christmas Open House, Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm greeting holiday shoppers and selling raffle tickets for $5. You have a chance to win wine tasting for 10 at Viscon Cellars on California Ave. with appetizers paired for the wine by The Bridge. Thank you to both of them for donating. See you on Saturday.

WSFB HQ is on the southeast corner of 35th/Morgan – donors can pull into the garage from Morgan just east of 35th. JTV (a WSB sponsor) is at 44th/Edmunds.

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Crime Watch: SPD goes public with SeaStat trends, data, including current West Seattle burglary hotspot
November 21, 2014 5:46 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just made public by Seattle Police – the SeaStat crime data that top brass has been reviewing regularly. Until now, as we have mentioned to SPD several times, precinct-level data hasn’t been updated publicly on the department website since the April stats. Here’s the citywide SeaStat slide deck presented Wednesday – and here are Southwest Precinct toplines we’ve noted while going through it:

That’s the main West Seattle trend called out in the November 19th stats – six burglaries in 10 days in an area including parts of Gatewood, Sunrise Heights, and Upper Fauntleroy. The slide deck also includes year-to-date stats for major crimes; all categories are down except auto theft (up 12 percent, less than a third of the citywide percentage increase), aggravated assault (up 1%), and (added) rape, which has more than doubled, from 4 to 10:

Note that the Southwest Precinct serves South Park as well as West Seattle; the July homicide on the slide above, only one this year in the precinct, was a double murder in South Park, in which a 45-year-old man was charged with killing his mother and stepfather. West Seattle’s most recent murder was the still-unsolved killing of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., less than an hour before the end of 2013.

This edition of SeaStat also calls out auto-theft and shots-fired trends around the city; for the latter, 31 so far this year, down from 35 last year. Again, here’s the full slide deck from last Wednesday’s citywide briefing, including the SW Precinct toplines we pulled out.

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West Seattle salmon: Help Puget Soundkeeper scout, and save, Longfellow Creek coho
November 21, 2014 3:04 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle salmon: Help Puget Soundkeeper scout, and save, Longfellow Creek coho
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos by Torin Record-Sand for WSB, unless otherwise credited)
Tomorrow morning, you’re invited to join Puget Soundkeeper Alliance for a walk along Longfellow Creek in North Delridge, as the group continues to investigate the health of local salmon. We got a preview by joining Kathryn Davis and Michelle Piñon from Soundkeeper on Wednesday as they were joined by Elissa Ostergaard, a creek steward from South King County.

As WSB readers had reported earlier this month, they say they’ve seen many coho in the creek. We didn’t see any live fish on Wednesday, perhaps because of the semi-long dry spell (now over), but we did learn what you can find out from a dead fish, once one was spotted:

Read More

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Followup: Driver found guilty of assault for hitting bike rider in North Delridge
November 21, 2014 12:55 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

More than a year after a charge was filed, there’s a verdict in the case of a woman charged with assault for deliberately driving her car into a co-chair of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council. According to court files, King County Superior Court jury has found 38-year-old Erika Soerensen guilty of second-degree assault against 33-year-old Jake Vanderplas. After two days of deliberations, jurors reached the verdict this past Wednesday, two weeks after proceedings began with pre-trial motions.

The assault happened near 26th SW/SW Andover on July 8, 2013, and first came to light later that day in a letter by Vanderplas, sent to and published by Seattle Bike Blog later that day. Police found Soerensen six days later, slowed by the fact it had a California plate but had been sold to her a few months earlier; prosecutors charged her in October with second-degree assault, of which she has now been found guilty.

The investigation indicated that Soerensen had first passed Vanderplas “at a high rate of speed” while northbound on 26th SW, a neighborhood-greenway street; he then passed her, and after following him at 20 mph for several blocks, repeatedly honking her horn, she swerved into Vanderplas, who suffered a hand injury, and then she drove away; police tracked her down about a week later. As noted in charging documents, her 2002 Nissan Sentra “has a curb weight of 2,519 pounds” while Vanderplas’s 2007 Schwinn LeTour bicycle weighs about 30 pounds.

Her sentencing is set for January 9th, in the courtroom of Judge Regina Cahan, who presided over the trial. The standard range for that crime is three to nine months’ imprisonment.

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Cassis: Welcoming the bistro on Alki as a new WSB sponsor
November 21, 2014 12:01 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest WSB sponsors, Cassis, the bistro at 2820 Alki Avenue SW. Here’s what proprietor Jef Fike wants you to know:

The summer crowds are gone from the beach and we’re anxious to meet our new neighbors!

Cassis Bistro was open for 7 years on Capitol Hill and was a top ten restaurant in Seattle during that time. We have re-located to West Seattle and we love our new community.

Our food is anchored in French traditional bistro fare. It’s not fussy or precious. It’s just delicious, hearty, and comforting with lots of classics. Our menus change monthly to reflect the seasons and the local, fresh ingredients so readily available in Seattle. We work with small farmers and are committed to organic, grass-fed, non-processed ingredients. We have a great happy hour as well as wine specials on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning in December. We will also be doing Sunday suppers beginning in December.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter at jef@cassisalki.com and like our Facebook page, Cassis. You can also follow us on Instagram at cassis_alki.

See you at the beach!

We thank Cassis for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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Followup: Bridge backup from hour-and-a-half tow-truck wait = Case of ‘confusion’
November 21, 2014 10:51 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

10:51 AM: Remember last week’s high-bridge backup, involving a lane blocked by a crash-damaged car that didn’t get towed for an hour and a half?

(Our screengrab from just before the tow truck arrived – note the police car toward the right)
City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen has just published his tale of trying to sort out how that happened, and the bottom line is:

SPD told him they thought they are legally at the mercy of whatever the driver wanted to do about getting towed.

But – the City Attorney told Rasmussen – they weren’t.

So, Rasmussen writes, SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole promises she will “have officers trained to eliminate the confusion.”

You can go here to read what he went through to find this out (including the behind-the-scenes timeline of last week’s incident, which largely matches what we had reported, including a mention at one point of a possible 2-hour tow-truck wait).

P.S. Rasmussen adds that an even-longer delay from earlier this year – remember the 4-mile, 5-hour Highway 99 closure in June? – will get a review in the council Transportation Committee, which he chairs, at 9:30 am December 5th, along with “SDOT and SPD’s new emergency incident response plan for these types of major closures.” (You can read the “after-action report” about that incident here.)

ADDED 10:39 PM: Councilmember Rasmussen shares this forwarded e-mail sent department-wide by Chief O’Toole tonight:

From: O’Toole, Kathleen
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 5:33 PM
Subject: Impeding Traffic

The ability to move vehicles and people about the city can be seriously impeded by a single blocking vehicle. During a recent incident on the West Seattle Bridge, traffic was unnecessarily delayed for hours pending the arrival of a tow truck. Officers should know that a vehicle may be impounded WITHOUT prior notice if “the vehicle is impeding or is likely to impede the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.” (SMC 11.30.040) If an owner’s selected tow company is not able to respond in a timely manner, the officer should request an impound via Communications to have the impeding vehicle removed from the scene promptly.
(http://www.seattle.gov/police/publications/manual/06_120_impounding_Vehicles.html)

If disabled vehicles are not impeding the flow of pedestrian or vehicle traffic, owners may request tow companies of their choice.

Kathleen M. O’Toole
Chief of Police

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West Seattle Friday: Wine; movies; music; theater; school benefits
November 21, 2014 10:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Varied thrush, photographed in Lincoln Park by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

BOOKFAIR TODAY/TONIGHT TO BENEFIT ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: As explained here earlier this week, all day, a percentage of purchases at Barnes/Noble (in store or online) will go to Roxhill Elementary if you mention it’s their Bookfair day (see the voucher # in our story) – plus, special in-store readings at the Westwood Village store tonight. (2600 SW Barton)

FALL WINE RELEASE … at the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, including complimentary tastings. Second of three days, 2-7 pm – more info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

JAZZ AT SALTY’S: Tonight’s music slate starts at 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) with the New Orleans jazz sounds of the Dave Holo Trio. (1936 Harbor SW)

MORE MUSIC TONIGHT … various venues, go directly to the calendar!

REACHING FOR THE STARS: West Seattle High School‘s annual auction is tonight at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for details – 5:30-8:30 pm. (6000 16th SW)

HPIC MOVIE NIGHT – SPECIAL EARLY START! This time around at Highland Park Improvement Club, doors open at 6, kids’ short film (think Peanuts and Thanksgiving!) at 6:15, main feature at 7 (see our calendar listing for description). Movie’s free, chairs available (or BYO pillows/blankets), concessions available for purchase. (12th/Holden)

‘DOGFIGHT’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, this “romantic and heartbreaking story,” a musical based on a 1991 film, continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction – final weekend! (4711 California SW)

‘GATHERING BONES’: Performance at Twilight Gallery in The Junction, 8 pm (doors open at 7), details in our calendar listing – check to see if tickets are still available, as space is limited. (4306 SW Alaska)

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Holiday giving: Turkey drive this Sunday and other ways to help White Center Food Bank (which serves part of West Seattle too)
November 21, 2014 9:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

It’s time for our seasonal reminder … did you know that West Seattle is served not only by the WS Food Bank but also by the White Center Food Bank, whose “official” territory begins at SW Myrtle? We mention this so you can be sure to include BOTH in your holiday giving. We’ve been mentioning WSFB donation drives, and now we have some WCFB info too:

TURKEY DRIVE THIS SUNDAY: 9 am-noon at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), drop by with a turkey – White Center Food Bank executive director Rick Jump (at right, file photo from 2011 holidays) will have a refrigerated truck onsite so you can drop by with a frozen turkey and know that it will get to a WCFB client before Thanksgiving.

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO FAUNTLEROY ON SUNDAY, STOP BY WCFB ON SATURDAY: For holiday food donations, the food bank has added extra dropoff hours at its HQ this Saturday, 11 am-2 pm – 10829 8th SW (map).

OR, DONATE FOOD DURING REGULAR HOURS: 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Fridays, you are welcome to stop by that same address with food donations. (Or a check! Speaking of which …)

DONATE MONEY: Most of the time, food banks can buy more with your dollar than what you can get for it at a supermarket. (Turkeys, we’re told, are the rare exception, given the Thanksgiving-season prices.) Here’s the “donate” page on the WCFB website.

P.S. WC Food Bank development director Kristina Dahl says food/financial donations at Roxbury Safeway (as part of Northwest Harvest’s “Hometown Harvest”) benefit WCFB. Ask for her if you stop by WCFB HQ weekdays, and she’d be happy to give you a tour!

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