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Apply to create art for the new West Seattle Reservoir parkland!
February 3, 2010 3:17 pm
|    Comments Off on Apply to create art for the new West Seattle Reservoir parkland!
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Just in from the city – a call for artists for two city park projects – including the expansion of Westcrest Park that is planned for the top of the “lid” that’s going in atop adjacent West Seattle Reservoir. (The next public meeting to talk about park design is THIS SATURDAY, 10 am-noon at Southwest Community Center.) Read on for the details of both projects – each with a $150,000 budget:Read More

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“Jason McKissack Act” passes State House unanimously
February 3, 2010 2:36 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

That’s the word from West Seattle Rep. Eileen Cody. While we went to Olympia for last week’s public hearing on the bill, EHB 1679, which would prevent catastrophically injured public-safety personnel like former Southwest Precinct SPD Officer Jason McKissack from losing health benefits, we weren’t able to go to today’s vote, but Rep. Cody sent word on the results. Next stop: The State Senate. Last year it made it through the House but stalled in the Senate; if you want to express your opinion, State Sen. Joe McDermott represents our area; his contact info is here. ADDED 5:27 PM: The Seattle Police Guild has just sent a news release with more info – read on to see it:Read More

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West Seattle help for Haiti: Update on Eagles’ fundraiser
February 3, 2010 12:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

From Amy McGrath with the West Seattle Eagles: Final tally from their Saturday night fundraiser – $4,526.43 for Mercy Corps. And Amy says they’re still collecting shoes till February 13th – new or gently used, take them to the Eagles (immediately south of the post office in The Junction). It was a fundraising doubleheader for the Eagles – they had a live/silent auction that same night, right before the Haiti benefit, and Amy says that brought in $1,100 for the Eagles’ Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund. (P.S. Updates coming later today on more new West Seattle-linked help for Haiti.)

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Citizens’ Budget Conference: Miss it? Now you can see it!
February 3, 2010 11:15 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The first guy you see as soon as you hit the “play” button on that newly available Seattle Channel video from last Sunday’s Citizens Budget Conference at Seattle Center is West Seattle activist/advocate/volunteer Chas Redmond, chair of the City Neighborhood Council, co-chair of the Southwest District Council (which meets tonight). The conference was offered as a chance for citizens to have a say on the head end of the city budgeting process – how do YOU think your money should be spent? Chas was one of several West Seattle participants; we asked afterward for reflections/comments on what happened, and you can read on for his response:Read More

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Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday: West Seattle events
February 3, 2010 10:11 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

The city Department of Neighborhoods has just sent out the citywide list of events scheduled for Neighbor Appreciation Day this Saturday. Three listings are in West Seattle; topping the list – you can go see your neighborhood fire station!

Event: Visit your Neighborhood Fire Station
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Event Location: Seattle Fire Stations. Visit
www.seattle.gov/fire/firestations/stations.htm for list of Seattle Fire Stations.

Event: Raise the Beds at C&P Coffee (presented by CoolMom)
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am
Event Location: C&P Coffee, 5612 California Ave. SW

Event: Alki/Admiral neighborhood Open House
Event Time: Saturday, February 6, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Event Location: Hiawatha Community Center
Event Contact: Lakema Bell, 206-684-7441

Though it’s not on the list, we might suggest that the North Delridge Neighborhood Council Adopt-A-Street cleanup Saturday morning – meet at Delridge Community Center 9:45 am – is a good way to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day too.

ADDED THURSDAY: It’s been brought to our attention that this list sent out by the city is missing at least a few other West Seattle events. We’ll be adding those to our events calendar. Thanks!

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Today/tonight: Library changes; Bagshaw in WS; CoolMom …
February 3, 2010 8:31 am
|    Comments Off on Today/tonight: Library changes; Bagshaw in WS; CoolMom …
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB Events calendar:

NEW LIBRARY HOURS: Here’s our most recent reminder; the new schedules take effect today. As Diane noted in this comment, the two West Seattle libraries that will be open 7 days a week – Admiral and Southwest – will actually now open earlier two days a week (10 am on Mondays/Tuesdays instead of 1 pm).

ONE EFFECT OF LIBRARY CHANGES: Reminder that the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is NOT meeting tonight – its former meeting site, Delridge Library, is closing earlier on Wednesdays, so this month’s meeting is 6:30 pm **next Tuesday**, Feb. 9, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, with a decision yet to be made on the permanent day/location. (And join NDNC for the quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup this Saturday; meet outside Delridge Community Center at 9:45 am.)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: When reps from West Seattle’s major community councils and other groups/organizations meet tonight, the agenda includes two guests: City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw and the city’s Historic Preservation Officer, Karen Gordon. You’re welcome to be there – 7 pm, board room at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – here’s a map for the central-campus area.

URBAN FARMING ADVOCATE AT YOUNGSTOWN: The youth involved in FEEST at Youngstown are scheduled to meet this afternoon with Will Allen, a leader in the urban-farming movement, who is also speaking at a free citywide public event at 7 tonight at Mercer Middle School.

ROXHILL ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8:30 pm, 30th/Roxbury. (Here’s the full list of ongoing open houses at Seattle Public Schools.)

EARLY DISMISSAL DAY FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Students are out 2 hours early (here’s the school-year calendar).

COOLMOM’S MONTHLY MEETING: Here’s a preview from the Sustainable West Seattle website; highlights will include a closer look at the city’s new “carbon calculator” that you can use to facilitate a lower-impact lifestyle. 7 pm, C and P Coffee, 5612 California SW.

JUST FOR FUN: “Groundhog Day” is tonight’s Fine Films at Freshy’s presentation, Freshy’s Coffee, 2735 California SW, 7 pm. At 7:30, the second week starts for performances of ArtsWest‘s “Love Song,” and at 8, the second of 2 nights for “From Africa to the White House,” the spoken word/musical performance by Taya Aluko (with Lou Magor on keyboards) at Kenyon Hall.

(Got something for the calendar? Lots of options for sharing it – thanks!)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Super 24 robbery; Admiral stab attempt
February 2, 2010 11:19 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
And two more incidents police are working right now: In the 2300 block of California, there was an attempted stabbing. Nobody cut, the scanner clarified before we could even head out the door. They’re searching for a suspect. Then in the 5500 block of Delridge (map), police are looking for armed robbers who are reported to have held up the Super 24. 12:08 AM: Adding a photo. No indication of any arrests so far.

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Believe it or not – one MORE car mishap in West Seattle
February 2, 2010 11:00 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

That photo’s just in from Aaron, who says it happened about an hour ago at 17th/Graham, which is a block west of where the bicycle crash happened this afternoon (one of the four crashes in this roundup). He says it’s believed that “(a) driver lost her brakes in a car, drove backwards down the street, and ended up on a utility pole support cable.” Instantly brought back memories of this one we covered (with photos and video) in Fauntleroy in December 2007. No word of injuries in tonight’s mishap – one engine was sent out, but the call’s already closed.

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Another “Parent/School Advocacy Night” at High Point center
February 2, 2010 10:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last time we covered one of these special events at High Point Neighborhood Center (photo above is from Jan. 8), which has been working with Seattle Public Schools to help local families get more closely connected, there were concerns that word hadn’t gotten out widely in advance. This time, the notice arrived three weeks in advance, so organizers hope even more people will hear about the event and be able to attend. Here’s the official invite:

Making Your School Better
A Night for Parent-School Advocacy with Seattle Public Schools Administration

Tuesday February 23, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

*MEET Seattle Public Schools Representatives
*HEAR about school Improvement Plans
*YOU Influence Quality Schools

Limited Childcare – Please Make Alternate Plans

The Neighborhood Center
High Point Family Center
6400 Sylvan Way SW
206.371.4319

The announcement we received mentioned that “school improvement plans” for West Seattle Elementary will be part of the agenda.

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Anybody missing two poodles? They’re still on the run
February 2, 2010 8:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | Safety | West Seattle news

This one’s gotten big enough it’s moved off the Pets page (like Bridge Dog a while back) … We’ve received multiple reports of two small poodles, one light-colored, one dark-colored, that have been on the run on and around 35th SW, from High Point to The Triangle, for the past several hours. This WSB Forums post from less than half an hour ago says one has now been hurt as they continue dodging traffic. We know some folks have tried to catch them but been unable to; sharing this news here on the main page both to warn you to be careful while driving 35th and to say, if you know someone looking for them, that’s where to search. Hope there’s a happy ending.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Morgan Junction bank robbery attempt
February 2, 2010 6:29 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks again to our friends at Central District News for catching this on the scanner – we have just confirmed with SPD Media Unit Det. Jeff Kappel – there was an attempted bank robbery at the Chase branch in West Seattle Thriftway about 10 minutes ago. (That branch is usually open till 7 weekdays.) No word yet of a description. 6:37 PM: Police have detained someone in the parking lot – WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is talking with police at the scene and so far they still think the suspect is on the loose – he’s asking about a description. 6:49 PM: Police at the scene say so far, the only description information they have is that the would-be robber was female, African-American, wearing a stocking cap. 7:14 PM: A little more description info that Christopher got from police – “in her 20’s or 30’s with a white knit cap and a polar fleece jacket.”

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Update: Helicopter search off Alki Point = false alarm
February 2, 2010 6:20 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

helicopterwatch.pngFirst we were talking about it on Twitter, after a military-sounding helicopter went right over WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy. Now we’re hearing that chopper activity is continuing in the Alki area. Checking to see what’s going on. (On Twitter, those who saw the chopper before dark said it was a Chinook, and at least two people have mentioned a pole protruding from it.) 6:31 PM: Nothing that Seattle Police know about. Checking with other agencies. 7:09 PM: Got an answer from the US Coast Guard. Someone reported a possible “surfer in distress” – instead, it turned out to be “logs and debris.” (And if you saw the water mid-afternoon, you would have seen lots of those afloat today; we noticed it while in the Alki area mid-afternoon.)

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West Seattle politics: Triangle Pub owner running for Legislature
February 2, 2010 6:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   34th District State House 2 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Just out of the inbox – Triangle Pub owner Geoffrey McElroy says he has filed to run for State House Position 2 in the 34th District this fall. That’s the seat now held by Rep. Sharon Nelson. The news release we received doesn’t stipulate a party, but his Facebook page says “independent.” (Nelson is a Democrat.) ADDED WEDNESDAY: Seattle Weekly’s Mike Seely (a West Seattleite) interviewed McElroy after the announcement; here’s his story (including details of the Friday night kickoff event).

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Update: 4 West Seattle crashes in the span of 90 minutes
February 2, 2010 3:43 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Everything mentioned below unfolded between about 2:30 and 4 pm (see the 911 log):

ORIGINAL 3:43 PM REPORT: Just got e-mail from Megan, a text from Sue and a tweet from Rasmus – a crash at Fauntleroy/Dawson (north of Fairmount Playfield – here’s a map) has closed Fauntleroy in both directions. No other details so far – except that Megan saw no obvious signs anyone was hurt. 3:52 PM: There’s also a “heavy rescue” call – flipped car, according to a comment below this story – at 37th/Juneau. En route to check it out. (added 5:50 pm, Tony Bradley sent a shot of that, no serious injuries reported):

And WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli has checked out an earlier call at 48th/Dakota, which he says is sending at least two people to the hospital (added 5:37 pm, video of that scene):

… should be clearing soon, though. Christopher reports, “SPD tells me that an SUV full of tourists (who only arrived in Seattle today) heading west on Dakota failed to yield and struck another SUV that was crossing on 48th. Two being transported to HMC. Firefighters had to use the jaws of life to extract one of the victims from the black SUV.”

4:26 PM: Just drove through Fauntleroy/Dawson – all clear now. Here’s one of Christopher’s photos, showing the debris in the road just before it was cleared:

We’re heading to doublecheck 37th/Juneau scene. 4:40 PM: The car here is about to be towed – 37th is still blocked (residential street) a few houses south of Juneau but should reopen as soon as the tow truck moves on. 4:48 PM: Tow truck’s headed out, 37th open again. So all three crash scenes are clear for your afternoon drive home. 5:22 PM: One more to add to all that – there was a medic call at 16th/Graham we were going to check out, but the call closed before we got there; KIRO flew its chopper over – says a bike rider suffered minor injuries.

5:43 PM UPDATE: Tony Bradley sent that photo of the 16th/Graham incident and reports, “Talking to witnesses, a male bicyclist in his late teens or early twenties was riding his bicycle southbound on 16th in front of the community college and for some reason rode into the back of a small SUV that was parked on the west side of the street. The witness said there was no other vehicle involved. The bike rider fell off the bike and landed in the middle of the southbound lanes of 16th. His injuries appeared minor and he was transported to the hospital in an AMR.”

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Followup: Study under way to figure out Beach Drive slide fix
February 2, 2010 2:46 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Mid-January photo contributed by anonymous WSB’er)
We already had a request out today to SDOT for an update on the slide aftermath in the 6000 block of Beach Drive (map), when a note came in from Harold saying that crews are drilling in the road’s center line today. While SDOT’s Marybeth Turner is checking on the drilling, she has replied with information about what’s happening overall:

SDOT hired a geotechnical consulting firm to conduct a preliminary study of the slope and recommend a temporary measure that would enable us to reopen the full width of Beach Drive SW. We expect this study to be final within a week. The recommendation will help the city determine a time line for opening the road and for working toward a long term solution for the slope.

(Meantime) DPD and SDOT are working with the property owner to provide a long-term plan for slope mitigation just east of 6033 Beach Drive SW. At this point the City has not received a formal application from the owner of the sloping property, but are hoping to receive one shortly and will work to keep neighbors immediately west of the slope informed throughout the review process.

We first reported the slide early January 13th, after tips about the road closure; it happened sometime the previous evening. After some initial cleanup, the road’s been restricted to one lane at the slide spot.

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Way to go! Results from two recent West Seattle requests for help
February 2, 2010 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Way to go! Results from two recent West Seattle requests for help
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Received a couple of nice notes today that were really about YOUR response to requests for help, so we didn’t want to keep them all to ourselves. So often, if there’s a fundraiser, we report the money numbers – but we don’t always hear the numbers in terms of people who volunteer their time (among other things). First one is from Kim at Puget Sound Blood Center, re: their Bloodmobile drive outside Admiral Safeway last Saturday (previewed here):

There was a great turnout with 38 people registering to donate. Of these, our staff was able to collect 30 units of volunteered blood. We had 6 first time donors! Since each donation can go to three separate patients, this drive went towards saving or dramatically improving the lives of up to 90 sick patients in the Puget Sound area. In a matter of days/weeks, the volunteered blood will be in a local hospital saving someone’s life.

And from Romina at Neighborhood House, who has just lined up new mentors for local kids (the call went out four weeks ago):

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me make this Recruit-A-Mentor Challenge campaign at Neighborhood House a success. This campaign helped us get 11 new mentors in a span of just one month … The majority of our new mentors came from reading the post on WSB and in turn, we have mentors who live in the very community where our mentees come from. Couldn’t have been any better!

Thank you all for reaching out to help your neighbors in so many ways, big and small. Please keep sharing the requests for what’s needed and how people can help (here’s all the ways to send the info); we’ve got a few more in queue for later today.

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Reminder: Seattle Public Library branch hours change tomorrow
February 2, 2010 11:41 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

We were just going to cobble together a reminder from previous reports, when Seattle Public Library sent its official news release reminding all that tomorrow’s the day schedule changes kick in. For West Seattle, the most dramatic changes are at the High Point and Delridge branches, which will now be closed on Fridays as well as Sundays. Read on for the citywide list, including the new hours of all 4 West Seattle-area branches:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Telltale beer can helps solve robbery
February 2, 2010 10:41 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

If you haven’t seen it in the SPDBlotter feed on the Crime Watch page already: A West Seattle robbery solved by fingerprints on a thrown beer can. The SPDBlotter report says it happened at “a convenience store in the 6300 block of 35th SW” (map) on December 12th; two people who tried to buy beer but were turned away for lack of ID started throwing beer cans at the clerk, then hit him, and one made off with the register in the meantime. They got away but prints were lifted from the beer cans and one was traced about a week ago to a 19-year-old man; turns out he’s i the King County Jail on an unrelated warrant, and has now confessed to this crime; the other suspect’s still being sought. Read the full SPDBlotter story here.

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West Seattle Summer Fest 2010: LOCAL businesses get priority!
February 2, 2010 7:15 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Our clip from July 10, 2009, captured the iconic moment of last year’s West Seattle Summer Fest – Dow Constantine talking about his eventual-landslide King County Executive campaign as he introduced Mudhoney, who performed for thousands in the heart of The Junction. Now the dates are set for this year’s Summer Fest – July 9, 10 and 11. And the five months between now and then will go fast, so Susan Melrose at the West Seattle Junction Association has an announcement to share:

I know it’s early, but we’re already planning for Summer Fest. There has been a steady stream of phone calls all month from regional craft and food vendors wanting to apply to this event. The good news is that West Seattle businesses get top priority!

In order to have a stronger West Seattle event, we are offering West Seattle businesses priority over non-West Seattle businesses if they apply by March 15th. If you’re a West Seattle business and want to apply for Summer Fest, visit www.westseattlefestival.com, download the appropriate application and write “West Seattle Local” in the comment section to be given priority. Applications received after March 15 will be handled like any other applicant.

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Today/tonight: From school, to “… a Journey,” to a party
February 2, 2010 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on Today/tonight: From school, to “… a Journey,” to a party
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli: Link site with new crane many’ll see today for the 1st time )

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

CONCORD ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: It’s in South Park but aligned with middle and high schools: Concord International Elementary is having an open house tonight including information on its dual-language immersion program and the new Student Assignment Plan. 6:30-8:30 pm, 723 South Concord (map).

SENIOR CENTER OF WEST SEATTLE: Two series start today – “Painting Poetry,” helping people reveal and express a personal story over the course of four weeks, with its essence becoming a poem and painting. 1-2:30 pm. Same time period today, the Senior Center also will start an 8-week Great Decisions 2010 discussion group. Call (206) 932-4044 for registration information on either one.

KENYON HALL: Tonight and tomorrow, Nigerian-born British actor Tayo Aluko presents “From Africa to the White House: A Journey of Resistance, Triumph and Spirituals…a musically illustrated talk,” with Kenyon Hall’s Lou Magor at the keyboard, 8 pm. More info at kenyonhall.org.

MISSION’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: We took a closer look at the Admiral District restaurant/bar in this story published Monday; tonight, help its owners celebrate their milestone 5th anniversary, 7 pm.

OTHER NIGHTLIFE: Open turntables at Skylark Cafe and Club at 6 pm (which is offering special Valentine’s Day deals if you haven’t heard), rock trivia at Feedback Lounge at 8 pm (both are WSB sponsors).

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More youth-sports signups: West Seattle Girls’ Softball
February 2, 2010 1:23 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

From West Seattle Girls’ Softball president Shawn Herrera:

Spring is just around the corner — that means West Seattle Girls Softball registration has begun. Through February 21st you can sign your daughter up for this year’s season. More details can be found at westseattlegirlssoftball.com The cost of registration includes one ticket for the player to the UW Huskies Softball game on May 2nd, a uniform for your daughter to keep and a trophy at the end of the season. For scholarship details please contact Shawn Herrera at wssshawnp@yahoo.com. See you on the field!

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Last set of West Seattle weekend scenes: “Cock of the Block”
February 1, 2010 11:29 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photos courtesy Bellavita Photography by Deborah Semer)
Though we do our best to canvass the peninsula for the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, we obviously had one glaring omission this past weekend: The Cock of the Block chicken-wing cookoff Saturday night at Alki Tavern. Didn’t hear about it till we got a Facebook note asking, didn’t they see us there and where’s the coverage? Turns out that Deborah Semer was there taking photos – and sent us the link tonight. Five cooks, and five bucks got you 10 wings. There were even blindfolded judges!

And the winner was …

That’s Alki Tavern’s own “Sweet Lou,” hoisting the ginormous trophy:

His second win in a row, by the way.

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Parks Board: Creek news, and next steps on the Code of Conduct
February 1, 2010 10:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Parks Board: Creek news, and next steps on the Code of Conduct
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That’s a bit of iPhone video from a stroll along Longfellow Creek, south of the West Seattle Golf Course, one recent sunny day. It works nicely to illustrate a few notes we hadn’t shared yet from last Thursday’s Parks Board meeting in the City Council chambers downtown. There was some expectation of an overflow crowd, because of the controversy over the original draft of the proposed code, but in the end, the crowd maxed out around 50, with speakers focused on two issues: the code’s smoking ban (supporters and opponents spoke) and feared persecution of homeless park users. Next step: A vote when the board meets Feb. 11 (here’s the latest on that from the Parkways website). Alki-residing Parks Board Jackie Ramels (from Alki) said they’d received 135+ e-mails/letters about the code as of the meeting. And she asked that people understand the board isn’t proposing the rules – department staff proposes them, the board reviews them.

Specific notes of West Seattle interest: Longfellow Creek was mentioned when board members talked about the naming process for park land along Thornton Creek – to use a protocol such as “(name) Access to Thornton Creek Natural Area” – and said it would be used for other creeks in the city, most likely coming next to Longfellow. (Here’s the briefing paper on the Thornton process plan.) Also: Deputy Superintendent Christopher Williams said Superintendent Tim Gallagher plans a series of meetings at Parks facilities around the city this year, and two were listed in West Seattle – mark your calendars – April 28 at Delridge Community Center, October 7th at Hiawatha Community Center. Williams noted Parks is “developing guidelines” for use of Facebook and Twitter – “looking to have a policy that’s more liberal than a government organization might provide.”

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