West Seattle, Washington
02 Wednesday
(Lead investigators Robin Lindsey & Rachel Mayer train Seal Sitters volunteers; photo by David Hutchinson)
Big times for West Seattle-founded Seal Sitters – notice we say “founded,” because their reach now stretches a lot further. This news comes as Seal Sitters gets ready to add volunteers to the fold, following another training session today; Robin Lindsey shares this update:
Seal Sitters conducted an on-the-beach training session at Alki today for 30 new volunteers. This is the second phase of the two-part training provided in preparation for this year’s harbor seal pupping season, currently under way in Puget Sound. Various situations a volunteer might encounter and appropriate responses were discussed. Most of the volunteers had previously attended our intake and orientation session at Camp Long on July 10th.
Seal Sitters, founded in West Seattle in 2007, has recently expanded to become Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network. We are the primary response team to all marine mammals from Brace Point (south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock) to Kayak Point in Snohomish County (north of Marysville). An additional training session is being scheduled for the 2011 season and new volunteers from all areas are welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, please email sealsitters@me.com. To learn more about the marine mammals of Puget Sound, their marine environment and the stranding network, please visit our website www.sealsitters.org. For what’s happening day-to-day on the beach, visit our blog www.blubberblog.org. If you see a seal pup or other marine mammal on the beach, observe from a distance, keep people and pets away and call the Seal Sitters hotline @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL).
Nobody was hurt, and there was no damage outside a section of the kitchen, but a fire today in the smoker at Uncle Mike’s Superlicious BBQ in White Center has left the restaurant temporarily closed. The story’s on our partner site White Center Now.
After another work party this morning to finish a project started two months ago – protectively painting the backs and sides of mural panels destined for the exterior of shuttered Louisa May Boren Junior High School on Delridge – there’s nothing left to do but wait, according to community advocate Pete Spalding, who shared photos from this morning’s session.
Pete tells WSB, “Now we just have to wait for the school district’s maintenance folks to work it into their schedule to mount them on the building. We are hopeful that it will be soon.” Hopeful, because taggers keep vandalizing Boren – exactly what community leaders feared would happen after the school district decided last year to board up the building’s windows. Seattle Public Schools is holding onto Boren for possible “emergency use”; it hasn’t been officially occupied since Chief Sealth‘s two-year temporary stay concluded one year ago, but it’s widely considered a candidate to be pressed into service in some way as West Seattle deals with elementary-school overcrowding. Just two nights ago at the West Seattle Candidates’ Forum (WSB video coverage here), school-board president Steve Sundquist said he thinks the board eventually will vote to reopen two WS schools, with four-years-closed Fairmount Park Elementary likely to be one of them (as reported previously) – Boren is one of the three other possibilities.
For the next week-plus, the biggest events of Seafair are in the spotlight around our city. Here are a few notes of special West Seattle-and-environs interest:
TORCHLIGHT PARADE TONIGHT: You can get a sneak peek at the floats by going to Seattle Center 2-6 pm this afternoon for the “Taste of Torchlight.” Look for West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival‘s “Sparkling Seattle” float (seen above in last Saturday’s WS Grand Parade). Every year Hi-Yu comes up with a new theme for its float and button, builds it, and takes it to parades around the region – the last neighborhood-specific organization in Seattle to carry on the tradition. In the parade lineup (which you can see here), they’re scheduled to be #70 out of 106 entries. Other entries of local interest: King County Executive Dow Constantine (#10), South Park’s “Legacy of Innovation” float (#93), All-City Band directed by West Seattle’s Marcus Pimpleton (#95). Know a West Seattleite in one of tonight’s group entries? Let us know! Also, Veronica Pupava represents Hi-Yu in the Miss Seafair program – right before the parade, we’ll see if she’s chosen queen or princess. Meantime, some parade logistics: If you have to go downtown, here’s the road-closure plan; if you are staking out a spot, the parade officially starts from Seattle Center at 7:30 pm and proceeds along 4th Avenue southward to the International District, preceded by the Torchlight Run (which is what’s closing the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct at 5:30 pm) – go ASAP! The front line along the curb fills up fast along the entire route.
After tonight, the U.S. Navy takes centerstage in the air (here’s our earlier report about the Blue Angels’ arrival) and at sea:
(Seafair Fleet Week Parade of Ships 2010 photo by David Hutchinson – that’s the USS Port Royal)
FLEET WEEK AND PARADE OF SHIPS: We got our first look at the U.S. Navy Seafair lineup hereon the website of a participating ship. While the Parade of Ships in Elliott Bay – visible from most of West Seattle’s north- and northeast-facing shore – is scheduled for 1:45 pm Wednesday, most will arrive sooner. That Navy page says the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) will arrive Tuesday before 2 pm, mooring at Terminal 25 (just north of the West Seattle Bridge) and Pier 66, while guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) will arrive at Terminal 46 at 8 am Wednesday. Also participating, according to references here and here, US Coast Guard cutter Mellon (WHEC 717) and, from the Canadian Navy, HMCS Whitehorse (NCSM 705) and HMCS Nanaimo (NCSM 702). Public tours of ships participating in that part of the program are set for Thursday through Sunday; more on the Seafair site, here.
As previewed in this morning’s “West Seattle Saturday” lineup – the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club is on (and off!) Alki Beach today for its annual “Da Grind” race day. They’re running two courses, a 12-mile and a 4-mile; the third wave of racing is scheduled to head out around 2:30 pm.
The first wave had already headed out when we stopped by, but we did get a good view of today’s low tide (-2.1 at about quarter past 11):
No outriggers tomorrow, but the tide will be almost as low, -2.0 just before noon tomorrow.
ADDED: April Long shared more photos (thank you!):
Barton Street P-Patch volunteers are on duty on two sides of SW Barton south of 35th SW (map) right now – Top photo, the group we found at the fundraising bake sale outside the Tony’s Market produce stand, where they’re selling treats till 2 pm (including vegan baked goods, a P-Patcher assured a commenter on the WSB Facebook page). Below, another Saturday work party at the P-Patch site on the south side of the street – 2 1/2 months after groundbreaking, still lots of hard work to get the site ready for planting this fall:
Volunteers are having work parties every Saturday and Sunday TFN, and welcome more help. Best way to connect with what they’re up to is to join their Facebook group – go here.
Following up on our preview this week of the “Sustainable Rain” raingarden-building project on the south side of 5902 California SW (map) – the work party is on till 2 pm, and you’re still welcome to drop by. This is part of a regional Sustainable Seattle-organized project. Rain gardens are designed to soak up extra rainwater so it won’t have to go into storm drains and ultimately into bodies of water (picking up surface pollutants along the way) like Puget Sound or the Duwamish River.
(7/29/2011 Twitpic from @ElliottBay_Beer)
ELLIOTT BAY: Back in May, we reported on the early stages of the Elliott Bay Brewery and Pub facade facelift in The Junction – as owner Todd Carden uncovered history out front, including this name:
(WSB photo from May 2011)
WSB commenters sleuthed it out in a big way, and figured out fast who GJ Vayhinger was! Now, the project is done, said EBB as it tweeted the top photo on Friday.
And from White Center:
BIG AL’S BIRTHDAY: Three years since Big Al Brewing opened on 14th SW as part of the White Center renaissance – and this weekend, they’re celebrating, both days, including a “Family Fun Day” tomorrow with popular kindie rockers The Not-Its performing at 2 pm. Full details from the West Seattle-headquartered Washington Beer Blog.
(Parent and baby gull at Jack Block Park, photo by Melanie Dixon)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
FIRST, THE VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: Alaskan Way Viaduct closures – northbound, 5:30-8:30 pm tonight for the Torchlight Run; southbound, 11:59 pm tonight to 5 am Monday.
OUTDOOR SWIMMING: Colman Pool continues its 7-day-a-week summer operations (pool schedule/other info here) … To see which wading pools are open since the weather is forecast for 70+ degrees, check the schedule here.
P-PATCH BAKE SALE: Barton Street P-Patch Benefit Bake Sale at Tony’s Market (35th/Barton) across from the garden, till 2 pm (Facebook event here)
BIG SALE #1: Gigantic Yard Sale till 3 p.m. Admiral Church is having a fun-raiser (that’s not a typo!)and parishioners are off-loading a ton of stuff, from furniture (some antiques) to housewares, books, craft materials, and plenty of odds and ends. You do NOT want to miss it! Everything must go – and there’s a lot of it.
BIG SALE #2: The Community School of West Seattle is holding its Annual Fundraising Yard Sale, 8 am to 5 pm. All Quality Items. LOTS of baby/children’s items. Rain or Shine. Refreshments. Items from the sale will also benefit the Nickelsville Homeless Camp, WestSide Baby and the victims of the recent apartment fire southeast of South Park.
BIG SALE #3: Duwamish Longhouse Market Day & Rummage Sale at Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), 9 am – 3 pm. A bit of everything: arts & crafts, estate, rummage sale, and food. Free admission/parking.
HELP BEAUTIFY BOREN: Volunteer to help paint murals at Boren School, 9 am (more info here)
HELP BUILD A RAIN GARDEN: *10 am – 2 pm* *5902 SW California Avenue*
Join Sustainable Seattle and Alleycat Acres in digging the first rain garden in the Russell Foundation funded Sustainable Rain project! Come help create this garden at a business/residence, protect the Puget Sound, and support sustainable businesses. Come for as long as you can, meet great folks, and learn about rain gardens. Bring shovel (if you have), gloves, and water to drink. Bring kids if you can supervise them.
WESTCREST NEEDS YOU: Forest restoration at Westcrest Park main entrance, 10 am – 2 pm. Join EarthCorps & the Green Seattle Partnership as we improve the health of an amazing urban forest in Southwest Seattle! We will be removing invasive plants, planting native species and performing restoration site maintenance.
DAY AT THE RACES: “Da Grind” outrigger-canoe-racing event at Alki – first race at 10:30 (details here).
BIG SALE #4: Hebert’s Den gift shop is closing; closeout “garage sale” starts 11 am, 35th and Henderson, half off everything, furniture for sale too.
FOOD TRUCK NOTE: Parfait Ice Cream will NOT be in West Seattle today (per a Facebook note late last night).
GO BEACH-WALKING: Today brings a notable low tide, -2.1 at 11:13 am (here’s the monthly chart).
WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING: Join Cairdeas Winery and Intrigue Chocolates for a double release as Cairdeas Winery releases their 2008 Lewis Vineyards Syrah paired with Intrigue Chocolates’ newest truffle flavor, Fortunato No. 4. Other wine and chocolate pairings to experience include:
– 2010 Nellie Mae with Intrigue’s Grains of Paradise
– 2009 Cabernet Franc with Intrigue’s Cacao
When: Saturday, July 30th from 12:00 to 5:00pm
Where: Cairdeas Winery Tasting Room, 3400 Harbor Ave S, Suite 113
SHAKESPEARE AT CAMP LONG: At 7 pm, GreenStage presents “The Tempest”, directed by Michael D. Blum. Free. Follow the crowds through the woods to the open field by the climbing rock.
PARADE DOWNTOWN: Seafair Torchlight Parade downtown (106 entries, and West Seattle Hi-Yu is #70!), stake out your spot along 4th Avenue early if you’re going, starts at Seattle Center at 7:30 pm and heads southward to the International District.
CHILL OUT TONIGHT WITH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE IN THE JUNCTION: West Seattle Outdoor Movies , showing “Airplane!” – movies start at dusk (should be around 9 pm this time), courtyard opens at 6:30 pm next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), 4410 California SW. Pre-show entertainment by Louie Foxx (magician). Free; bring your own chair/blanket; affordable concessions on sale, benefiting nonprofits. (WSB is a co-sponsor of the Movies on the Wall series.)
OR, ‘MOVIES ON THE LAWN’: Presented by Unique Families of Seattle
Free outdoor movie, “Brother Bear.” Arrival time: 8 pm (donations welcome), film starts around 9 pm. Put the kids in jammies and come on down! Private residence so space is limited, must RSVP to attend and get the address. E-mail joanna@uniquefamiliesofseattle.org.
Story and photos by Christopher Boffoli
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
On a rainy afternoon last spring, I got my first glimpse at what was soon to become one of Seattle’s newest mobile food trucks, making its debut this Sunday in West Seattle.
Parked on a quiet side street in North Delridge, it didn’t look like much at the time. The boxy, aluminum truck – which at that point had only recently been plucked off of Craigslist – still bore signs of its previous use by a plumbing company. However, like most entrepreneurs, Damiana Merryweather had vision, not to mention a contagious enthusiasm for what the truck could be. Perhaps more significantly, she also had an abundance of patience, which she would discover, is second only to money when it comes to starting a street food business in Seattle. But above all, Merryweather’s focus was on the food.
“We become deeply human when we sit down to a plate of food,” she would tell me later, in drier, more comfortable conditions: ensconced in plush chairs at a local café, with mugs of hot coffee in our hands. She added, “Food is such a catalyst for community, family holidays, friends….it brings us together. There’s a comforting human connection.”
Merryweather is an Oregon native who began on quite a different career path. Though she worked in and out of food-related jobs when she was younger, for more than a decade she had enjoyed a successful career in political campaigns and lobbying. But at a certain point she decided to come back to food. She moved to Seattle in 2006 and a few years later, was hired on as a consultant to aid the launch of the Swinery. “Working there reminded me of how much I love customer service,” she said, “And I don’t mean that in a cheesy salesman kind of way, but truly helping people. Engaging their imaginations about meals. Making connections.”
We’ve added a new page to WSB that you’ll see on the line of “tabs” underneath the sunset header (each of which takes you to a different “inside section” of the site) – over to the right, by the Forum tab, it’s WS In Motion, for the West Seattle In Motion program that we’re co-sponsoring this summer/fall. WS In Motion invites you to sign up to get incentives for driving a little less and walking/biking/bus’ing/etc. a little more – free bus tickets, deals at local businesses, and more. Plus, you get to contribute to a communitywide progress report that shows the results of participants’ combined efforts and adventures; the first one is what you’ll see on the new page right now. Haven’t signed up yet? Go here!
This year, West Seattle Outdoor Movies (Saturday nights in the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor] at 4410 California SW) have something extra – an opening act. Last Saturday, local comic/juggler Matt Baker wowed the crowd (our report includes video); tomorrow night, it’s magician Louie Foxx, who shows off one big, quick trick in the short video clip above. Oh, and of course, there’s a movie too: “Airplane!” (Here’s the trailer.) Weather looks good; show’s free (bring $ for concessions and raffle items that raise money for local nonprofits, and also be sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on); gates open at 6:30 pm – last week the movie started about quarter past 9, so 9 pm is likely tomorrow.
In our first report from last night’s community-organized West Seattle Candidates’ Forum, you saw video of one of the two races for which all primary-ballot candidates turned out, School Board District 6. This time, the other race with full turnout: King County Council District 8. Onstage, from left, were incumbent Councilmember Joe McDermott, moderator Mike Hickey, Diana Toledo, and Goodspaceguy. Transportation was a hot topic, as you’ll see; McDermott said he supports the $20-for-Metro “congestion relief charge” that’ll come up for a council vote August 15th, while Toledo and Goodspaceguy said they do not. (This race also is spotlighted at SeattleTimes.com [WSB partner] right now.)
P.S. We forgot to mention this in our first report – the ice-cream social that preceded the candidates’ forum raised more than $200 for West Seattle Food Bank, according to board member Pete Spalding, one of a multitude of community volunteers/advocates at the event in South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center
Two Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon. The first one was a theft that happened in a flash; the second, a car break-in that led to a garage break-in. (And we added a third at 4:04 pm – all are ahead:)Read More
Looking for something to do tomorrow? The Vietnamese Cultural Center at 2236 SW Orchard (north of Home Depot; here’s a map) reminds us that it’s open to the public noon-3 pm every Saturday. The center shared photos from last weekend’s sunny Saturday, including the next one featuring visitor Don Atwood, a local architect who helped draft an addition to the center:
Director Ducly Bui summarizes the center’s mission:
Vietnamese Cultural Center is operated by the free South Vietnamese since April 1975 to promote Vietnamese culture and heritage to their children born in US and introduce the country’s history and arts to the local community.
Admission is free. Our previous coverage of the center includes an overview in July 2008 – after many had wondered about its large statue (General Tran Hung Dao) – and last year’s Lunar New Year event, which also celebrated recognition of the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag.
In the two and a half weeks since we first told you about Village Green Perennial Nursery owner 
Vera Johnson‘s fight against potential foreclosure, she’s gathered thousands of electronic petition signatures, and rallied dozens of people in similar straits, so they can all learn about – and exercise – their legal rights. If you are facing default or foreclosure, the next support-group meeting is at 5 pm Sunday at Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW). Vera says lawyer Edgar Hall will be in attendance to answer questions and offer “resources for pro-bono services,” among other things, and she invites attendees to “bring laptops, so we can look up our info and search for fraudulent docs – wi-fi available.” Then on Tuesday, she has an appointment with Bank of America; next Friday (one week from today), she’s planning to deliver to BofA the signatures from her petition on Change.org (not too late to sign – go here), which now total more than 8,300. A benefit is also in the works; you can follow the progress by “liking” this Facebook page.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The process of discussing with the city how to restore/reconstruct the fire-ravaged landmark Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge is so far as painstaking as the actual project itself eventually may be.
This morning, in their fourth informal appearance before the city Landmarks Preservation Board’s Architectural Review Committee downtown, Alloy Design Group architects Mark Haizlip and Greg Squires presented the three options they’re discussing.
All three options assume that the Homestead’s roof and foundation must be replaced – though committee members indicated they’re not all convinced about the former.
Before we get to the weekend, it’s the end-of-week summertime tradition – SDOT‘s list of areas around the city where big events are guaranteed – or likely – to have big traffic effects. The two-part Alaskan Way Viaduct closure (northbound Saturday night for the Seafair Torchlight Run, then southbound early Sunday through early Monday for construction) is part of the list. Read on!Read More
County, city, port, and School Board candidates were all part of last night’s community-organized West Seattle Candidates’ Forum at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center. One of two races for which all August 16th candidates participated, the School Board Position 6 faceoff, provided the most sparks, and news. For one, incumbent board member Steve Sundquist revealed that he believes two West Seattle schools will be reopened; public discussion to this point had focused on one (likely Fairmount Park, as reported here last month). The discussion also touched on some recent district controversies including the plan for some Seattle Public Schools to get trainees from the “Teach for America” program. We recorded the entire forum, in segments, and the clip above is the entire school-board discussion with (from left on stage) Sundquist, Marty McLaren, moderator Mike Hickey, Joy Anderson, and Nick Esparza. (Upcoming reports will include the other forum segments – city, county, and port.)
(Photo by Machel Spence)
Five highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
GOLF WITH YOUR FELLOW COUGS: 8th annual King County Cougar Open at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Starting at noon, the WSU Alumni Association invites you to share an afternoon of fun with fellow Cougars. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Sign up by yourself or with friends. Registration info here.
AT THE LONGHOUSE – FREE! Johnny Moses presents Medicine Songs of the Pacific NW at Duwamish Longhouse (7405 W Marginal Way SW), 6:30-8:00 pm. Johnny Moses is a noted native NW storyteller and introduces two new CDs that preserve NW Salish Culture for future generations. Free event!
‘FLAVOR’: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, “a unique night out showcasing the music and art of immigrants, to benefit OneAmerica and our community.” Tickets: $20, available online (includes snacks). Featured Artists: Music by Abyssinian Creole, Owuor Arunga, The Heartfelts, and The Seattle Fandango Project; comedian Solomon Georgio; Poet, Rapper and Cultural Carrier dakóta; photography by Carina A. del Rosario, Geo of Blue Scholars, Thig Nat of The Physics; jewelry by Marissa Esteban.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK, FREE! 7 pm at Camp Long, GreenStage‘s 23rd season of free Shakespeare in the Park presents “Antony and Cleopatra”, directed by Patrick Bentley. Follow the crowds through the woods to the open field by the climbing rock.
SWEET, SWEET MUSIC: 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW): Sarah Ackers, Betsy Boyer, and Bronwyn Edwards will entertain with soulful, folksy, bluesy music for all. $5/person or $15/family at the door; includes dessert.
(Harbor’s Denny Onslow talking to SW Design Review Board about Nova; photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Toplines from Thursday night’s two-project meeting of the Southwest Design Review Board at the Senior Center of West Seattle: Harbor Properties‘ 62-apartment Nova, proposed for a 36th/Snoqualmie site north of The Grove/West Seattle Inn motel in The Triangle, won unanimous approval.
Board members said the design brought before them (here’s the presentation “packet”) addressed the concerns/suggestions they had brought up during Nova’s “early design guidance” review earlier this year (WSB coverage here). You can track Nova via its city webpage here; we’ll be following up with Harbor regarding expected construction timetable. (P.S. For those wondering how much demand there is for new apartments – Harbor’s Onslow noted that its recently completed Link Apartments [WSB sponsor], two blocks from the Nova site, is now 70 percent leased.)
For the “early design guidance” review of the 117-apartment 3247 Avalon proposal (“packet” here), to cover what are currently five single-structure lots (one vacant) overlooking the West Seattle Golf Course: Board members asked the project team to give it another try and come back. They expressed comments similar to two members of the public who spoke – that all three design options bring the proposed building too close to its neighbors on both east and west sides; the latter sparked the most concern.
In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight – two reader reports. First, from Mike:
My house at 32nd and Roxbury [map] was burglarized for the second time in 4 months (Monday). The first time, the neighbor reported seeing a primer-gray mid-’80s pickup truck in my driveway during the burglary but thought it was a friend. The second time, no one saw anything; however, the thieves stole a black powder musket and 3 cameras and smashed a window to get in. The black powder musket was in a Flambeau case, and they broke one of the latches that close the case in the process of stealing it.
Next, a scam, also out of the WSB inbox: J&J tell the tale of what a friend fell for; even if you think you would know better, you might want to warn your more-trusting friends and relatives. Read on:Read More
(Photos by Torin Record-Sand for WSB)
A great start tonight for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s 2011 Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series – hundreds of people out to enjoy the perfect weather, good company, and The Gothard Sisters:
As ANA president Katy Walum had recently announced, the Beloved Mexico food truck was there too – a new feature so concertgoers can buy dinner if they’d like to, as frequently requested in the past:
The KidPicks truck from PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor and a major sponsor of the concert series too) is back again this season with tasty, healthy treats to sample:
And the portable edition of Full Tilt Ice Cream “bike” was there (ice-cream bars and Otter Pops):
What about the music, you ask? The Gothard sisters dance and play instruments as well as singing – (updated) here’s some video:
And make plans for the next five Thursday nights, 6:30 pm – next week, again on Hiawatha’s east lawn, it’s Massy Ferguson; August 11th, the series takes a brief beach break with an Alki show for Yogoman Burning Band; then 8/18, 8/25, and 9/1, it’s back to Hiawatha – full season slate here. (WSB is proud to be among the sponsors that help ANA bring this family-friendly fun to the community for free; see the full sponsor list on the right side of the schedule page.)
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