Highland Park 1046 results

West Seattle Reservoir’s new park: 1st meeting date finalized

(Photo courtesy Seattle Parks and Recreation, from project sign installation Thursday)
From the last meeting of the Highland Park Action Committee, we reported that Seattle Parks had set a December 3rd meeting for discussion of the West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park design (here’s that story). Today, the official flyer’s out, setting the meeting time for 7 pm Dec. 3, High Point Community Center. Main point of the meeting, per the announcement: “To learn what the community priorities are for transforming the 20 acres of open space” that the reservoir-covering project will create. Here’s the official flyer.

Q&A with Highland Park Action Cmte.’s surprise Station 11 guests

(Our camera’s flash helps prove how well those reflective strips work!)
Usually toward the end of Highland Park Action Committee meetings, there’s a “Local Business Spotlight” organized by HPAC vice chair Nicole Mazza, with information about an area business and maybe even a raffle. Last night, she threw a changeup, inviting Seattle Fire Department personnel from nearby Station 11, led by Lt. Russell Wiseman (second from left). They answered questions and shared details about how they work, including:

*They work in 24-hour shifts that change at 7:30 am, four people in the station per day. When they arrive for the day, they have to check all their gear, make sure everything works, from the vehicle to the “shocker” that might be needed to revive someone in cardiac arrest. Inbetween emergency calls, their day will include everything from cooking to housekeeping to exercise to training.

*Their training doesn’t just involve fighting fires – since they are first responders to many medically related calls, that requires a lot of training, not just CPR – earlier on Wednesday, they’d spent four hours in “street medicine” training, for example, and they’ve also recently received training regarding the flu and how to deal with patients without bringing it home to their families or spreading it between calls. And they are trained in counseling people in difficult situations, such as deaths that happen before or during the incident – “we see more dead people than most.”

Ahead – What’s the difference between a fire engine and fire truck? Is there a “fire station dog”? and more:Read More

Reservoir park project: Highland Park Action Committee briefing

October 29, 2009 1:28 am
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo from reservoir-covering project site tour last week – looking from the site toward existing park)
The first of four planned public meetings on designing the new park land atop and around West Seattle Reservoir, adjacent to the existing Westcrest Park, is set for December 3rd at High Point Community Center. That’s the biggest news Parks Department manager Susanne Friedman brought to the Highland Park Action Committee on Wednesday night. She answered questions about the status of and timeline for the $3 million (from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy) project to create 20 new acres of parkland once the reservoir-covering work is done. She fielded repeated questions about the extent of the fencing that will remain once the site is done – only around a couple Seattle Public Utilities “outbuildings,” she promised. What will be on the lid itself? She noted some “limitations,” like a load limit, no tree roots that might break through the “lid,” no plants that would require herbicide or pesticide. But the rest of the 20 acres, she said, should have a “fabulous design” that will integrate well with the existing park and off-leash area. And she promised that the many comments already received from Highland Park – particularly during HPAC’s June “mini-summit” on the park – will be considered. What’s next? Read on:Read More

Ready to think New Year’s Eve? Highland Park plans a parade

October 28, 2009 9:51 pm
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 |   Highland Park | Holidays | West Seattle news

1st short update from tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting: Never too soon to think New Year’s Eve, even with Halloween yet to come. This year, there’s talk of a parade to precede the annual New Year’s Eve party at the Highland Park Improvement Club building (site of tonight’s HPAC meeting) – walking through area neighborhoods (on the sidewalks), with drums and noisemakers, along a pre-mapped route, inviting neighbors to join in along the way, then returning to HPIC for the party, potentially with Cirque de Flambe‘ performing in the HPIC parking lot. HPAC chair Dan Mullins says the idea came from ex-HPAC officer Rory Denovan, inspired by New Year’s Eve revelry seen in Spain. The plan’s still taking shape but sounds like HP might be the fun place to be December 31st. Also discussed at tonight’s meeting, the impending start of design work for the West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park project, with design consultants to be chosen soon (now that the application window is closed; first public meeting is set for Dec. 3), area crime trends and a semi-surprise appearance by one of the crews from Fire Station 11 – more later.

Today/tonight: Short school; Kenney 100th; HPAC; “Dow Chow”

October 28, 2009 6:03 am
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 |   Highland Park | The Kenney | West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | West Seattle schools

EARLY DISMISSAL DAY FOR MANY SCHOOLS: It’s officially an “early dismissal day” for Seattle Public Schools, with many independent schools following suit, while some tweak the schedule to suit what needs to be done (at Chief Sealth High School, for example, no classes – it’s parent/teacher conference time).

(August 2009 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
THE KENNEY’S 100TH: Big celebration today at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way) – marking the 100th anniversary of its grand opening. Here’s the invite:

In honor of Samuel and Jessie Kenney, please join us as we celebrate 100 years of The Kenney’s Grand Opening!

4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., Community Rooms at The Kenney

It will be an open house with a short program at 4:15 p.m. in the Community Rooms. If you are unable to make it for the program, please stop by later for a glass of wine and some food.

The Calvary Lutheran Choir will also be performing songs from the early 1900s and will be dressed in clothing from that time period.

A chocolate fountain and champagne bar in the Historic Seaview Building, along with a historical timeline and Samuel and Jessie Kenney (volunteers dressed up), will also be in attendance.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm tonight, Highland Park Improvement Club building – the agenda note from HPAC chair Dan Mullins:

This month we will have 2 speakers and a twist on Nicole’s Local Business Spotlight that will surprise you.

Our first Speaker will be Susanne Friedman from Seattle Parks Dept. to give us an update on the progress and future plans for Westcrest Park. Our second speaker will be Amy Shaflik from Treehouse to let us know about the great work they are doing for foster children in our community. And Nicole’s Spotlight will be very different and fun and I predict that you will want to get involved.

Please come and meet your neighbors, enjoy a little potluck dinner and help make our neighborhood a great place to live!

“DOW CHOW”: No, this has nothing to do with a certain candidate. In this case, “Dow” stands for “Dow Jones Industrial Average.” 5-11 pm tonight, Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) is raising money for Arts Corps with a fun contest that’s paired with special discounts. First – the discounts: Whatever the Dow closes at today, no menu price will be higher – for example, yesterday it closed at 9882, so the most expensive menu item would have been $9.88. Now, the guessing: Guess tonight what the Dow will close at TOMORROW – $1 per guess – and the person who comes closest will win the closing number worth of meals at Chow Foods (parent company of Endolyne Joe’s) restaurants – if it closes at 9900, you get $9,900 worth. Read more about the contest, promotion and fundraiser here – then go to Endolyne Joe’s between 5 and 11 tonight (maybe right after visiting the not-far-away Kenney!).

Accident on 16th SW; no one hurt

Two cars were in a rollover accident in the 7700 block of 16th SW just before 7 pm tonight. Police said there were no injuries; the street was shut down for about 45 minutes.

Westcrest reservoir park: City starts looking for designers

(Westcrest Reservoir construction photo from last spring)
As work continues on the West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir lid, the city is taking another step toward construction of the park atop it. A published notice indicates the Parks Department is now seeking letters of interest and statements of qualifications from landscape architects (deadline 10/26). The notice says construction is set to start in early 2011, and includes:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The vision for this site is to create an innovative park addition adjacent to Westcrest Park that can accommodate a variety of park features and recreational uses, while seamlessly integrating the reservoir lid with the surrounding park. The project area is approximately 20 acres.

Park funding is coming from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy approved by voters last year. Highland Park Action Committee has been working to stay closely involved with the park-development process, including discussion during its Westcrest “mini-summit” in June (WSB coverage here).

Video: Human, canine volunteers finish up new Westcrest feature

That video shows what you might call a victory howl for the canine volunteers at Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area this morning, as they and human companions finished spreading wood chips at the newly created “special needs” area at West Seattle’s only off-leash park – a section that’s more easily accessible for disabled/elderly users. We first reported earlier this week on Westcrest OLA steward Steve McElhenney‘s effort to make this happen; during this morning’s work party, we asked Steve to tell us more about the volunteer efforts and their result:

If you’re a Westcrest OLA user and want to keep up with other volunteer efforts (among other topics), you can join their Yahoo! mailing list by going here.

Update: Search ends in Highland Park

(Photo added 12:07 pm)
On our way to the 9000 block of 11th SW (map), where police and fire have responded to an “assault with weapons” call. More details as soon as we get them. 12:03 PM UPDATE: We’ve arrived in the area and police are looking for a suspect so we’re being kept back. Still working to get details on what happened. Huge police presence, at least half a dozen cars. 12:07 PM: Just heard via scanner that it’s a “GSW” (gunshot wound) – they have just let paramedics past the police line. No official word on the circumstances, so far, and we will add the caveat that information does evolve and change. 12:19 PM UPDATE: And in fact, the information has evolved: We’re told at the scene that they’re no longer looking for anyone – they have found a victim of what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Still working to make sure no one else was involved and will add whatever else we find out.

3 more for West Seattle’s 9/09/09: ArtsWest, 34th DDs, HPIC

September 9, 2009 7:06 am
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle politics | WS culture/arts

(Photos by Matt Durham from mattdurhamphotography.com)
ARTSWEST SEASON BEGINS: The Seattle premiere of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Carol Roscoe, opens the ArtsWest 2009-2010 season tonight. Performances continue through October 3rd. From the ArtsWest news release: “When Jean answers the cell phone of the corpse at the next table, she unwittingly embarks on a quirky odyssey that takes her from a high society funeral to the black market to the afterlife.” Buy tickets online here.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Just two months after their almost-five-hour endorsement meeting preceding the primary election, the 34th District Democrats plunge back into the waters at tonight’s regular monthly meeting. Here’s the agenda, including a link to a proposed rule change which would set the parameters for endorsement consideration at this meeting.

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Meeting tonight at 7 to kick off a busy autumn, including plans for HPIC’s 90th anniversary celebration and other fall/winter events. More info here.

Video: Warm “homecoming” for Dorsol Plants, post-Council run

Nine months after Dorsol Plants stood before the Highland Park Action Committee – which he chaired at the time — to say he was launching a run for Seattle City Council (here’s our 11/24/08 report), he stood before HPAC again last night to post-mortem his run. The clip above shows Dina Johnson presenting Plants with a certificate of appreciation; in the next one, you’ll see him spend about five minutes recalling what the campaign was like, and revealing who he’s supporting now:

With most of the votes counted, the most recent results show Plants finishing with 14% of the vote in the District 4 race – far behind leader Sally Bagshaw at 51%, but not that far behind second-place David Bloom at 18%, who (with Bagshaw) advances to the general (and who, as you heard if you watched the second video clip, Plants is endorsing). Plants, a U.S. Army veteran who currently works for a human-services agency, hasn’t announced his next political plan, but says there will definitely be one – “I’m not done yet.” (In the very short term, by the way, he’ll be celebrating his 25th birthday this weekend.)

West Seattle Crime Watch: Contractor chases burglars away

John is reporting a break-in attempt, on behalf of a neighbor without e-mail – read on:Read More

Happening now: Highland Park Improvement Club rummage sale

July 25, 2009 2:04 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | West Seattle news

You never know what you’ll find at a rummage sale. Highland Park Improvement Club‘s parking lot is full of sale tables till 3 pm, and we noticed that box of rubber ducks at Highland Park Action Committee chair Dan Mullins‘ table. Or, you can buy some belly-dancing accessories from Dina Johnson, posing here with husband Blair Johnson:

Many outdoor events have live music, but this is the first one we’ve been to in a while that had an accordion serenade:

12th/Holden till 3 pm. Then tomorrow, HPIC’s having its annual neighborhood barbecue and kickball extravaganza, 2-6 pm at Highland Park playfield.

Update: New West Seattle location for “Nickelsville”

(photo by Christopher Boffoli, added 9:47 pm)
8:27 PM: From WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli, who’s been at the “Nickelsville” homeless encampment at 2nd SW/Highland Park Way: While law enforcers could have moved in at 7 tonight to clear out the campers, they’ve been given till 9 tomorrow morning to move. Meantime, we talked this evening with State Rep. Sharon Nelson, who said she’d been in a meeting regarding the situation, and that she’s learned the Church Council of Greater Seattle has some possible new locations for the encampment.

(photo by Christopher Boffoli, added 9:52 pm)
8:50 PM UPDATE: One-line update just in from the encampment’s spokesperson, who says: “Nickelsville has relocated to Terminal 107 Park.” That’s still in West Seattle – 4700 West Marginal Way SW – and it’s property owned by the Port of Seattle. 9:25 PM UPDATE: At the new encampment site, we just talked with one organizer who indicated this is not a site for which they obtained permission in advance – they had to leave, she told us, so they packed up and headed “down the street.” They’re still unloading property moved from the 2nd SW/Highland Park Way site, and say they’ll be totally cleared away from there within a few hours. As for where exactly they’re setting up – it’s an open area south of the parking lot.

10:31 PM UPDATE: That’s video of one of the trucks pulling up to the Terminal 107 Park site just before dusk. However, they might not be there for long. KOMO reports that “Port of Seattle officials” already have gone there to tell them they can’t stay. We’ll be heading down a little later to get an update.

Happening today/tonight – the quick roundup

METRO BUDGET: We’ll be downtown at 11 am to hear County Executive Kurt Triplett discuss the latest on Metro’s budget troubles, so we can find out how that might affect transit service. Look for live updates here.

ENCAMPMENT EVICTION? We’re awaiting word of whether organizers of the 2nd SW/Highland Park Way camp that calls itself “Nickelsville” will get a court order holding off eviction from the state-owned land. If not, they say they’ll be packing up starting around 5 pm.

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 4532 42ND SW: 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle. Here’s our preview from yesterday.

DELRIDGE PLAYGROUND’S GRAND OPENING: Six days after a volunteer army built it, tonight kids get to play on it, it opens tonight at 6:30. Look for a story later with our “Digital Darkroom” interns from Delridge Community Center taking one more look at the amazing playground-building day.

ADMIRAL OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES KICKOFF: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha begin tonight – 6:30 pm, east lawn, Alma Villegas (find out about her music here), FREE, series presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association and co-sponsored by local businesses including WSB. B/Y/O blanket/chair.

REMEMBERING TERESA BUTZ: 7:30 tonight in the grassy area between the parking lot and ballfields at South Park Community Center (map), a memorial for the woman stabbed to death in her South Park home last Sunday morning. More here.

Highland Park Action Committee: Tonight’s toplines

July 22, 2009 11:58 pm
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

(Chair Dan Mullins leading tonight’s HPAC meeting)
Quick notes from tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting – remember, they’ve moved to a new night, fourth Wednesday of each month:

LOW-FLYING PLANES: HPAC has started a committee to look at whether general-aviation planes headed to Boeing Field are flying too low over Highland Park. Some are concerned that suggested flight paths and FAA guidelines aren’t being followed. The committee will report next month on what it’s found.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: The HPAC committee looking at this is continuing to work on making it safer for people to cross SW Holden right by the Highland Park Improvement Club building where HPAC meets.

CRIME STATS: Officer Adonis Topacio brought his monthly update. He says illicit activity at Westcrest Park remains an ongoing concern. In the past four weeks, there’ve been 9 car prowls, 10 burglaries, and 5 auto thefts in the general Highland Park/South Delridge area. One attendee expressed concern about someone knocking on doors at midnight one night last week and wondered when it’s OK to call 911 (police’s answer is always, better safe than sorry, if it’s suspicious and it’s happening now, call). The unsolved South Park stabbings came up, with questions about burglarproofing your home; Officer Topacio reiterated that windows and doors should stay locked and closed.

HIGHLAND PARK WADING POOL: A question came up about why it hasn’t been opened yet this season. (As first reported here two months ago, the city decided 11 of the city’s 25 wading pools would not be put into use this year because the Parks Department hasn’t finished federally mandated drain-safety retrofits; the HP pool is one of the 11.)

JAIL SITE FIGHT: HPAC chair Dan Mullins says nothing’s going on but the long-running environmental-evaluation process. (It’s now been 14 months since Highland Park Action Committee has been fighting against the possible siting of a new municipal misdemeanor-offender jail in the area; check our coverage archive here.)

HPAC also heard a presentation about the mega-important Neighborhood Plan Status Check meeting coming up next Tuesday, July 28, 6 pm at Delridge Community Center (Highland Park is one of the five West Seattle neighborhoods with an official plan); more on that in our next story.

Facing eviction, West Seattle homeless-camp advocates go to court

Another update just in from a spokesperson for the encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville,” currently set up on state-owned land along the eastern edge of West Seattle (2nd SW/Highland Park Way), and under orders to clear out by Thursday night:

Yesterday Attorneys Robert Siegel and Peggy Herman filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Federal District Court. Judge Richard Martinez said he will issue an order either today or tomorrow. He has decided not to hold a public hearing before issuing his decision.

If Judge Martinez grants the TRO request, Nickelsville will have up to 2 weeks before a second hearing. At a second hearing a permanent order might be granted. If Judge Martinez does not issue a Temporary Restraining Order, at 5:00 PM Thursday Nickelsville and arriving supporters will load-up vehicles and trucks, in which case Nickelsville has asked the State to allow up to 12 PM Friday for people who have chosen to leave to leave, and for people to be given the opportunity to move both their own and Nickelsville community property.

Nickelsville’s residents who commit to stay through the arrival of Police, should this happen, will not be verbally abusive or disrespectful to either those issuing the orders, or those carrying them out.

“It is our opinion that it is both wrong and illegal to remove this community from this permanent site without having another permanent site available. Contrary to some claims, no church or other property owner has offered Nickelsville a site to go to. It is true that a temporary site is not suitable for our community. Our goal is to survive and solve homelessness with this stable, functional alternative, and not suffer continual disruption.”

Highland Park: HPAC’s new night tonight; HPIC weekend fun

July 22, 2009 6:43 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

Two items from Highland Park: At 7 pm tonight, the Highland Park Action Committee debuts its new meeting night – the fourth Wednesday of the month. Agenda includes an update on the Westcrest Park mini-summit featured at last month’s meeting. HPAC gathers at the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s building, 12th/Holden (map).

Speaking of HPIC, they have two big events coming up this weekend – here’s the announcement:

2nd Annual HPIC Giant Group Rummage Sale! Come one, Come all …….

When: Sat., July 25, 2009 10 am-3 pm (setup 9 am)
Where: Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot (indoors if rainy)

corner of 12th & Holden
“Recycle” those useful items cluttering up your life! Sell your Crafts Projects and Bake Sale items-help raise money for the club while cleaning out your basement! OR call Kay for info if you want to just donate sale items for the club to sell.

Table Rental Fee (benefits the club 90th Anniversary)
$15 members/ $20 non-members
You keep all your sale proceeds!!
Questions or to reserve a table, contact Kay @ 206-762-2266

Followed by our Summer Neighborhood Potluck BBQ & Kickball event
When: Sun., July 26, 2009 2 pm-6 pm
Where: Highland Park Playground

Door-to-door alert: Alarm system “fix” offered

Catherine‘s a little worried about the people who showed up on her doorstep in Highland Park today and wonders if anyone has words of reassurance – or warning:Read More

Update: Firefighters battle brush fire by Riverview Playfield

(photos by Tony Bradley, added 3:10 pm)
Thanks to Tony Bradley for calling with an update – the “4 Red” etc. callout on the 911 log right now to SW Holly/12th SW (map) is a brush fire north of Riverview Playfield, and it’s tough work for firefighters because conditions are so dry (and if the forecast holds true, not getting any better). 3:01 PM UPDATE: Just talked with Dana Vander Houwen at SFD – she says the fire, which is out now, covered a 200′ x 200′ area and the extra crews were called in for some hard-to-reach spots. Investigators are still trying to find out how it started. Tony has sent us photos and more info as well.

Tony’s additional info to come. ADDED 3:55 PM: Here’s that info and two more photos – read on (also, a 5:08 pm update from SFD):Read More

West Seattle Crime Watch: Second-floor break-in

Just got a note from a Highland Park resident who wanted to alert people to the break-in at her home near 16th and Cloverdale (map)- read on for details:Read More

2-week extension for “Nickelsville” homeless camp in West Seattle

(mid-June photo courtesy Revel Smith)
We reported earlier this week that the camp at 2nd SW/West Marginal had been told to clear out by Monday. Now, spokesperson Revel Smith just sent word they’ve been given two extra weeks:

The Washington State Department of Transportation says Nickelsville can stay at its present site until July 20th

Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, confirms WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond has extended the deadline for Nickelsville to stay at its present site for 2 weeks – to July 20th.

Nickelsville will continue to do all it can to find another adequate and permanent site. We will then look forward to the City of Seattle keeping its pledge to work with the property owner and Nickelsville to make sure Nickelsville succeeds.

Nickelsville thanks Governor Gregoire, Sr. Adviser Ron Judd of the Governor’s office, Michael Ramos of the Church Council, and all others involved with these negotiations. We also thank friends and supporters for contacting State and City Officials and explaining the need for Nickelsville and the depth of support it has.

Why citywide media converged on a Highland Park home today

That house in the 8600 block of 9th SW in Highland Park – a few houses north of SW Trenton – was the scene of a big made-for-media announcement this morning that brought out a swarm of TV and radio crews as well as your friendly neighborhood local online news source. Congressmember Jay Inslee (whose district is mostly to the north and west of Seattle), State Rep. Bob Hasegawa (from the 11th District south of West Seattle/White Center) and leaders/workers from the Laborers International Union of North America were there to announce the first home in the Northwest to be weatherized as part of LIUNA’s program involving federal “stimulus funding.”

The home that’s being weatherized first belongs to Carolyn Ostrom, who’s in the UFCW T-shirt in that photo, standing with a group including Rep. Inslee (right), Rep. Hasegawa (left), and LiUNA’s regional vice president Mano Frey (center), who’s based in Alaska. Within his first minute and a half of remarks, as you’ll hear in our video, Rep. Inslee tied this event into the energy bill passed in the U.S. House last week and bringing troops home from Middle East wars:

The union’s big talking point today was a training program to credential workers for weatherization jobs, and some of the trainees were in the crowd watching the announcement:

Inside the house, the weatherization work was under way:

And the homeowner said she’s looking forward to the results:

Now the big question: How to apply for either the training or the weatherization. We circled back with contacts and, for the training, were pointed here; for the weatherization, check with the Moontown Foundation (we still have a few inquiries out and will add anything more we learn).