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Flying seal pup: Seal Sitters find ‘Primo’ a free flight to get help
August 11, 2010 2:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

As first reported three days ago, courtesy of Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters, Alki has been playing host to West Seattle’s first seal pup of the season. And now, the story of Primo has taken a dramatic – and high-flying turn – here’s an update from Robin:

With the authorization of NOAA, Seal Sitters removed our very emaciated seal pup Primo from the beach about 6:45 this morning. It was believed she would have to be euthanized. However, upon arrival at PAWS in Lynnwood, Primo exhibited some rather feisty behavior that led to her being fluidated and stabilized. As PAWS was currently unable to keep her at their facility, Wolf Hollow in the San Juans agreed to take her. Kenmore Air generously donated a free flight for our little pup!

Robin has published more details on Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site. You can read the earlier updates by scrolling down the “blubberblog” home page. And if you see a pup – call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo of Primo taken last weekend – via long lens – by David Hutchinson)

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Alki Family Fun Day talent show, dog parade, sponsors: Sign up!
August 11, 2010 1:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Family Fun Day talent show, dog parade, sponsors: Sign up!
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | How to help | West Seattle news

Meet the group working on one of West Seattle’s biggest events in the works for summer’s end: The Alki Community Council “Family Fun Day” – from left, Laura Sue Hoover, Paul Carr, Libby Carr, and Antonio Fernandez. We met at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza – for which, you’ll recall, Libby and Paul led the charge three years ago – to talk about the big event they’re planning on Sunday, September 12th, for what you might call the second anniversary of the plaza’s dedication. And with only a month to go, they’re casting a net right NOW for sponsors as well as for entrants in the youth talent show as well as the dog parade – you do need to sign up in advance! – read on for the details:Read More

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West Seattle schools: Roxhill improvements – and garden party!
August 11, 2010 12:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | Westwood

With 4 weeks till school starts, big things going on at West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary School First, Lisa sent the photo at left, part of a sign you can see while driving past the school on SW Roxbury – it points out that Roxhill is getting work done through the Building/Technology (BTA) Levy – library improvements, heating-system upgrades, new energy-efficient windows, flooring, and stage drapes. And there’s a volunteer project you can help with tomorrow: 10 am-3 pm Thursday, a garden-building party is happening at Roxhill, and the more available to pitch in, the better. Maggie Anderson, school coordinator from the King County Food and Fitness Initiative, says they’ve got the supplies to build 9 garden beds to support nutrition, science and math programs at Roxhill – they just need the people who can help. You can RSVP to Maggie at 206-205-3186. (Tools and snacks provided as well as the aforementioned supplies!)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Police arrest smash-and-grab suspect
August 11, 2010 9:56 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(scroll down for updates added to original report)
ORIGINAL 9:56 AM REPORT: Just in from Seattle Police: A suspect is in custody in the smash-and-grab burglaries that we’ve been reporting on for three weeks. Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James says that SPD and King County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a 50-year-old man around 2:30 am “in the Burien area.” Lt. James says, “This individual is suspected of committing 40 smash and grab burglaries in the south Seattle and Burien areas. The suspect has been booked into the King County Jail.” A check of the jail register reveals a 50-year-old Burien man booked early this morning on suspicion of multiple burglaries, with status listed as “bail denied”; a crosscheck of court records shows dozens of cases, though many are from municipal courts around the region and therefore not necessarily criminal – we’re taking a look at those for which docket information is available.

10:17 AM UPDATE: The arrest has just appeared on SPD Blotter, with no additional information except to say that the 40 burglaries date back to July 1st; the first West Seattle break-in we covered was the one at the Swinery on July 16th (above, our photo from that morning). The most recent one we covered in West Seattle was at Admiral Shoe Repair on Monday morning. Police confirmed to WSB on August 2nd that the smash-and-grabs were being investigated as an official “pattern.”

11:52 AM UPDATE: King County Prosecuting Attorney Office media liaison Dan Donohoe says the suspect will not appear in court until a bail hearing tomorrow afternoon; after that we should get more background in the case. Further researching the aforementioned suspect, court records show a conviction in the 2006 theft of an ATM from a tavern, a burglary that started with glass broken by a brick; in spring 2007, he was sentenced to 55 months in prison. (The paperwork for the original charges in that case lists a history of convictions going back to at least 1991, as well as “85 warrants.”) We are checking with the state to try to find out when he got out of prison.

2:26 PM UPDATE: The sheriff’s office has added a bit of extra detail regarding where the suspect was arrested. This is from their announcement of the arrest, which we just received:

A team of detectives conducting surveillance in Burien responded to an audible burglar alarm at a motorcycle repair shop located at South 159 and 1st South. The detectives located a suspect in his vehicle and took him into custody.

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Transportation talk tops 34th District Democrats’ agenda tonight
August 11, 2010 7:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Tonight’s marquee event in West Seattle – the 34th District Democrats‘ monthly gathering (7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy). And a timely topic, too – transportation, from the Alaskan Way Viaduct to the city’s future vision (which could include more taxes to pay for improvements). Here’s the full agenda, which includes West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the council’s Transportation Committee. (You’re also bound to hear an update on the 34th DDs’ biggest annual event, the Garden Party dinner/auction, coming up this Friday.)

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California SW ‘upzone’: Plan for next week’s hearings outlined
August 11, 2010 6:15 am
|    Comments Off on California SW ‘upzone’: Plan for next week’s hearings outlined
 |   California Ave upzoning | Development | West Seattle news

One week from today, the proposal to “upzone” a block-plus of California SW (map) makes its final stop before City Council consideration: A public hearing before city Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner, in her chambers downtown. Also to be heard that same day – Wednesday, August 18th – is the appeal filed against an environmental “nonsignificance” ruling issued in connection with the city’s recommendation that the rezoning proposal be approved. How will that day play out? We have an outline, after covering a pre-hearing conference on Tuesday with Tanner presiding, mostly focused on the appeal – read on:Read More

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Rotary totem-pole rededication, report #2: Honoring ‘wisdom’
August 11, 2010 5:27 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(Our first report on the totem-pole rededication event can be found here)

Along the 8-month-plus journey between the brazen theft of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole on a fall evening and its rededication in summer sunshine, there have been lessons learned by many – among them, the long and sometimes surprising path that justice can take.

One lesson provided at Tuesday night’s event, attended by more than 100 people gathered mostly in a semi-circle facing the front of the pole (and therefore the downtown Seattle skyline in the distance behind it), was that of grace, provided by someone who had not figured directly into the story before: Haida master carver Ralph Bennett. In the top video, you hear his drumming – and his words of honor for some of those on hand, including a request for the permission of in-attendance Duwamish Tribe leader Cecile Hansen, before he drummed on her historic territory. (The Haida people are from further north – coastal British Columbia and Alaska.) He also told a story – but first, one told by a Rotary leader, past president Amy Lee Derenthal. She led the club last fall, and so, as she noted Tuesday, the pole “was stolen on my watch!” Perhaps mostly for those who questioned why the club (and the Parks Department) chose to accept restitution from the man believed to be responsible for the theft, rather than pursuing prosecution, she spoke of how they believed the decision met the club’s “Four-Way Test” ethics code:

Back now to Ralph Bennett, who followed his drum song with a story relating specifically to the tale he says is told by the totem pole itself, particularly the thunderbird and whale that comprise its top sections.

His words about community rang close to home, as those who attended lingered after the ceremony’s end, either mingling by the pole, or moving on to a Rotary-organized celebration at the Golf Course clubhouse a short walk down the hill. And the event brought people from afar – not just carver Robin Young (shown in our first report), but even the woman who was Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu the year the pole was dedicated along with the park:

Debby Freeman Peterson was introduced toward the end of the event, when it was pointed out she came from the Midwest to be there. So what now? As noted in our previous coverage of the pole-restoration process, it will need a little TLC now and then – a coat of oil at least once a year:

As for the 34-year-old park itself, donated by the Rotarians in the bicentennial year of 1976, what you make of it now, is up to you, even if just – as Ralph Bennett put it – driving by and seeing it “alive.”

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Fauntleroy Community Association: RapidRide remains top topic
August 11, 2010 1:18 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

The RapidRide bus-stop plans for the Fauntleroy ferry terminal remained the top topic for the Fauntleroy Community Association as its board met Tuesday night. While board members continue to meet with Metro rep Paul Roybal – who also is scheduled to attend the next meeting (Sept. 14) – they don’t believe their concerns about a potential traffic bottleneck are being addressed. As reiterated at last month’s meeting, they’re worried that will be a result of the current design, which brings traffic past the terminal down to one lane each way. And they’re concerned that many people don’t realize that – nor the potential for more traffic to divert onto 45th SW to avoid it – so time was spent Tuesday night discussing how to raise awareness – possibly via a mailing or door-to-door campaign. FCA also believes Metro is working with inaccurate traffic-flow numbers; while they say the county numbers show 400 cars an hour in the area during peak ferry-traffic hours, FCA’s Susan Lantz-Dey did a car count the past two days, and said she counted at least twice that – even without school in session (there’s dock traffic from West Seattle parents picking up Vashon-school-attending kids). She and FCA president Bruce Butterfield plan to push for a new traffic study. Also discussed: The ongoing discussions about how the county will control Combined Sewer Overflows from the basins that feed Barton (Fauntleroy) and Murray (Lowman Beach) pump stations, with the Barton “green stormwater” meeting last week and ongoing Murray citizens advisory group meetings (FCA board member Vlad Oustimovitch is a Murray group member).

The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (old schoolhouse).

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The “other” road project: What you’re seeing near Highway 99 S.
August 10, 2010 7:58 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We’ve received several notes asking about this in recent days – so in case you were wondering too: The project that is starting to resembling a ramp to connect The Bridge and Highway 99 southbound in this area is something entirely different: It’s the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project, which is being handled by the Port of Seattle and hasn’t gotten nearly as much publicity as the Alaskan Way and Spokane Street Viaducts. (We mentioned the start of construction back in January.) Here’s a fact sheet explaining it, rendering included, and a little more info here. It’s supposed to be done in about a year.

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Rotary totem-pole rededication, report #1: ‘Story of community’
August 10, 2010 7:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

As Rotary Club of West Seattle past president Amy Lee Derenthal spoke tonight to the 100-plus people who gathered at Rotary Viewpoint Park to celebrate the stolen-then-returned-and-restored totem pole, she invoked the memory of longtime Rotarian Ken Wise, who helped sleuth the case. Mr. Wise, who died of cancer a little over a week ago, wanted to see the pole reinstalled before he died – “We made it!” Derenthal said proudly (referring to the pole’s July 28th reinstallation), while lamenting he couldn’t have been there for tonight’s ceremony – and among the crowd, voices rippled, “He’s here, he’s here.” As were members of his family:

(From left, granddaughters Amy Bentrott and Kelly Bentrott, daughter MaryAnn Bentrott, and widow Anne Wise.) Past president Derenthal also explained how the totem-pole thief had given Rotarians a chance to practice their “four-way test” of integrity and justice. Even those disappointed by how the case turned out, with a settlement rather than prosecution, might want to hear that explained on video in our second report; right now, the celebration is continuing at the West Seattle Golf Course just beneath the viewpoint:

At the start of tonight’s ceremony, Haida master carver Ralph Bennett drummed, and spoke of the pole’s mainstays, the thunderbird and whale – representing, he said, “the story of community.”

Before he drummed, he asked permission from Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen, who was in attendance:

Returning to West Seattle for the ceremony was Robin Young, the Native American carver who created the pole more than three decades ago:

He was at its dedication too – here’s the 1976 photo his family shared with us for a December story:

(Photo provided by carver Robin Young(third from left) ‘s daughter Tracy Zimmerman)
At the time, he told WSB he hoped to be at the park for the totem pole’s rededication – and that wish came true. The event, by the way, began with a greeting from West Seattle Rotary president Steve Fuller:

Meantime, our video from tonight’s event is coming up in a separate story.

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Looking ahead: Big events from Wednesday through Sunday
August 10, 2010 6:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

This is by no means a complete list of everything happening over the next five days – but some highlights to mention in advance:

‘SEUSSICAL JR.’ OPENS WEDNESDAY: The junior theater students at ArtsWest are putting on the show – and you’re invited. More information here, including a link to buy tickets.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK THURSDAY: Artists and venues are on the official WSAW website; 6-9 pm, all over the peninsula. WSB sponsors participating include Bin 41 wine shop, where Washington winemaker Brian Carter will be pouring for a tasting concurrent with Art Walk, and for the first time, the Barton Street Lofts in Westwood are joining the Art Walk, with a multi-artist show.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA THURSDAY: Pearl Django featuring guest vocalist Greta Matassa, free, 6:30 pm, east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ GARDEN PARTY FRIDAY: State Sen. Joe McDermott is confirmed as the MC for the buffet and auction at West Seattle Nursery, and organizer Chris Porter says one of the popular auction items will be “a cocktail party hosted by the elected state leaders of the 34th LD, for which there are only 50 tickets available and they go fast.”

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES IN THE JUNCTION SATURDAY: “Wayne’s World” is on screen at dusk in the courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) and it doesn’t look like a rainout THIS week. Full details here.

OUTDOOR MOVIE ON ALKI SATURDAY: At Coastal, the movie is “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”

C & P COFFEE ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR ON SATURDAY: 9 am-3 pm. The announcement just came in today:

This will be a one day, free event featuring unique, local arts and crafts for sale at the coffee shop. Jewelry, toys, clothing, prints, paintings, furniture, and more. If you have any questions or you are interested in selling your work, please contact Cameron at: candpco@comcast.net

CITYDOG MAGAZINE ‘COVER DOG’ SEARCH ON SUNDAY: Starts at noon, West Seattle Thriftway. Details here.

More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

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Kenney redevelopment plans, 2 years later: ‘Retooling mode’
August 10, 2010 2:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Kenney redevelopment plans, 2 years later: ‘Retooling mode’
 |   Development | The Kenney | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s been almost exactly two years since a WSB’er’s e-mail about redevelopment plans at The Kenney – the century-old retirement complex north of Lincoln Park – led us to sit down with CEO Kevin McFeely for a conversation that resulted in the first news story about the project.

It’s an understatement to say a lot has changed as the proposal – which stirred intense emotions, from neighbors, other community members, and from those with ties to The Kenney – has evolved over those two years. And now it’s evolving again – with the goal to have a new, smaller plan for consideration at community meetings in the next few months, according to McFeely, with whom we talked on Monday, along with the local architect/developer who joined the project team earlier this year, Euclid Development‘s T.J. Lehman, who describes it as in “retooling mode.”

This summer, Legos have even played a part in that “retooling – read on to see why, and hear what else McFeely and Lehman say is happening now:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Story behind smashed-up car, and more
August 10, 2010 11:32 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch this morning: Got two tips on the car you see at left, from Meredith (who sent the phone photo at left) and Cheryl, both wondering why a smashed-up car was just sitting alongside California SW at SW Manning (map), no police, no fire unit … The 911 log showed the crash happened around 7:30 am, and a call to the Seattle Police media unit revealed the backstory: Det. Mark Jamieson says a car hit a parked vehicle, and its driver walked away. Witnesses gave police a description, and officers arrested a suspect shortly afterward. They subsequently confirmed the car he was driving had been stolen earlier in the morning. This car (we’re not 100 percent sure whether it was the stolen car or the hit car) has been sitting alongside the road awaiting a tow truck. Meantime, two other Crime Watch reports, both involving car prowls – read on:Read More

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Police converge on West Seattle store – for ‘Shop with a Cop’
August 10, 2010 10:27 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Westwood

Quite the show of force from Seattle Police and King County Sheriff’s Office leaders inside Westwood Village Target a couple hours ago. Many in the lineup came all the way from downtown! No crime, though – instead, they were there for the annual “Shop with a Cop” school-supplies spree, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which donated tens of thousands of dollars of Target gift cards for the occasion. Outside, the young shoppers lined up:

Once inside the store, the law enforcers chaperoned the young shoppers, each of whom was given an $80 gift card, according to the news release on the SPD Blotter site.

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Followup: West Seattle house fire sparks a reminder for everybody
August 10, 2010 9:26 am
|    Comments Off on Followup: West Seattle house fire sparks a reminder for everybody
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Monday night photo by Tony Bradley)
New information this morning about last night’s fire in the 9000 block of 22nd SW, southeast of Westwood Village (WSB coverage here). We checked with Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen to see why rotating fire crews had kept watch on the scene overnight – not the case with most fires – when this one had been extinguished fairly quickly. She explained that there was some concern this might reignite, because of what investigators now know about its origins: As the incident commander told us at the scene last night, it started as a small kitchen fire – but that was hours earlier. SFD was not called; the resident thought the kitchen fire was completely out, no problem. Instead, it reached up into the attic through a light fixture, where it smoldered for hours until the big burst of smoke and flame that led to the fire call just after 7 pm. And as a result, Vander Houwen says, it did a lot more damage than might have been the case if firefighters had been called to help with that first, small fire: “No matter what, even if you think it’s a small fire – call us, we’ll send a crew, and they can take a look. Fire can get to places where you can’t necessarily see it.” Damage from the attic fire that ignited last night because of that first kitchen fire is estimated this morning at $70,000.

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West Seattle Tuesday: From pup to pole, and more
August 10, 2010 8:41 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: From pup to pole, and more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The first baby seal sighted on West Seattle shores this season may or may not be part of today’s happenings – but David Hutchinson sent that too-cute-not-to-publish photo, with this info, so we’re starting with it:

Primo, the seal pup, spent some time around noon today at Alki Beach resting on a sand bar at low tide. If you see him, keep a respectful distance and be sure to contact Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo taken with a telephoto lens)

Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Almost two weeks after the reinstallation of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole (WSB video coverage here), you’re invited to its rededication at 5 pm. Those expected to be on hand include its carver, Robin Young (who we interviewed last December, not long after the pole was stolen). The park’s at 35th/Alaska … One neighborhood meeting scheduled tonight: Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board, 7 pm, at the schoolhouse (9131 Fauntleroy SW) … Looking for something to do with your toddler? Camp Long‘s Tot Trek goes tidepooling at Me-Kwa-Mooks at 10:30 am (registration’s required so call 206-684-7434 to see if there’s room) … Tonight, it’s trivia at Feedback Lounge, 8 pm, and open turntables at Skylark Café and Club, 6 pm (both WSB sponsors) – and remember Skylark has live music on Tuesdays now too (tonight: 9 pm, Rachel Goodrich; 10 pm, Timmy Sunshine and the Conductors) … And there’s more, on the calendar.

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West Seattle businesses: ‘Lady Di’ seeking a successor
August 10, 2010 3:14 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If she’s not the original West Seattle pet walker/day-care provider, she’s gotta be close. But now, “Lady Di, Pet Chaperone” is looking for a successor, somebody to take over her business. (She’s been a WSB sponsor for a while, but we’ve been familiar with her work for years longer — “Lady Di” took care of our cats during more than a few vacations we took pre-WSB.) She’s dealing with some health challenges, and, after 15 years, is ready to sell the business to the right person. Read on for more:Read More

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North Delridge Neighborhood Council elects 2 new officers
August 10, 2010 2:45 am
|    Comments Off on North Delridge Neighborhood Council elects 2 new officers
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

A low-key meeting Monday night for the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, one of the few neighborhood groups NOT skipping a meeting in August. NDNC had 2 unanimous votes (with about half a dozen members present to vote), finalizing Karrie Kohlhaas as new co-chair and Patrick Baer as the new treasurer. The group also discussed features for its in-the-works website – being built by a student volunteer – and brainstormed ways to participate in the ongoing Delridge Fresh Food Spot community events at Super 24, including potentially tabling at the next Delridge Night Market (September 11th). NDNC co-chair Jay Mirro also recapped the Brandon Street Natural Area work party on Saturday, which included volunteers from Seattle Works and Rat City Rollergirls, as well as a visit from Mayor McGinn (during his North Delridge walking tour – WSB coverage here and here). No other major news from the meeting; NDNC now meets the second Monday of each month, 6:30 pm, at Delridge Library, so the next meeting will be Sept. 13.

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Seattle Chinese Garden’s visiting artisans tour West Seattle
August 10, 2010 12:10 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

The Seattle Chinese Garden Society – working to complete the garden here in West Seattle, the only one like it that’s not in China itself – are thrilled about the arrival of master Chinese artisans who will be working on its Knowing the Spring Courtyard. But it can’t be all work and no play if you’ve traveled thousands of miles to West Seattle – so, Sandy Marvinney of the SCGS explains (while also sharing two photos) how the artisans’ visit began:

The eighteen master Chinese artisans who arrived in town this past weekend didn’t expect to chat with a fisherman in their native language on their first sightseeing adventure, but that encounter got their Sunday tour off to a great start. At Jack Block Park, West Seattle resident Kin Kau Cheung caught a dogfish just as the group arrived, and after an animated exchange about his fishing skill, let them pose with his catch [top photo]. On their later stroll of the Alki boardwalk, the group met a Chinese family who spoke their regional Chinese dialect. They feel right at home in West Seattle!

The artisans will be here till late November to complete construction of the Seattle Chinese Garden’s first major courtyard. A free community welcome party is scheduled for Sunday, August 22, 1–4 pm at the Garden, with lion dance, entertainment, family activities, and site tours. The public also can watch the artisans at work and keep tabs on construction progress on docent-led tours. The Seattle Chinese Garden is at the north end of the South Seattle Community College campus.

For more information on events and courtyard construction, visit: www.seattlechinesegarden.org and the Garden blog at: blog.seattlechinesegarden.org

The garden is on the South Seattle Community College campus on Puget Ridge.

9:04 AM UPDATE: One more photo from the artisans’ first West Seattle tour on Saturday – Patrick Dunn from the West Seattle Tool Library says they stopped there too (it’s also on the SSCC campus), and shares this photo:

He says they’ll be using tools from the Sustainable West Seattle-launched library as part of the project. (You can rent tools from the library too – check here for hours and details.)

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West Seattle businesses: Friends and Company to close in Junction
August 9, 2010 7:42 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo taken tonight, added 8:37 pm)
Just sent by Friends and Company proprietor Doris Goulet, via her e-mail list – she’s closing her craft store (primarily rubber-stamping) in The Junction, to focus on her newer branch on the Eastside:

Although it has been a very difficult decision to make for many reasons, I have decided, along with some family and friends, to close our West Seattle location and merge into our Issaquah location. Ironically for me, this is becoming more of a celebration. I just know that it will open yet another chapter for us. I’m confident that you will celebrate with us as this new chapter unfolds. Remember, I am closing a location but NOT closing the business.

Our West Seattle doors will be open until 24 August making this date our last day of operation. …

The e-mail goes on to mention some special deals/sales that are described as especially for the list, so we’re not republishing those, but you can certainly inquire at the store. The Friends and Company location in Issaquah opened a year and a half ago; according to the F&C website, the West Seattle store was to celebrate its 13th anniversary in mid-September.

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Video: ‘Smoky kitchen fire’ in 9000 block 22nd SW
August 9, 2010 7:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Photo by Tony Bradley, substituted at 8:52 pm for our earlier cameraphone photo)
ORIGINAL 7:12 PM REPORT: On our way to check on this “fire in single family residence” call (here’s a map of the location, which is southeast of Westwood Village). Via Facebook, Charmaine reports “lots of smoke, firetrucks and roof on fire!” And via Twitter, we have a second report of “lots of smoke.” 7:31 PM UPDATE: From the scene: Incident commander says this was a “smoky kitchen fire,” nobody hurt, out now, and many of the units are pulling out. Till they clear, though, avoid Delridge/Barton, where Barton was blocked off because of the response. ADDED 8:11 PM: Video from the scene:

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Admiral Safeway project: 2 side-note followups – house & BECU
August 9, 2010 6:03 pm
|    Comments Off on Admiral Safeway project: 2 side-note followups – house & BECU
 |   Development | West Seattle news

With less than 2 weeks now till Admiral Safeway shuts down August 21 for almost a year of construction, we’ve been looking at some of the side notes – including what happens to the BECU ATM (here’s our story from last Thursday) and pre-demolition recycling from the 42nd/Lander house on the site (here’s that story, also from Thursday). Tonight – followups on both!

BECU ATM CLOSING EARLIER THAN REPORTED: BECU’s Todd Pietzsch first told us the store’s existing ATM (there are plans to add one outside the new store) would stay open till the August 21st closing day, but he says there’s been a change: It is scheduled to be shut down “midday on the 19th” – so if you use that machine frequently, take note.

HOUSE RECYCLING – THE FINAL TALLY: James Klicpera, acquisitions manager at Earthwise and West Seattle resident, sent us some followup details today about the fate of what his company has removed from the 84-year-old 42nd/Lander house:

Earthwise was very fortunate to get the opportunity to salvage reusable materials from the project…..as forward-thinking as Seattle is in general, it is all too often the case that many of our older structures do not get salvaged. In this case, 3.75 tons of re-usable building material were removed as part of the salvage effort last week. 4,975 pounds of brick were removed with an additional 2,570 pounds removed from the interior/exterior combined. Of particular note, the original (c. 1926) entry columns, front door and eyebrow windows from the South (front) facade were removed. Many of the fireplace tiles (which one reader commented on) were saved as well….they are somewhat rare (Batchelder tile of California) and extremely difficult to remove intact. We hope that all the salvaged materials find a new, local home.

(Inset photo is from the King County Assessor‘s site.) P.S. Thanks again to the WSB’ers whose questions sparked both of the above stories – multiple commenters for asking about BECU’s plans, and Forest for spotting signs of activity at the 42nd/Lander site. We’re thrilled to hear from you (options here) any time!

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City Council confirms John Diaz as new Seattle Police Chief
August 9, 2010 4:29 pm
|    Comments Off on City Council confirms John Diaz as new Seattle Police Chief
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just in case you hadn’t heard it already – City Councilmembers voted unanimously today (8-0, with council president Richard Conlin absent) to confirm John Diaz as Seattle’s new Police Chief. Here’s Chief Diaz’s statement, as published on SPD Blotter. He had been interim chief for a year and a half, after ex-chief Gil Kerlikowske left to become federal “drug czar.” More details here from our partners at the Seattle Times.

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