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As-it-happened: Mayor’s road-safety-summit stop in West Seattle
November 21, 2011 6:18 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

6:16 PM: We’re at Southwest Community Center, awaiting the start of the final stop on the citywide tour for Mayor Mike McGinn‘s “road safety summit” (explained here). Seattle Channel is not livecasting this, a rare occurrence; we’ll publish updates as it goes. The mayor’s just about to step to the podium. We’d estimate the crowd at more than 50.

6:24 PM: The mayor says Councilmember Tom Rasmussen will join the meeting shortly. “What prompted me to put together the road-safety summit is, it’s become clear to me … people feel very strongly about how we use our roads, how we share our roads, how others use the roads … I’ve heard bicyclists complain about drivers, drivers complain about bicyclists” (and so on), he opens. “No matter how you get around,” there are “tragic deaths” on our city’s roads. He tells the story of the Greenwood crash that left a teenage boy injured for life. He says engineering, education, enforcement, and empathy are needed to address the problem. Yes, we can change, he insists, citing the dramatic shift in how smoking in public is treated – 30 years ago, this room might have been full of people smoking, ashtrays on the tables in front of them, and that is now illegal and unheard of. “We CAN change,” he says. But he says, “I don’t have all the answers” – he believes the community does.

6:32 PM: Dr. David Fleming, who runs Seattle-King County Public Health, takes the podium. He says traffic injuries and fatalities are a public-health issue. He says car fatalities have dropped 25 percent in recent years, but bicycle and pedestrian fatalities have stayed about the same. He explains why he uses the term “traffic crashes” versus “traffic accidents” – because crashes are not things about which nothing can be done. (Editor’s note – that’s part of our style guide, too.) “Fundamentally, these deaths are the result of actions that are under our control, and that we can do something about, and that’s why we are here tonight,” Dr. Fleming says. There’s not “one solution,” he cautioned, but instead, a “more robust toolbox” should and could be developed. He adds another “E” to the list above – “expectation,” with everyone engaging in the behaviors that will make a difference. And yet “defensive driving” matters, he says, since you need to anticipate that someone else might not meet your “expectation.”

The end result of efforts to change and improve, he says, could be “safe and vibrant streets.”

6:41 PM: Rick Sheridan, SDOT communications director, now at the podium, explaining what people at tables are being asked to do for the next 15 minutes or so, before reporting back to the full group.

(Our as-it-happened coverage, after the jump)Read More

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West Seattle wildlife: Fauntleroy Creek coho tally rises
November 21, 2011 5:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle wildlife: Fauntleroy Creek coho tally rises
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Alki Cooperative Preschool paid a visit to Fauntleroy Creek this afternoon, with volunteers including Judy Pickens and Dennis Hinton (that’s him in the hat) helping the kids and their chaperones get a peek at one of the five coho-salmon spawners that have now been seen at the creek in the past several days. We couldn’t get a clear enough look for a photo, but Dennis shared this one of a male and female spawning pair spotted earlier:

Last year, volunteer salmon-watchers didn’t see any spawners at all, so this year is already a success in comparison. 2009 saw 18, the year before that only 2; since the Fauntleroy Watershed Council started keeping track in 2000, the record remains 167 in 2001. (P.S. You can watch for the fish by going to the Fauntleroy Creek overlook at upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director, directly across the street – and up the embankment – from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal entrance. It’s one of those “hidden gems”!)

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Holiday call for help: White Center Food Bank needs more turkeys
November 21, 2011 4:55 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Local food banks are providing holiday food through Wednesday – and yet the need outstrips the supply. Though White Center Food Bank took in hundreds of turkeys on Saturday, Ann Kendall just sent word:

It looks like we are going to run out of turkeys – we’re only on day 1 of holiday distribution and things are getting sparse. In some years people have deferred on the turkeys but this year they are in high demand. We will be at the food bank to accept donations tonight until 6pm, Tuesday from 9-6 and 9-7 on Wednesday. Phone 206-762-2848 at the food bank.

WC Food Bank – which also serves southern West Seattle – is at 8th/108th. And if you can’t make it there but can donate a turkey, West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan) is accepting turkeys till 7 tonight.

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West Seattle holidays: Seasonal crime-prevention advice
November 21, 2011 4:38 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: Seasonal crime-prevention advice
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

From Seattle Police – timely advice to reduce the chance you’ll become a holiday-season crime victim: What to do/not to do when you’re away OR at home – all the way down reminders about Christmas lights and charity solicitations. Check out Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon‘s latest newsletter here (PDF).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Plea bargain in Fairmount Springs attack
November 21, 2011 2:57 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Delridge District Council | West Seattle news

We’ve just learned that another high-profile West Seattle case has been resolved with a guilty plea. This one is the attack last May that left a 65-year-old Fairmount Springs woman seriously hurt and brought law-enforcement and political leaders to the neighborhood days later. The victim turned up on a neighbor’s doorstep early one morning with injuries including more than 20 broken bones, but how she had been hurt was not initially clear.

In early July, with the help of DNA evidence, police arrested a man who lived in the same home to which the victim had fled, 49-year-old Monty Richardson. Court documents say he broke into the victim’s home, dragged her into her basement, tried to strangle her, and beat, kicked, and jumped on her till she lost consciousness. Richardson pleaded guilty last Thursday to first-degree burglary and second-degree assault, with the third charge against him, unlawful imprisonment, dismissed. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 2 1/2 years on the first count, 1 year and 2 months on the second (to run concurrently with the first). According to court documents, he is entering the guilty plea as a so-called Alford plea – he does not admit guilt on either charge but believes the evidence is likely to lead to a conviction.

Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced December 2nd by King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller.

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West Seattle holidays: Christmas trees! & Holidays page updates
November 21, 2011 1:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Nursery)
West Seattle’s first Christmas trees of the season have arrived. West Seattle Nursery received its first shipment on Sundays – Noble Firs – and kindly gave us permission to use a photo. Christmas-tree availability is part of what we’re updating again this year on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – who’s got them, where and when. (WSN’s Marcia Bruno tells us that the “natural nobles” arrive sometime today, and also that their tree prices will be lower this year, since they got a better deal from suppliers. We also just got word of a new tree lot in progress, heading out to check on that!) The Holidays page is updated multiple times daily with the newest holiday information. Right now, you’ll find Thanksgiving info at the top, including Thursday’s free dinners and workouts, supermarket hours, and (a WSB tradition) where to find coffee on the holiday.

Thanks very much to everyone who has already sent holiday event listings and other holiday-related info, and we renew the request for YOU to send anything and everything that might be relevant to the Holidays page – bazaars, sales, concerts, parties open to the public, Santa photos, Christmas ships, Hometown Holidays, gift-wrapping events, businesses’ holiday hours (including restaurants/coffee shops open Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or New Year’s Day), and places/people that could use YOUR help this holiday season (from donation drives to giving trees to ongoing nonprofit wishlists). E-mail is our favorite way to get info (editor@westseattleblog.com) but we have other options listed here if that’s more convenient for you. Thanks and happy holidays!

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Governor Gregoire coming to West Seattle to talk budget cuts
November 21, 2011 11:55 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Governor Gregoire just announced a statewide mini-tour tomorrow to talk about her “supplemental budget” – and one of the stops is here in West Seattle. She’ll be at South Seattle Community College at 2:30 pm tomorrow “to meet with students at South Seattle Community College, discuss potential education cuts in supplemental budget,” according to the announcement. For details on the “supplemental budget,” including a potential sales-tax increase, here’s a story from our partners at the Seattle Times.

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Homeless shelter Family Promise of Seattle closing again – for good
November 21, 2011 11:49 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Almost six months after reopening following a hiatus – West Seattle-based shelter program Family Promise of Seattle says it’s closing again, and this time it’s permanent.

After getting an e-mail announcement, we called to talk with executive director Norman Schwamberg, and he tells us the board determined “there just wasn’t sufficient money to continue operation and not really any hope in the foreseeable future to (generate money) to reopen with” – so they’re giving notice to their West Seattle day center’s landlord (the church next door) and will start clearing out.

Family Promise is a unique nationally franchised program: Rather than operate a physical shelter, they partner with local churches who provide shelter and meals for families, while FP administration helps the families find services and look for employment – that’s where the day center comes in. It opened here in 2008. Schwamberg says they’re looking for other nonprofits that can accept the items they’ll have to clear out of the day center. The last family they’re sheltering will likely move on today; he says they’re finishing the intake process with another organization.

Last August, FP closed after running out of money, but said they would reopen if they could raise $90,000 – enough money for a half-year of operations. They got it done, and reopened in June, but that half-year is almost over, and no source of sustainable funding emerged along the way.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory; heavy-rain alert
November 21, 2011 10:18 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

This morning the forecast didn’t look that unusual for our area – some rain, some breeziness – but now things are starting to ratchet up. The National Weather Service has just issued a WInd Advisory for Seattle and environs, 7 tonight through noon tomorrow; see it here. Gusts up to 45 mph are possible, the NWS says. As for rain – weather analyst Cliff Mass has just published his analysis of the impending storm, and he says: “Even Seattle will get nearly 4-5 inches if this forecast verifies.” (See his summary – maps and all – here.) Remember we now have a permanent collection of weather tools – current conditions, forecast, tides, etc. – on the WSB Weather page.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Worse-than-usual bridge backup
November 21, 2011 9:07 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Latest “live” picture of the northbound Viaduct, looking south from the tunnel vicinity)
Multiple reports that the bridge is much worse than usual this morning – and we’ve finally seen one possible explanation for current trouble: Via Twitter, SDOT says there’s a stalled vehicle blocking lanes on northbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel. Not much help if you’re already out in the middle of it but if you tend to commute later, maybe best not to leave for a while.

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West Seattle Monday: Road-safety summit stops here, & more
November 21, 2011 7:54 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Westcrest Park photo by Flickr member mriggen, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SCHOOL’S OUT ALREADY FOR MANY: Most Seattle Public Schools elementary and K-8 schools have no classes this week because of parent/teacher conferences, but as the district calendar points out, it varies by school, so check with yours if you’re not sure.

CAN YOU SPARE A TURKEY (OR TWO)? The West Seattle Food Bank is open to accept donations of frozen turkeys, and other holiday food, 9 am-7 pm today, 35th/Morgan. Lots of other ways to offer holiday help in West Seattle are listed on our WS Holidays page.

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET VOTE: If there’s anything you’ve been watching – today’s the day the council takes its final vote, and one last round of potential changes is linked from the agenda for their 10:30 am meeting.

MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT OPENS: New store’s first day of business after a “friends and family” open last night (WSB coverage here), 2620 California SW, 11 am.

LIFE’S JOURNEYS: Conversation group, 1-2:30 pm at West Seattle Senior Center. This group will explore the territory we find ourselves in when involved in a significant transition. Are you in a changing time—re: relationships, housing, health, mobility, losses, retirement, etc? Are you looking for ways to make new connections? We will share our stories, give and receive support, and learn coping skills and strategies for saying goodby to what was and welcome what may become. Facilitated by Laurie Becharas, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, and D’vorah Kost, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cost: $20/month, donation. No one turned away for inability to pay.

WHAT’S THE HIGHEST-PRIORITY SAFETY PROBLEM TO SOLVE ON SEATTLE ROADS? That’s one of three questions you’ll be asked tonight during the mayor and council’s Road Safety Summit West Seattle session, 6 pm, Southwest Community Center, details here.

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West Seattle coyotes: Another pair spotted, this time in Riverview
November 20, 2011 11:52 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

This is the third coyote sighting in a row reported as a pair. This one’s from Todd:

I wanted to let people in my neighborhood know about a pair of coyotes my wife and I encountered tonight while walking our dog around Riverview Playfield. They were near the tennis courts and playground when I spotted the pair and they were watching us. We stopped and then one of them started running toward us and stopped about 30 yards away. I got between our dog and them and walked toward them with arms up and yelling – trying to scare them away – but the one in front only backed off about 20 feet, then stopped to watch us again. We altered our route and I saw the aggressive one pick up a large branch in its mouth and head downhill. They both reappeared about 30 seconds later and watched us walk away. They showed very little fear and they were fairly large – maybe 50-60 lbs.

Trying to scare away is what experts recommend – it’s supposed to at least keep the coyotes guessing.

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West Seattle treats: Opening-day eve for Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
November 20, 2011 9:40 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The new Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt opening tomorrow in Admiral (as first reported here Wednesday) aspires to be the place for tasty family fun. Owner Leslie Castanha (above center, below 2nd from right) and operations manager Guy Castanha (above, 3rd from right) had their own family on hand tonight to help celebrate the new business, during a special “friends and family” preview.

(This photo courtesy Holly Brown; other 2 are by Patrick Sand for WSB)
The premise behind Menchie’s is that – as you can see on the overhead signs – it’s a self-serve place where you choose your yogurt and toppings, and pay by the ounce. They’ll rotate 14 flavors (here’s the full list of potential flavors, including nonfat, vegan, lactose-free options) with more than 50 toppings. And if you have a special occasion – they have a party room (also available for overflow if the rest of the shop is crowded and no one’s having a gathering):

Color-it-yourself T-shirts were on display on the table when we peeked in. Another community component: Menchie’s can partner with local organizations for fundraising. Menchie’s will open at 11 every day, closing at 10 pm nightly except Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). You can follow the news from Menchie’s (2620 California SW) via the Admiral shop’s Facebook page.

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West Seattle schools: Chief Sealth back in ‘Battle of the Bands’
November 20, 2011 8:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Next Friday, the Chief Sealth International High School band marches in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown. In the meantime – this is the final week of their competition in an online “Battle of the Bands” and they are requesting your help. From Sealth junior Emma Pierce:

The Chief Sealth Band is participating in KZOK’s Battle of the Bands competition, in which the winning high school band will receive a $10,000 grand prize. The first round of the judging is based on votes texted in from listeners. We are encouraging everyone to text their vote to help the Chief Sealth Band make it into the finals. We’re the only Seattle Public School participating this year, so a win for Chief Sealth is a win for the district!

To support the Sealth Band, text “rock18″ to 24300. The system will accept up 1 vote per day from the same number. Voting runs to November 25th. As of now there’s only one week left and we need all the help we can get! Following the first round of judging, a panel of judges will ultimately judge the video submissions on their musicianship to choose the winning band, but we need texted votes to make it into the final round of judging.

Videos of the high school bands participating are available online at here and will begin appearing on Comcast on Demand. You can watch Chief Sealth’s video (here, and/or above). Go Seahawks!! Thank you so much!

Again, just grab your phone to vote – text rock18 to 24300.

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Countdown to West Seattle Lights’ 2011 debut next Saturday
November 20, 2011 7:02 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

On a cold, cloudy Sunday afternoon, what better place to be than … up on the roof. Jim Winder, mastermind of the Helmstetler Family Spectacular synchronized light show atop his friends’ home across from the Charlestown water tower, was hard at work continuing to put up features when we stopped by. It’s the kind of light show that manages to look impressive even unlit, in daylight:

This year more than 60,000 lights will flash and dance atop, on the sides of, in front of, etc., the house, including high-rise features he was still working on this afternoon:

If you haven’t seen this show the past two years (WSB 2009 coverage is here, 2010 coverage here) – you can get an idea from the videos on the site Jim has set up, westseattlelights.com (here’s the page of 2010 songs, just for starters). One thing you’re going to want to look closely for when you stop by – the new West Seattle Food Bank donation bin out front:

They’re also collecting cash donations – the first weekend, everything will go to the family of Ed Kingston, the volunteer soccer coach who died suddenly last month after suffering a heart attack while coaching his son’s team. They’ll be collecting through the season for the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, too. 7 pm Saturday night (November 26th), the lights go on! Lots more info here.

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The WSBeat: Spotted by the steeple; lots of cash on hand
November 20, 2011 5:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*Just after midnight on Monday morning, two teens were spotted atop a local church. Officers arrived and ordered the pair down. They complied, but left behind a backpack containing cans of beer, cigarettes, prescription medication, and marijuana (later retrieved by a firefighter in a ladder truck). The teens were transported to the Southwest Precinct and were picked up by their parents.

Five more summaries, after the jump:Read More

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Alaskan Way Viaduct: Why those 3 old columns were saved
November 20, 2011 4:31 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(Photo by Doug Branch)
While demolition continues, three weeks post-“Viadoom,” on the remaining section of no-longer-used south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, several West Seattleites have asked if we know the plans for those three columns left standing along the new stretch of 99. We finally got a moment to ask WSDOT, and Greg Phipps replied:

I had the same question that you had after taking some pictures of the columns last week. The answer is the three columns will be used as falsework to support construction of the Atlantic Street overpass. The columns and other falsework structures will hold up the concrete and rebar of the overpass until they can stand on their own. The pipe piles in the middle of the SR 99 construction bypass will be used for the same purpose. Below is our visualization with an arrow added to show roughly where the columns are. Construction on the overpass will begin next summer.

Current construction updates can be found here.

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Funeral tomorrow for longtime West Seattleite Henrietta Henke
November 20, 2011 3:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

From her granddaughter Elizabeth Guzman:

Henrietta Ellen Henke, born December 31st, 1929, went to heaven on November 16th, 2011, surrounded by her loving husband of 61 years, Charles, and her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband Charles, her children Chuck (Sherry), Jeralee (James), and Steven (Kari), her seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Her funeral service is Monday, November 21st, 11:00 am, at Hope Lutheran Church. 4456 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hope Lutheran School.

(WSB publishes obituaries at no charge; send text and photo to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle holidays: Sponsor a child for Rotary Shopping Spree
November 20, 2011 1:17 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2010 Rotary Club of West Seattle Children’s Shopping Spree)
Another giving opportunity this holiday season – you can be (a) Santa without the beard, suit and hat! Very early the morning of December 3rd – so early that most years we’ve covered it, the ground and pavement are still frost-covered – the Rotary Club of West Seattle will deploy volunteers for a huge operation that means happier holidays for 100 local kids, the 38th annual Children’s Shopping Spree: They get a bus ride across the bridge to Sears SODO, where they get to choose gifts both practical and fun, including warm coats and clothing, as well as breakfast, lunch, and Santa photos! You don’t have to be a Rotarian – nor do you even have to get up at 6 am! – to be part of this. You can contribute to the shopping-spree fund online by going here, or mail a donation with the form you’ll find here. (Here’s our coverage from last year.)

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At the West Seattle Farmers’ Market: ‘The Sallys,’ and the Kiwanis
November 20, 2011 11:15 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Though it’s not out of the 30s yet, it’s sunny, and it’s a lively morning at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Above, City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Sally Bagshaw, making another stop on their citywide conversation tour as “The Sallys.” They’ll pour you a free cup of Rockridge Orchards cider (while supplies last!). As for topics, you don’t have to stick to these, but – Clark chairs the Committee on the Built Environment, which tackles issues like zoning and development, and Bagshaw chairs the Parks Committee. Meantime, you’ll also find the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the market today, promoting their upcoming holiday Pancake Breakfast:

It’s 7-11 am Saturday, December 3rd, at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds) and you can buy your tickets at their booth today for the discount price of $5 adults, $3 kids (adults will be $6 at the door). Santa photos are included in the price – and you’re asked to bring new, unwrapped Toys for Tots donations.

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West Seattle traffic/weather: Early morning alerts
November 20, 2011 6:56 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

That’s the latest “live” image from the West Seattle Bridge, looking eastward, and as scheduled, SDOT is out this morning doing maintenance work, closing up to two eastbound lanes, scheduled to run until about 11 am (earlier, the cones were visible in the picture, but as we publish this, it’s focused on workers up on an overhead sign). Meantime – even if you’re not bridge-bound – if you have to do any early-morning driving, beware of potentially frosty roads; temperatures have been below freezing these past few hours, and some fog has rolled through. Even if your road’s not frosty, your car may be, if you park outside – we saw windshields icing up by 10 pm last night, even at sea level, and up here in the hills, it’s definitely a scraper day. Forecast says it won’t get any warmer than the low 40s, but then rain (and possibly wind tomorrow) moves in, and things warm up a bit.

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West Seattle Sunday: Art, politics, safety, movie/food drive…
November 20, 2011 6:32 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

One last chance to browse the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Fair – where we found photographers Julie and Terry Eggers – is part of what’s on the schedule today (from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar and West Seattle Holiday Events page):

KICKIN’ IT: West Seattle Sunday Soccer (for adults), 7:30 am, Delridge Playfield.

RUN IN LINCOLN PARK THIS MORNING: Fitness for Vitality “Run to Drums” in Lincoln Park, with kids’ dash too, details here

HELP LINCOLN PARK: Don’t let the rains of November keep you indoors! Get some green exercise with the Friends of Lincoln Park, who will be doing invasive plant removal from 9 am to noon. Dress for warmth, with sturdy shoes or boots. Bring hand clippers and garden gloves, or we’ll have extras. Meet at the kiosk in the north parking lot (Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose St).

INDOOR TAI-CHI: Lao-Shi Caylen Storm, a longtime martial arts instructor currently teaching for The Wushu/Tai-chi Center on California Ave. SW, moves class indoor for the winteri. Every Sunday morning at 9 am, $1, at the center, 5659 California SW.

J.F. HENRY HOLIDAY SALE/OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-5 pm, deals and treats (their famous cookies!) at J.F. Henry Kitchen, Tableware and Gifts (WSB sponsor), 4445 California SW in The Junction. Get money off your purchase by using the coupons on their home page – find them here.

‘THE SALLYS’ AT ‘THE MARKET’: The Sallys – City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Sally Bagshaw – host a booth at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for cider and conversation, 10 am-11:30 am. (Market continues till 2 pm, 44th/Alaska)

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN HIGHLAND PARK: From organizers: “If there is an intersection within a mile of Highland Park Elementary that you think needs some pedestrian safety improvements, now’s your time to speak up! And you don’t have to commit to a two day workshop anymore – just show up for one or all of these sessions at Highland Park Elementary (signs will be on the front door showing you the way) :
10:45 – noon: Discussion of Pedestrian Safety, including engineering aspects of different safety measures (crosswalks/lights, etc.)
1 – 2 pm: Discussion of target locations in Highland Park
2 – 4 pm: Field visits to target locations
You can also email your suggestions to: walkhighlandpark@gmail.com.”

FAUNTLEROY FAIR: The 2011 Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Fair concludes 11 am-1 pm today at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) for the weekend with something for everyone by West Seattle artists.

BLOCKBUSTER ‘FAMILY FUN DAY’: As part of an open-house weekend at Blockbuster (2222 California SW), it’s family day from 12-4 pm, with a bouncy house for the kids as well as crafts and other entertainment.

CONCERT Music Northwest Concert Series 2011 – Russian Masterpieces, 3 pm. EUROPA Ensemble: Leonid Keylin, violin; Mara Finkelstein, cello; Jane Harty, piano. Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor-Rachmaninoff; Piano Trio #2-Shostakovich. 3 pm, Olympic Recital Hall at SSCC (6000 16th Ave SW). See website for tickets and more information.

RACKS FOR SACKS: Tracy Dart‘s breast-cancer-battling Team Tracy has organized a benefit – auction and more – tonight at The Bridge (35th just south of Avalon) to benefit not only their cause but the fight against men’s cancer (in conjunction with “Movember”). 6 pm; more details on this Facebook event page.

MOVIE NIGHT/FOOD CARE: Movie Night and food drive at High Point Neighborhood Center, 6 pm – please bring canned food donations! The food drive will benefit Somcare, an organization working in Somalia to help those in need. somcare.org. High Point Neighborhood Association presents “Kung Fu Panda.” Come and enjoy this family movie with your children. 6400 Sylvan Way SW. Enter at the front entrance.

FOOD TRUCKS TODAY: Snout and Co. food truck at 35th/Graham … Damiana’s Blue Truck by West Seattle Convenient Care in The Triangle … 11 am start times (note: schedules subject to change)

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Double-surprise visit at Roxhill Elementary: 3-time shuttle astronaut, and Rotarian with gifts
November 20, 2011 3:50 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary is known as “Home of the Stars.” This past week, some of its students got to meet someone who has gotten closer to the stars than most of us ever will: A three-time NASA shuttle astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Capt. John O. Creighton (above, and below left).

Roxhill Principal Carmela Dellino (above center) shared photos along with news of last week’s surprise visit by Capt. Creighton and Rotary Club of Seattle secretary Ralph Davis, who brought presents for each third-grader: A dictionary, pens, and pencils.

From Capt. Creighton, autographed photos and stories about life in space. Principal Dellino says the third-graders “hurriedly looked up words like shuttle, launch and space station” in their new dictionaries.

Capt. Creighton piloted mission STS-51G of the shuttle Discovery in 1985 and commanded two missions – STS-36 on the shuttle Atlantis in 1990, and STS-48 back aboard Discovery in 1991. In addition, as noted in his official NASA biography, he served as “the astronaut representative to the Shuttle Program Manager” which included two years during which he “participated in all the key decisions following the Challenger disaster helping to shape the plan for resuming safe manned space flight.” The surprise astronaut visit and Rotarian gifts led one Roxhill third-grader, Victor G, to exclaim, as quoted by the principal: “I got a dictionary of my very own, and I met an astronaut! This is the best day of my life!”

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