West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
Thanks to “Diver Laura” James for sharing photos from tonight’s The Whale Trail presentation at The Hall at Fauntleroy. She reports 100 people turned out to hear from Erich Hoyt, who TWT founder Donna Sandstrom says she was thrilled to host, because: “Almost everything I know about orcas, I first learned from reading Erich’s book, ‘Orca: The Whale Called Killer,’ way back in the early ’80s.”
Note the 23-foot inflatable orca in the background – a special touch for this event. Previous Whale Trail-presented speakers have included local orca expert Mark Sears, Keep an eye on TWT’s website for future events.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:14 PM: Seattle Police are looking for “a suspect firing a BB gun out a window near 42nd SW and SW Graham” this evening. They report via Twitter that a woman was walking with a man in that area when, she told officers, she was hit by a BB in her “lower body”; SPD says she declined medical attention, saying she wasn’t hurt. No other details so far.
12:48 AM UPDATE: New information from police – a 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with this incident. Their update on SPD Blotter says he was allegedly firing BBs out of a second-floor apartment window with an Airsoft rifle, targeting cans – but one ricocheted and hit the woman.
(April photo by Greg Slader)
The Mariners have drafted right-handed pitcher Sam Hellinger, who was Metro League MVP as a member of the West Seattle High School baseball team that just finished its season as the state’s #2 3A team. Here’s the news from the Mariners’ website; the tip came from Shirley Tupper (thanks!), who adds:
He and Tim Adams are playing in the All State Baseball Tournament in Yakima, coached by WSHS’s Velko Vitalich, Kerry Tupper & Bryan Tupper. They won their first game and will be playing for the championship tomorrow afternoon at Davis High School in Yakima.
As the Mariners’ online story about the draft notes, Sam Hellinger already has ties to the organization – his dad is the team’s ticket-sales director Bob Hellinger.
(Photo courtesy Sharonn Meeks)
Interspersed among the sculpture children of “Walking on Logs” today were real live volunteers, tidying up the overgrown-during-the-winter bridge-side area. By the time they were done, there was a sizable stack of sacks. As noted in the daily preview, this was one of at least four community cleanups – anybody else with a photo to share? Let your neighbors know you took the time to help beautify our community.
In The Junction at lunchtime today, we spotted that sign outside Junction Bakery and Café, which until a remodel and name change 5 months ago had been Coffee to a Tea with Sugar: Tomorrow is their last day of business, after nine years. Not a total surprise since it’s been listed for sale; the owners aren’t commenting yet on what’s next. They will be open till 5 pm tomorrow and are then papering the windows for farewell messages.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Fairmount Avenue through the ravine south of Harbor Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic right now for a police investigation, after an injured woman was found by the side of the road this morning. Investigators at the scene aren’t commenting, so we have a message out to the on-call SPD media-relations detective, but in the meantime, here’s what the woman who found her has told us:
She and a friend were driving down Fairmount to go for a run on Alki when they spotted the woman alongside the road. She described the victim as unconscious and obviously injured. The victim also is a runner, she told us – easy to tell, from what she was wearing and from accessories on and near her. She was found around 7 am; someone else who went through the area an hour earlier didn’t see her, our source says, so it might have happened between 6 and 7 am.
Medics took the victim to Harborview Medical Center, where a nursing supervisor tells us she is still being evaluated in the ER, so there’s no further information on her condition. The woman who found her told us police were looking into the possibility it might be a case of hit and run, which would explain why the investigators we spotted at the scene were from the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, which is summoned to crash scenes that result in major injuries (or worse). But again, they weren’t commenting – and it’s clearly early in the investigation. While we work to find out more about this, the woman who found the victim wants to remind their fellow runners: “Be careful, don’t run alone.” We’ll add updates when we find out more, and will be checking to see when Fairmount reopens.
ADDED 11:51 AM: Just talked to Det. Jeff Kappel from Seattle Police media relations. He says the victim is 54 and has life-threatening injuries. Investigators still do not know exactly what happened – likely involved some kind of vehicle (not necessarily a car), but Det. Kappel stresses they can’t rule anything out yet, so if you saw anyone in that area early this morning, especially someone who seemed to be speeding away, please call 911 and let them know – any and all potential tips appreciated. (Here’s what he published to SPD Blotter a short time ago.)
SUNDAY NIGHT NOTE: No break in the case yet – we will be checking again with SPD first thing in the morning, as well as with Harborview, where the victim remained in intensive care at last report. We also expect to have details tomorrow on a community-support run being planned by Athena and Julie, who found the victim (they talked with our friends at KING 5 today – here’s the story).
Everything must go! That’s the message from Denette and Jim, owners of the former Chuck and Sally’s Tavern site on the southwest corner of California and Graham in Morgan Junction, as they preside over a big sale today. You’ll find it in the parking lot out back:
They’re selling items big and small:
And yes, that’s a pinball machine you saw off to the left in our first photo:
Sorry, the official sign out front is not for sale – but just about everything else is. (We even noted an old-fashioned cigarette machine, from back in the day before the indoor-smoking ban.) In case you missed the backstory: Chuck and Sally’s closed in summer of 2007, then went up for lease two years ago, and a deal was signed two weeks ago by the owners of The Bridge, who hope to open in the new location this fall – the owners of their current location have re-activated the site’s years-dormant development plan, which goes back before the Southwest Design Review Board next Thursday.) Today’s sale, by the way, is scheduled to continue till 7 pm.
Quick look at some of what’s up today – please check the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar to see even more!
BUS SERVICE CHANGES: Just a reminder for bus riders, today is the day both Metro and Sound Transit “service changes” take effect, and there are changes for West Seattle riders, as detailed here.
CHUCK AND SALLY’S SALE: With the long-closed Morgan Junction tavern finally leased – as reported here last month, The Bridge will move in this fall, since the mixed-use development proposal for its current site has been revived (and goes back to Design Review next week) – C&S’s owners are selling its contents today. Here’s our preview from earlier this week. The sale is scheduled till 7 pm. (California/Graham)
VLOGGER FAIR: A first-of-its-kind gathering of vloggers (video bloggers) from around the country is happening this weekend at the Port of Seattle‘s Terminal 5 in West Seattle. Details on the official website.
COMMUNITY CLEANUPS: As previewed here last night, four are happening this morning: Walking on Logs and Admiral Adopt-A-Street, 9 am-noon; Morgan Junction Park and Delridge Way, 10 am-noon. Our preview has details of where to go to help out.
SHOREWOOD GARAGE SALES: Shorewood on the Sound, not far south of West Seattle, is having its community garage-sale day today – with sales continuing through 5 pm. Here’s the map.
FREE SHREDDING/E-CYCLING: 10 am-1 pm, you’re welcome to bring electronic recyclables and shreddables to the parking lot on 42nd SW behind West Seattle Windermere (south of SW Oregon), which is co-sponsoring the free event with the West Seattle Junction Association.
BENEFIT FOR BABIES: West Seattle Rainbow Girls are hosting a “baby shower” for PICC and invite the public to help – it’s at the Alki Masonic Center at 2 pm today; details in our calendar listing. (40th/Edmunds)
TROOP 284 SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION: Everyone’s welcome, 5-7 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall, to bid and to chow down, on behalf of America’s fifth-oldest continually chartered Boy Scout Troop. Cost and other details in our calendar listing. (35th/Myrtle)
ARTSWEST GALA: It’s the annual fundraising gala for ArtsWest, starting at 5:30 pm at the Seattle Design Center in SODO – details in our calendar listing. (5701 6th Avenue S.)
ORCA EXPERT SPEAKS: The Whale Trail presents Erich Hoyt, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy – details in our calendar listing, including ticket information. (9131 California SW)
Just in case you came here looking for information about an explosion-type sound around 2:45 am – this morning we have received several e-mails asking about it, describing it as loud enough to wake them up and scare their pets. So far, checking fire and police logs, we haven’t found anything confirming what it was. Those who say they heard it are in Gatewood, Lincoln Park, and Lowman Beach areas, but at least one person thinks it could have happened some distance away, to the east. We were on watch at that time, and though we’re over south Lincoln Park, we didn’t hear it. So we’re posting this in hopes someone out there might have direct knowledge to solve the mystery.
The graduations have begun! The first high-school commencement ceremony in West Seattle this year was Friday night at Seattle Lutheran High School. The Saints’ 33rd graduating class also numbered 33; family and friends gathered in the Menashe Family Gym on campus for the ceremony; we photographed them outside, just before their grand entrance. Video too:
Co-valedictorians this year were Jihyun Lee and Madison Jones; 17 – more than half – graduated with honors. The rest of West Seattle’s graduations are next week, all on our quick-reference list.
At tonight’s West Seattle High School All-School Reunion, hundreds of alumni were on hand from nine decades. But the spotlight shone brightest on the Class of 1963, celebrating its golden anniversary. While we were there, class members were posing for photos grouped by the elementaries they had attended – as you’ve probably guessed from the sign, the people in our picture had gone to nearby Lafayette Elementary. All around the WSHS Commons, where the Class of ’63 met, there were displays with historical photos:
Other classes met in various locations around the school, before attendees gathered in the theater for the program to announce scholarships and Hall of Fame inductions. Outside, for the first few hours, the traditional display of classic cars, like this gleaming Ford Mustang:
Thanks to reunion chair Jim Biava of the WSHS Alumni Association for sharing this electronic copy of the program – it includes the names of tonight’s honorees. Keep a eye on the association’s new website for future alumni events.
Nothing big on your calendar tomorrow? Here are four ways you can make a difference with just a few hours on Saturday morning:
WALKING ON LOGS: This 9 am-noon cleanup is happening alongside the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge, as previewed here last Monday. Site access requires directions – e-mail Nancy ASAP at nldriver@q.com.
ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET: Admiral Neighborhood Association president David Whiting e-mailed us today with an invitation for you to join their quarterly cleanup – 9 am-noon, meet at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), with treats before and after, tools provided. (42nd/Admiral)
DELRIDGE WAY: 10 am-noon, North Delridge Neighborhood Council Beautification Committee chair Lisa Taylor Whitley invites you to be part of the crew – meet at Delridge Community Center bags, gloves, and trash pickers will be provided. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
FRIENDS OF MORGAN JUNCTION PARKS: 10 am-noon, as previewed here yesterday – be part of this group’s first-ever cleanup event at Morgan Junction Park, tools provided. (California SW & SW Beveridge)
Thanks to Kelly Goold, Seattle Parks‘ project manager for the Highland Park Spraypark, for the sneak-peek photos taken while it was being tested. We’ve been checking with him on the spraypark’s status; he tells WSB this afternoon that opening day is “close,” but right now, they’re waiting on a part:
Construction is complete, and the spraypark is fully functional (and very cool). However, there are some minor problems with the water quality system, and we need to be overly cautious in dealing with this. The manufacturer is supplying a new part and it will be installed as soon as we get it … we are very close.
The Parks and Green Spaces Levy-funded spraypark replaces the old Highland Park wading pool, which has been closed for five years. Sprayparks are considered more economical and sustainable – no staffing required; less water evaporation.
Speaking of wading pools – their season starts two weeks from tomorrow; here’s the citywide schedule.
(WSB photo of RapidRide bus in The Triangle shortly after C Line debut last fall)
Tomorrow is “service change” day for Metro – one of several each year. When we published the West Seattle changes earlier this week, commenters wondered what Metro meant by saying “the RapidRide C and D Line schedules will be adjusted.” Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer promised to find out – and here’s the followup information he has just shared:
RapidRide C and D lines: A new southbound weekday trip to Westwood Village leaving Bay 3 at the Alaska Junction at 5:12 a.m. will be added. Also, in an effort to balance passenger loads, the RapidRide C and D line schedules will be adjusted during the morning peak period.
What does this mean?
1) We’re adding an early morning trip to help connect with service to the airport.
2) The other changes are to actual trip times northbound from West Seattle to downtown. The net number of trips is identical (except for the partial added early morning trip), while having more buses run during the period where ridership data showed more need.
This has the effect of allowing 11 trips instead of 10 between 7:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. (when passenger loads were higher) and 12 trips instead of 13 between 4:59 a.m. and 6:59 a.m. (when passenger loads were lower).
Another way of looking at it, after June 8, C Line weekday buses to downtown Seattle are scheduled:
· about every 8-12 minutes from 5:30-9:24 a.m.
· about every 15 minutes starting at 9:24 a.m. (15-minute service previously started at 8:39 a.m.)
Updated schedules will be posted online later Friday, and riders can view the adjusted trip times to be ready for Monday. Though the RapidRide C/D line service is interconnected, D Line morning trips are staying roughly the same as they were since February.
Since launching, we continue to closely monitor operations and watch for opportunities to better serve passengers within our budget.
We appreciate everyone’s continued support and ridership, and ask for patience as riders and drivers transition to the adjusted trip schedule.
Reminder that Sound Transit also makes its periodic service changes tomorrow – including a major change to Route 560.
Today brings the second ribbon-cutting in two days involving South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – but this one wasn’t AT the college; instead, it happened a few miles north at Vigor Shipyard, where the new Harbor Island Training Center has just been dedicated. It includes a computer lab, classroom space, and industrial training floor, and its purpose, as explained in the announcement, is to provide students with the industrial skills they need to get family-wage jobs at the region’s industrial manufacturers.” Those jobs are available – but companies such as Vigor have trouble finding skilled workers to fill them, so this will help “bridge that disconnect,” as Vigor’s senior VP of HR Sue Haley puts it. SSCC already had welding and manufacturing programs, so the partnership made perfect sense. Vigor Industrial CEO Frank Foti and SSCC president Gary Oertli were among those who spoke:
Other local leaders on hand included City Council President Sally Clark and State House Transportation Committee Chair Judy Clibborn, in the photo below with SSCC president Oertli:
Enrollment information and other details about the new training center can be found on this SSCC webpage.
The agenda is out for next Wednesday’s meeting of the City Council’s Housing, Human Services, Health, and Culture Committee – and, as first reported here last week, it includes a discussion about the future of the site that currently houses the “Nickelsville” encampment – as described on the agenda:
Options Related to Future Use of the “Glassyard” property located south of Highland Park Way Southwest between 2nd Avenue Southwest and South Myrtle Street
The two ordinances listed for discussion are CB 117791, Councilmember Nick Licata‘s proposal to expand the types of sites citywide that could host encampments – which is still moving toward a formal public hearing June 25th – and CB 117792, Mayor McGinn’s proposed alternative (if the Licata bill is not passed) that would appropriate money for an environmental study of making the “Nickelsville” site semi-permanent. The Wednesday (June 12) committee meeting is at 2 pm at City Hall and starts with a public comment session that can pertain to this or any other item on the agenda, and will be live on Seattle Channel (cable 21 or online) if you can’t be there.
(Osprey photographed by Patrick McCaffrey)
A bird’s-eye view of some of what’s up today/tonight:
WINE TASTING AT SSCC: One day after the new Northwest Wine Academy building officially opened, you can visit 2-8 pm to try the new spring releases – details here. (6000 16th SW, east side of the northernmost parking lot)
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-SCHOOL REUNION: Classic car show at 4:30 pm, and then the doors open at 5 for this year’s event. Details in our preview. (3000 California SW)
WSHS CLASS OF ’63 FIFTIETH REUNION: The WSHS Class of 1963 not only will gather at the aforementioned event tonight, they’re also planning a big dinner tomorrow – details in our calendar listing.
‘BOBCAT BOB’: Popular musician Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice plays C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) tonight, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: “Wreck-It Ralph” tonight at Eastridge Church in West Seattle, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (39th/Oregon)
SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: The first of our area’s 2013 commencement ceremonies is tonight at 7:30 pm, at Seattle Lutheran High School’s Menashe Family Gym. (41st/Genesee)
‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: The newest Bronwyn Edwards-led edition is onstage tonight at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm, with the theme “Saints and Sinners.” More info here. (9140 California SW)
Even more on the calendar!
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Nothing unusual as the Friday morning commute moves toward its peak. Looking ahead to the weekend – here’s the city’s weekly roundup of big events and closures (nothing in our immediate area).
8:37 AM: Thanks to Brian Presser from TouchTech Systems in The Junction for the tip that the 42nd/Alaska lights are on flashing red. That means 4-way stop. And as we were writing this, we got a call from someone that Fauntleroy/Alaska is out too.
3:28 PM: For RapidRide riders – a little more clarification from Metro regarding the changes starting tomorrow.
(Photo courtesy Cami)
An Admiral woman chased and caught a suspected bike thief this afternoon. We might not have known except for Mark L.‘s comment following the unrelated Crime Watch roundup we published earlier today:
Just heard that my neighbor chased a guy down the street who stole her husband’s bicycle. He doesn’t ride it much anyway, but regardless, they caught him! Guy was in his mid-50’s and he’s on his way to jail. He should’ve known better than to steal from a marathon runner!
We commented in turn that we’d love to find out more; another commenter put us in touch with the suspect-chaser, Sarah, who agreed to tell her story:
I run for sanity, for exercise also, but mostly sanity. Today’s run, however, was not really motivated by either of those.
Amidst loads of laundry and resume editing, what appeared to be a man walking in from the side alley caught my eye. Yep, there he goes, straight into the detached garage – that I left open. My kids will love that part.
White T-shirt in hand, I B-lined for the garage as a man in his late 40’s/early 50’s emerged with a bike in hand. Unsure of the extent of my rights to defend my property, I decided not to tackle the man. Although, I have to admit, as a psychotherapist and borderline pacifist, I tend to entertain all options prior to violence.
Our misguided friend proceeded to run with the bike down the alley until he likely realized the screaming woman following him was not going back into her house to call the police. The bike was ditched and the pursuit was on.
Multiple neighbors kindly responded to my pleas for a 911 call and I continued to follow the man through the Admiral neighborhood – of course, wondering what he must be feeling and what could possibly be going on in his life to make theft a viable choice. He asked me to stop following him. I explained that he should not have been in my garage. He told me his friend was now busy emptying out my house. I explained his friend had great company to welcome him: the SPD. He was welcome to run as long and far as he wanted, I had planned on 6 miles today but could probably do 12 if need be.
Fortunately, Officer Mulloy followed the multiple leads from helpful neighbors and intercepted us on Admiral just above Schmitz Park where the man was taken into custody. Bike is safe, I am safe, the laundry is done. I can’t say, though, what this will mean for the man who felt theft was his best option today. I do hope justice is restorative.
P.S. In a bit of synchronicity, passer-by Cami had noticed this incident unfolding and took the cameraphone photo above, sharing it with us with no knowledge this story was in the works! Meantime, we hope to be able to find out the suspect’s status tomorrow.
Big event tonight at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – the photo and update are from SSCC communications director Kevin Maloney:
SSCC President Gary Oertli (center) cut the ribbon to officially open the new home for South’s Northwest Wine Academy. The new building will be open to the public for tastings tomorrow from 2-8 PM for tastings that will include NWWA’s 2013 Spring release. From left to right: NWWA Instructor Regina Daigneault, President Gary Oertli, and NWWA faculty member Peter Boss.
The building is on the east side of SSCC’s north parking lot.
Chief Sealth International High School is the latest West Seattle school to announce a principal change. Just e-mailed by principal Chris Kinsey, who’s led the school for two years:
As we wrap up the school year and begin planning for next year, I am writing to you with a sense of pride and a heavy heart. I write to you with a sense of pride because of all the incredible programs, students, staff, and community that belong to Chief Sealth International. I write to you with a heavy heart because I have decided not to return to Chief Sealth as your Principal.
In my two years as your Principal, I have been extremely proud of how we have grown as a community, flourished as learners, and strengthened each and every program at Sealth — ensuring academic and emotional success for ALL students. In my time at Sealth, I have enjoyed the incredible diversity, remarkable teaching, and the overall commitment and dedication to the students who walk through our doors each and every day. It has been an honor and privilege to work with the staff, students, and community.
I can assure you that I will remain committed to Sealth and will work diligently with Carmela Dellino, Executive Director of Schools for West Seattle, to ensure a successful transition for your next Principal. Ms. Dellino will be working with the staff and community to gather feedback and input into the qualities and characteristics for your next Principal.
I want to thank the students of Sealth for their passion for learning and commitment to changing the world, the Sealth staff for creating opportunities for ALL of our students to find success, and the Sealth community for their dedication and support. You have provided me with passion and inspiration, for that I am grateful.
Kinsey’s predecessor as Chief Sealth principal, John Boyd, was at the school for seven years. District spokesperson Teresa Wippel tells WSB that there is not an interim principal waiting in the wings for a quick announcement – “we will be looking for someone.”
SIDE NOTE: Other West Seattle public schools changing principals for next year include Madison Middle School (here’s our story from earlier this week), Sanislo Elementary (here’s our story from April), and Lafayette Elementary (here’s our story from April). We’ve also reported on an independent-school change – Our Lady of Guadalupe (here’s our story from April),
Story and video by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand and Katie Meyer
The community leadership of two businesses, one nonprofit, and one volunteer was celebrated this morning at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s annual Westside Awards breakfast. Guests also heard a third-generation West Seattleite tell the tale of how a small business founded here gave birth to a multi-million-dollar company operating worldwide.
Almost 90 nominations came in for this year’s Westside Awards, presented in a packed room at Salty’s on Alki. Though the winners were announced last week, the fun came in seeing the joyful presentations and acceptances today:
Honored as Business of the Year was Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), whose owners Anne and Clarence Higuera accepted the award, after words of tribute from Chamber board vice-chair Nancy Woodland, who lauded Ventana as “really good people who make the community proud.” Anne in turn talked about their pride in their employees, their work, and in supporting the community. Here’s our video of the introduction and acceptance speech:
Ventana recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Nonprofit of the Year was accepted by someone else marking a milestone, Nature Consortium founder Nancy Whitlock, who announced recently that she is going on sabbatical, starting to step away from the thriving organization she founded 15 years ago.
Woodland read from nomination forms including one that said simply, “Nature Consortium rocks!” Whitlock said the timing of the award was perfect:
Among the many achievements of the NC: It has planted more than 40,000 trees to help restore the West Duwamish Greenbelt here in West Seattle, and has been “weaving (its work) together with the arts,” including art education for youth.
From youth to seniors, community members of all ages are enjoying the results of a dream come true, first dreamed by the Westsider of the Year recipient, Lauren Englund. Her brainchild, the West Seattle Bee Garden, recently opened with a celebration and parade:
Lauren was introduced by Trish Throop, who noted that those who nominated her described her in so many positive ways, from kind to inspirational. Lauren herself said the idea had naysayers – until a wide section of the community learned about it, and embraced it:
The Bee Garden has a fundraiser coming up next week, by the way – read about it here.
Last but by no means least, honored as Emerging Business was Sozo Wines, for its tradition of “giving back.” The name “Sozo” means “to rescue,” said Stefan Persson, who accepted the award:
Sozo partners with local food banks and has helped provide 14,000 meals as a result, he said. They also partner with restaurants, but “a portion of any sale” – including retail – “goes back to the community,” he noted.
History was celebrated today as well as recent achievements; Chamber board chair Dave Montoure pointed out that the “West Seattle Chamber has been here for 90 years.” And the keynote speaker spun a tale with deep West Seattle roots:
Randy Gardiner of Red Dot – “we don’t make dots, by the way,” he laughed – was introduced by Montoure as a third-generation West Seattleite, though his company making heating/air conditioning equipment for commercial and military vehicles is now headquartered in Tukwila.
He said the story of his company also began 90 years ago, like the Chamber, when his grandfather “Harky” Runnings arrived in the area and eventually went to work for Boeing, until opening West Seattle Radiator in what’s now The Wax Bar‘s location in The Triangle. “Amazing how companies evolve,” he quipped as the audience laughed. He talked about how his grandfather founded the company at age 55 and how it became an employee-owned company more than 30 years later. Here’s part of his speech:
He also shared lessons from which other businesses could learn – including how he and his senior management are talking about “graduation,” about their businesses’ future without them, and how important it is to bring others into the business. He also talked about his company’s outreach to future potential employees – through FIRST Robotics sponsorship, through offering summer internships. “Bringing students into our business was an eye-opener,” he said – and it was heartening, as the students “wanted to come back.” He described internships as a “test drive” for both the company checking out possible future employees, and vice versa, as well as to enable them to connect with educators. “We have two silos in our society – the education silo and the business silo,” he said, exhorting those on hand to “help make learning relevant.” Three million students are graduated from high school every year; two million go to college, one million don’t, and that’s a resource that needs to be embraced, Gardiner advised.
Montoure remarked afterward that the speech was inspirational – making him think about reaching out to his alma mater, West Seattle High School, to look into that kind of partnership.
For this morning’s event, local businesses had integral roles behind the scenes, as always. This year’s centerpieces were glass art created by Avalon Glassworks and offered for sale. Nucor Steel was again the presenting sponsor for the event and announced that a longtime executive familiar in the community will be retiring soon – safety/environmental manager Bart Kale, who promised in a brief speech at the podium that Nucor “would continue its long relationship with the community.”
Coming up on the Chamber calendar: June 20th, lunch with State Rep. Eileen Cody, and June 27th, an “After-Hours” gathering, this time at ArtsWest in The Junction. Find out more about these events and others, as well as Chamber membership (we signed up our business in 2008, its first full year), by going to wschamber.com.
We start this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup with a busy week for burglars. Sixteen in the past week, according to the city crime-report map (three of the icons in the screengrab above represent two each). One of the victims is Lara – again:
I wanted to report that I was burglarized for the second time in 6 months (plus 3 additional thefts of plants, outdoor heaters, etc. from my yard.) I live near Graham and Fauntleroy and the break-in occurred at 3 pm (Wednesday). … This time, the perpetrator(s) kicked in my front door (which was dead bolted). It appears that they were trying to disassemble the entertainment center when the alarm went off. They grabbed my laptop, but that appears to be all they took. I’m very glad I put in an alarm system after the last burglary and I’m adding in the video cameras (today)!
It would be great to know if anybody on Fauntleroy (just south of the intersection at Graham) has an external facing camera that might have captured a truck parked out front (Wednesday) afternoon.
Lara says the person responsible last time is still behind bars, so it’s someone different. Ahead – a bus rider robbed on the eve of his birthday, plus suspected mail thieves, and grocery theft:
| Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Erich Hoyt’s Whale Trail talk fills Hall at Fauntleroy