West Seattle, Washington

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month : 09/2015 297 results

High-school football: Chief Sealth’s first game of the year
September 7, 2015 5:52 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Chief Sealth’s first game of the year
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

One last score to report from the first weekend of local high-school football: The Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks were on the road against the Garfield Bulldogs, at Southeast Athletic Complex on Saturday night. Final score: Garfield 48, Sealth 13. Next up for the Seahawks: Another road game, vs. King’s Way Christian in Vancouver (WA) at 6 pm Friday. (Thanks to Mel for the photo!)

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Reader reports: Alley-vandalism alert; greenbelt off-roading
September 7, 2015 5:19 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Two reader reports to share:

ALLEY VANDALISM ALERT: A neighbor near this alley between the 3200 block of California SW and of 44th SW wanted to warn people about that knocked-over-by-vandals portable toilet, the contents of which subsequently spilled onto the alley. It’s a busy alley, the neighbor says, used by residents and their pets, but no cleanup yet.

ILLEGAL OFF-ROADING: From a Riverview resident, who’s asking neighbors to be watchful:

This afternoon, I was out walking when at least four young kids on dirt bikes rode down 12th Ave and into Riverview Playfield. As I walked, I noticed they were going up and down to the Pee-Wee fields. There were families in the park at the time. These are kids that are too young to have drivers licenses, on vehicles that are not licensed for street use, riding not only on the street but into parks and greenbelt where they are not allowed. One was carrying a shovel.

On the walk back, I saw two ride through the pee-wee fields and into the greenbelt, NE of 12th & Holly. I could also hear a shovel being used. I called 911 and reported it. They seemed responsive, but I don’t know if the kids will be there by the time the police get there. Also, they can easily scatter, so likely will get away. The thing to do would be to have a few police officers up in the Riverview Playfield parking lot waiting and then have an officer approach from the utility road off of West Marginal Way. The kids would ride back toward the parking lot and home.

I would like to encourage my neighbors and anyone using the park to call 911 if they see anyone going on dirt bikes into the greenbelt. You aren’t even supposed to be in the greenbelt on a bicycle, let alone a dirt bike. They were riding on crushed rock trails that Parks is working on, likely causing damage to them. Nature Consortium has had plantings destroyed by these kids on their bikes.

The forest in that area is part of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, which the NC works year-round to restore.

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TOMORROW: Hamilton Viewpoint Park safety, road-project update @ Admiral Neighborhood Association
September 7, 2015 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: Hamilton Viewpoint Park safety, road-project update @ Admiral Neighborhood Association
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Concerned about safety/crime prevention in Admiral, particularly at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where a robbery three weeks ago led to a shooting miles away? Want to be among the first to find out how SDOT has changed the SW Admiral Way Safety Project plan in response to community feedback? Those are just two of the topics on the agenda for tomorrow night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, as you can see on the flyer embedded above. All are welcome at the 7 pm Tuesday (September 8th) meeting at The Sanctuary at Admiral (northeast corner of 42nd SW and SW Lander).

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FOLLOWUP: Volunteers, district crew clean up school vandalism at Schmitz Park, Madison
September 7, 2015 11:43 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(1st two photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

11:43 AM: Volunteers of all ages were out cleaning up paint vandalism at Schmitz Park Elementary this morning – two days after we published reader reports about vandalism there and at Madison Middle School, blocks away. The first person to mention it, Nathan, was organizing an army of volunteers but then found out the district had sent a pressure-washer-equipped crew out first thing this morning:

As Nathan put it in this comment, “The district got the really big stuff cleared, but we have a crew of kids and adults really making the place shine.” He was hoping some volunteers would make it to Madison by day’s end, too.

ADDED 5:02 PM: Thanks to Sean for sending this photo:

Sean points out that the young signmaker’s message is: “No Graffiti.”

ADDED 10:44 PM: Thanks to Mark for sharing photos from Madison Middle School, where volunteers indeed showed up in force:

In the photos, he notes, are “Superheroes: Helen Schlacter, Mary Schlacter, Anne Wainwright, Hayden Wainwright. A few other families helped out earlier in the day.”

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Congratulations! ‘Diver Laura’ James honored as ‘Sea Hero’
September 7, 2015 11:15 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

From just-hatched octopus babies to an iridescent nudibranch, the sea life in the video above comprise just a tiny corner of the window on the undersea world that “Diver Laura” James has provided to so many in recent years. And it’s an adjunct to what else she and fellow volunteers have done in local waters – cleanups and environmental education, too. That all made her Scuba Diving magazine’s monthly “Sea Hero” for August, one of what the magazine describes as “everyday divers who make an extraordinary difference.” In case you haven’t seen it in the print edition, the story is now online – read it here. Her videos are part of what she talks about in the interview:

People protect what they love, but they must know it to love it. I remind myself of this when the weather is cold and the visibility is low. All the creatures, great and small, are worth filming and sharing, and that next bit of video I shoot may make the difference for one elected official, or inspire one little kid.

She also talks about the tox-ick.org toxic-runoff-reduction campaign – take a look at 7 things you can do, especially important as winter (and inevitably more rain) approaches, washing what’s on the streets and in your yards right into Puget Sound.

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LABOR DAY 2015: What’s happening (and not) on the holiday
September 7, 2015 6:03 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo tweeted by Jim, who says it was taken from Duwamish Head with the help of binoculars)

For the holiday, we’re combining the what-you-need-to-know notes with what’s scheduled for today. First, the former:

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION INFO
No daily traffic/transit roundup, since most people are off. You can see area traffic cams and get info (including a link to the city map with travel times) on the WSB West Seattle Traffic page.

*Metro Transit is on a Sunday schedule
*West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule
*Sound Transit Route 560 is on a Sunday schedule
*Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is on a Sunday schedule

‘PARKING HOLIDAY’: No pay stations on city streets in West Seattle, but if you’re outbound, no charge in the neighborhoods that do, because this is a “parking holiday.”

TRASH/RECYCLING PICKUP: If you are a Monday customer, it’s a normal pickup day.

SEATTLE PARKS: Here’s the citywide Parks lineup for what’s open/closed, including the last day of operation for outdoor aquatic facilities (wading pools are weather-dependent, keep in mind, so the one in Lincoln Park might not be open after all, but Colman Pool and Highland Park Spraypark *will be*).

LIBRARIES: All Seattle Public Library branches are closed today.

Now, a few event notes for today:

LABOR DAY PICNIC/FLAG RAISING: 11 am-3 pm at Alki Masonic Center, you’re invited to a potluck picnic (bring a dish to share) and flag-raising ceremony (noon) – details here. (40th SW & SW Edmunds)

LAST CHANCE TO TOUR THE ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm, the Coast Guard Auxiliary hosts one last day of tours at the historic lighthouse before the season ends. Last tour at 3:40 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU MEETING: 7 pm at Admiral Congregational Church, all members urged to attend to talk about logistics for the year ahead. (California SW & SW Hill)

Have a great holiday! And if you see/hear news … 206-293-6302 text/voice if it’s happening now, editor@westseattleblog.com if it’s not urgent.

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SCHOOL STRIKE? Union reports more ‘progress,’ says talks will continue on Labor Day
September 7, 2015 12:26 am
|    Comments Off on SCHOOL STRIKE? Union reports more ‘progress,’ says talks will continue on Labor Day
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another update from the Seattle Education Association, the union that’s voted to strike against Seattle Public Schools on Wednesday if there’s no deal by then: In the late-night update published on its website, SEA says mediated talks will continue today (Labor Day), and reports more progress: “After (Saturday)’s victory on guaranteed recess, today district negotiators today agreed to increase pay for certificated and classified substitutes, and to addressing the sub shortage in general.” The district itself has not issued any public updates this weekend.

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Get creative! Nature Consortium launching ‘EcoARTs’ classes
September 6, 2015 10:26 pm
|    Comments Off on Get creative! Nature Consortium launching ‘EcoARTs’ classes
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The photo and announcement are from West Seattle-based nonprofit Nature Consortium:

Have you ever wanted to take a painting, mosaic, or paper making class? Now you can! Unleash your creative side in classes that explore the intersection of art and nature. Nature Consortium’s affordable new EcoARTs classes for beginning-level students begin on September 14th. Classes are taught by professional artists and no prior arts experience is necessary. Register today! Take one class, a whole series, or mix and match. Art supplies included. Open to students of all ages.

Dates: September 14 – November 30
Class Sessions: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 4 pm – 5:30 pm or 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Mondays: Painting, Instructor: Aramis Hamer
Tuesdays: Mosaic, Instructor: Yeggy Michael
Wednesdays: Paper Making, Instructor: Carrie Ziegler

Cost: $25 per class. Supplies included.

Classes are at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), where Nature Consortium is headquartered. You can register online, here.

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NEXT SUNDAY: 8th annual West Seattle Car Show, 1st one at SSC
September 6, 2015 7:38 pm
|    Comments Off on NEXT SUNDAY: 8th annual West Seattle Car Show, 1st one at SSC
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Early look at the forecast suggests sunshine will grace the eighth annual West Seattle Car Show, now just one week away, next Sunday, September 13th. The show will be at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) for the first time, as suggested by community members, and that means you’ll also get to see some of the school’s legendary programs showcased, including the Northwest Wine Academy (with wine and beer available for purchase) and Automotive Technology, both on the north side of the SSC campus at 6000 16th SW, as is the Seattle Chinese Garden, which is offering kids’ activities on show day. Food trucks will be on site, including Nibbles and Mini The Dough-Nut. The show runs 10 am-3 pm, and registration is still open – awards will be announced at 3 pm in these categories:

Hoffman Memorial – Best in Show [after show founder Michael Hoffman]
People’s Choice
Best Antique (pre-1965)
Best Classic (1965-1989)
Best Modern / Future Classic (1990 – present)
Best Muscle Car
Best Import
Best Motorcycle
Best Custom (5 or more significant modifications)
Best Alternative Fuel – “Green Car”

Pre-registration is over but you can show up starting at 8 am on show day – print out the registration form and bring it!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Bus trouble; stolen car; scam call
September 6, 2015 4:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

TROUBLE ON THE 120: Thanks to everybody who let us know about the big police/sheriff response on the southbound side of Delridge Way just north of Orchard within this past half-hour. We went over to ask and learned that Metro Transit Police (part of the King County Sheriff’s Office) were dealing with a report of a man causing trouble on board a Route 120 bus; his aggressive behavior led them to call for “fast backup” from Seattle Police, who subsequently rushed to the area (just a block from the precinct). The man was taken off the bus – which left shortly after we arrived (which is why it’s on the move in our photo) – and taken into custody. Officers told us no one was hurt.

STOLEN CAR: From Lyndsay:

My boyfriend’s car got stolen last night off Roxbury and 34th, 2000 Honda Civic four door; it’s green with noticeable hail dents all over and a huge dent on front passenger side. American flag tree-scented freshener on mirror.

Call 911 if you see it.

‘JURY DUTY SCAM’ CALLERS STILL AT IT: From a reader:

I received a phone call this morning exactly like the one Cheryl wrote to you about on May 1 this year:

“Bench warrants have been issued for your arrest for failure to respond to two jury duty summons.” My response was “Oh, and you need my credit card? Screw you, you $&@!” Has anyone else received this call from 206-639-3693?

Here’s the aforementioned May 1st report by Cheryl.

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Driver crashes through fence, into Highland Park apartment
September 6, 2015 3:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Driver crashes through fence, into Highland Park apartment
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who let us know about this – a driver crashing through a fence and into the edge of the apartment building on the southwest corner of 15th SW and SW Holden. When we got over there, the car was already out of the building and firefighters were covering up a basement window that had been broken out.

They told us no one was seriously hurt.

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West Seattle history: Updates on two city-landmark houses
September 6, 2015 2:16 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Updates on two of the three West Seattle residences that also happen to be city landmarks:

(WSB photo)

SATTERLEE HOUSE: The “Painted Lady” at 4866 Beach Drive SW has been on and off the market for years but finally has found a new owner. According to county records, it was sold in late July for $1,025,000. Some exterior work is under way, as you can see in our photo, taken last weekend; it was also an agenda item for the Landmarks Board last month, with approval sought for exterior-paint colors. The house’s history includes a tussle over a proposal to build three houses on its “front lawn,” denied by the city and taken by its former owner all the way to the State Supreme Court, as covered here 2008-2010. The lawn remains platted as separate lots, but no development proposals are pending.

HAINSWORTH/GORDON HOUSE: On the market for just under $2 million is the Hainsworth/Gordon House at 2657 37th SW.

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
County records show it has changed hands four times in the past ten years, most recently a foreclosure sale at the end of 2013. Read some of its history here.

TO SEE ALL THE CITY LANDMARKS IN WEST SEATTLE – explore this map.

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TOMORROW: You’re invited to a Labor Day flag ceremony & picnic
September 6, 2015 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: You’re invited to a Labor Day flag ceremony & picnic
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2012 flag ceremony at Masonic Center)

In case you haven’t seen it in our calendar yet – here’s an early alert for a community event you might want to attend tomorrow in honor of Labor Day. From the Alki Masonic Center:

We hope you’ll join us this Monday, September 7th, for our annual Labor Day Flag Ceremony and Potluck Picnic. We’ll be retiring our current flag; then unfolding and raising a new flag at 12:00 noon, following by a potluck picnic. All are welcome – we hope you’ll join us!

WHEN: Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2015 11 am – 3:00 pm (Flag Ceremony Begins at Noon)
WHERE: Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW
BRING: A Lunch Dish to Share
WHO: All Are Welcome!

Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
Francis Scott Key
September 14, 1814

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What’s up for your Labor Day weekend West Seattle Sunday
September 6, 2015 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for your Labor Day weekend West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by David Nyro: Alki promenade seawall waves last Thursday)

Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm today and year-round, in the street. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

LABOR DAY SALE: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) needs to clear the racks for new merchandise, so its holiday weekend sale is on, 11 am-5 pm today. (2743 California SW)

COLMAN POOL’S SECOND-TO-LAST DAY: One of the city-run aquatic facilities that only runs through Labor Day is Colman Pool, on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW). Today’s swim sessions start at noon; here’s the schedule.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK’S SECOND-TO-LAST DAY: Another of the city-run aquatic facilities whose season ends tomorrow is Highland Park Spraypark, open today 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

FREE FALL GARDENING CLASS: 1-2 pm at West Seattle Nursery – details in our calendar listing. (California SW & SW Brandon)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE’S SECOND-TO-LAST DAY: Today and tomorrow bring your last chances for free tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse until next year, 1-4 pm with the last tour starting at 3:40 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

HIERONYMUS BOGS @ C & P: 3-5 pm, this “one-man troupe” performs – read about HB in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

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SCHOOL STRIKE? Seattle Education Association reports progress
September 5, 2015 10:04 pm
|    Comments Off on SCHOOL STRIKE? Seattle Education Association reports progress
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The Seattle Education Association says its mediated contract talks with Seattle Public Schools will continue on Sunday, and that agreement was reached today on a major point. From an update posted on the SEA website tonight:

The SEA Bargaining Team scored a major victory today on one of our biggest issues – guaranteed recess. Under the contract language negotiated today, every elementary student will have at least 30 minutes of recess a day beginning this school year.

The update adds, “Major issues remain unresolved, including the Seattle School Board’s demand to lengthen the school day, fair evaluations, reasonable testing, ESA caseload relief, equity and professional pay.” No public updates so far today/tonight from the district. SEA members voted Thursday night to strike next Wednesday – the first day of classes in the district – if there’s no deal.

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High-school football: Seattle Lutheran wins big in season kickoff
September 5, 2015 9:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

The kickoff weekend for local high-school football continues. At West Seattle Stadium this afternoon, Seattle Lutheran sent the Mary Knight Owls back to Elma with a 60-8 loss. It was a shutout until the end of the third quarter, when the Owls scored their only points. Otherwise, the Saints’ defense kept the Owls on their side of the 50-yard line for the entire afternoon.

Lutheran junior JJ Young (#23, above) scored three touchdowns, one on the very first play of the game.

Also scoring TD’s – junior QB Isaiah Dowding-Albrecht (#3, above), sophomore wide receiver Joe Meehan, sophomore linebacker Matthew Smith (who recovered an end-zone fumble), and senior running back Hawkins Ehret (#7, below):

Next up for SLHS is Oakville, 2 pm next Saturday (September 12th) at WS Stadium (4432 35th SW).

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FOLLOWUP: What will State Supreme Court ruling mean to just-approved West Seattle charter school Summit Atlas?
September 5, 2015 7:34 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As you might have heard by now, the State Supreme Court has ruled that the publicly funded charter schools stemming from Initiative 1240, approved by voters in 2012, are unconstitutional. The Friday afternoon ruling (see it here) said they’re not eligible for public funding because they’re not under local voters’ control.

This comes less than a month after the state Charter School Commission approved what would be West Seattle’s first charter school, a plan by California-based Summit Public Schools to open a middle-/high-school campus next year at what’s currently the Freedom Church/Jesus Center at 35th/Roxbury (newly named Summit Atlas, according to its website). Even before the state commission’s approval, the site was purchased by Washington Charter School Development for $4,750,000, with the intention of remodeling the supermarket-turned-church building into the school’s first wing (its seven grades are to be phased in, starting with 6th and 9th in the first year). Summit announced that the West Seattle school’s director, Greg Ponikvar, was starting work right after the approval, and had started taking applications.

Summit’s first two schools in Washington had just opened – one in the International District, one in Tacoma. We e-mailed Summit’s regional director Jen Davis Wickens (who we interviewed in July to talk about the West Seattle plan) to ask for reaction on the court ruling. Regarding the West Seattle plan, Wickens said, too soon to say: “Our lawyers are still analyzing the ruling and we’re working on our next steps.” Their Washington operation has been focused on reassuring the families enrolled in the two newly opened schools – here’s the letter Wickens said was sent to those enrolled at Summit Sierra last night in the ID by its director (principal), Malia Burns:

Dear Founding Spartan Families,

It is with sadness that I write this message to you this Friday evening before the holiday weekend.

Today, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that public charter schools are “unconstitutional.” The ruling is not a criticism of charter schools or charter school organizations like our, nor does not immediately shut down charter schools. The case will be sent back to King County Superior Court to determine next steps.

We want to assure you that school will be open on Tuesday, September 8th, as usual. We will be hosting a special community meeting Tuesday morning at 7:45 AM to provide updates.

Rumors and misconceptions can quickly take hold, but please remember that Summit remains deeply committed to each and every family.

Also, please know there are many folks fighting for our public charter schools. We will be working with our colleagues in other schools and with WA Charters to chart our collective path forward (updates will be available on the WA Charters website).

For those families that have asked how they can show their support for their school, please come to the community meeting Tuesday. We will share any and all information that we have with you then.

Our community is new, but it is powerful, courageous, and committed.

Here’s the statement that the Washington Charter School Association, mentioned in the letter, has published. Meantime, back to Summit Atlas, the 400-plus-page application it had filed with the state envisioned supplementary funding from charter-school-support organizations as well as the public funding set up by the voter-approved initiative; the organizations mentioned include the Hollyhock Foundation, CSGF Walton, and the Gates Foundation. You can see the budget documents starting with Attachment 25 in the application. Work has not yet started at the building, which its new owner had leased back to Freedom Church TFN.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Vandals hit Schmitz Park Elementary, Madison MS; volunteer cleanup in the works
September 5, 2015 2:34 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

At least two West Seattle schools were heavily vandalized overnight, according to multiple reader reports we’ve received. First we heard about graffiti vandals painting a serious amount of damage at Schmitz Park Elementary, the most populous elementary on the peninsula (600+ students), and then a mention that Madison Middle School, a few blocks east of SPES, was hit too. One parent sent photos, with tagged walls plus large tags/drawings over two sets of double doors including the one partly shown above (we follow media-coverage best practices and don’t show tags in their entirety); the photos we saw included at least two taggers’ “signatures” as well as the crude depiction of male genitalia that’s been seen at vandalized sites around WS recently, as well as paint dumped on play equipment in the same courtyard where a playset was damaged by fire last year:

A concerned community member is organizing a work party for 9:30 am Monday – contact him at nmarroquin@comcast.net if you can help.

ADDED: We’ve also received photos showing taunts painted on walls at Madison – with at least one of the same “signatures” – as well as more flat-out paint-splash damage:

HOW TO REPORT GRAFFITI VANDALISM: Call police if you’re the victim; if you see vandalism in progress, call 911. If you see graffiti on public property, call 206-684-7587. Wherever you see it, police advise taking a photo before cleaning it up, as it could be helpful as evidence to trace a pattern; then get it painted over as soon as possible, as that’s considered the most effective form of deterrence, not to have the vandals’ “work” visible for long.

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West Seattle’s Morgan McCullough & USA Baseball National teammates going for World Cup gold
September 5, 2015 12:11 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Just two weeks ago, we reported on West Seattle High School senior Morgan McCullough being chosen to join the USA Baseball 18U National Team, which was getting ready to defend the world title it won two years ago. Today, the team is hours away from the gold-medal game at that tournament in Osaka, Japan. They beat Canada 9-5 early today (the game started at 2 am our time) in a “tune-up” for the title game, which they earned their way into via a 6-5 victory over Cuba the day before. The title game is against Japan, at 2 am our time Sunday morning (aka, really late tonight) and you’ll be able to watch it live online if you’re up – via this Ustream channel, or check in on play-by-play tweets here. McCullough is the only player from the Northwest on the national-team roster.

ADDED SUNDAY: As noted in comments, USA won, 2-1!

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Fall cleaning this weekend? What to save for Fauntleroy UCC’s upcoming ‘Recycle Roundup’
September 5, 2015 11:18 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2014)

Staying home this holiday weekend and doing a little (pre-)fall cleaning? Reminder: Next edition of the popular twice-yearly Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy UCC Church is only three weeks away: Sunday, September 27th, 9 am-3 pm (9140 California SW). Each spring and fall, 1 Green Planet takes away tons of recyclables via this free-to-all dropoff event. You can plan ahead because, thanks to Judy Pickens, we have the list of what will be accepted (free dropoffs!) this time around – see it here.

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West Seattle Saturday: Admiral Adopt-A-Street; ‘Stand with the Duwamish’; lighthouse tours; Meaningful Movie; more…
September 5, 2015 6:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Before we get to what’s up today/tonight, a few words from photographer Ann Anderson about the scene she captured above, at Seacrest on Thursday night: “The fisherman identified himself as ‘Wild Bill’ and his catch as ‘Pinks’ (pink salmon). These pinks have come back to the Duwamish River to spawn after 1 1/2 years in the ocean. … Pinks are only allowed to be caught during odd number years, so 2015 is open season for them. They should be running through mid-to-late September.” Now, catch some of the highlights from our calendar for today/tonight:

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP: Meet outside Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am – treats before and after you pitch in to clean up the area! (41st SW & SW Admiral Way)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Been in lately to see what’s new with what’s not-so-new? Noon-4 pm, regular hours for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s HQ. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

KITTY HARBOR ADOPTIONS: Noon-5 pm, dozens more kittens/cats are looking for forever homes. No adoptions Sunday – so this is it, for this weekend. (3422 Harbor SW)

STAND WITH THE DUWAMISH: 1-6 pm, come to the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse for a cultural event including your chance to show support for the tribe’s fight for federal recognition. Details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1-4 pm, third-to-last day to tour the historic lighthouse with US Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers. Last tour starts 3:40 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: One local team playing at home – as previewed last night, Seattle Lutheran hosts Mary Knight, 1:30 pm at West Seattle Stadium. (4432 35th SW)

GENESEE-SCHMITZ NEIGHBORHOOD ICE-CREAM SOCIAL: 6:30 pm-8 pm, come meet your neighbors, have ice cream, and have fun – as explained here. (48th SW & SW Charlestown)

‘HEIST’ AT WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center, West Seattle Meaningful Movies presents “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?” Details in our calendar listing. (6400 SW Sylvan Way)

YESOD AT C & P: 7 pm live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tonight, with Yesod. (5612 California SW)

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UPDATE: Garage fire at 17th and Roxbury
September 5, 2015 1:40 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:40 AM: Major Seattle Fire response is heading out to 17th and Roxbury for a report of a detached-garage fire. First unit on the scene reports heavy smoke.

1:45 AM: The call has been downgraded to a lower-level response and the fire is under control. No injuries reported.

1:49 AM: Roxbury is closed in both directions at the fire scene – though they’re going to try to open an eastbound lane so Metro can get through. Meantime, SFD’s investigator is being called to find out how this started.

2:58 AM: SFD units are wrapping up, and SPD says Roxbury will be fully reopen again in a few minutes.

ADDED: SFD tweeted that this fire was deliberately set, and SPD is investigating.

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Remembering ‘Don’ Greengo, 1928-2015, who ‘set a wonderful example for humanity’
September 4, 2015 11:56 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The family of retired science teacher “Don” Greengo is sharing this remembrance with the community:

H. Donald “Don” Greengo, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones, on June 4, 2015. Born October 15, 1928, in Waconia, MN, to Royal E. and Blanche I. (Downs) Greengo, he was the youngest of four boys. At the age of two, Don contracted polio, which affected the growth of his legs. He underwent several surgeries at Shriner’s Hospital throughout his childhood. Always having a positive outlook on life, he never complained.

As a teenager during the summer of 1945 he met his future wife and the love of his life, Gretchen Harvey. But life would first take them in different directions.

After graduating from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, with a Bachelors in Science, and further studies at Case Institute in Cleveland and the University of Washington in Seattle, he began teaching science (chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and math) in Anoka, MN. Despite using a cane to help with walking, Don traveled to Japan, the Middle East, India, and Europe, exploring different cultures. In the mid-1950s, Don took a job with the U.S. State Department to teach overseas, first in Japan at the Itazuke U.S. Air Force Base, and then at Habibia College in Kabul, Afghanistan. While still overseas, he learned through his sister-in-law that Gretchen was living in Seattle and was a widow with two small children. After returning to the U.S. in late 1958, he came to Seattle and a date was arranged for Don and Gretchen to meet. Don proposed to Gretchen after that first date and they married on July 17th, 1959.

Don began a career with the Seattle School District in 1959, teaching at Sealth, Nathan Hale, and finally, 18 years at West Seattle High School, where he was head of the Science Department, retiring in 1984. He was a favorite teacher of many students over the years. He garnered respect from his students because he treated them with respect, as he did with all people.

Don will be remembered by family and friends as a man of quiet strength, integrity, patience, and compassion. Don enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting relatives and the annual summer trips with Gretchen, their children and grandchildren. He loved to play games, tell corny jokes, and tell of his adventures overseas. He loved the Arts, going to many plays, ballets, and concerts, and he loved the outdoors. He had a great love for his family and they for him.

Don is survived by his wife Gretchen, of nearly 56 years; his children, Denise (Bugnon) (husband Ken) Reed, Paul Bugnon, Kevin Greengo, and Laurie Greengo; his grandchildren, Jennifer Reed, Stephanie (Reed) Olson, Owen Greengo; and great-grandchildren, Brennen and Peyton Olson; his brother Irving Greengo; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank close family friend and nurse extraordinaire Keiko Hume for the compassionate and loving care she gave Don.

Don, we will miss you, your great sense of humor and love of life, your selflessness. and your love of family. You set a wonderful example for humanity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you give a donation to a charity of your choice in Don’s honor. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a future date; information for family and friends will be forthcoming.

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

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