West Seattle, Washington
01 Tuesday
After the holiday, the first community meeting of the week will be your monthly chance for Q&A with local police at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm Tuesday (February 18) at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster). After Q&A with, and updates from, police, you’ll hear from this mnnth’s spotlight guest, from the SPD Victim Support Team (which is currently recruiting new volunteers).
In case you wondered about the police response north of California/Fauntleroy this past hour: Police at first responded to what was called in as a man assaulting a woman. Then the report changed to a possible attempted robbery. Police found a victim at California/Graham, and the suspect on the east side of the street. A sergeant we spoke with told us that the suspect was reported to have confronted two women on the street, claiming he had been a victim of theft. Police determined that what he was claiming was false, and he was taken into custody. They say the women he accosted are OK.
A multiple-vehicle crash is reported to be blocking Harbor Avenue SW in the 1900 block, near Salty’s. No serious injuries reported but south/eastbound traffic on Harbor will be diverted up California Way until it’s cleared.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Several West Seattle parents who send children to Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien have called our attention to a controversy that’s been embroiling that school’s community this weekend. Kennedy announced the sudden “voluntary” resignation of two teachers, both of whom, supporters say, are gay. Parents have organized a crowdfunding page for the teachers; Paul Danforth, an English teacher (who is also a Kennedy graduate, according to the school website), and Michelle Beattie, who taught health and coached soccer. The GoFundMe page set up to help them includes this introduction:
Two beloved and extraordinary teachers at Kennedy Catholic High School “voluntarily resigned” on February 13, 2020 because of their sexual orientation and desire to live authentically (and legally) married to their partners.
In addition to the sadness felt by their community of supporters, Paul and Michelle are both now without jobs or incomes. In the middle of a school year it will be difficult for either of them to find employment immediately.
The school’s email announcement on Friday, forwarded to us by one of the parents who received it, says only:
Please see the following statement provided to us to share with our community.
“Two teachers, Paul Danforth and Michelle Beattie, have voluntarily resigned their positions at Kennedy Catholic High School. They are highly capable, gifted, and qualified teachers, who have served our community with dedication and humility. Their loss will be felt deeply by their students and the entire community. We are thankful to Paul and Michelle for their years of service.”
The statement ended by referring questions/comments to the Archdiocese of Seattle. Its downtown HQ is where some concerned Kennedy parents are planning a protest at 9 am Tuesday, according to posts on a Facebook group set up to show support for the teachers. Other posts mention plans for a student walkout and community show of support that day (school is out tomorrow for Presidents Day).
The teachers themselves have not yet commented publicly so far as we have seen; a post in the aforementioned Facebook group said they were at the school earlier today to collect their belongings.
Similar controversies have erupted elsewhere in the country. The news publication National Catholic Reporter published this overview of the issue last year. It included a citation of this stat: Two-thirds of U.S. Catholics now support same-sex marriage.
ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: Tuesday’s protests are planned for 9 am at the Archdiocese offices and 1 pm at the school, which sent parents another email today acknowledging those plans (as well as a student walkout) and warned that community members and parents won’t be allowed inside the school, but will be allowed to gather at 1 pm “in front of the building.” We’ll be among those there to cover it.
(WSB photos)
Robyn Campbell and Erin Treankler are welcoming their first guests this afternoon at Cold Crash Brewing Co. Their commercial home-based brewery is off the alley (look for the small sign) at 4507 48th SW, west of The Junction.
There, as noted in our previous report, they brew gluten-free beer:
The menu includes six beers, and other beverages, plus some simple snacks – here’s a photo.
The seating area is covered and heated:
Regular hours for Cold Crash’s tasting room will be noon-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Thanks to Larry Shaw for the photos and report:
I happened upon a bunch of people checking out a sea lion exhibiting “sailing” behavior this morning off Alki Ave SW between Alki Beach and Luna Park. Several people thought the animal might be injured, but “sailing” is a normal behavior sea lions engage in. They float and raise their flippers out of the water to regulate their body temperature.
We have featured this before – in 2013, a “sailing” sea lion was even mistaken for a dead whale! – and Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network has raised awareness. But with so many new arrivals (and tourists), it’s always worth a reminder!
Thanks to Karl at Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) for the photo! That is a truckload of Girl Scout Cookies. Karl helped out as troops – including his granddaughter’s West Seattle troop 45305 – picked up their orders at the Alaska Marine Lines loading dock on Saturday. Cookie sales start in 12 days, according to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website – February 28 through March 15th. As usual, you can find cookie-sale locations via the online lookup. (Wondering about the cookie varieties? Go here.)
(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Anne de Vore
Welcome to pre-holiday Sunday. Calendar highlights for today/tonight:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in the street in the heart of The Junction, produce, meat, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and more! (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
ALKI OYSTER FEST: Noon-5 pm at three Alki Beach venues – oysters, beverages, and live music; see the locations and lineups here. For tickets, go here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: While you’re at Alki, visit the home of West Seattle’s history! Open noon-4 pm today. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
COLD CRASH’S OPENING DAY: Fourth opening of the week! The gluten-free commercial home-bassed brewery Cold Crash Brewing Co. opens its tasting room noon-5 pm today, as previewed here. (4507 48th SW)
FALL IN LOVE WITH 25 SEATTLE BIRDS: As previewed here, you are invited to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center 1-3 pm today to learn more about local birds. Free! (4408 Delridge Way SW)
JAMTIME: 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), live music! No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
LADIES ROCK CAMP WINTER ASSEMBLY: 4 pm at The Skylark, all ages – $10 adult admission, $5 youth. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
BLUEGRASS JAM: 7 pm at Whisky West. 21+. (6451 California SW)
SILENT MOVIE WITH LIVE MUSIC: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – program details and reservation info are in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley, 8 pm. 21+. (4509 California SW)
12:18 AM: Police checking out 911 calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it. Officers radioed in that they have found at least one shell casing at Delridge/Trenton. So far, no reports of any injuries.
12:22 AM: Officers have also told dispatch that they’re blocking Delridge for now while they look for more evidence.
12:37 AM: Delridge has reopened.
| Comments Off on TUESDAY: Q&A with police @ West Seattle Crime Prevention Council