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Family Promise of Seattle open again, helping homeless families
June 12, 2011 4:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

During the Saturday night sock-hop fundraiser for West Seattle-based Family Promise of Seattle at Holy Rosary, we talked with board member Lynne Downs about the shelter service’s reopening: She tells WSB they have already helped two homeless families, 11 people in all, just since last Monday, and have met their goal of hiring a case worker.

It’s been a long road back for Family Promise, since their August announcement of a “hiatus” till they could raise enough money to resume operations, but in March, they vowed to reopen in June – and so they have. It’s a nationwide model involving a partnership with organizations (usually churches) that take turns hosting and feeding the families at night, while FP offers a day center and other help so the families can get back on their feet – and in this area, it’s the only place homeless families can stay together (instead of separating to go to men’s/women’s shelters). Miss the fundraiser? You can donate online right now, here.

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Traffic update: Alaskan Way Viaduct closure ends mega-early
June 12, 2011 2:51 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

WSDOT sent word late Saturday night that the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is over: “During the closure crews successfully removed and temporarily replaced two of the structure’s support columns to make room for construction of the new SR 99 southbound roadway through SODO. Crews also tested the automated viaduct closure system.” Both directions are fully reopened. (Above, a photo tweeted by WSDOT, showing one of the columns taken down during the Saturday work.)

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West Seattle summer camps: How about learning rugby?
June 12, 2011 2:45 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Serevi Rugby)
One more addition to our roundup of West Seattle summer camps (initiated after some camp providers sent word they still had room for kids to sign up): 2-time Rugby 7s World Cup Champion Waisale Serevi and his team from Serevi Rugby are teaching “the basics of seven-a-side rugby” in four sessions at Hiawatha Playfield this summer. The introductory camps are for ages 7-18, both genders. More info and online registration at serevirugby.com. (Our previously published list of camps is here – no guarantees they all still have room, but if you’re looking, it’s worth checking!)

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Speaking of the bridge: Bus-lane crackdown brings 51 tickets
June 11, 2011 8:09 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Results are in, via SPD Blotter, from the bus-lane crackdown mentioned on Twitter on Friday (here and here), though it is reported as a two-day effort. Read on for the details (headline – 51 lane violations) plus another crackdown on Highland Park Way:Read More

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Traffic update: Eastbound crash on the bridge now cleared
June 11, 2011 6:39 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:39 PM: A crash that involves several cars is backing up traffic on the bridge. It’s reported on the Spokane St. Viaduct near the 4th Ave exit and one tipster says traffic is being detoured at 1st.

7:46 PM UPDATE: Multiple commenters say the scene is cleared, and the bridge cams seem to bear that out. (Thanks to everyone who e-mailed and texted about this.)

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West Seattle family asks for help finding runaway teenager
June 11, 2011 4:33 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

A local family is hoping you can help find their runaway son – even though that may mean he gets arrested. We talked with the mom of 16-year-old Brody Webster. He ran away more than two weeks ago, and they reported it to police shortly afterward; his mom explains he has a history of running away, but this time, they are more worried than ever about his safety, who he’s with, what he’s up to, and have decided to put up posters and ask widely for help in finding him. He has an arrest warrant, she explains, because he violated terms of a “Youth At Risk” petition (explained here); she says they just want to get him the help he needs. As you can see on the full poster his family is distributing, they ask that you call 911 if you see Brody or know where he might be. He is 5’6″, 110 pounds, brown-haired and blue-eyed, and a West Seattle High School student.

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Return to Delridge: 2 councilmembers from ‘problem properties’ tour return for ‘improvements’ tour
June 11, 2011 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Return to Delridge: 2 councilmembers from ‘problem properties’ tour return for ‘improvements’ tour
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

More than two years ago, City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Tim Burgess were part of a city delegation joining Delridge activists on a “problem properties” tour. Today, they and fellow councilmember Tom Rasmussen followed a different Delridge trail, as neighborhood advocates led an “improvements” tour. Above, we photographed the group (with North Delridge Neighborhood Council‘s outreach chair Holli Margell speaking) not far from the under-construction Delridge Skatepark. From there, they headed toward the Community Center – you can see the two-year-old community-built (with help from KaBOOM!) playground off to the left:

On the other side of the community center, they stopped by the newly resurfaced Delridge Playfield, updated with money from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy the council had backed (Rasmussen chaired the Parks Committee at the time; Delridge advocate Pete Spalding, also on today’s tour, now chairs the levy’s Oversight Committee):

We had to leave the tour after that, but their full planned itinerary was detailed here; Want to get involved with helping Delridge improvements continue? The NDNC’s next meeting is just two days away – this Monday night, 6:30 pm, at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Then on Wednesday, the Delridge District Council meets at 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), following an hourlong “Strategic Delridge” discussion at 6.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Amanda Leonard from NDNC has posted a thorough report on the tour, its stops, and their backstory, here – it’s a don’t-miss!

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Saturday at the supermarkets
June 11, 2011 2:48 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle supermarkets with outdoor events this afternoon: Above, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) is celebrating its 40th anniversary with special offerings all month, and today the Admiral store had a Cupcake Royale cupcake-sprinkling party. Checking it out while we were there, that’s Kent Sadow from Admiral toys/candy/retro store Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama, and the shop’s co-namesake, son Quinn. What else is on the MM anniversary calendar? Check out the Admiral schedule here.

Meantime, on to Morgan Junction:

West Seattle Thriftway is well into benefit-barbecue season, and Michele was grilling and grinning today as the store raised money for Pencil Me In For Kids. Miss today’s benefit-b-q? No worries, they’re doing it again (also for PMIFK, which helps students who need school supplies) NEXT Saturday, 11 am.

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The WSBeat: Alleged prowler punched; cranky caller; road rage…
June 11, 2011 1:47 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | 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:

*The victim of a car prowl took matters into his own hands around 1 a.m. last Saturday, when he came outside (in the 2300 block of Barton Pl.) and punched a man who he said was breaking into his car. When officers arrived, the 55-year-old suspect (who lives in the neighborhood) was on the ground, bleeding from a cut near his eye. He was taken to Harborview for treatment and then booked into King County Jail for investigation of theft.

*A man using the business phone at a Junction grocery became loud and belligerent. When the manager told the man to hang up, he was threatened and shoved. A nearby witness happened to be a police officer, who held the intoxicated suspect down until uniformed officers arrived. The suspect, a Beacon Hill resident, was booked into jail for investigation of assault.

Six more summaries, plus new details on an incident recently covered in WSB Crime Watch, ahead:Read More

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Video: Seattle firefighters face off at ‘Battle of the Bravest’
June 11, 2011 12:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Some fire calls seem relatively simple: Food on the stove, out before engines arrive. But when the alarm goes off, firefighters don’t know what they’ll face, and they have to be ready for the worst – ready to push themselves to the max, racing up stairs, lifting heavy equipment, wielding tools to break through roofs or walls or windows or cars to get to victims and/or fire sources – and rescuing people. Some of those particularly demanding skills were showcased in a competition this morning at the city’s Joint Training Facility, on the southeastern edge of West Seattle (9401 Myers Way). Our clip shows one competition sequence from the first-ever “Battle of the Bravest: Seattle Firefighters Intramural Combat Relay Challenge” was a team relay, with proceeds going to Seattle’s Bravest Charity. The Seattle Fire Department communications team says SBC “benefits victims of fires, helps elderly residents through a Home Rescue Program, and donates bike helmets to children in need.” (They promise to let us know who won, so we’ll add that when we get word!)

12:54 PM: Just got word from SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore that the team from Station 32 in The Junction won! (Their time was 1:45, beating Station 33 by six seconds, and Moore says the six teams collectively raised $3,088 for SBC.)

3:12 PM: A photo of the winning Station 32 team, courtesy of SFD:

In the photo: Dean Ronhar, Jake Bange, Tom Hofland. Congratulations!

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West Seattle Relay for Life 2011, report #2: The last laps
June 11, 2011 11:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Relay for Life 2011, report #2: The last laps
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

When you’ve been going all night – it takes a final push to make it through those final hours. At West Seattle Stadium this morning, a team captain blew bubbles to keep spirits high as the 2011 West Seattle Relay for Life reached its final hour. On the other side of the field, a throwing game had takers:

And special visitors drew attention – Ladder 11 (off-camera, its stationmate from Station 32 in The Junction, Engine 32, was on hand as well):

As we reported last night, organizers say this year’s Relay was bigger than ever – we’ll check in the days ahead for final fundraising totals. At the heart of it all, the fight against cancer – on a large scale, and on a very personal scale, as West Seattle survivor Wendy Weeks told participants just before the Survivor’s Lap launched the event last night:

She has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer for 10 months but is a longtime Relay for Life participant; she said that last year, as she walked past the luminarias lit after dark on Relay night, she could never have imagined that this year, her name would be on one of the bags.

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West Seattle Saturday: Fundraisers, celebrations, and more!
June 11, 2011 7:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Fundraisers, celebrations, and more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo added 9:45 am, from the tornado-survivors-fundraiser yard sale at 4726 50th SW)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRANSPORTATION/TRANSIT NOTES: Alaskan Way Viaduct closed … Sound Transit service changes now in effect, including cutbacks on Route 560 from West Seattle to Sea-Tac (as previously reported here)

RELAY FOR LIFE: The overnight cancer-fighting fundraiser (co-sponsored by WSB this year) has been under way since 6:30 Friday night at West Seattle Stadium and concludes with closing ceremonies at 10 this morning.

BENEFIT YARD SALE #1: 8 am-5 pm, 4749 51st Place SW, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, details in this WSB Forums post.

BENEFIT YARD SALE #2: West Seattle neighborhood yard sale to help victims of Joplin, MO tornado, hosted by neighbors of a family with Joplin ties (and who have visited to help their relatives cope with the aftermath). 9 am-3 pm today, 4726 50th SW (and they say thanks for a mountain of donated items!).

SEACREST GARDEN WORK PARTY: Seacrest Garden Work Party – Help is needed to maintain the beautiful native plant garden on the shore of Elliott Bay! Weeds need to be pulled and mulch needs to be spread. All tools and gloves will be provided, plus some snacks and beverages to keep you fueled up! Meet at Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), 9 am – 12 noon

BARTON STREET P-PATCH WORK PARTY: Starts 9:30 am (details here), 34th/Barton.

‘ONE LAST LOOK’ AT DENNY MIDDLE SCHOOL: Demolition is scheduled this summer, since Denny’s new building is ready. Today, take “one last look” between 10 am and noon (details here), 8402 30th SW.

GOVERNMENT PROCESS TRAINING WORKSHOP: Don’t know how to use the government process? Want to know how you can make a difference? Come to a free training program. 10 am – 1 pm at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW, corner of Lanham). At this workshop, we will:
* Explore the concepts of advocacy, direct action and public leadership.
* Give a brief overview of the government agencies.
* Meet other community organizers in your neighborhood.
* Practice different approaches for communities to make positive change at the neighborhood or city level
-Bring your action project idea, such as 35th Ave Safety, HP Pedestrian Safety, community building.
Training is Free. Refreshments provided. Child care is available.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library celebrates its 1st anniversary with special events all weekend – starting with a “community welcome” at 10 am today – schedule of events in this WSB story

SEOLA PARK NEEDS YOU: EarthCorps Volunteer Event at Seola Park (10 am – 2 pm).

DELRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS WALK: Delridge Improvements Walk – Meet at Uptown Espresso (3845 Delridge Way SW), 11 am. Bring a water bottle and wear comfy shoes (walking for a couple hours). Have you ever wondered how a street gets speed bumps, or thought about the need for a cross walk around your neighborhood? Learn what neighbors have done to improve the neighborhood, and see how you can make a difference. City councilmembers expected to be on hand. Full list of stops here, in case you have to join in progress.

TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Informal discussion with Steve Sundquist (sundquist4schools.com). 11 am -12:30 pm at the High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

SSCC GARDEN CENTER: Puget Ridge Garden Center at South Seattle Community College doesn’t have regular hours for the public – but today, it’s open 11 am – 3 pm, selling a wide variety of plants. North end of the South Seattle Community College campus at 6000 16th Ave SW.

FUNDRAISING BARBECUE: Get lunch at West Seattle Thriftway (look for the barbecue tent outside the store) starting at 11 am – proceeds go to Pencil Me In For Kids

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, METROPOLITAN MARKET: 40th anniversary celebration at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor, 2320 42nd Ave SW), today featuring a Cupcake Royale sprinkle party for kids, noon-2 pm

SWIM OUTDOORS! Another pre-season weekend for Colman Pool in Lincoln Park, starting with lap swim at noon.

KITTY HARBOR: West Seattle’s only animal shelter, Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor SW) open for its second weekend of the season, noon-6 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Northwest Wine Academy event at South Seattle Community College: 12 – 6 pm with Wine Barrel Toasting Demonstration (12 – 3 pm): Watch professional coopers toast wine barrels AND Dare to Pair Competition! (3 – 5:30 pm). Six teams from SSCC’s Culinary School go up against each other to pair our wines with their artistry.

SECOND TO LAST DAY OF SIFF IN WEST SEATTLE: The film festival concludes tomorrow, and four films are screening at the Admiral Theater today, starting at 1 pm, from the US, UK, and Norway. Full details here.

BENEFIT BOOK FAIR: Sanislo Elementary School Fundraiser at the BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK FAIR. Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) Barnes and Noble is hosting a Sanislo Fundraiser 5 – 8 pm. In addition to Sanislo students and staff reading, at 6 pm Frances McCue will read from her book The Car That Brought You Here Still Runs, and more. After 7 pm, Sanislo alum Aaron Counts will slam a few rhymes of his own, and maybe one with his son Azai. If you can’t come, take your support online! Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 6/11/11 to 6/17/11 by entering Bookfair ID# 10483899 at checkout.

FAMILY PROMISE FUN-DRAISER: Sock hop dinner, dance and auction to benefit Family Promise of Seattle and celebrate its reopening, 5 – 10 pm, Holy Rosary‘s Lanigan Gym, call 206-937-2703 for ticket info.

ARTSWEST FUN-DRAISER: ArtsWest’s annual gala, at Museum of Flight, 6 pm.

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West Seattle schools: Waitlist information, school by school
June 11, 2011 12:08 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Earlier this week, after hearing from a West Seattle parent concerned about the waitlist situation at local Seattle Public Schools, we asked the district for school-by-school waitlist information. They said they’d try to make it available by the end of the week – and they did. Here’s the current breakdown, school by school, grade by grade, district-wide. The waitlist is for students whose families asked that they be assigned to that school, though it’s not their “neighborhood” school. There’s usually a fair amount of movement on the list before (and shortly after) school starts, but for now, here are the five longest West Seattle waitlists:

Chief Sealth International High School, 9th grade waitlist – 83
Pathfinder K-8 kindergarten waitlist – 48
Gatewood Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 28
Lafayette Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 28
Schmitz Park Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 20

The Sealth 9th-grade list is the second-longest districtwide, eclipsed only by the 88 waiting for 9th grade at Garfield High School. If you have a student on a waitlist, you can check her/his status here (the district says it’s usually updated on Fridays).

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This weekend, and every weekend: Barton P-Patch parties
June 10, 2011 11:48 pm
|    Comments Off on This weekend, and every weekend: Barton P-Patch parties
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

The land’s secured, the design’s finished, the ground’s broken – but there’s work to do to transform the Barton/34th parcel into a real P-Patch. Some stalwart volunteers have been out there every weekend – they can’t do it alone, so they’re asking for help:

Everyone is invited to participate in the building of this community garden. Work Parties are planned for Saturdays (9:30- 3 pm) and Sundays (11-3 pm) throughout the summer.

Upcoming work parties will focus on moving sod, spreading manure, gravel and wood chips, protecting the area around the tree, building a shed kit, retaining walls and curbs, providing refreshments and handing out informational materials regarding the P-Patch program. In addition to general labor, we are seeking volunteers with advanced building and masonry skills to help with specific projects.

Please contact Steering Committee Chair Randee Frost at RandeeF@comcast.net if you
would like to schedule a group to work on a specific day or project.

Or – you can just show up, this weekend and/or any weekend.

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Happening now: West Seattle Relay for Life – all night long!
June 10, 2011 8:42 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: West Seattle Relay for Life – all night long!
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

The traditional Survivors’ Lap opened tonight’s West Seattle Relay for Life about two hours ago at West Seattle Stadium – and this year, the cancer survivors (in purple T-shirts) had extra company: Their caregivers were invited to walk along, and the survivors/caregivers group was followed by marching student musicians (all or most from Chief Sealth IHS, we believe, led by Denny/Sealth maestro Marcus Pimpleton), starting with the reassuring “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.” Before the lap, survivor Wendy Weeks told her story of fighting breast cancer over the past 10 months (we’ll add video later).

WS Relay chair Jilyan Perry and other organizers tell us this is one of the biggest WS Relays yet – more than 230 participants in 26 teams, and so far they’ve collectively raised $36,000 for the American Cancer Society. They have campsites set up around the stadium for the duration.

The rules say each team has to have at least one person on the track at all times between now and the event’s end at mid-morning tomorrow. They have a variety of events planned along the way, and visitors are welcome (except for between 1-5 am). The big event tonight: The luminaria ceremony at 10 pm, with the track lined with luminarias honoring survivors and remembering those who have lost the fight. (If you can’t visit the Relay in person, you can donate online here.)

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Congratulations, Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2011!
June 10, 2011 8:12 pm
|    Comments Off on Congratulations, Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2011!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Less than an hour ago, the Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2011 entered the school gym on the north side of The Junction and took their seats for the big ceremony. This year, SLHS has 40 graduates; school spokesperson Bil Hood says all have been accepted to colleges and universities. Co-valedictorians are Jessica Mikler and Michala Watford; salutatorian is Emma Mahboub. They are three of eight seniors graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a 3.8 GPA or higher; five are graduating Magna Cum Laude, 3.5-3.79 GPA (including Fred Lisko, also recognized recently by the Seattle Times as for his athletic achievements); seven are graduating Cum Laude, 3.2-3.49 GPAs. This is the 31st class to graduate from SLHS.

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Update: Another Chinese teacher seeking a local home
June 10, 2011 5:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This morning, we received and published the call for a host family for the new Chinese teacher arriving to work with students at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School. This afternoon, the principals of West Seattle High School and Madison Middle School say theirs needs one too:

Host a College Board Chinese teacher and help support the Chinese-language program at West Seattle High and Madison Middle School. In addition to making Chinese language accessible to students, it will also give your family the opportunity to experience firsthand the Chinese culture. The home stay commitment will run ideally from late August and last thru late June; shorter stays may be possible. The home stay would consist of providing a room, meals and access to laundry. The schools will pick up lunch and possibly breakfast during the school year. Our guest teacher, Zhao (Cathy) Ping, will be in her second year working at Madison and will begin her first year at West Seattle High. Cathy is an easy house mate, she is independent, has a great personality, and is outgoing.

For more information, please contact West Seattle at 252-8800 or Madison at 252-9200. You may also e-mail the principals directly.

Henterson Carlisle hscarlisle@seattleschools.org
Ruth Medsker rmedsker@seattleschools.org

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Weekend traffic reminder: Viaduct closure and citywide events
June 10, 2011 4:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekend traffic reminder: Viaduct closure and citywide events
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Before you hit the road – one more reminder of this weekend’s traffic alerts. First, the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, now scheduled to start at 5 am Saturday and continue till 5 am Monday (we’ll publish an update if it’s reopened sooner, as it was last time); second, here again is the citywide list of events that might affect traffic (originally published here on Wednesday). You’ll probably want to check the city’s travel-time map before heading off the peninsula. And if you do spot any UNSCHEDULED major problems, please let us know – we’ll be on duty as always and ready to share the alert.

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Sutherland Creative Landscape Design: Welcome, new WSB sponsor
June 10, 2011 2:25 pm
|    Comments Off on Sutherland Creative Landscape Design: Welcome, new WSB sponsor
 |   Gardening | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new sponsor, Douglas Sutherland, who owns Sutherland Creative Landscape Design. Here’s what he wants you to know about his business: Douglas brings his skills as a graphic designer to each landscape project he takes on, as he says, “Unlike many designers today — I can actually draw, and I will create a custom, hand-drawn landscape design for you. I prefer to work with the contours of your yard and its existing trees and shrubs. As much as possible, I like to use what already exists on the property. By designing in this manner, I can keep the installation costs down. I find it amazing how the aesthetics of your yard can be improved just by manipulating what you already have.”

He adds that Sutherland Creative Landscape Design clients trust him and the passion he brings to his work: “My last client told me ‘I just love what you did with my ‘Plain Jane’ yard, I like coming home and just looking at it!’ I have seen it happen many times — once people see their ‘yards’ turned into gardens, they take more pride in them. They want to be in their garden more and tend to spend more time outdoors enjoying it. It gives them a good feeling when they see it from their windows, when they walk through it or relax in it. That investment is something they can enjoy now and something more tangible when they decide to sell their home, because a nice yard is the first thing a potential buyer sees.”

Douglas is a West Seattle resident and a student at South Seattle Community College. He’s a member of Plant Amnesty and the APLD, Association of Professional Landscape Designers. You can reach him through sutherlandcreative.net or at 206-550-5501.

We thank Sutherland Creative Landscape Design 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.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Overnight trouble in 2 neighborhoods
June 10, 2011 1:46 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Busy late night/early morning for residents and police in two West Seattle neighborhoods. The Crime Watch reports, ahead:Read More

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Memorial today for longtime Admiral Safeway staffer Barb Fuda
June 10, 2011 12:25 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Sorry for the short notice. We only found out about this because WSB’er Diane was at Jefferson Square Safeway late last night and told us about the announcement she saw posted on a wall.)

The funeral Mass is at 3 pm ***today*** at Holy Rosary for Barbara Ann (Barb) Fuda, a longtime Safeway employee who had been looking forward to going back to work in Admiral when the new store opens in two months – but lost her battle with cancer last Saturday. The notice up at Safeway says she worked for the company for almost 41 years, starting at the old Admiral store at age 15. We don’t have an electronic copy of the posted announcement but transcribed this from a photo:

… Barb was one of the most dedicated and loyal Safeway employees to grace the Metro District. Barb and one of her lifelong friends Karen White were the first female courtesy clerks to be hired in the old south district. She always greatly cared for not only the Admiral store, but every employee and customer in it. She went above and beyond the regular work duties in volunteering for things like writing the store newsletter to participating in fundraising efforts. Barb was also a major planner in all the store parties, from celebrations to the many goodbyes that occurred over 40 years … She will be missed by all who worked with her and the thousands of West Seattle customers whose lives she touched with her caring heart and mischievous smile. She managed all this while tirelessly being the ultimate mother and wife.

The closing of (the Admiral store) was an emotional time for her and her loyal customers who waited more for the “return of Barb” than they did for the opening of our new store … Barb’s passing is a great loss to Safeway and the entire West Seattle community.

The screengrab with Ms. Fuda’s photo is from an obituary in the Seattle Times (WSB partner) earlier this week. You can read it here.

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Countdown to Morgan Junction Community Festival: A preview!
June 10, 2011 12:01 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The next big summer festival in West Seattle is just two weeks away – the Morgan Junction Community Festival on Saturday, June 25th. We’re proud to co-sponsor the Morgan Community Association‘s signature public celebration again this year (the full list of sponsors is on the official poster), and MoCA’s Kate Gill de la Garza has just shared new details, including the “Bite of Morgan” food-sample lineup and kids’ activities. The music lineup, Kate says, is “near-final” – one act just canceled (they’re looking for a replacement). And a really big addition: The festival is expanding around its Morgan Junction Park (6413 California SW) epicenter, with vendors/exhibitors on both sides of California – not just behind Zeeks/Feedback Lounge, but also alongside Washington Federal Savings. Read on for more festival details:

Read More

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New details about Mayor McGinn’s June 23 West Seattle Town Hall
June 10, 2011 11:01 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The time and agenda are now set for Mayor McGinn‘s June 23rd Town Hall meeting in West Seattle (first reported here last month). The location is indeed Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW), the date still Thursday, June 23rd, and the time breakdown is as follows:

5:30 to 6:30 pm: Community information fair
6:30 to 6:40 pm: Performance by local artists
6:40 to 8:00 pm: Open Q&A with Mayor McGinn and City staff

His last West Seattle Town Hall was at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in December (WSB coverage here), though he’s been here more than a few times since then, including this past Monday at Don Armeni for the SPD Late Night Emphasis Patrols announcement (which is when we took the photo above).

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