West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
After many years at Seaview Methodist Church, Lincoln Park Cooperative Preschool decided to seek a new home – and has just announced it has found one for next school year: The Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse at 9131 California SW, you’ll recall, is in its first year of a new life as a nonprofit-owned-and-operated community facility, and is continuing to add new tenants; this is the latest one. Lincoln Park is part of the South Seattle Community College cooperative-preschool family, with a format that includes parents working in the classroom one day a week. It offers classes for ages 1-5, and has a few openings – e-mail Judy at jkatalki@aol.com.
An update from Brody Webster‘s mom, in the comment section following the original report about the search for him: He’s been found, she writes, adding, “Thank you for keeping an eye out for him. Hopefully this time we can get him back on track.”
(Wednesday night moon photo by Bill Bacon)
It’s a time of extremes – the full moon, and the tides it brings:
(Wednesday midday photo of Seacrest Pier pilings by Patrick Sand)
Again today, Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be at Lincoln Park and South Alki to assist with low-tide explorers. Low tide is -3.0 at 11:54 am. Also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
CONGRATULATIONS, SSCC CLASS OF 2011: South Seattle Community College commencement, 2:30 pm Benaroya Hall downtown.
USO BENEFIT: Hosted by Merrill Gardens (WSB sponsor, 4611 35th Avenue SW). This benefit event is to support our troops through our local U.S.O. Attendees will enjoy dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by the West Seattle Big Band from 7 – 8 pm. Active and inactive service members will be on hand to share their experiences and memorabilia. Minimum donation is $10 per attendee. Call 206-932-5480 to RSVP.
PUBLIC MEETING ON DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP SITE: Tonight the EPA is hosting a meeting to ask for public comments on the cleanup of the polluted area known as Jorgensen Forge (adjacent to Boeing Plant 2). Doors open 6, public comment starts at 8, South Seattle Community College Georgetown Campus, details and background here
COMMUNITY CENTERS’ FUTURE: The second of two city meetings – not in West Seattle, but the official one for the “south” side of the city including WS – is tonight, 7 pm. Here’s our preview from last night.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: ACC’s monthly meeting, 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds), agenda details here.
WSHS MUSIC: West Seattle High School Music Department presents the 2011 Spring Concert at the WSHS theater at 7 pm, admission is free! Donations appreciated.
BENEFIT SHOW AT THE BRIDGE: The Gifted Program performs tonight at 8:30 at The Bridge in West Seattle, as a fundraiser to recover from a recent fire in Tukwila that destroyed some of the band’s equipment. More details on this Facebook event page.
(Our first round of photos from the communitywide LB debut is here)
Story by Stephanie Chacharon
Photos by Christina Chacharon
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It was really only a matter of time before West Seattle had its own branded beer. Enter Löwman Bräu, a summery Kölsch-style beer that unapologetically boasts: “It’s a West Seattle thing, you wouldn’t understand.”
LB is the hops-filled lovechild of Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) proprietor Jeff Gilbert and master brewer Alejandro Brown of White Center’s Big Al Brewing (both pictured below with Feedback co-owner Matt Johnson). To celebrate the release of this local legend-in-the-making, ten neighborhood bars tapped their kegs at 7 pm Wednesday night — serving up frosty pints that both taste good and do good.
The Feedback Lounge was filled with neighbors bellied up to a pint (or two) of Löwman Bräu, many wearing the beer’s signature t-shirt, created by Modern Dog Design. Proprietor and LB-instigator Jeff greeted guests with a handshake or a cheerily raised glass, calling “Happy Löwman Bräu day!” to the steady crowd in front of the T-shirt table.
From a Fauntleroy resident who doesn’t want to be identified:
I wanted to report that someone shot at our front picture window in the 9400 block of 45th Avenue SW (Wednesday) evening around 8 pm. Southwest Precinct responded and is investigating. We aren’t clear what was shot, since it’s at least 30-40′ from the street to our window. But our own research shows that BBs can’t shoot more than 15′. We have a double pane picture window, and only the outer pane was pierced, with a tiny dent on the inside of the inner pane.
Needless to say, we are distressed and frustrated. And our kids are spooked. Thanks, just wanted to let our neighbors know.
The new developer/architect team for Oregon 42 – the proposed development at 42nd/Oregon in The Junction, a couple lots north of QFC/Capco Plaza – explained project changes to community members last night. In case you couldn’t be there, we recorded the 1-hour meeting on video. We detailed the changes here earlier this month, after Junction Neighborhood Organization president Erica Karlovits announced the project’s new leaders had contacted her to talk about the changes. Primary among them: The project has dramatically downsized its planned retail space, switching to more apartments instead. Karlovits raised issues on behalf of nearby neighbors, including parking and construction noise, but no conflicts or unaddressable concerns erupted. If the city signs off on the changes, the developers say they hope to start work by the end of the year; they believe construction would take about a year and a half. The deadline for comments on the project is June 29th (more in this story).
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Sure, it was an excuse to drink a brand-new beer. But tonight’s Löwman Bräu launch was about fundraising, too. With so many venues participating, and donating part of the proceeds from this new West Seattle brew, we had two crews out checking in with the events – here’s the first round of photos, from WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen. Top photo, that’s The Bridge co-owner Trevor Garand with dog rescuer Ginger and crew – The Bridge’s beneficiaries are canine charities including hers. Heading south from there, Locöl chose Roxhill Elementary, which had a contingent in a booth:
Behind the bar at Locöl was Shane, who said, “Come to Locöl, drink for kids!”
On Ellen went to White Center, where Big Al Brewing brewed Löwman Bräu – and is donating to the White Center Food Bank, which had a team out on Big Al’s patio (executive director Rick Jump included):
Full Tilt Ice Cream also is benefiting WC Food Bank with its Löwman Bräu sales – and with matching donations from its 3rd-birthday ice-cream sales next Monday, as noted here. One more WC stop – we found Jesse and Aaron at Company, which chose WestSide Baby (as did Shadowland in West Seattle):
Our north/center crew will check in later, including the scoop from Löwman Bräu central at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor). The venues listed here all got an initial shipment of the new brew, so even if you didn’t make it out tonight, ask for it tomorrow and beyond!
Long before the budget battles of fall arrive, the city is trying to gather comments on the future of its community centers. This year, you’ll recall, saw some drastic changes – here in West Seattle, Alki Community Center was the hardest hit, losing operating hours and staff, running as a “limited operation” center. Should that continue? Should more go that way? Or should hours be restored? The city is mulling 9 options, detailed here; you can speak out on them at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night at 7 at Jefferson Community Center on Beacon Hill (closest meeting to West Seattle), or by taking this online survey before the month is out.
Once again today, via Twitter, we heard police were focusing on West Seattle Bridge bus lane violators. Here’s the results, from SPD Blotter:
On June 15th, the Aggressive Drivers Response Team (ADRT) conducted a “Bus Only” lane emphasis patrol on the West Seattle Bridge at the request of West Seattle residents.
The following citations were issued:
West Seattle Bridge – 45 mph zone
1 at 59 mph
19 Bus Lane violationsAdditionally, an ADRT officer issued the following citations today:
3100 block SW Admiral Way – 30 mph zone:
1 at 52 mph
1 at 49 mph
1 at 48 mph
2 at 47 mph
3 at 46 mph
1 at 44 mph1 Seat Belt
Big news for West Seattle’s biggest elementary school: Lafayette Elementary in the Admiral District is getting a new principal. After seven years as Lafayette principal, Virginia Turner is moving to Coe Elementary in the north end. Here’s her announcement in the school newsletter, shared with us by a parent:
I wanted to let you know that I have made the decision not to return to Lafayette next year. I feel it is time for new leadership at the school, and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading a new school. I will be the Principal at Coe Elementary on Queen Anne Hill next year.
I am so grateful for the kindness and support you have given me during my tenure at Lafayette. Lafayette is a remarkable school, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with you the past 7 years. Thank you for allowing me to work with your children. It has been so rewarding to be a part of their learning, development, and growth.
The new principal for Lafayette is an experienced principal named Jo (Lute-Ervin) who is currently the Principal at Tops K-8. Previous to that position she was principal for 9 years at Leschi Elementary. I know you will welcome her as she becomes a part of the Lafayette community.
Lute-Ervin has been principal at TOPS for two years. Lafayette’s student population has grown dramatically in the past few years, well past 500 students; a double-size portable was moved onto school grounds last winter to house some of the overflow.
(From left, photographed at Tram’s Salon, are Lan, Tram, and Mary)
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Tram’s Salon, which recently opened at 4110 California, just north of The Junction. New sponsors are offered a chance to tell you about themselves, and here’s what salon owner Tram wants you to know: She has been styling hair in West Seattle for about eight years. She says she opened her own salon because she believes being able to both work and live in West Seattle is a joy.
Tram’s Salon offers men’s, women’s, and children’s cuts, as well as coloring and perms. She also has a line of products that includes Paul Mitchell, Nioxin, and American Crew. Tram says that at her salon, she strives for perfection and believes everyone should get a great cut at a reasonable price.
Tram’s Salon welcomes walk-ins – here’s a map to the location – but you can also call in advance, 206-935-2970. The salon is open 9 am-9 pm, Mondays through Fridays, and 9 am-7 pm on the weekends.
We thank Tram’s Salon for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
From a longtime WSB’er – who begins her note, “My family was almost killed today on the WS bridge” – a road-rage report. Read on:Read More
WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz, who broke the story that B & D Aquarium in WC had to find a new home fast, reports it’s official – the store has a place to go. It’s a site owned by the White Center Eagles; she first reported the possibility last Saturday. Deanie’s working on more details for a longer followup on WCN later today.
After months of extensive renovation work, West Seattle’s only motel – now known as The Grove, West Seattle Inn – is about to unveil its new look. Its owners have just announced an open house for 4 pm Monday, June 27th. They’re already taking reservations, too, for dates in July and beyond. We’ve been chronicling the transformation since the new ownership was announced in December; the motel has been closed since early April.
(CLICK FOR FULL-SIZE VERSION: Top of the rendering is west, left is south, right is north)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For nearby residents, a meeting last night was a chance to voice concerns and ask questions about what will happen over the next six months of demolition and construction, imminent now that Denny International Middle School‘s new building adjacent to nearby Chief Sealth International High School is almost done.
But for a few others at last night’s meeting with members of the project team for the forthcoming transformation of the current Denny site into sports facilities and park space, it was a chance to be sure that the work they had done two years earlier hadn’t somehow changed in the meantime.
Through months of meetings in 2008 and 2009, the original Design Team for the Denny site – including community members as well as school staffers and other stakeholders – had brainstormed, analyzed, and planned. What emerged in 2009, was the final “preferred plan” – see it in our story from its debut.
As you can see if you compare it to the newest graphic, atop this story, what was shown at last night’s meeting was fairly close in its details. But Mary Quackenbush and Sandra Melo, who had been there through the Design Team process, noticed a difference or two.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It’s shaping up to be an action-packed summer schedule for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, based on the full agenda and lively discussions at the group’s meeting Tuesday night at Admiral Congregational Church.
Meeting highlights included a recap of plans for the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (lineup here) and Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (latest update here), a “summer activity” preview from SPD, and discussion about ANA’s new website (latest update here).
Ahead, toplines including what police had to say about the reported child-luring attempt in Admiral, as well as information about events that will interest even those who live outside Admiral:Read More
(From this month’s first low-low tide, by Stephen Elser)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
LOWEST TIDE OF THE ‘SUMMER’: Yes, we use that last word loosely … But the tide is out, no matter what the weather. 11:10 this morning, -3.1 (here’s the chart). On the flip side, the high tide is way up there too – 12.1 at 6:46 pm. Planning on exploring the revealed beach this midday? Volunteer Seattle Aquarium naturalists are on the Lincoln Park and south-of-Alki-Point Beaches 10 am-2 pm.
BENEFITS FOR VETERANS/SURVIVING SPOUSES: See how veterans or surviving spouses can qualify for a tax-free pension; Sean Sullivan and Kevin Sullivan will give a presentation covering long-term-care benefits. Free; RSVP to (206) 938-3964. 3-4 pm, Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW).
SUMMER COUNTDOWN PARTY FOR TEENS: Celebrate the last days of school before summer with an outdoor BBQ at Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW). Music, dodgeball competition, food, prizes, starts at 2:30 pm.
FAREWELL, MR. WHALEN: Schmitz Park Elementary School families past and present are invited to the SP cafeteria 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 pm to bid teacher Japhy Whalen farewell (here’s our original coverage).
JUNCTION DEVELOPMENT: Community meeting about Oregon 42 development changes (latest WSB coverage here), 6 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).
FREE WORKSHOP: Savvy Seattle Women workshop on hiring a pro, 6 pm, Prudential NW Realty offices at Jefferson Square, details here.
SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: Not in West Seattle but of interest citywide, 6 pm at district HQ in SODO (here’s the agenda).
LOWMAN BRAU’S DEBUT: Premiere parties for Löwman Bräu, “West Seattle’s beer,” multiple venues, starting at 7 pm – full list of venues here, and which nonprofits are benefiting, here.
TONIGHT’S GRADUATION: Middle College High School commencement ceremony at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center, 7 pm
DELRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL: The council meets at Youngstown Arts Center, 6 pm strategic discussion, 7 pm meeting, with topics including an Alaskan Way Viaduct construction briefing and the just-announced proposal for a 75-unit complex to provide permanent housing for mentally ill homeless people (WSB coverage here).
(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
Not only is it the brewery behind the West Seattle-centric Löwman Bräu, launching tonight at venues around the area (here’s our Tuesday update), Big Al Brewing in White Center is also about to make a big change – activating a solar hot-water-heating system that will not only change its carbon footprint, but will also enable it to boost production. Get the full story on our partner site White Center Now.
Katie Parker, gone at just 31, was a longtime West Seattleite, says Matt, who shared her obituary and photo:
Katie Parker, 31, of Arlington, WA, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011. Katie was born September 22, 1979, the daughter of James and Mary Margaret Parker, in Seattle.
Katie had a warm heart and generous spirit. Katie was an accomplished Irish Step Dancer and won international awards. She loved books, and when not reading, she enjoyed spending time outdoors and visiting with friends and family.
Katie graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle and went on to graduate from Holy Names Academy in Seattle. She also attended WWU at Bellingham. Katie had an eye for beauty and style, and when she graduated from Gene Juarez Academy, she found her calling.
Katie is preceded in death by her brother Neil Parker, cousin Kevin Monahan, uncles Terry Monahan, John Parker and George Parker, grandparents, George and Victoria Parker, Jack and Veronica Monahan.
Katie is survived by her parents, James and Mary Margaret Parker, her sister Nora Parker and her nephew Riley Parker. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins survive Katie as well.
Viewing will precede the saying of a Rosary. The Rosary will be on Friday, June 17, 2011, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arlington, WA. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 with internment at Eden’s Cemetery on Guemes Island, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to www.nami.org or Catholic Community Services.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. E-mail the text, and a photo if available/desired, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
As West Seattle Little League families look toward the end-of-season barbecue and Snack Shack dedication this Saturday (3 pm, Bar-S Playfield – bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank), they also have just been through the excitement of the championships. Sharon Eldredge shares the top photo with the news that the Blue Jays won the WSLL Minors championship last Sunday and will represent West Seattle this weekend at the Tournament of Champions in Normandy Park. (That’s particularly big news around her house, since she’s mom to two of the players!) “They had a pretty young team with amazing positive energy and team spirit,” she says, with words of congratulations for first-year minors coach Stan Debiec. Congratulations to all the WSLL players, and good luck to the Blue Jays as well as everyone else going on to TOC!
From tonight’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse:
‘OUTDOOR SENIOR WELLNESS FACILITY’: Did you know that, among the city’s neighborhoods, West Seattle has the second-highest percentage of over-60 residents? (25 percent, topped only by downtown/First Hill.) So said Irene Stewart, briefing the FCA board on a concept she is circulating for an “outdoor senior-wellness facility,” or, put another way, a playground for older adults. She brought a four-page document outlining the proposal – FCA is the first group with which she has discussed it, but many more are on her list. Stewart said the idea is already in action in parts of Canada, Asia, and Europe, with areas set aside for elders to exercise outdoors – a benefit for health, longevity, and fitness. Because of its older population and large number of retirement centers, Stewart said, West Seattle might be just the place to try this. Potential sites are plentiful, both public and private (FCA board members suggested the north end of Lincoln Park, and Stewart said that has potential, also considering The Kenney is nearby). But she can’t serve as the project coordinator, since she works on senior issues for the city – she’s just trying to launch the idea. We’ll be following up on this, to find out more about how you can get involved, if you’re interested.
BREAK-IN UPTICK: The FCA board heard from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon, who says there’s been more burglaries than usual in the Fauntleroy area lately. Most had something in common, Solomon noted – the burglar(s) got in by using a tool to pry open a back door or sliding-glass door. Then, during our rare bouts of warm weather, there were the crimes of opportunism – getting in through an open window, door, or garage. How to fight back? Besides preventing those opportunities, Solomon said, make sure you know your neighbors, and that you are watching out for each other. He also reminded the FCA board that Night Out is coming up August 2nd (you can register your block party here).
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets the second Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, at the schoolhouse, 9131 California SW.
A bit of rain, but the packaged plastic ponchos didn’t have to come out during tonight’s West Seattle High School Class of 2011 commencement ceremony at Memorial Stadium downtown. It happened to be the first WSHS graduation for first-year principal Ruth Medsker, beaming with School Board president Steve Sundquist and assistant principals Jennifer Kniseley and Michael Kelly.
As listed in the program, the graduating class numbered almost 200 this year, including 70 Honor Roll (3.2 GPA or better) students and six valedictorians – Collrane Frivold, Hannah Matalone, Haley Peterson, Andreas Pope, Danielle Tran, and Daisy Zhen.
Collrane also was among the student speakers, in the next photo with Rojine De Las Alas, addressing “Goodbyes Are Not Forever” (photo right, seated, were the students who gave the welcome, Lauren Jeglum and Marielle Reeves).
In the stands, hundreds of cheering parents, relatives, and friends –
(The banner, which you can’t quite read in our photo, said CONGRATULATIONS SANTINO – there’s only one Santino in the list of graduates, so we’re guessing that was Santino Tauiliili). While spectators were mostly under the overhang, the grads were out on the open field, and there was a bit of rain – not enough, though, for the ponchos to have been deployed:
Congratulations, Class of 2011! (The rest of this week’s ceremonies are listed here; first local class to graduate was Seattle Lutheran High School last Friday – WSB coverage here.)
Her name became widely known in 2004, because of a tragedy that led to tougher laws; now, she is in the spotlight again, for a new role at a West Seattle bar. Our friends at KING 5 report that Maria Federici, the woman who lost her sight when an unsecured board flew off a truck and through her windshield, is bartending once a week at The Bridge. If you didn’t see it on TV at 11 pm last night (or shared earlier on Facebook pages including ours), you can watch reporter Joe Fryer‘s story above, or on the KING 5 webpage with full details. Not only did Maria survive against all odds, she and her mother campaigned for a tougher law addressing unsecured loads and victim compensation; it took effect in 2005. The story also is told in a book called “Out of Nowhere,” published last year.
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