West Seattle, Washington

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year : 2014 3707 results

West Seattle beach notes: Of sewage and seals
January 22, 2014 10:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Remember that sign on Lowman Beach? We now know the extent of the Murray Pump Station overflow that closed the beach back during the January 11th power outage: 1.5 million gallons. That’s according to Annie Kolb-Nelson from King County Wastewater Treatment, who didn’t have that stat when they were still dealing with the exact aftermath; we checked back this week to ask. It happened just as the county is launching into construction of two West Seattle projects meant to dramatically reduce the chance of such overflows – one of them right there at Lowman, which is now full of fencing and bordered with two construction trailers (this is their water-facing side):

Two components of the work ahead could have prevented or reduced the January 11th overflow – the pump station itself, beneath the south side of Lowman Beach Park, will get a backup power system, instead of having to await the arrival of a portable generator if an outage happens. And a million-gallon overflow-holding tank will be across the street.

The other project will reduce overflows at the nearby Barton Pump Station, north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, which itself, like Murray, is getting a power upgrade. Its overflow-reduction system is very different – roadside raingardens to hold stormwater will be built in two of the neighborhoods in the “basin” feeding that station. And that project is about to have its two pre-construction community meetings – tomorrow and Saturday – time/location details are here.

The end result of both projects is supposed to be cleaner water. Not just for people, but for wildlife. We were reminded of that when we went to Lowman Beach today to photograph the construction trailers.

At Lowman, we also saw that seal pup, which had been on the rocky shore since relatively early in the morning, when Morgan spotted it and shared that photo via Twitter, hours before our visit. Seal Sitters were there by the time we saw it, and they thought it might be the same one we found ourselves guarding for a little while Tuesday evening at Lincoln Park – the story’s on the Seal Sitters’ website.

ADDED: Turns out it probably wasn’t “Cameo.” The Wednesday seal hung around all day and, as noted by Seal Sitters, got the nickname “PeeWee.”

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The WSBeat: Fire fight with admitted ‘hothead’; wallet full of surprises; more
January 22, 2014 7:37 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | 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 …

*On the 18th, firefighters responded to a “reckless burning” call near 31st and Roxbury. The resident, who was burning leaves in his back yard in violation of the city code, told the firefighters to get off his property. When told he needed to extinguish the flames, the man grabbed the garden hose, sprayed the burn pile, and then sprayed the firefighter. The Battalion Chief was called to the scene and got the same treatment. Officers were called and immediately recognized the suspect as someone with a history of confrontational behavior with Seattle Police as well. After a drawn-out interaction (in which the man said he had a “hot head” and just can’t help it), he was released. Officers recommend he face charges of assault, reckless burning, and false reporting (for giving officers a false name).

Six more summaries ahead:Read More

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You’ve been going under it; soon you can go on it – Atlantic Street overpass over 99 to open Monday
January 22, 2014 5:42 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Driving/riding between West Seattle and downtown on 99, you’ve been going under the under-construction Atlantic Street Overpass just south of the remaining elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct for months. Now, it’s about to open. The announcement ahead:

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School Board delays vote on transportation changes to February 5th
January 22, 2014 3:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced on Twitter – the vote on Seattle Public Schools transportation changes has been pushed back two weeks:

We reported on the proposed changes back on Monday; among other components of the proposal, bus arrival/departure schedules would change at some schools, with major changes at some local schools – Pathfinder K-8 would start almost half an hour earlier; Sanislo, already with a late start time, would see its opening bell close to 10 am. As pointed out by a commenter on our Monday story, the district has a mailbox specifically for comments on the proposed schedule changes: arrivaltimes@seattleschools.org – and now it looks like you have more time to share your thoughts.

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Holy Rosary School: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor, with information night Thursday, open house Sunday
January 22, 2014 3:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Holy Rosary School, which has two events in the next four days for prospective families. As with all new local sponsors, they get the chance to tell you about themselves:

The steeple of Holy Rosary Church can be seen from many parts of West Seattle, and it serves as a great marker for its school. For the last century, Holy Rosary School has been proud and humbled to serve a vital role in developing the hearts and minds of some of West Seattle’s youth. As we begin our next 100 years, we strive to continue to develop respectful and responsible students who are effective communicators, have a passion for learning, and who have developed a strong spiritual life and commitment to their broader community.

Holy Rosary is a Preschool-8 Catholic school that offers a holistic education, committed to meeting the spiritual academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of the child. We are a faith-based community, integrating Gospel values into all subjects. We are committed to serving the community. Students at every grade level participate in ongoing service projects.

We offer a broad academic curriculum, including:

• Our excellent technology program that continues to expand. In addition to a fully equipped computer lab and Smartboards in every classroom, laptops and iPads are integrated into classroom instruction.

• A strong literacy program, supported by reading specialists; 90% of our student body score ‘proficient’ or ‘advanced’ on standardized reading tests.

• Our math program is aligned with the Common Core Standards and includes advanced math classes for students in grades 5-8.

• A full-time arts program, featuring Spanish, art, music, health & fitness, and library classes, as well as a wide variety of Elective courses for Jr. high students.

Our graduates are highly sought-after by our area’s high schools and go on to serve as active members in the West Seattle community and beyond.

We have an involved, supportive parent community and a strong Parents’ Club that helps coordinate fundraisers, parent-education classes and service learning opportunities. In the last 5 years, efforts from our Christmas Tree lot have raised over $35,000 for West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, and Hickman House.

We are currently accepting Preschool-Grade 8 applications for the 2014-2015 school year, due to the main office by Friday, January 31st, 2014. Learn more about us through our website at www.holyrosaryws.org. Holy Rosary is located in the heart of West Seattle at 4142 42nd Ave SW.

We’d love to share more about our wonderful school and invite you to meet the principal, teachers, and tour the school in person:

–HRS Information Night: Thursday, January 23rd, 7 pm (parents only)
–Open House: Sunday, January 26th, 10:30 am – 1 pm (bring the whole family)

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

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‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’: California Avenue SW historic-survey plan
January 22, 2014 1:15 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two brick buildings along California SW have been in the news here again recently – Charlestown Court (3811), up again for demolition:

And the former Admiralty House Antiques (2141), recently sold but NOT currently up for demolition, undergoing interior work:

As other development proposals turn up – and as large developments proceed, with 4206, 4730, and 5020 California underway in The Junction and 3210 California in the works for south Admiral – the question is often asked: Is anyone working to save anything before it’s (almost) all gone?

The answer is complicated.

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Springer stars in The Whale Trail’s first 2014 Orca Talk
January 22, 2014 11:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Mark Sears)
A year and a half ago, The Whale Trail hosted a celebration marking 10 years since the “family reunion” for Springer, the young orca found in Puget Sound and reunited with her family in Canada. One year later – just last summer – scientists discovered Springer had become a mom. Her inspiring story continues – and The Whale Trail’s first Orca Talk of the year will bring you into it. Just announced:

Celebrate Springer! The true story of how an orphaned orca went home.

Presentation by Mark Sears and Donna Sandstrom
Thursday, January 30, 7-9 pm, C & P Coffee, 5612 California Ave SW
$5 suggested donation, kids free. Tickets available via brownpapertickets.com

Twelve years ago, the orphaned orca Springer (A-73) was discovered in Puget Sound – lost, alone, and 300 miles away from home. Five months later, she was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her pod near the north end of Vancouver Island. In July 2013, she was seen with her first calf! The project is the only successful orca reintroduction in history.

Why did this project succeed while others have failed? What did we learn from the Springer project that can help orcas today?

Join us to hear the true story of how Springer went home, from researchers and organizers who were part of the project team. Help us celebrate the 12th anniversary of this historic undertaking, and the little whale who changed our lives!.

This is the first Orca Talk of 2014, hosted by The Whale Trail in West Seattle. The event also features updates from Robin Lindsey (Seal Sitters), and “Diver Laura” James (tox-ick.org and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance).

Buy tickets ahead of time and we’ll save you a seat! And hurry – this will likely sell out.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Deposit yourself into the Timebank; hear Highland Park history; beer; music; more
January 22, 2014 10:29 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: Deposit yourself into the Timebank; hear Highland Park history; beer; music; more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Under the West Seattle bridge

(West Seattle’s bridges: Shared by old desolate via the WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, a half-dozen highlights for tonight!

BEER TASTING: At Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction, tonight brings the annual “Ode to Darkness” tasting, starting at 4 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4720 California SW)

LIVE JAZZ: David Ruddock Trio plays 5:30-8:30 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). No cover/minimum. (1936 Harbor Avenue SW)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Wish you had more time? Give some and get some! The growing West Seattle Timebank has its next orientation tonight, starting with a 6:30 pm potluck. Details in our calendar listing (which includes contact info if you’ll need child care in order to be there). Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: As previewed here Tuesday, HPAC will be the first local neighborhood council to talk about Mayor Murray‘s promise of a Neighborhood Summit within his first 100 days in office; another agenda item previewed by HPAC involves a presentation about local history – from someone who’s been part of it. Come see and hear for yourself – 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th/Holden)

POEMS AND STORIES: Celebrate the written and spoken word tonight at the monthly poets/storytellers night at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. Open mike included. (5612 California SW)

OPENING NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: First night for “The Little Dog Laughed,” the newest production at ArtsWest in The Junction. Curtain rises 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

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While the world celebrates soccer, West Seattle Cup will, too
January 22, 2014 9:53 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

You know West Seattle loves soccer – from the hundreds of kids in local leagues, to the grownups who play pickup games every weekend, to the pro-soccer fans who fill the Water Taxi in the summer, headed for the stadium downtown. Alki Elementary kindergarten teacher Terry Kegel is hoping to get the community together – all ages – this June for a new way to celebrate not only the sport, but each other. The video above is a trailer of sorts, and he shares it with this announcement:

In June 2014, as billions of fans from around the world tune in for the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup, our neighborhood will host a soccer tournament of its own. The West Seattle Cup will bring together hundreds of parents and children representing different countries to celebrate soccer, culture, and community. Players, fans, and volunteers: visit www.westseattlecup.org to learn how you can join the fun!

We’re all on the same team!

The West Seattle Cup aims to engage and build community by creating opportunities to play, teach, learn, and connect across generational and cultural differences. Our neighborhood is strongest when we know each other and work together. We invite you, children and parents, to join our team and celebrate soccer, culture, and community. Come play!

Registration isn’t open yet, but Terry is starting to get the word out now. You can get on the mailing list for pre-registration announcements by going here.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday gets going
January 22, 2014 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday gets going
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Midweek already. If you see something affecting the commute, please let us know – if you can text/call/comment safely/legally (you’re on a bus, you’re a carpool passenger, you’ve arrived at work, etc.) – 206-293-6302 is the number, any time. Thanks!

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Celebration of life this Saturday afternoon for Larry Launceford
January 22, 2014 4:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The family of Larry Launceford is sharing this remembrance with news of his celebration of life this Saturday:

Larry Launceford, 65, a lifetime resident of West Seattle, passed away on December 9, 2013 at his home. He was a graduate of Sealth High School, class of 1966, and Burnley School of Art, class of 1969.

Larry was a passionate, talented graphic artist, leaving behind an accomplished body of work. He was an avid billiards player, and reader. He is survived by his father, Earl, his siblings John and Judy, and his sons, Nicolas and Ian.

Memorial donations may be made to The Larry Launceford Memorial Scholarship at Sealth High School.

Larry’s celebration of life will be held from 1:00-4:00 on January 25th, 2014 at The Eagles Club of White Center.

(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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High-school basketball: WSHS, Sealth boys both lose at home
January 22, 2014 1:31 am
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: WSHS, Sealth boys both lose at home
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Two home games in the high-school spotlight Tuesday night:

At West Seattle High School, the Wildcats fell to visiting Cleveland, 69-46. Here are the stats via our partners at The Seattle Times; Ruslan Burduzha led the Wildcats’ scoring with 16, with Joe Hey right behind at 15.

And at Chief Sealth International High School – the boys’ varsity final was Franklin 84, Sealth 56.

At right in our photo is Khaleef Griffin, the Seahawks’ top scorer Tuesday night with 25 points. See the stats here.

The same matchups as above will play out tonight for the schools’ girls-basketball teams – Cleveland at WSHS, Franklin at Sealth, 5:45 pm JV, 7:30 pm varsity.

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Followup: Installation time for disputed Madison signboard
January 21, 2014 11:21 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As school resumed after the holiday weekend, something new was being installed at Madison Middle School – the illuminated signboard that had been the subject of a years-long fight. The Madison PTA raised money to get it, but needed a zoning exception because the school has homes on all sides, and zoning didn’t allow this type of sign. The neighbors who will be facing the sign challenged the city ruling allowing that exception, went downtown to argue their case, then ended the fight when the city Hearing Examiner upheld the ruling last September. Claudia Ludwig, one of the neighbors who led the challenge, says it’s a “sad day.” The Hearing Examiner did formalize conditions for the sign’s operation, in hopes that would address some of the neighbors’ concerns; among those conditions, it’s only supposed to be turned on 7 am-7 pm weekdays, 10 am-4 pm weekends/school holidays/breaks.

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West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, report #1: High Point murder-investigation progress; other cases
January 21, 2014 10:08 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Detectives are making progress in West Seattle’s two most recent murder cases, new Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis told the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council tonight (our second report tomorrow will cover the rest of tonight’s meeting). In the Q/A period after his meeting-opening briefing, he was asked about three of the cases. First, in the December 14th blunt force/strangulation murder of 46-year-old Nga T. Nguyen at her High Point home, he said detectives “are working on something – hopefully they can bring something to a close very quickly.” He said that’s all he could say. Asked then about the New Year’s Eve shooting death of 40-year-old Stephen Jeffries Jr., Capt. Davis wasn’t quite that optimistic, but said detectives “know a lot more now” than they did on the chaotic night of the killing at a 16th/Barton party. Those were West Seattle’s only two murders in 2013, and the first ones since that of 51-year-old Greggette Guy more than a year and a half earlier; asked about that case, he said he hadn’t heard anything lately but would check. There are two other unsolved murders in this area – Kaari Higgins, who died three years ago after being found injured in her Fauntlee Hills home, and 24-year-old Jeremy Peck, last seen in a West Seattle bar three years ago, weeks before his body turned up on a Bainbridge Island beach. His death was added to the unsolved-murder list two years later.

If you have information on any Seattle homicide case, the SPD tip line is 206-233-5000 (or you can call 911).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another stolen Honda; 2 cases of explosive vandalism; more
January 21, 2014 8:23 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

STOLEN CAR: From Bill:

I live just north of Admiral Junction and adding my red ’97 Civic hatchback, license 701 HMN, to the long list of stolen Hondas. I have a Club and pretty sure I put it on last night.

If you see Bill’s car, call 911.

MAILBOX, TRASH CAN EXPLOSIONS: Following up on e-mail we received early today, we learned that police are investigating two incidents last week. First, on Thursday in the 8600 block of 17th SW (map), a home mailbox was blown up – the resident said a piece of it was found 30 feet away. Police found what appeared to be part of a firecracker. A neighbor said she saw two teenagers hanging around the mailbox and then taking off running about the time of the explosion. Nobody was hurt. The next day, after 3 pm in the 8100 block of Delridge Way (map), they got a call from someone who reported her trash can had just been “blown up” – she was driving toward her home when she saw smoke pouring from it. A roommate was home but didn’t see it happen. An Arson/Bomb Squad member investigated that case, according to the report. No definite description of suspects in either case; the teens seen running after the Thursday incident were described as male, one white, about six feet tall, white shirt and blue jeans, the other black, with “unidentified clothing”; in the Friday case, police were told a slender 18-to-20-year-old African-American man in a yellow-and-red shirt, “possibly a San Francisco 49ers jersey,” and blue jeans was seen running from the area after the explosion.

EGG VANDALISM: A reader who asked for anonymity reports, “My car was egged on Charlestown Street between 44th and 45th [map] (likely) on 1/19.” Yes, you can report this as vandalism; the reader says the online form is problematic, though, because the vandalism section doesn’t have a dropdown for “car.”

MIDNIGHT PROWLER: A Seaview resident e-mailed:

Thought I would report that I had a weird happening Saturday around midnight. Someone rang my doorbell. When I went to answer the door, no one was around. I called police and they came and checked around the house and the neighborhood. They did find evidence of someone on my porch, but saw no one. Just an alert to let people know to be cautious. Police said someone was probably checking out the house to see if anyone was home, so they could break-in.

P.S. Lots of interesting information at tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting – still under way as we publish this – watch for at least one report later.

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35th SW memorial walk, report #2: Another death, another meeting – will major safety improvements follow, this time?
January 21, 2014 4:09 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

James St. Clair‘s niece choked up as she struggled with saying her uncle “was” rather than “is.”

But her words were clear and plaintive as she wondered aloud “what could happen in another seven years if it’s going to take that long to make changes?”

“Seven years” referred to the time elapsed between the death of 27-year-old Susanne Scaringi, who lost her life bicycling at 35th and Graham in September 2006, and the death of Mr. St. Clair, 69, hit and killed while walking across 35th at that same intersection last month.

Darlene Saxby spoke about her uncle, and her fears, during the community meeting that followed Saturday’s community-organized Memorial Walk on Saturday. (She also spoke during the memorial, as seen in our first report, with video, here.) After words and song in his honor, yards from where he died, about 20 participants walked on to Neighborhood House’s High Point Center for that conversation.

For Darlene, this was new. For some in High Point, it was achingly familiar. In April 2011, after the death of a motorcyclist at 35th/Juneau, a roadside memorial:

A roadside rally:

Some extra enforcement:

And a discussion of safety.

Flash back across another two-and-a-half-year span before all that. In September 2008, a teenager was hit and seriously hurt crossing at 35th and Juneau:

Soon after that, local youth joined in a safety rally along 35th:

crowd35th.jpg

And that in turn was less than a year after a previous plea for safety improvements, days after 85-year-old Oswald Clement was killed crossing at 35th/Othello. Between his death and the teenager’s injury, yet another person had died on 35th – Gregory Hampel, a 39-year-old hit by a car while trying to get his dog out of the road near their home.

Five lives, seven years. The challenges had not changed, but some of the faces and names had changed:

Read More

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Highland Park to talk about Mayor Murray’s ‘Neighborhood Summit’
January 21, 2014 3:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Highland Park to talk about Mayor Murray’s ‘Neighborhood Summit’
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Highland Park Action Committee just shared a preview of tomorrow night’s meeting, and one topic is of interest even beyond HP and vicinity:

… We’ve invited Kathy Nyland to come speak. She was recently “borrowed” from city council staff to help Mayor Murray’s office coordinate a Neighborhood Summit. We’re going to hear what she’s up to and share our thoughts about what this could look like and how Highland Park and Riverview can participate. We’d like Mayor Murray to be aware of the concerns our neighborhood may have, so please join us to learn about this effort and provide feedback to her.

We trust other community councils are participating in this planning in other ways, but this is the first we have seen with a specific agenda item about it. HPAC plans a 6:30 pm potluck, 7 pm meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22) at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden).

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Step up ASAP! Signups start for Stairway Walks Day
January 21, 2014 1:37 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(‘Alki From Above’ route 2012 photo courtesy Cathy Jaramillo)
Three West Seattle routes are on the lineup of 18 citywide for this year’s Feet First Stairway Walks Day – and registration has JUST opened so you can reserve a spot before they’re all gone! On the Fauntleroy-area route, you’ll travel on the city’s second-longest stairway (SW Thistle near Lincoln Park); on the “Alki From Above” route, you’ll walk among old-growth trees; on the Longfellow Creek/Pigeon Point route, you’ll climb Puget Ridge. See the signup page for full descriptions, including how many steps up/down for each route. Each walk is guided and each starts at 10 am on Saturday, February 8th; $5 donation per person is suggested.

P.S. Even the non-WS routes have a local link – all 18 are from West Seattleites Cathy and Jake Jaramillo‘s “Seattle Stairways Walks.”

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Also tonight: ‘Civics for All’ presentation @ Madison PTSA
January 21, 2014 12:15 pm
|    Comments Off on Also tonight: ‘Civics for All’ presentation @ Madison PTSA
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One more event for tonight in addition to what we’ve already previewed – a topic that could make a difference for thousands of children in the years ahead:

The Madison Middle School PTSA would like to invite the West Seattle Community to join us at our PTSA General Meeting (7 pm tonight) to hear about the Civics for All initiative, which seeks to revitalize civics education in Seattle Public Schools.

Did you know that currently students receive a mere 3 weeks of civics instruction in their entire K-12 education? Sadly, Seattle has plenty of company – 75% of American teens failed the last national civics test. Come hear about what we can all do to turn this around. Read ahead at civicsforall.org

The presentation will be in the library at Madison, which is at 3429 45th SW.

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Speaking of marine mammals: The sea lion, the carving, and the hotline
January 21, 2014 12:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

More marine-mammal news today:

(Image courtesy David Hutchinson)
On the beach at Constellation Park south of Alki Point this weekend, a striking sight: Near a log carved with Native-inspired art of a sea lion … the carcass of a sea lion. Jana first pointed it out to us via the WSB Facebook page, recalling that we had mentioned the carving in Lincoln Park back in 2012, and marveling at how the sea lion came to rest nearby. Then we heard from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters, who also had spotted it, and noted that this is an eight-foot-long male California sea lion first reported to the group on January 10th – at the time, it was at Andover Place Park several blocks south, and they tracked it to the Constellation Park vicinity, where, he says, “it beached the next day.” Researching the carving, he then found our second story, from one year ago, when the carved log was sighted near Cormorant Cove Park. So, he deduced, “Since that date it has moved about 500 feet further north to where my photo was taken.” He also shared this closer look at the carving:

Besides marveling, as had Jana, that the sea lion and carving had come to rest almost together, David asked that we share this reminder:

Folks coming across any dead marine mammal on West Seattle beaches should report it to Seal Sitters at 206-905-7325. We respond, document/photograph the animal, and fill out a Level A report for NOAA. The animal is marked so that if it floats to another location, it can be identified. Before the recent funding cuts, a necropsy might have been performed to determine cause of death. Seal Sitters is not responsible for the disposal of dead animals on private property. Ones on public beaches are either returned to the water to re-enter the food chain, or Seattle Parks & Recreation is contacted for disposal.

The funding cuts he mentions are detailed here. And in case you didn’t already know, Seal Sitters wants to hear about live marine-mammal sightings, too, not just seals – same number as above, which also has a handy mnemonic, 206-905-SEAL.

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West Seattle Tuesday: WS Crime Prevention Council; Sustainable WS; dancing; music; more
January 21, 2014 9:48 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Gray day so far, so we’re featuring another brightly highlighted bird, photographed by Mark Wangerin, who explains it’s “a Golden-Crowned Kinglet female. These birds are very common around here, although seldom noticed… They are small and flit around a great deal. They are in constant motion. The very-high-pitched squeak you hear on a walk through a local park is likely them.” Speaking of busy – here are the calendar highlights for today/tonight (you’ll find even more here):

LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE FOR METRO, ROADS MONEY? One week after the proposed county ballot measure was presented – seeking approval for a Transportation Benefit District to charge $60/year license-tab tax and .1 sales tax – the County Council’s Transportation Committee is being briefed during a meeting under way now in council chambers at the courthouse downtown. Here’s our preview; you can also watch live on KCTV.

RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS: All are welcome to a free lunchtime presentation at the Senior Center of West Seattle, with a rep from the King County Long-Term-Care Ombudsman Program. No charge for the presentation, but if you’d like to have lunch while you’re there, a $3-$6 donation is suggested, and you should call for reservations ASAP. Info’s in our calendar listing. (California/Oregon)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: This month’s title for the High Point Branch Library‘s evening book group is “The Story of a Marriage” by Andrew S. Greer. 6:30 pm. (35th/Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: 7 pm, first meeting of the year, with crime updates, your chance to share neighborhood concerns, and a chance to learn about the Seattle Animal Shelter and animal-related issues from one of its top managers, Ann Graves. All welcome; Southwest Precinct meeting room. (Delridge/Webster)

SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), it’s the SWS annual meeting, including a review of 2013 achievements and a look ahead to what’s planned for this year. Board elections, too. Details on the SWS website. (5612 California SW)

LIVE IN-STORE CONCERT @ EASY STREET: Deadkill performs at Easy Street Records, 7 pm. (California/Alaska)

BELLY-DANCING: The monthly Alauda showcase, free and open to all ages, is at 7:30 pm at Skylark Café and Club. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘BLUES TO DO,’ WEEK 3: Third week for the new Tuesday series at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), live blues, streamed online too. Tonight it’s Rippin Chicken, 8 pm. Full details in our calendar listing. (6451 California SW)

LOTS MORE … on the calendar!

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West Seattle wildlife: Gray whale seen from Water Taxi
January 21, 2014 9:02 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Cheryl for sending word of the sighting – she texted to say it was “right off the Water Taxi dock for the 8:45 sailing … heading toward Salty’s as we pulled away. Tail slaps, surface blows, and fluke waves. Amazing!” (206-293-6302 any time with breaking news, text or voice, and yes, a whale sighting is breaking news!)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates; more I-5 lane closures
January 21, 2014 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates; more I-5 lane closures
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Off to a foggy, and frosty, start. No road-work alerts for the daytime but two for late tonight into early Wednesday: all lanes of northbound I-5 will close at S. Dearborn 11 pm tonight to 4:30 am Wednesday, diverting onto the collector/distributor lanes . Also, 11 pm tonight to 5 am Wednesday (and again the night after that), the two left lanes of northbound I-5 will close at Olive Way.

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