West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
With a visit from more than 50 Highland Park Elementary fourth-graders, Fauntleroy Creek has seen the last of this year’s student groups releasing school-raised salmon. But next weekend, you get the chance to experience it yourself! More on that shortly. First – more on this morning’s visit and what’s happened in the past month-plus.
Scheduler/coordinator Judy Pickens provided the stats: This was one of 21 school releases, between April 26th (when we were there to cover Alki Elementary fifth-graders’ visit) and today. That’s 662 students plus 232 adults and younger siblings, releasing ~2,000 fry!
The fish are raised in 13 salmon tanks in area schools, mostly by fourth- and fifth-graders, though three preschools released fish provided by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, via volunteer fish rearer Jack Lawless. At creekside today while we were there was safety officer/amateur entomologist Pete Draughon; other team members throughout the season, Judy tells us, included regulars Dennis Hinton (fish dipper) and Shannon Ninburg (habitat-exploration specialist) plus three helpers who were all there today: forest steward Peggy Cummings, tank volunteer Phil Sweetland, and tank technician Nancie Hernandez, who we photographed showing students some of the insects living in the forest:
This is the first year Highland Park students have released salmon into the creek. One by one, the students got to set fry free, some with a cheery “Goodbye, little fishy!” There’s always a chance that “little fishy” will return. First, volunteers monitor out-migration – between March 15th and May 30th this year, via soft traps (built by Steev Ward) in the upper and lower creek, Dennis and Pete counted 45 smolts making it to salt water, Judy reports.
YOUR TURN! Next Saturday, June 9th, 1-3 pm, you’re invited to come release a fry – Jack has 200 left this year. Visit the big bridge in Fauntleroy Park [north entrance] for what is billed as:
An all-ages thank-you for donors to the Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship Fund and an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about salmon, habitat, and the fund.
Judy, Dennis, Pete, and Phil will be there to guide you. Find out about the Stewardship Fund here.
A woman was taken to the hospital by private ambulance after she was attacked and robbed near 40th/Findlay [map] less than an hour ago, police confirm. According to the initial report, she told them the attacker grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down, then got away with her wallet. When we went to the scene to follow up, they confirmed the robber was reported to have been last seen headed westbound on Findlay. He was described only as a white man, late teens or early 20s, white shirt, blue jeans, and police were searching in the area. If you have any information, call 911.
(WSB photos)
When we stopped by Vine & Spoon on Thursday to confirm the plan to open tonight, they were in last-minute prep mode and suggested we return for photos once they were open. So we did. Above, the wide view, a dining area with a garden vibe, including trees. That’s carried forward in some of the cocktails, including the “watering can” pitchers for the table to share, accompanied by flower-pot-style mugs:
Counting the bar – the only 21+ area in Vine & Spoon – and the “raw bar,” there’s room for about 112 people, we’re told by Matt Mead of F2T Hospitality, parent company for Vine & Spoon and nearby Alchemy (WSB sponsor).
But the two are offering completely different atmosphere and menus – as Mead puts it, while Alchemy is “dark and moody,” Vine & Spoon is “light and airy.” It’s open until 10 tonight at 4706 California SW [map] – and will be open only for dinner for a few weeks, then adding lunch and brunch.
Family and friends are remembering Sue Rhoads, and sharing this with the community:
Betty Sue MacWatters Rhoads passed in peace and surrounded by love on May 21, 2018. We’re sure she has been embraced with joy by those who preceded her into Heaven, especially her beloved husband, Harold, her mother, Betty Rinaldo MacWatters, and sister, Colleen.
Sue was born on January 2, 1949 at St. Cabrini’s Hospital. She was a proud third-generation West Seattleite, graduating from Chief Sealth High School in 1967, marrying Harold at Hillcrest Presbyterian, and raising her own family in her treasured little home near the Junction.
Sue was a survivor. A gentle yet strong woman of uncompromising faith. She believed in the power of love and the healing virtue of forgiveness. Through her years of illness and pain, she never failed to be a light shining warmth and compassion to her family and friends, guiding them through their own life’s challenges.
Sue was a sunny optimist, a quiet comedienne and a stealth prankster. During difficult times, she chose to laugh rather than cry and refused sadness at her door, but welcomed good cheer and humor. Always, friend or stranger, had a seat at her table and the only requirement was kindness and conversation.
She is survived by her loving children, Rhonda and Ryan (Kyra), and six grandchildren, Eleza, Andrea, Ethan, Owen, Liam, and Gabriel. As well as sisters, Linda (Will) and Kathy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her life was her family. Our joy was her presence. We are learning to move forward without her light. It is still dark though.
A private service was planned this week, with a community memorial to follow this summer. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to the Surprenant and Hesse families for their love and support. Our mother cherished your friendship.
“Dear friend, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God … because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(Preferred ‘massing’ – size and shape – option for project, from draft Design Review packet)
Thanks to Scott for the tip! He spotted the first Southwest Design Review Board meeting date for the Junction mixed-use project we first told you about back in February, at 4747 California SW, on the sites that currently hold Bikram Yoga and Sleepers in Seattle. The site’s owner/developers were described by one of them, Husky Deli‘s Jack Miller, as an “all-West Seattle team.” The review date is July 19th, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, and as always with Design Review meetings, there will be a public-comment period.
The proposed project is listed as 7 stories, 82 apartments – mostly one-bedrooms, some studios – with 5,000 square feet of commercial space and 45 offstreet parking spaces. The draft Design Review “packet” in the city file confirms that Miller plans to move Husky Deli there. Two other things to note: Since this is the Early Design Guidance phase, it’s focused on the “massing” – size and shape – of the project, not design details, so don’t read too much into the imagery; second, the formal notice of this meeting isn’t out yet – it’s “tentatively” scheduled on the city’s calendar until the notice is out.
While at Fauntleroy Park earlier today for the last Salmon in the Schools release of the season (story later), we found out that forest steward Peggy Cummings had found a dead bat in the park this week. It was a very small and likely juvenile bat, and no reason, she stresses, for you to panic, but it did make us realize we should publish this week’s alert from the state Health Department, since bats do turn up in West Seattle parks:
Since May 1, four bats found in Washington have tested positive for rabies, the highest number identified in the state in the month of May since 1998. The Washington State Department of Health reminds people to call their local health department if they, a family member or a pet interacts with a bat.
Health officials routinely test for and find rabid bats, typically during the summer months. DOH wants the public to continue to take appropriate precautions if a bat – dead or alive – is found. Try to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals; do not touch a bat if possible. If you do have contact with a bat or suspect that a family member or pet had contact with a bat, try to safely capture it and keep it contained away from people and call your local health department for next steps.
It is also important to protect your pets by ensuring their rabies vaccinations are current. More detailed precautions and information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website.
While any mammal can be infected with the rabies virus, bats are the most common animal in Washington that carry rabies. In 2017, 22 bats were tested and found to have the virus. This is up from 2016 when 20 rabid bats were identified. The Washington State Public Health Laboratories tests between 200 and 300 bats per year. Typically, between three and 10 percent of the bats submitted for testing are found to be rabid.
The state says two of those bats were found in King County, but no further specifics. Cummings says she spoke to the county Health Department today and they said she and another park volunteer who briefly handled the dead bat don’t need to worry. “Rabies is serious but very rare,” she notes. But she also wants to remind you that you and your family should steer clear not only of bats but of any dead animal they find.
Custom-decorated M&Ms are among the treats awaiting you if you stop by Illusions Hair Design (5619 California SW; WSB sponsor) to help celebrate 40 years in business! On June 1st, 1978, co-founders Sue and Linda opened the doors and got going with the scissors (etc.).
You can admire the wall full of memories when you stop by – this is just part of it:
And as is traditional for business anniversaries – you get the gifts – not only treats but also deals. No appointment needed to join the party; just visit before closing time, which is 6 pm tonight.
11:25 AM: Under a sunnier-than-forecast sky, atop Pigeon Point, Lou Cutler embarked on his 15th annual round of benefit birthday laps two hours ago:
And they are off! This is longtime @MakeAWishAKWA volunteer Lou's 15th year of one lap for every year of his June birthday – 67 this time. He retired a couple years ago but returns to the school for this. pic.twitter.com/KdyWKGETmk
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) June 1, 2018
He’s volunteered for Make-A-Wish since 1996, and Laps With Lou raises money for the organization. This year, those cheering Lou – and the students/staff who run with him at one point or another during the day – include his brother, visiting from Portland. And his chief cheerleader/kid wrangler/sidekick is again teacher Andy Darring:
We’re heading back up to check on how things are going on what Lou again declared to be “the best day of the year.” All are welcome to stop by, observe, run, walk, or you can help by donating online.
12:05 PM: As of our stop, a bit past halfway there!
2:03 PM: Success! But first, the last lap, with everybody at Pathfinder invited out to join Lou on the track:
Last lap for @MakeAWishAKWA ! pic.twitter.com/1kQTAc9Y1q
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) June 1, 2018
67 laps, 11+ miles, in 4 1/2 hours.
Asked if he’ll be back for 68 next year, Lou replied with a resounding “yes!”
We’ve been covering Lou’s laps for a decade now, including video in 2010, the first one after Pathfinder moved from Genesee Hill to Pigeon Point.
Thanks to Shawna for the photo! June is Pride Month and the Pride flag is flying at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 along with the USA and Washington flags. Seattle Public Schools headquarters in SODO is also flying the Pride flag, for the first time, after a ceremony this morning.
em>(Photo by David Hutchinson)
Happy June! Highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
HAPPY 40TH, ILLUSIONS! Longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design is celebrating 40 years in business with a party all day today. You don’t have to have a hair appointment to stop by and be part of the fun. 9 am-6 pm. (5619 California SW)
LAPS WITH LOU: Starting at 9 am and likely continuing until 1:30 or so, retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler returns to the school for 67 birthday laps to raise money for Make-A-Wish. This is the 15th anniversary of Laps With Lou! You can stop by and join him, cheer him, and/or donate. (1901 SW Genesee)
em>(Photo by James Bratsanos)
MURAL DESIGN WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: Last chance for 7- to 13-year-olds to join artist Henry Luke at Southwest Library, 4-5 pm, to work on designing the new Roxhill mural at EC Hughes. (9010 35th SW)
VINE & SPOON OPENING NIGHT: As noted last night, the long-in-the-works Junction restaurant opens at 5 pm. (4706 California SW)
CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club invites you to its monthly pop-up bar with music, all ages, starting at 6 pm. Live music starts around 8 pm with Hello Jello. (1116 SW Holden)
(Photo by Jim Borrow)
POETRY SLAM AND STORYTELLING: C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) is where you’ll find the Jordin Bubin Poetry Slam and Storytelling event, 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
FOR CHARLEENA: Music, dance, poetry, live art, in a community event to honor the memory of Charleena Lyles. 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WHAT ELSE, YOU ASK? Check our complete calendar!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:06 AM: No incidents of note reported in our area so far this morning. Reminders:
WEEKEND I-5 CLOSURES: Remember that NB I-5 has two sets of major closures starting tonight, south and just north of here – here again are the details and maps.
STADIUM ZONE: Mariners’ home stand this weekend vs. Tampa Bay, with a 7:10 pm game tonight.
7:11 AM: First incident of the morning. Crash reported at Fauntleroy/Brandon.
7:18 AM: Also an Alaskan Way Viaduct problem – SDOT reports a stalled semi blocking the offramp from Western.
7:51 AM: Ramp problem cleared.
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