West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
ORIGINAL MONDAY NIGHT REPORT: Arbor Heights Elementary has gone public with a curriculum change that principal Christy Collins says will start taking effect this fall: They are moving to eSTEM – environment, science, technology, math. The announcement is now on the school’s home page, but apparently had been made to the school community earlier – after a WSB Forums member mentioned it last week, we asked the district for more information, but hadn’t received any until several people with Arbor Heights ties contacted us tonight to point out the principal’s online announcement. Collins writes that the school “will begin the transition to eSTEM beginning the fall of 2013, with full implementation of the eSTEM curriculum and instructional practice in 2016 when our new school opens.” This comes just one year after the district opened its first STEM elementary at the Boren building on Delridge.
ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT: Another message from principal Collins says the curriculum might turn out to be eSTEAM – adding an arts emphasis, too. It’s part of an overall message to families addressing multiple topics for next school year – you can see it here.
8:51 PM: Dispatchers have just canceled most of the units checking out a fire alarm at the Boren building on Delridge, home to K-5 STEM. We’re on our way over to verify whether it was a completely false alarm or not.
9:22 PM: It was – the last engine was pulling away as we got there.
6:42 PM: We’re with a standing-room only crowd at South Seattle Community College‘s Georgetown campus for the first big forum of the Seattle mayoral campaign, co-sponsored by the 34th District Democrats along with two other Democratic organizations on the south side of the city. All eight declared candidates are here, along with news media galore. We’ll be updating live, and we’re recording it on video too. (Added: Here it is in its entirety, starting with quick intros from Holly Krejci of the 11th DDs and Marcee Stone-Vekich of the 34th DDs:)
The eight candidates are starting off answering a question about the moment when they decided to run for mayor.
7:06 PM: The wi-fi signal in here is intermittent, which is preventing reliable live-chronicling. So we’ll point you to Twitter for the rest of the way – look for hashtag #seamayor (can’t get a direct link right now but find it via our account at twitter.com/westseattleblog).
7:16 PM: Question now for some of the candidates – which comes first, transportation or development, and do you support impact fees? Mary Martin starts by saying she doesn’t like the question. Tim Burgess says they should happen simultaneously but it doesn’t go that way, and we’re only now talking about zoning for light rail, “we should have done that four years ago.” He says infrastructure for transportation is an issue of social justice too. Kate Martin says she agrees with him, that transportation should be concurrent with growth – and freight must be kept in mind too.
7:25 PM: Next – should we move Nickelsville, and where? Bruce Harrell is asked first, and he says, “yes.” He says people shouldn’t be living with rats and no water hookups, “we can do better than that.” He has no specific location in mind. Peter Steinbrueck says, “We should not have to endure Nickelsville in the first place … no neighborhood should endure indefinitely those kind of conditions, nor should the people wh seek shelter have to endure those kinds of conditions.” Mike McGinn answers next and says it’s a “problem” that people prefer that situation to shelters. “I think we’re going to have to find a way to (change the situation) but I need the City Council to step up, and they haven’t.” (Some in the room boo that answer.)
7:33 PM: Subsequent questions include how to close the gender gap for wages – Bruce Harrell drew applause for saying “institutional practices,” after Tim Burgess quipped that “if everyone had daughters like mine,” the problem would “self-correct.”
7:45 PM: What’s the most surprising thing on your iPod? Steinbrueck says he doesn’t have one. How about most interesting app on his phone? He says, One Bus Away. Staadecker says most interesting thing on his iPod is his just-born granddaughter. Murray says he has an app for a new puppy. McGinn says he started listening to more local bands – but Seattle RainWatch is his favorite. Mary Martin says she prefers to talk to people face-to-face. Kate Martin says she collects vinyl records, and has a BlackBerry so no apps. Harrell says he has an app for estate sales. Burgess says he doesn’t have an iPod either but best thing on his iPhone is picture of his 15-month-old granddaughter, and another app tracking another daughter’s current pregnancy.
Next question, how to best get to know you as a candidate? Steinbrueck: Come over and have homemade pizza. Staadecker says to ask people about his authentic qualities. Murray says he likes to talk, so talk to him. McGinn: “Look at my budgets; come on a walking tour with me out in a neighborhood.” Mary Martin: Walk on May Day, to “unionize, organize.” Kate Martin: “Call me or have coffee with me, invite me over,” and come check out her vinyl collection. Harrell: “come by my campaign office and imagine with me, imagine a new Seattle.” Burgess says go meet his wife and daughter who are here (one of his three daughters), and look at the reading list on his “city blog.”
7:48 AM: Should Seattle annex White Center, West Hill, and “the sliver”? That drew mixed responses (we have most on video – it’s a lightning round so we’ll have to consult later). Next lightning questions, your three closest advisers. Then, which endorsement matters the most, that you’ve already received? And then – which two candidates will make it through the primary? McGinn said “me and somebody else.” Staadecker also said himself and (question mark). Harrell said himself and “waffle.”
7:54 PM: The forum is wrapping up, after yet another lightning-round question about “what was your favorite part of the forum?” Closing statement: Why should you be the next mayor? “We have lots to be thankful for,” said Steinbrueck, talking about transportation projects, and the 150,000 people he says are headed to Seattle – how do we balance growth and quality of life? Staadecker said the two most important issues are the qualities of a mayor – including trust, collaboration, integrity – and the long-term vision for the city: “jobs, education, city services, safety, infrastructure, and fun – life is too short …” Murray: “this race is about leadership and I think I have the leadership this city needs. … Look at my record; I’ve worked on contentious issues with people who disagree, but we turned defeat into victory because we found ways to bring people together …” McGinn said, “We worked to change the debate in Seattle,” including talking about education. “They said Seattle can’t do transit – we have a master transit plan …” and touted more initiatives he’s working on “to make the city what it can be” before mentioning Sierra Club and Cascade Bicycle Club endorsements and that he was called “the most progressive mayor in America” and wants to make Seattle “the most progressive city in America.” Mary Martin says “the capitalist system is in crisis” and adds that “the working class has no voice.” She says she’s not just running to be elected, but also to seek solutions – “once and for all remove the capitalist system and put workers and farmers in power.”
Kate Martin lists her resume of activism and parenting and “I invite all of you to join me on that journey … but it’s not going to be issue to issue, this is who I am: When it comes to children, I am a radical. When it comes to health care, I’m a socialist,” and she lists other beliefs including “when it comes to the bottom line, I’m conservative,” before pitching for contributions. Bruce Harrell begins, “There’s a reason why 7 people are challenging this mayor – they want (a mayor) who is fighting for us … imagine a city where the mayor demonstrates listening abilities … that’s what my candidacy is all about,” and says he has “walked the talk all my life, and I think that’s what Seattle is looking for … I hope to wake up Seattle, because I am tired of the same old/same old … we want to reset the norms on how we look at this beautiful city of ours.” Burgess: “This campaign is about leadership … to fulfill the promise to our children … It’s about leadership to help fulfill the promise to future generations, to protect the environment, it’s our promise to you that we’ll fulfill that, that you’ll be able to get to work on time and back, live in a safe neighborhood, grow old and reflect on life here in our great city … unleash the power of innovation … and the quality of leadership in the mayor’s office that will restore your trust and confidence in city government.”
And at 8:04, moderator CR Douglas thanks the candidates and the legislative district organizations (including the West Seattle-headquartered 34th District Democrats) and it’s over, with mingling and handshaking following. We’ll be adding photos and our video of the entire forum once we’re back at HQ.
P.S. The candidates, as they were seated from left to right, each one’s name linked below to her/his campaign website if available:
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Kate Martin
Mary Martin
Mayor Mike McGinn
State Sen. Ed Murray
Charlie Staadecker
Peter Steinbrueck
4:38 PM: Just announced: King County is canceling the West Seattle Water Taxi route for the rest of the night. No formal word yet on the problem, but about 10 minutes before the announcement, Maggie had noted via Twitter that Rachel Marie hadn’t sailed at 4:15 pm and had some mechanical work going on. We’re checking to see if there’s any word yet about the likelihood of service resuming tomorrow morning. After multiple breakdowns, Rachel Marie is to be replaced soon by the newly acquired Spirit of Kingston, but last word from the county was that it wouldn’t happen before mid-May, because they had to finish training, followed by “regulatory inspections.”
6:07 PM: And – Rachel Marie has returned to service, leaving downtown a short time ago, the county has now announced.
We’re counting down to the 9th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coming up on Saturday, May 11th, 
presented/coordinated by WSB again this year. A record number of sales, more than 280, are signed up, and we’re working on the maps. Registration was open for more than three weeks, till last Wednesday, but we’re still hearing from a few people who didn’t make the deadline. We apologize that we can’t add you to the map, BUT here’s an option: With three group sites this year, and you might find room at one of them, but you have to check with the sites directly – Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and C & P Coffee Company (both WSB sponsors) are two of them; we also just learned that the VFW Hall in The Triangle is planning to open its doors to sellers, too. Each will be listed on the map as a multiple-seller site. Whether you’re selling or shopping, be sure to invite your yard-saling friends, relatives, co-workers to come join the fun that day, whether they live in West Seattle or not – with more than 280 sales, there’s plenty of “person-to-person recycling” for everyone. As usual, the free maps (online clickable, PDF printable) will be available a week in advance, so look for the links here (and on the WSCGSD website and Facebook page) next weekend.
That “cartoon” is what Metro Transit executives used to wrap up their briefing for the Seattle City Council this morning. “Cartoon” isn’t quite the right word; the prospect of more bus-service cuts is no laughing matter, as they warned – the briefing was basically the same one that Metro general manager Kevin Desmond gave to news media four weeks ago (WSB coverage here), with one extra twist: The Legislature has now adjourned without approving a transportation-funding package, and there’s no guarantee it’ll do so in the special session that is set to start May 13th. If they don’t, Desmond warned councilmembers, “we risk taking a giant step backward … the impacts will be very, very significant, (putting) up to 70 percent of current routes at risk.”
What the Legislature didn’t do, voters might, say supporters of criminal-background checks for gun sales – here’s their announcement of an initiative drive:
Dozens of interfaith and denominational faith leaders from throughout the state came together this morning and announced plans to pursue a 2014 initiative to the legislature requiring criminal background checks for firearm sales in Washington State. The legislature adjourned yesterday without passing similar legislation.
“Today we are announcing a statewide campaign to bring an initiative to the State Legislature calling for universal background checks,” said Reverend Paul G. Ryan of St. James Cathedral in Seattle. “Preventing gun violence is not only a political issue; it is a solemn moral obligation.”
With Boeing Field in clear view of parts of eastern West Seattle, we wanted to share this alert just in from King County about a drill tomorrow:
When catastrophic disasters strike, the number of people in need of medical care can quickly overwhelm hospitals. On Tuesday, April 30, King County hospitals and first responders will practice providing critical medical support in the event of a disaster in a neighboring state.
An emergency exercise held at King County International Airport/Boeing Field will test the region’s ability to receive patients evacuated by air from other states, transport them to local hospitals and triage them for medical care.
On the day of the exercise, 42 mock patients will arrive at King County International Airport/Boeing Field, simulating a flight arrival from another state. First responders will practice disaster triage protocols for the incoming patients, transferring them to ambulances and transporting them to local hospitals. Businesses and residences near King County International Airport/Boeing Field can expect to see a large number of participating ambulances and emergency vehicles at the airport. Emergency vehicles will not use sirens or emergency lights during this exercise. The drill will last from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Thanks to Jim Edwards for the low-tide photo with an unusual perspective – taken from Alki Point, showing Duwamish Head in the foreground, and the Space Needle looming from the downtown waterfront. If you’re able to get out to a beach at mid-afternoon, it’s almost as low again today as it was this weekend: -2.4. The Needle is an appropriate image today since three of today’s West Seattle-relevant events are actually off-peninsula; here are five highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
METRO BRIEFS CITY COUNCIL ON POTENTIAL CUTS: The State Legislature has adjourned without a transportation package; no guarantee what’ll happen during its special session next month. So Metro’s warning of funding trouble leading to dozens of route cuts/reductions still stands, and two of its executives will brief the Seattle City Council at 10 this morning. You can watch live at seattlechannel.org (or cable channel 21).
BALORICO OPEN HOUSE: 3:30-8:30 pm, it’s an open house for Balorico dance instruction at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Huge afternoon of games right here on the peninsula – West Seattle HS and Chief Sealth IHS softball, soccer, and softball teams are all playing at West Seattle venues – as listed here.
DESIGN REVIEW CHANGES? The City Council’s Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee will hold a public hearing at City Hall tonight, 5:30 pm, on new guidelines regarding how Design Review works and what’s in its jurisdiction – here’s the agenda.
SUPER SOUTH SEATTLE MAYOR’S FORUM: The first time everyone who’s running for Seattle Mayor this year will share a stage, and the 34th District Democrats are co-sponsoring it. Details in our latest preview (published Sunday); mingle at 6, forum at 6:30, South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor)’s Georgetown branch. (6737 Corson Ave. S.)
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
One note for starters today, if you are headed for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry – the Klahowya is still expected to remain out of service until at least this evening. Keep watch on Washington State Ferries alerts here.
As we start a new week, just to let you know about the road work planned NEXT weekend – Saturday and Sunday (May 4-5), both directions of S. Spokane Street under the bridge will be closed 7 am-6 pm for paving work. And all weekend long, at the east end of the bridge, the ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed as part of the Special Bridge Repair project.
5:24 PM: Crash on southbound 99 is backing up West Seattle-bound (and beyond) traffic – thanks for everyone who’s sent tips on this. SFD has already cleared the scene, so we’re hoping that means the crash itself will clear soon.
(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
2:15 AM: A big Seattle Fire callout is en route to the 9000 block of 35th SW (map). The callout is “fire in a building.” The reported address checks to the Barton Court apartment building.
2:25 AM: Via radio: Crews say the fire is in a first-floor unit, and they have it “knocked down” – crews are checking the other floors and haven’t found evidence of spreading, though they’re reporting smoke on the second floor. No word of any injuries, so far.
2:36 AM: From the scene, co-publisher Patrick Sand reports that the tenants evacuated safely and were gathering across 35th outside Southwest Library (photo above) – at least 20 tenants, and several pets. (Here’s one – Taco the cat:)
Firefighters are calling for a Metro bus to give them a place to gather. The smoke in the area is thick, he says. The massive response has 35th SW basically blocked off between Henderson and (to the south) Barton. Compounding matters for all involved: Pounding rain.
3:03 AM: Patrick reports that the fire seems to be out and the concern now is for the evacuees, who as you might expect had to rush out of their apartments not particularly dressed for the outdoors, much less pouring rain. Still awaiting the aforementioned bus. No word if any of them will be able to get back into their apartments tonight – we hope to hear that from the SFD public-information officer that’s been summoned to the scene.
3:31 AM: Update from the scene: A librarian showed up and let the evacuees into Southwest Library to take refuge from the chilly rain. Meantime, some of the SFD units are clearing out and heading back to their stations.
3:51 AM: The incident commander tells us 32 people in all had to leave their apartments – no telling how soon they’ll be allowed back inside, though the damage was reported as largely confined to one first-floor unit and the hall outside it.
(And the Metro bus for the evacuees finally arrived.) 35th is still closed between Henderson and Barton.
4:30 AM: Above, that’s our video of the incident commander’s briefing. Also added a few more photos.
4:43 AM: In comments, a tenant says some of the residents have been allowed back inside.
10:33 AM UPDATE: Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore says “an electrical malfunction in the kitchen range which ignited combustible materials in the kitchen” is to blame for the fire, adding: “Investigators say the kitchen fire extended to the living room of the bottom level unit. The fire is being ruled accidental. … The apartment resident says a smoke detector alerted her to the fire which allowed her to safely escape. The Red Cross was called to assist the one resident with temporary shelter. The damage estimate is $47,000.”
1:12 AM: A pickup truck went off the road and into a wall in front of a home along west/southbound Erskine Way west of The Junction, reports WSB’s Katie Meyer, who’s at the scene. She says the truck’s driver is injured and being loaded into Medic 32, which is there along with Engine 32 and police, blocking the road for now.
1:50 AM: Added two photos, both taken by Katie. No word so far on why the driver went off the road.
(Photos courtesy SWSHS executive director Clay Eals)
The sun came out for the Colman Estate tour presented Sunday afternoon by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Historic Seattle. Also out: 135 visitors!
Thanks to SWSHS executive director Clay Eals for sharing photos – see half a dozen more, ahead:
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We start tonight’s West Seattle Crime Watch with a found bicycle that seems to have been abandoned in much the way previously stolen bicycles have been:
Tim says the red Schwinn BMX bike turned up in their West Seattle yard last Sunday (April 21), adding, “These are some things (markings, etc.) on the bike that we can ask any respondents to help make sure it really is theirs.” Call 206-218-7886.
Meantime, another bike has just been stolen – from an Arbor Heights resident who doesn’t want to be identified, but found a purse, possibly left by the thief/thieves:
Arbor Heights, 10600 block of 32nd Ave SW: Sad to say, after a neighbor’s car was stolen from their driveway Thursday night, yesterday/night our bicycle was stolen from our (fenced/gated) carport. The bike couldn’t be seen from the yard or the street, and the person(s) would have had to walk up the driveway to the chest-high chain-link fence gate (complete with privacy slats) and open the gate to find the bike, so clearly someone had been scoping out the area. Icky. They even closed the gate upon leaving, likely so as not to be looked for right away. Yes, the police were notified. The officer even took the little purse that appeared when the bike was stolen. Possibly a coincidence, but since nobody here has a purse, nor do the neighbors (it was left between our two houses), one would think that it was perhaps left behind when the bike was leaving.
The bike is a 2013 black (“black/white” according to the manufacturer) Specialized RockHopper Comp, with 29″ wheels and a 19″ frame. Yeah, for a long-legged person! I’m hoping that, since this is not an average size, someone will spot it on craigslist or such, and it can come home. There is a lock on its crossbar.
Did they take the bike with a flat tire or the rickety lawnmower? Nooooo, they took the nifty, new, specialty bike. Turkeys, go save up for years and get your own bike like we did!
Here is a pic of the purse; officer looked in it, but it was empty:
If you’re missing one like this, please contact the Southwest Precinct– the officer has put the purse into evidence. Sigh, it seems like the turkeys are starting to win.
P.S.: Next crime-prevention meeting in our area is in White Center, but city residents might find the information helpful too – guests include King County Sheriff John Urquhart. The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is presenting it as one in a series of public-safety forums – 7 pm Thursday, May 2nd, at North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th (flyer here).
(April 2011 photo of Crystal Symphony passing Luna/Anchor Park, shared by CL)
A note for Elliott Bay marine-traffic watchers: Cruise-ship season starts this Wednesday (May 1st), with a stop by luxury line Crystal Cruises‘ Crystal Symphony at Pier 66 downtown. After that, the routine of weekly arrivals and departures starts next Sunday, with Holland-America Line‘s Oosterdam at Magnolia’s Pier 91, and the full weekly lineup beginning the second weekend in May. According to the Port of Seattle’s 2013 cruise-season fact sheet, this year’s stops and total passenger count are down – the projected 188 vessel visits is the lowest number since 2004, and the expected passenger total, 852,000, is the lowest since 2007. As for the changes you’ll notice, if you watch the bay and/or docks, two ships are making their Seattle debut Oceania is joining Seattle’s summer fleet, with the mid-sized Regatta docking at Pier 66. Celebrity Cruises, meantime, moves to Pier 91, with the Seattle debut of Celebrity Solstice, described last year as one of the largest ships to ever sail from here, able to handle almost 3,000 passengers. See this year’s full Seattle cruise schedule by going here.
A year and a half after the departure of Rev. Peter DeVeau, West Seattle’s St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church has a new spiritual leader. Here’s the announcement we received today:
Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle announces the appointment of the Reverend Jerry D. (JD) Godwin as spiritual leader of the parish. Rev. Godwin will serve as Priest-in-Charge beginning April 30, 2013 and deliver his first sermon in that capacity on Sunday, May 5, 2013 during services at 8 and 10:15 am. The appointment was made by the Right Reverend Gregory Rickel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (Province VIII), following selection by the vestry of Saint John the Baptist.
Rev. Godwin has been Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, Texas since 2000, where he led a parish of nearly 2,000 members. As Priest-in-Charge, he will provide spiritual leadership for the congregation and prepare the parish for the process of calling a permanent Rector in three to five years. “What an exciting time we have ahead of us as we join hands in ministry – to discover, more and more, how God is calling us, in the power of the Spirit, to carry on the mission of his Son in our world,” says Rev. Godwin.
The community is invited to meet Rev. Godwin at two special welcoming events:
· Sunday May 5, 2013 – Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 am with luncheon reception following 10:15 service
· Sunday May 19, 2013 – Bishop’s visitation at 8 and 10:15 am with luncheon reception following the 10:15 service.
The church is on the northeast corner of California/Hanford in South Admiral.
If you’re still making up your mind in this year’s race for Seattle mayor – plenty of time, since the primary’s not until August – tomorrow’s your first chance to see all the candidates together. West Seattle’s 34th District Democrats say all Seattle mayoral candidates (listed on the right side of the city-elections page) are confirmed for the Super South Seattle Mayor’s Forum that they’re presenting Monday night with two other Democratic groups, first announced two months ago. Tomorrow night’s event is at the Georgetown campus (6737 Corson Ave. S.; here’s a map) of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), starting with social time at 6 pm, and the forum at 6:30. (Want to send in a question in advance? You can do that here.)
Seattle city rules provide for hearings on certain types of developments – while other types only get internal reviews by planners. Then, there are situations in which hearings can be requested. That’s what’s happening with the Alki-area development site shown above, where four 3-story “rowhouses” containing 11 residential units are proposed for 2414 55th SW, a short distance inland from the beach, on a site that’s already gone through a “boundary adjustment.” Neighbor Marie McKinsey says that while she and other neighbors were doing research, they found out that the city MIGHT set a hearing if at least 50 people petition for it. So they’re collecting names right now – Alki residents interested in signing can contact her at marie.mckinsey@gmail.com. Ahead, the concerns she shared with the city:
The West Seattle Rock Club is presenting a Rock and Gem Show for all ages again this year – not just all ages of visitors, but those exhibiting and demonstrating span a wide age range too. Above, behind one of the demonstration tables, that’s Oz; next, trying out the grab bag while visiting, is August:
Displays created by collectors young and not-as-young include rocks, gems, even petrified wood:
Vendors have a few tables, too, if you’re interested in buying for your own collection – or even gifts (lots of jewelry):
Admission’s free – and there are drawings for door prizes! Just get to the Masonic Temple (40th and Edmunds) before the annual show’s second and final day wraps up at 5 pm.
As today’s Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup got going, their recycling partner 1 Green Planet (a nonprofit) had three trucks on standby, knowing that West Seattleites are ready to fill them up, as they have in past editions. The one in our photo above was rapidly filling with old TV sets of all ages (we’ll probably pitch in some day, having not joined the flat-screen revolution just yet). They’re there until 3 pm – free (though the church’s Green Committee, which organizes this twice a year, is glad to accept a token $ donation from anyone who offers) – look for the signs outside the church parking lot at 9140 California SW:
The list of what they’re accepting is here.
10:11 AM: Saturday saw big delays on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route after M/V Klahowya had to go in for repairs. But it’s fixed now, and WSF says it will be back in service just after noon.
11:04 AM UPDATE: Never mind – now WSF has posted another update saying Klahowya is NOT ready to go back into service.
2:39 PM UPDATE: WSF now says Klahowya won’t be back before Monday night. On the F/V/S run currently, according to the latest alert, “There is currently a one-hour wait for drivers departing the north Vashon terminal due to reduced capacity from operating on a tw- boat schedule, and heavy vehicle traffic waiting to board the vessel.”
(Another aerial angle of West Seattle photographed this past week by Long Bach Nguyen)
If you can communicate your love for West Seattle through art, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is looking for you. The announcement from executive director Clay Eals explains:
Calling local artists for our first annual design to celebrate West Seattle!
Are you a local artist with a passion for the Duwamish peninsula? The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is planning a project right up your alley.
The historical society is looking for a design that will celebrate West Seattle in all its glory in 2013. The theme could be history, nature, wildlife, individuality or attitude. The only limitation is that somehow it must “say” West Seattle.
“However you see this unique corner of the world in which we have the good fortune to spend time, we would love to see your version of that and perhaps select it to use on a limited-edition piece – a poster, bag, whatever – that would be offered for sale through our Log House Museum,” says volunteer Amanda Gilbert.
The vision is for this to become an annual undertaking, with a different design featured each year.
Interested? Here’s where to start.
(Side note: The SWSHS’s Log House Museum is hosting one of the 280+ sales that’ll be on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 11th!)
(Trailer for “Clutch”)
West Seattle’s historic Admiral Theater (whose future plans were reported here earlier this week) hosts special events from time to time – like this: On June 29th, a movie titled “Clutch” will have its official public premiere at The Admiral – of special significance because its writer/director/star, Jay Rowlands, grew up in West Seattle and still lives here.
“Clutch” is billed as a “dramatic action film that tells the story of a struggling small-town racer who finds out there are no shortcuts to victory lane.” The filmmaker knows firsthand about the lack of shortcuts; he’s been working on the film for more than a decade. Along with a “100 percent Northwest cast and crew,” the film includes a lineup likely to rev classic-car lovers’ motors, as described in media materials:
Over 150 vehicles were selected for filming in CLUTCH. More than half were highly coveted muscle cars, including “car stars” a 1967 Camaro Z/28 SCCA road race car, a 1969 Camaro RS/ Z/28 and a 1972 Oldsmobille Cutlass, driven by Rowlands’ co-star. A 1969 Charger, a 1966 Ford GT40, Shelby Cobras, Mustangs and many others made appearances. The vehicles, ranging from a $750,000 1969 Penske Camaro road-race car to an $8,000 1968 Camaro stunt car, total more than $5.5 million.
Tickets for the premiere are already on sale on the movie’s official website – clutchthemovie.com. And next weekend, 9 am Saturday and Sunday (May 4-5), watch for Jay on the SPIKE (channel 57 on Comcast cable) network show PowerBlock TV next Friday and Saturday (May 4-5), talking about “Clutch.”
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