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Update: West Seattle house burns; fireplace blamed
October 7, 2012 3:38 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added 4:18 am – photo courtesy Gabe)
3:38 AM: If you’ve heard the sirens – big response to a house fire reported in the 5200 block of 45th SW (near Erskine, southwest of The Junction). First firefighters to respond have described the house over the radio as “well-involved” in flames, and also say everyone got out OK. More to come.

3:56 AM UPDATE: Firefighters have radioed that the fire is under control on the main floor of the house.

(Photos/video from here down: By WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
4:02 AM UPDATE: Our crew is there and says it’s still an intensive firefighting scene – the cameraphone photo above shows firefighters working with their air supply. The house itself is hard to see from the street because of trees/shrubs. Still no injuries reported.

4:19 AM UPDATE: Fire now reported “tapped,” which means, basically, out – firefighters had been working to ventilate (cut roof and/or siding holes) the house to make sure they’d gotten to all possible spots. Just added the photo at the top of the story – Gabe took that from a balcony overlooking the house, explaining, “We woke up to the neighbor across the street screaming ‘Help!’ and seeing his house on fire!”

4:52 AM UPDATE: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore is at the scene and just briefed us (will add video of his briefing when our crew’s back, along with a few more photos). He says one man was inside the home when this started.

He told investigators that he had a fire going in the fireplace; spark/fire jumped from it, ignited something, and he tried to put it out but it spread too fast.

5:30 AM UPDATE: Added the aforementioned briefing video. Investigators are working to confirm the fireplace suspicion.

9:38 AM UPDATE: $150,000 damage, according to SFD, whose official online update is here.

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Video: Daughters of the Dead Sea @ Easy Street Records
October 7, 2012 1:26 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’re going to have an EP-release party – what better place than a music store? And if you’re a West Seattle band – it had better be THE West Seattle music store. Add all that up, and that’s why Daughters of the Dead Sea rocked Easy Street Records in The Junction on Saturday night. Brad Yaeger and The Night Terrors opened; Hobosexual closed. Before the show, we caught up with DOTDS’s Mia in the Easy Street aisle:

Mia’s bandmates are Jen and Iris. Didn’t catch them tonight? They’re performing at the Funhouse downtown in about two weeks – here’s the Facebook event page.

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Vietnamese Cultural Center honors a centuries-gone hero
October 7, 2012 12:28 am
|    Comments Off on Vietnamese Cultural Center honors a centuries-gone hero
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Every Saturday afternoon, West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center invites you to visit. This weekend, Saturday brought something extra: A commemoration of the 712th anniversary of the passing of 13th-century Vietnamese hero Gen. Tran Hung Dao – who is honored with the statue outside the center.

Gen. Tran Hung Dao was considered to be a brilliant tactician and is revered for having turned back three invasions. He was in his early 70s when he died of natural causes in 1300. You can visit the statue, as well as other memorials – including one for fallen soldiers – at the center, 2236 SW Orchard, 12-3 pm on Saturdays.

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Stitch & Sew Studio: West Seattle Fabric Company expansion almost ready to officially open
October 6, 2012 8:56 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
Though Stitch & Sew Studio – the new southern sibling of West Seattle Fabric Company – doesn’t formally open until an open house next weekend (more on that shortly), proprietor Monica Skov opened the doors today for its first group event, a general meeting of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild, followed by their sew-in.

While the quilters brought their own machines, Monica says the studio’s own machines are arriving within days. We first told you two months ago about her plan for the former Emerald Spiral space – not a retail outlet to duplicate WSFC headquarters at 2210 California SW in The Admiral District, but instead a comfortable space for classes, sew-ins, and other events. (“Not fussy,” as Monica puts it.)

The back section of the studio space north of Morgan Junction has a cozy living-room feel. And it’s where you’ll find the entrance to a restroom that is, as Monica promised it would be, fabulous – plum walls, art, and a chandelier!

Also in the back, there’s a lighting fixture that looks custom, though Monica reveals it’s from IKEA:

Out front, the studio’s facade is topped by a color scheme you will recognize from the front of the WSFC store:

But – aside from looking at the faces of the quilters who were there today – you can’t see the most important features: The fact that Stitch & Sew Studio is intended as a “happy, positive” place for activities, events, and education. Not just for sewing/quilting experts, Monica stresses – they’ll have something for everyone, beginners through experts (the quilters there today included many of the latter, such as West Seattle-based Emily Cier – check out her books on the right sidebar of her site).

The open house next weekend is set for 11 am-4 pm Saturday, October 13th, and noon-3 pm Sunday, October 14th. Monica has set up a new Facebook page just for Stitch & Sew Studio (which is at 5910 California SW) – you can “like” it here (as well as checking out Monica’s own photos of the S&S Studio transformation).

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Update: No serious injuries in crash with 2 trucks, 1 motorcycle
October 6, 2012 4:37 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

4:37 PM: Police and fire are responding to a “heavy rescue” call at 8th and Roxbury (map) – reporting two vehicles and one motorcycle involved. One of the vehicles is described via scanner as “on its side.” The motorcyclist is described as “walking around” but we haven’t heard the condition of people in the two vehicles. On our way.

4:44 PM: Two private ambulances were called for people involved in the crash – but medic crews report via the scanner that the people are “refusing transport,” so the ambulances have been canceled. A tow truck is being called for the vehicle that’s on its side. Also hearing via scanner that 8th north of Roxbury is closed, so buses are being rerouted.

4:59 PM: Our crew at the scene says that while 8th is blocked by one of the vehicles – which are both pickup trucks – traffic is getting through both ways on Roxbury.

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Will homeless-camp site become donated-food warehouse site? Food Lifeline eyes ‘Nickelsville’ location
October 6, 2012 4:36 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

A year and a half after the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” returned to its original site in southeasternmost West Seattle, there’s a new twist: The government-owned land is being eyed by Food Lifeline, which works to get food to people in need and the agencies that serve them. This was first reported last night by our news partners at The Seattle Times; we confirmed it today with Food Lifeline development director Amy Lee Derenthal.

She told WSB via e-mail that the site would be a perfect location for them to expand warehouse and other operations: “Centrally located near major thoroughfares, it will serve as an administrative headquarters, volunteer center and collection, repacking and distribution site for the 300-plus food banks, emergency shelters and meal programs that Food Lifeline serves.” Derenthal says they’ve been looking at the site off and on since 2008, and, “We’ve spent several years looking at land and buildings all over King County. Our board of directors, architects, land developers and staff all agree that the West Marginal Way site is ideally suited for Food Lifeline – from easy access for the dozens of trucks that will move in and out of the site every day to a footprint that allows us to build a comprehensive hunger relief center.”

You probably recall the site was once under consideration as the potential site of a new city jail, a proposal vigorously fought by the Highland Park Action Committee, whose research contended a new jail wasn’t needed – a conclusion eventually also reached by the city and county. Lately, coincidentally, HPAC has been working with the city to see about a new home for “Nickelsville.” So what would happen to the encampment residents if Food Lifeline took over the site and they still hadn’t moved? Derenthal says FL is “committed to working with the city to help craft a solution … It will be 12 to 18 months before we will be ready to build. We’re confident that this will give the Nickelsville residents, homeless advocates and city officials plenty of time to reach a solution.”

What next? Followups to come.

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Photos: Mascot, music, football at Chief Sealth Homecoming 2012
October 6, 2012 3:22 pm
|    Comments Off on Photos: Mascot, music, football at Chief Sealth Homecoming 2012
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

PHOTOS BY NICK ADAMS FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG

At the Chief Sealth International High School homecoming game Friday night, there were entrances …

… and there were ENTRANCES:

The all-new Sammy the Seahawk debuted. Even posed for a photo with principal Chris Kinsey:

Sammy’s appearance was planned. Not so sure about this one:

Back to the entrances:

And even the choir:

The final score from Friday night’s Sealth vs. Nathan Hale game at Southwest Athletic Complex was Hale 43, Sealth 23, as we noted here in a quick roundup last night.

But since it was homecoming, the football was just part of the spectacle. More photos – including field action – ahead:

Read More

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Happening now: Free Range Mercantile’s open house bus
October 6, 2012 12:29 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If you drive along the central stretch of Fauntleroy Way SW, between The Triangle and Morgan Junction, you probably have seen the big green “Free Range Mercantile” bus that’s been parked outside an old commercial building. We published a story about it three months ago, shortly after it turned up. Today – your chance to get a look inside:

That’s Mary Summers, FRM proprietor, who’s presiding over an open house till 5 this afternoon. Stop by, take a look inside to see the mobile store she’s put together and what kind of merchandise Mary (formerly of CAPERS) is stocking – 5908 Fauntleroy Way SW.

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Update: West Seattle Stadium lights left on overnight, and beyond
October 6, 2012 9:30 am
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

9:30 AM: The big, bright lights at West Seattle Stadium have been on all night, since last night’s Seattle Prep–Bainbridge football game, neighbors say, shining right onto nearby apartments, including the one inhabited by Gordon, who wrote, “We’ve been up most the night, plus I can’t imagine the energy this is wasting.” We don’t know if this was intentional, accidental, or the result of a malfunction, but the WSB’ers who reported it say they tried to call Seattle Parks – and no response yet. We don’t have after-hours numbers, but are trying several channels, after going by the stadium to check it out firsthand (our photo was taken a short time ago – 9:18 am). Our photographer did find a Parks employee at the stadium who said he didn’t know why they were on nor how to turn them off, but would make some calls.

9:09 PM: Almost twelve hours later, they’re still on – we took this photo a short time ago:

One commenter notes they’re usually on a timer, so wonders if it was a malfunction, rather than a mistake. And someone who refereed last night’s game says they were off when he left the stadium.

11:59 PM UPDATE: Went by again ten minutes ago – the lights are now off.

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West Seattle Saturday: Cardboard Challenge; Solar Tour; ‘Star Wars’ storytime; Fauntleroy Watershed walk; Daughters of the Dead Sea…
October 6, 2012 8:46 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Cardboard Challenge; Solar Tour; ‘Star Wars’ storytime; Fauntleroy Watershed walk; Daughters of the Dead Sea…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar for today/tonight:

REMINDER – 99/VIADUCT CLOSURE: Just one traffic alert, but it’s a biggie – the Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 stretch between Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge is CLOSED BOTH WAYS and scheduled to remain so till 4 pm tomorrow (we’ll let you know if it reopens earlier).

HELP LINCOLN PARK! Work party to remove invasives – perfect time now before fall/winter weather finally arrives. Meet at Fauntleroy/Rose park entrance, 9 am.

PANCAKES TO BENEFIT NICKELSVILLE: 9 am-noon, a fundraiser at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church, 7141 California SW – details here.

HELP FAUNTLEROY PARK! Work party – meet at the SW 97th entrance to forested Fauntleroy Park, 10 am-2 pm. Details and map here.

WEST SEATTLE SOLAR TOUR: Find out more about solar energy by visiting the West Seattle spots on the regional Solar Tour, 10 am-4 pm. The sites are listed here.

GOT SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/ETC.? Come to West Seattle school-board member Marty McLaren‘s community-conversation meeting, 10:15 am-12:15 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library.

WEST SEATTLE CARDBOARD CHALLENGE: Across the country, “cardboard challenge” events inspired by Caine’s Arcade are happening today, and in West Seattle, you can bring your cardboard creation – and/or your creative spirit – to The Kenney (WSB sponsor; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am-2 pm. Full details here – and here’s the story we published when the site was chosen.

FREE RANGE MERCANTILE OPEN … BUS: It’s an open house, at the big green bus that’s been parked a few months at 5908 Fauntleroy SW, and has also made its debut as a store on wheels (here’s our original report). Today, come visit 11 am-5 pm.

STAR WARS STORYTIME: Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village usually has Saturday storytime 11 am-noon, but today there’s a Star Wars theme, since it’s national (or perhaps intergalactic) Star Wars Reads Day.

WALK THE FAUNTLEROY WATERSHED: The first of three special free West Seattle walks with Feet First and local Walking Ambassadors is today, starting at 1 pm from the Original Bakery at 45th/Wildwood in Fauntleroy. Details (and RSVP link) here.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER CEREMONY: During the regular noon-3 pm weekly open public-visiting time at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard), the 712th Spirit Saint Tran Hung Dao Memorial Day commemoration is planned today, 2 pm.

GET KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COLLEGE! West Seattle author (and professor) Ellen Bremen (“Say This, Not That, To Your Professor”) will be at Westwood Village Barnes and Noble 2 pm today – details here.

ANOTHER ‘GLOBAL LENS’ SCREENING: Free film at Delridge Library as part of this ongoing series celebrating international film – “The Prize,” an Argentinian Film, 2 pm.

AFRICAN DINNER AND DANCE SHOW: Mission fundraiser at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), 5-9 pm – details in the calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Steve and Kristi Nebel, 6-8 pm, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

DAUGHTERS OF THE DEAD SEA’S CD RELEASE: 8 pm at Easy Street Records in The Junction, this West Seattle rock/punk band performs and celebrates its CD release. Details here.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT THE ADMIRAL: The monthly midnight showing – with shadow cast, toast, and all – is tonight.

And there’s even more on our calendar!

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Update: Man shot in Westwood, suspect arrested
October 6, 2012 2:25 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
2:25 AM: Big response right now to the 9200 block of 30th SW (map). Scanner traffic has reported someone with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. There’s a report of the suspect being in a silver van and having possibly been involved in a disturbance in the area earlier; possible physical description – white man, twenties, yellow sweatshirt, light-colored pants.

2:39 AM: The victim is now reported to be a 30-year-old man with one gunshot wound to the chest and is being rushed to Harborview Medical Center. A police K9 team is helping with the search.

2:49 AM UPDATE: Our crew has talked with Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams at the scene. He says they’re considering this a “drive-by.”

3:36 AM UPDATE: Word’s come over police radio that a suspect is in custody. Witnesses had provided a potential ID that was broadcast earlier – this was not believed to be random – but jail-register information can lag a few hours, so we may not be able to confirm till later today if that’s the same person they have in custody.

9:08 AM UPDATE: New information from police, via SPD Blotter:

A man was shot following a fight disturbance this morning. Just shortly after 2:00 a.m., the victim was walking with some of his friends in the 9200 block of 30th Av SW on the sidewalk in front of a house. Some of the people from the house, including the suspect, came outside. The victim began fighting with the suspect out in the yard/sidewalk.

One of the people from the house had a handgun on his belt. The suspect took the gun and shot the victim in the chest. The suspect then gave the gun back and drove off in his (suspect’s) car.

The victim was taken to HMC, where the doctors were able to stabilize him. His condition is unknown at this time.

The officers learned the name of the suspect, and were able to find his address on Queen Anne. They went to his house, and arrested him without incident. The suspect was booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Assault. It is unknown what precipitated the fight disturbance between the victim and suspect or if they knew one another.

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High-school football: West Seattle, Chief Sealth, Seattle Lutheran
October 5, 2012 11:06 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

All three of our area’s high-school-football varsity teams played tonight. West Seattle High School had the lone win, visiting Ingraham in North Seattle and defeating the Rams 44-13, per our partners at The Seattle Times; it was homecoming night for Chief Sealth International High School, which had a big 4th-quarter comeback but not enough to avoid losing to visiting Nathan Hale, 43-23 (full report with photos coming up later); and on the road, Seattle Lutheran High School was blanked by La Conner, 45-0 (thanks to David DeSiga for the updates).

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West Seattle weather: Sunny weekend; maybe rain NEXT weekend
October 5, 2012 9:31 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Marty Westerman for the beautiful sunset view from Fauntleroy tonight. The National Weather Service says the sunshine will continue through the weekend and into the start of the week – but MAYBE by next weekend, some rain, says tonight’s “forecast discussion“: “By later [next] Friday into Saturday, there is a chance that Western Washington will see some light rain, ending our recent dry streak.”

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Weekend transportation reminders: Viaduct closure; Water Taxi
October 5, 2012 9:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

99/ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: In case you’ve somehow missed it – one last reminder before tomorrow, Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge will be closed in BOTH DIRECTIONS for most of the weekend. The closure for the twice-yearly inspection (and ongoing maintenance work) is scheduled to start at 6 am Saturday and end no later than 4 pm Sunday. Bus riders, note there is a reroute associated with this too:

From Saturday morning, October 6 at 6:00 AM, until Sunday afternoon, October 7 at 4:00 PM, Metro bus routes 120, 125, & the RapidRide C Line will be rerouted off the Alaskan Way Viaduct to accommodate work being performed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Viaduct bus routes will use alternate surface streets instead to and from the West Seattle Bridge. The only bus stops that will be missed are westbound on Columbia St at 2nd Av when leaving downtown to West Seattle, and eastbound on Seneca St between 2nd and 3rd avenues when arriving downtown. Heading to West Seattle, board buses southbound on 3rd Av between Seneca and Spring streets, or just south of Columbia St. There are not stops after Columbia St.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT RAMP CLOSURE SATURDAY MORNING: Also, a reminder that the 1st Avenue South OFFRAMP on the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled to be closed 3 am-9 am Saturday.

WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI RUNS FOR SOUNDERS FANS: This Sunday, and again October 21st, the county will add West Seattle Water Taxi runs for Sunday night Sounders games. See the shaded times on the schedule. (And remember that the WT will change to its offseason schedule at the end of this month – starting Monday, October 29th.)

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Twelfth Night Productions announces ‘Miracle on 34th’ auditions
October 5, 2012 8:41 pm
|    Comments Off on Twelfth Night Productions announces ‘Miracle on 34th’ auditions
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

From Twelfth Night Productions, a West Seattle-based community-theater company:

Twelfth Night Productions announces open auditions for Miracle on 34th Street: a Live Radio Play. The radio play is based on the holiday movie favorite of the same name and will be presented as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. Miracle on 34th Street tells the timeless story of an old man who calls himself Kris Kringle, is hired as the Macy’s department store Santa. His claim to be the real Santa Claus becomes a court case and a young child’s belief could make all the difference.

Rehearsals begin October 23rd with shows running December 7 – 16 in West Seattle.

Audition Information
Please contact tnpauditions@gmail.com to request an audition time.

Please prepare to read a 1-2 minute monologue. We will also have you read a variety of sides from the script.

Audition/Interview Dates:
October 13 1 – 4 PM

Callbacks or second audition/interview?
October 14 1 – 4 PM

Audition Requirements:
Please prepare to read a 1-2 minute monologue. We will also have you read a variety of sides from the script.

Casting info:
We are casting 1 young girl (age 10 – 16,) 4 women, and 7 men to play multiple roles.
Project website: www.twelfthnightproductions.org

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West Seattle restaurants: Seattle’s Hog Heaven, ex-Jones Barbecue, reopens in The Triangle
October 5, 2012 4:40 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Seattle’s Hog Heaven – formerly Jones Barbecue, as first reported here 3 weeks ago, though the new signage isn’t up yet – is now officially open again at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW. WSB’s Katie Meyer spoke with Kimberly Jones, who says the menu is still the same Jones Barbecue menu, and the establishment still is — and will be — owned and run by Jones family members (Kimberly, in our photo below, and her husband William A. Jones).

Days/hours: Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 7 pm. Lunch specials run from noon to 3 pm. They take call-in orders (any call-in orders over $30 require a card number). There is, as always, parking in the back lot at the corner of the block (behind the under construction West Seattle Brewing Company).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen motorcycle, bicycle
October 5, 2012 2:02 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two theft reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon. First, Ryan‘s motorcycle was taken:

Stolen near 16th and Henderson SW: Honda CBR 600 F3 1995 Sportsbike

IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE, it’s a Purple, Black, Neon Yellow, with a “yellow windshield” and a Custom Exhaust, last known location was going East on Henderson street sw, it was taken by a white guy about 6 feet, wearing blue jeans, white sweatshirt and a black backpack, in his early 30s. This happened yesterday around 3 pm. LP is 9B6727

Andrew‘s bicycle was stolen from the 2400 block of 54th Place SW:

I found my bike stolen from my apartment complex this morning. It was locked up in the complex’s bike rack in the back parking lot. The bike lock was cut and left behind.

The bike is a Kona Ute, brown in color, with large orange bags. It’s the extended cargo-bike frame. The grips have been replaced with rubber grips that look like cork. There is a bottle holder on the handlebars along with a Kona bell. The kickstand is missing both it’s rubber feet and there’s some chain wear on the right kickstand leg. It has Continental CityContact tires, front disc brakes, and a wood deck on the cargo area. Unfortunately I never wrote down the serial number from it, but it’s pretty distinctive and wasn’t produced in large numbers.

If you see either one, call 911.

Side note: This month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 16th, 7 pm, at Southwest Precinct, and president Richard Miller says they’ll have a guest from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

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2 galas ahead: SW Seattle Historical Society; West Seattle Helpline
October 5, 2012 1:32 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 galas ahead: SW Seattle Historical Society; West Seattle Helpline
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Your favorite neighborhood nonprofits are thrilled to get donations any time – but they’re also happy to have you join in on gala celebrations, too, in the fun-draising mode, and two more are coming up:


(Space Needle from an airplane, 1962 – explained in this WSB story)
SOUTHWEST SEATTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The SWSHS “Stand Tall for History” Gala Champagne Luncheon is just a week away, Saturday, October 13th, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). From the announcement:

With the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay as the backdrop, the historical society will celebrate the Gala theme by enjoying a stimulating audio-visual program by Alan Stein and Paula Becker, authors of “The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and Its Legacy.”

From the construction of the 604-foot-tall Space Needle to the antics of Elvis Presley, this presentation by Stein and Becker just two days shy of the 50th anniversary of the close of the 1962 fair is designed to entertain and inform. As a bonus, copies of their acclaimed coffee-table book will be available for sale and inscription.

In line with the theme, attendees will be able to write their own memories of the 1962 fair, for placement in a time capsule to be maintained by the historical society.

Besides the World’s Fair theme, those who attend will enjoy a silent auction of unique items with a historical flair, as well as the eagerly awaited tradition called the Dessert Dash. It all will be topped off with champagne.

Tickets for the Gala are $75 apiece ($25 for children age 4 to 12) and are available at the historical society’s Log House Museum, 3003 61st Ave. S.W., open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or by calling 206-938-5293.

WEST SEATTLE HELPLINE: From executive director Tara Byrne:

The West Seattle Helpline is having its annual fall fundraiser dinner with the theme “Give the Gift of Warmth and Light” at the Duwamish Longhouse on Saturday, November 10th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $95 at wshelpline.org. A delicious dinner will be provided and there will be a silent auction and a video about who we serve and what we do. All proceeds will benefit families facing emergencies in West Seattle. This fundraiser will help us work towards empowering our neighbors to gain back self-sufficiency after facing an emergency by providing warm clothes for families, rent and utility assistance, school supplies, and bus tickets. The need is the greatest in the fall and winter months.

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Can West Seattle’s past save its future? Southwest District Council continues preservation conversation
October 5, 2012 12:08 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news


(Image by Christopher Boffoli, meshing present and past along California SW north of SW Alaska in The Junction – click for larger view)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As we continue to cover big new development projects like 4755 Fauntleroy Way (in-depth coverage here), some wonder if there’s still time to preserve some of what Southwest District Council leaders call West Seattle’s “Main Street character.”

Grappling with the topic over the past few months, a core group of the council’s members has been exploring whether historic-preservation options exist to serve that goal. Wednesday night’s monthly SWDC meeting continued the conversation, with special guest Karen Gordon, the City of Seattle’s Historic Preservation Officer.

Details on the discussion, what might happen next, and other toplines from the meeting – ahead:

Read More

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Door-to-door alert: No, WSB is NOT doing a survey
October 5, 2012 9:59 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Door-to-door alert | West Seattle news

First time we’ve had a door-to-door alert in which it seems someone may be out there pretending to be affiliated with us. Just got a call from a manager of a Junction apartment building who says a man was there claiming to be doing a survey about Junction parking, and she said he claimed to be affiliated with West Seattle Blog. (Before we finished writing this, she called back and said he had tried to go to another nearby building, too.)

We would NEVER do a door-to-door survey OR a telephone survey OR a “stand on a streetcorner and ask people questions” survey. If we have questions for you (as we did a year and a half ago), we’ll ask them online.

The caller said the man had no ID but identified himself as “Mitch.” She described him as 60-ish, 6 feet tall, heavy-set, sports jacket and blue jeans.

Please let us know if you have had anybody claiming to be with WSB turn up at your door – or if you know this is some OTHER survey (the city had been doing another parking survey not so long ago, but we don’t believe they ever go door-to-door) – editor@westseattleblog.com or 206-293-6302 if you don’t want to comment here. Thanks!

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West Seattle Friday: Chief Sealth homecoming; Rotary food drive; Dance! West Seattle family-fun night; ‘Love Free or Die’ screening…
October 5, 2012 9:47 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Chief Sealth homecoming; Rotary food drive; Dance! West Seattle family-fun night; ‘Love Free or Die’ screening…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Lots going on as always! From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, some of the highlights for today/tonight:

TRAFFIC ALERTS – VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: In addition to the projects that have been under way in West Seattle this week (see our day-by-day list), remember that Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge will be CLOSED BOTH WAYS starting at 6 am Saturday for the twice-yearly inspection (and other work). It’s scheduled to last till 4 pm Sunday, but these closures do sometimes end early, so we’ll update you if that happens this time.

WEST SIDE MOPS STARTS A NEW YEAR: Happening right now at West Side Presbyterian Church, till 11:15 am – Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS). If you don’t see this in time, check it out for future meetings, first and third Fridays – contact info is in our calendar listing.

ROTARY FOOD DRIVE AT THE CASK: Drop by The Cask in The Admiral District tonight 5-7 pm, meet West Seattle Rotarians, and drop off a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. More info in our preview story from this past Monday.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: From Dance! West Seattle, which is on the north side of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse at 9131 California SW:

Family Fun Night, 6 -9 pm at the Dance! West Seattle studio!

DJ Paul Thompson from Star 101.5 will provide great dancing music! Games, Contests, Prizes and more. Pizza and pop available for purchase. A silent auction and raffle fundraiser will be held to benefit our 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, Seattle Civic Dance Theatre, Tax ID #91-1288035.

DWS has been training dancers in Seattle for 30 years and the Seattle Civic Dance Theatre provides free performances throughout the year to promote the arts in our community.
Our staff and students show a serious commitment to our dance program and the arts in our community.

CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING GAME: Varsity football, 7 pm vs. Nathan Hale at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); gates open at 5:45 pm.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Varsity game vs. Ingraham at Northwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.

‘LOVE FREE OR DIE’: Marriage-equality film screens tonight at Westside Unitarian Universalists Congregation‘s church at 7141 California SW, 7 pm. Details here. Also note that WSUU will be rallying for the same cause 5-6:30 pm at The Junction (as noted here) and community members are invited to join in.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: The Castaways at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Bettman and Halpin at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm … Barbie Anaka at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8 pm … Jim Marcotte at The Cask, 8 pm … The Bend at Feedback Lounge, 9 pm … Jangle Wagon at the Benbow Room, 9 pm.

‘BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON’ CONTINUES: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest.

More on the calendar!

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Update: 2 to hospital after 2 pickup trucks collide in Arbor Heights
October 5, 2012 8:31 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

8:31 AM: Police and firefighters are on the scene of a two-vehicle crash on 41st near 102nd in Arbor Heights. SPD confirms it’s a crash; firefighters had to extricate a 57-year-old man from one of the vehicles and will be sending him to Harborview Medical Center, while a second person may go to the hospital via private ambulance. We’re en route to the scene, but scanner traffic in the meantime described the situation as a “T-bone” crash.

8:40 AM UPDATE: Our crew at the scene says the vehicle from which a man has been extricated is a Seattle Parks and Recreation truck, and has gone into a yard – stopping just feet from the house. The second victim, meantime, was indeed taken to the hospital. Neither was described as having life-threatening injuries.

9:03 AM UPDATE: Some of the crews have been cleared from the scene. A co-worker of the second victim told us the man is a construction worker who had been working on a project up the street. His red pickup truck is in the foreground of the photo we added above this update paragraph.

12:49 PM UPDATE: Seattle Parks tells us that the worker who was hurt was on his way to Lincoln Park, where he works out of the ground-maintenance facility. He is in stable condition.

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Metro bus changes, weekday #5: Rider updates; RR buses to be added next week
October 5, 2012 7:19 am
|      126 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

7:19 AM: As the first week of RapidRide C Line and other Metro changes wraps up, we’re tracking the bus commute again today – comments are open on this story for bus riders’ experiences, and we will add to the story during the day if there’s any bus-related news. Yesterday afternoon, Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer told WSB that two standby buses would be available again today with a transit coordinator tracking whether they’re needed. Here’s our coverage from the past week:

Thursday rider reports
Wednesday rider reports
Tuesday night: Updates from Metro
Tuesday rider reports
Monday pm reports
Monday am reports
Saturday informational event
Saturday morning: 1st RR bus

There was some slow going earlier this hour on 99, because of a stalled vehicle blocking a lane (thanks to those who messaged us about it!), but before we could even mention it here, we saw live video of WSDOT’s incident-response truck pushing it out of the way.

ADDED 10:32 AM: Councilmember Tom Rasmussen rode RapidRide on Thursday and writes about the experience, and his recommendations, here.

ADDED 11:21 AM: Metro is adding buses to RapidRide C Line. Just received the announcement:

Starting Monday, Oct. 8, King County Metro Transit is adding two morning and two afternoon peak commute bus trips to the new RapidRide C Line – a move intended to ease overcrowding and meet rising demand for the popular new service between West Seattle and downtown Seattle.

As a result, riders will see more RapidRide C Line peak service with trips running every 8 to 9 minutes, increased from every 10 minutes, during the highest ridership commute times – about 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m.

It’s clear that adding two bus trips in the morning and afternoon schedule will help ease crowding, said Kevin Desmond, Metro Transit general manager.

“We understand that it was a challenging and frustrating first week for some commuters who rode overcrowded buses, or watched as full buses passed them at bus stops,” Desmond said. “As the week progressed we learned where to use standby coaches to best address these high ridership demands. The results support our decision to make those additions part of the regular schedule.

“We have heard customer feedback, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to make sure the C and D lines operate as smoothly as possible,” Desmond said.

Metro launched RapidRide C Line service Sept. 29 with buses scheduled to travel between West Seattle and downtown Seattle every 10 minutes during the morning commute.

Higher than expected ridership demand emerged this week during the peak commute times. Customer reports, early ridership data, and field observations helped to confirm that there was strong transit demand to justify adding two morning and two afternoon commute trips to the RapidRide C Line.

Metro noted hundreds of additional commuters on RapidRide and other bus routes from West Seattle compared to tallies from this spring. Metro transit planners and service coordinators will continue to actively monitor ridership, transit operations and performance and make adjustments to service as needed.

“This transit service is still very new and daily ridership can fluctuate and evolve, however we were seeing full buses passing riders at bus stops at about the same time each day,” Desmond said. “By adjusting the frequency of service to this emerging pattern we will ease overcrowding and reduce delays.”

As part of the Sept. 29 transit service change, Metro has a contingency budget to pay for the additional RapidRide C Line trips and will continue to operate two standby buses for the RapidRide C and D lines. The red and yellow RapidRide buses needed for the additional trips are available in Metro’s reserve fleet, which is set aside in case of mechanical problems. Metro will continue to assess the maximum fleet use that can be sustained on an ongoing basis.

Metro also is taking steps to maximize and fine-tune transit signal priority and other transit priority measures, as well as operator training and customer communications about transit conditions and commute options.

We will keep the daily comment centers going again Monday to get your take on how it affects the service.

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