West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Want to find out about forming a Block Watch? Be at Delridge Library, 6:30 pm, for a community meeting that’ll show you how … At 6:30 at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, preview the next Seattle Opera production, “Il Trovatore” … Two sets of dance classes today/tonight: For kids, after school, Gildenfire Dance at Highland Park Improvement Club (get more info here); ballroom and Latin dancing at Kenyon Hall, 7 pm (details here) … Earlier in the day, you’re welcome to participate in 2 “second Monday” events at the Senior Center of West Seattle – Brain Gain at 10:30 am, Caregiver Support Group at 1 pm … Downtown, an update on the Delridge Skatepark project is part of the agenda for the city Skatepark Advisory Committee tonight, 7 pm, Parks HQ downtown … See what else is on the calendar (for today/tonight and beyond) here.
First – Cecile shared photos with us taken at Alki Sunday – that’s her in the water – saying, “This morning photographer Jenny B. and I went to Alki and took some awesome pictures!!! Thought it displayed our beautiful Puget Sound as a wonderful place to live!” We thought there had to be more to the story – a modeling shoot, maybe, given the striking outfit? Answering our followup, Cecile explained, “We were just experimenting with some new photographic equipment and threw together an outfit that we thought would bring out the colors of the nature, which it definitely did! I’m a classical musician so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get new pictures for CD covers/headshots etc.” Read More
We didn’t hear about it till Ron Zuber of Morgan Junction sent the official government report a few minutes ago: At 6:54 this morning, there was a 2.1-magnitude earthquake centered in West Seattle, north of Schmitz Park, about seven miles down (here’s the USGS page; here’s the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network info page; here’s another map you can use to zoom in on the spot). That’s pretty tiny as quakes go, but notable nonetheless, especially in light of the Northern California quake yesterday, and always a good excuse to bring up preparedness info again: Just so happens our newest sponsor is the Emergency Communication Hubs project, which shows you where to go for information and help if need be in case of disaster – go here to find your nearest hub.
(From left, Juliann Everett, Lisa Olson, Natasha Hissong, Tauna Evans)
Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Michelle Gaither wants you to know that sometimes being environmentally friendly isn’t about what you do, but what you don’t do.
“I don’t know much about oven cleaning in general because I don’t really do it,” she says only half-jokingly to a group of women from West Seattle and beyond who’ve come to High Point’s Bridge Park Retirement Living for a green cleaning demo. Gaither is a technical research coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) and also a member of the group CoolMom, a growing Seattle-based nonprofit that “unites moms to take action on climate change through education, lifestyle change, and advocacy,” which organized the event.
Lifestyle change is the goal of the demo (which happened this past Wednesday night). Gaither explains what she means about cleaning her oven:
(Story continues – with recipes and links too! – after the jump)Read More
During the Seattle City Council‘s first regular meeting of the New Year tomorrow, councilmembers are expected to vote on a resolution asking the state to create a registry you could use to opt out of unsolicited direct mail – like the “do not call” registry for telemarketing. If you have an opinion on this, you’re advised to contact councilmembers — Sustainable Seattle has the info here; to read the resolution they’ll be considering, go here. Supporters cite environmental benefits of lower paper use; opponents (whose views are detailed here) say jobs would be lost and the US Postal Service‘s future would be in danger because advertising mail comprises a third of what it handles.
ORIGINAL 2:09 PM REPORT: Thanks to the WSB’ers (including Bruce, who sent the top photo) who sent word of that rollover crash, which is the reason for the “heavy rescue” call in the 8600 block of 35th SW (south of Thistle; map). Avoid the area. 2:16 PM UPDATE: Here’s what we’ve found out at the scene – 1 person has been taken to the hospital. Two vehicles involved, as you see in the photo. No word yet on the circumstances. 35th is closed between Thistle and Trenton (the crash is closest to Cloverdale); side streets are closed in the blocks leading up to that area as well. 2:25 PM UPDATE: Police tell us at the scene that a few other cars may have been hit, but not as badly damaged – they are still trying to sort it all out – so don’t expect the scene to reopen quickly. 2:47 PM UPDATE: This WSB photo from Christopher Boffoli shows you how far north of the scene 35th is closed:
We have more information, too. The person who was hurt was in the flipped car and is not believed to have life-threatening injuries. That vehicle apparently didn’t see the gray vehicle, which was trying to make a left turn into a driveway on 35th, and they collided; three other cars were hit in the ensuing spinouts, though damage was not major and no one in those cars was hurt. As soon as the damaged vehicles are cleared, police tell us, the road will reopen, though there are a few things (like flattened tires) that are making for slower going in the tow effort. We’ll keep checking on the scene so we can update when everything’s open again. 3:25 PM UPDATE: 35th is clear and open again. Meantime, another photo from Christopher shows one of the other three vehicles that were hit:
4:09 PM UPDATE: Video from Christopher as the police and firefighters investigated and cleaned up:
And an ironic side note: One of the stations that responded to this crash, FS 32 in The Triangle, apparently had been training/practicing earlier in the day for this kind of situation – nearby resident Sharonn Meeks had noticed the activity and sent us a note even before the crash. The practice car was still at the station when Christopher went by afterward to check it out:
ADDED LATER: Our video of the flipped car being turned upright for towing. Not an easy job.
From a burglary victim who asked to be anonymous, but wanted to share advice that might help others:
We were burglarized on Friday afternoon. We live in a townhouse east of the Alaska Junction. The intruder came in through the window on the ground floor. They took a number of things, including my beloved camera, all my lenses and some of my wife’s jewelry. Fortunately everything is replaceable and nobody was hurt, including our cats. Everyone should take a second look at their ground-floor doors and windows and reinforce them. A number of things could have prevented this from happening. Most of them very cheap solutions. I’ve spent most of the last two days making the house more secure and we will be getting an alarm system. It’s frustrating.
Here’s the official Seattle Police advice on burglary prevention; it’s perma-linked in the resources list at the bottom of the WSB Crime Watch page.
Followup to Friday’s stories about a special encore of the “Helmstetler Family Spectacular” music-synched Christmas lights by the Charlestown water tower, on behalf of the family of a soldier about to leave for the Middle East – Show designer Jim Winder has just finished the videos for the two special songs he added as a tribute; at top, it’s Josh Groban’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas“; below, “American Soldier” by Toby Keith.
Earlier stories on the display, and the other shows featured on WSB this year – including the Menashe Family‘s Beach Drive home, which we visited the night they were filmed for a cable TV special next holiday season – are all archived here (newest to oldest).
Browsed through the winter “combined brochure” for West Seattle’s community centers? (You can get it online as a PDF, or pick up the paper version at any of those centers.) If not – you might have missed this – lots of new classes for kids @ High Point Community Center, particularly for those 18 months (with parent) to 5 years, and a few for 5-11. HPCC assistant coordinator Rebecca Hall shares the list:
Classes are between 30 minutes to 1 hour in length and meet once a week. There are art, movement, music, and education classes plus a 4 hour Parents’ Day Out program! There are 2 sessions of class offerings this quarter and the first classes begin during the next two weeks.
Classes:
Monday
9:15-10 am Messy Masterpieces (3-5 yrs)
10:15-10:45 Sing, Play & Learn (2-4 yrs/parent)
10:45-11:30 Mommy & Me Storytime & Crafts (18 mths-3 yrs/parent)
11:30-12:30 Red Light, Green Light (3-5 yrs)Tuesday
9:15-10 Mom & Me Art Express (2-4/parent)
10:15-11:30 Fun on the Farm (3-5 yrs)
11:30-12:30 Kiddie Chefs (2-4 yrs/parent)Wednesday
9:15-1:15 Parents Day Out (3-5 yrs)Thursday
10-10:45 Messy Masterpieces (3-5 yrs)
10:45-11:30 Science Why’s (3-5 yrs)
11:30-12:30 Storybook Cooks (2-5 yrs)
3:15-4 Sing, Play & Learn (2-4 yrs/parent)
4-4:45 Storybook Cooks & Crafts (5-7 yrs)
4:45-5:30 Balloonimals (7-11 yrs)
5:00-6:00 Ballroom Dancing (8-18 yrs)For complete descriptions and pricing information please check out class.seattle.gov/parks or our Winter brochure.
Side note: When you’re inquiring about one of these classes or anything else at your local community centers, ask if it’s part of the Try It for $2 program that’s currently being advertised on WSB and other community news sites – explained here.
“AMAHL” FINALE: Last performance of Twelfth Night Productions‘ “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Take along the WSB coupon (see and print it here) to get 20% off adult admission. An unsolicited review came in from Ruthi Winter, who wrote:
It is only 45 minutes long and is a gem of a theater piece….lots of singing, acting, dancing and a full orchestra with choir, plus acting on the stage. The young boy who sings the Amahl part is delightful and Amahl’s mother is fabulous. You get a lot for your money. This is community theater at its best.
FREE YOGA: 11 am today, it’s Free Sunday Yoga at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor), 5639 California (map).
PLAY “OLD” GAMES WITH NEW FRIENDS: That would be the Friends of Southwest Branch Library, who are presenting another Board Game Afternoon today, 1-4:30 pm. They’re bringing some games; you’re welcome to bring one or more too; and if you want to learn a game, they’re ready to show you (details here). The library’s on the southeastern corner of 35th/Henderson (map).
FLOWERS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: Tulips from Alm Hill return to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, according to a tweet from market management. 10 am-2 pm, as always, 44th/Alaska.
And that’s just part of what’s up – check the West Seattle Weekend Lineup for more!
Yet more must-share photos have come in – first the Saturday sunset, from Kelly Johnston (who has more here); then, a few more views of the Three Tree Point Duwamish Head sailing race – this one from David Hutchinson:
And this one from Rick Rasmussen:
Doesn’t look like race results are online yet, by the way, but they should eventually appear here. (Several other photographers’ images were published here earlier.)
Last month, we published a Seattle Public Schools list of teachers who have achieved Board Certification. In our latest Madison Middle School update from Jeanne Merritt, she spotlights the two Madison teachers on the list, and one of their certified colleagues:
Madison Middle School teachers Kathy Myers (Math) and Karen Nixon (Reading) recently joined Angela Clement (Science) in attaining National Board Certification. Madison has three more teachers currently working on their National Boards.
To earn this certificate, teachers must complete a rigorous two part assessment: 1) create four portfolios that include videotaped classroom teaching, lesson plans, samples of student work, and written reflections on their teaching and 2) take a three hour exam that measures knowledge of the teacher’s subject area.
Congratulations and thank you for your hard work!
P.S. We’ve been mentioning this new list of open houses coming up at schools around the district; Madison’s open house is 6:30-8:30 pm February 4th.
That’s one of the photos sent by Mayor Mike McGinn‘s staff via Twitter (@mayormcginn) during the City Hall open house this afternoon, with a caption saying he was working on his inaugural speech at the time. A few hours later, he gave that speech at City Hall, and now the video’s available from Seattle Channel online. (Rather just read about the speech? Here’s coverage from our partners at the Seattle Times.) P.S. Voted yet for your favorite citizen proposals on what the mayor’s priorities should be? No? You can do it here. (Among them: This one proposing an off-leash dog area at Lincoln Park.)
NEW JUNCTION BUSINESS: Got a note and a tweet about this late last night; we’d already been checking into it after the notice turned up online: A liquor-license application notice is posted at the former Georgia Blu storefront next to KeyBank in The Junction; the application says a “beer/wine specialty shop” license is being sought, under the name Bin 41. We reached the proprietors, but they’re not ready to discuss their venture yet.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE TOTEM POLE CASE? Also from the e-mailbag, a few notes this week asking whatever happened in the case of the stolen/recovered West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole (coverage archived here). The suspect still is not officially charged, but prosecutors told us this week they expected the case to be referred to their office “soon.” A special task force of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, which donated the pole and its park to the city more than 30 years ago, will meet with the Parks Department next week to talk about next steps in returning the totem pole to the park, and whether it needs restoration work first. The Rotarians also continue to accept donations for the Totem Pole Restoration Fund (go here).
All those sailboats you saw off West Seattle shores today? The Three Tree Point Yacht Club‘s 31st annual Duwamish Head Race (here’s the home page). Thanks to JayDee for the first three photos.
The race’s starting point was Des Moines.
That’s also where members are now gathered to wait for the results. The next photo is courtesy Russ Walker:
And shortly after we published this – another note with photos came in, from Chris D:
Then another one – from JH!
Thanks to JayDee, Russ, Chris and JH – got photos to share? editor@westseattleblog.com (or via Facebook, where we’re WS Blog) any time!
Good news from Siobhan, who sent a Crime Watch report on a stolen red Neon a week ago: The car’s been found:
I am happy to be able to say that it has been recovered and has very little damage. They broke the keyguard on the door handle to get the lock opened, and then broke off the bottom plastic piece on the steering column to get it started. They rummaged through everything, including the trunk, figuring out that the back seats folded down from inside. They took a few things, but nothing that I really care about, except for the fact that they were my items and they took em. Nothing valuable.
My birthday was January 6th and I kept hoping they would call me… all day long.. nothing.. then at 6pm I got the call that my car was at the TBT Towing impound lot on 1st ave. What a great birthday present. :)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Friday night’s not usually prime time for public meetings.
Last night, however, an extraordinary gathering filled a meeting room at the new High Point Neighborhood Center: Two Seattle School Board members, a contingent of top Seattle Public Schools officials including the Chief Academic Officer and two local principals, and dozens of parents with translators serving them in languages including Somali, Vietnamese and signing.
Neighborhood House had sent us word of the meeting earlier in the day, saying it was a followup to a December 21st forum in which High Point families shared concerns about effects of the new Student Assignment Plan, including the fact that West Seattle Elementary is now the default school for the area. (Before the new Student Assignment Plan moved the district back to neighborhood-based schools, parents citywide were allowed to choose what schools they wanted their children to attend, near or far.)
Here’s why some are concerned about WS Elementary:
Thanks to Creighton for sharing an interesting link: For tomorrow’s edition (dated 1/10 but it’s online today), the New York Times took Netflix data and turned it into a mouseover map showing who’s renting what in a dozen cities, including Seattle. Click on Seattle at the right side of the page (direct link’s not possible since it’s all Flash) and mouse over to see each zip code’s top 10 list, including West Seattle zip codes. Here’s the start page.
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It’s Charles Smith’s 35th birthday; he’s an artist, his friends are artists and he wants to do something big. So , he and 350 of his closest friends will be gathering at Elysian Fields in Pioneer Square tonight to celebrate his birthday while viewing the work of eleven different artists — four of whom, including Charles, are from West Seattle – and listening to music (also including WS performers)
Charles has studied art and design internationally and currently works for Starbucks’ Technical Design Division. The bags you buy your coffee beans in are his designs—including the latest red Christmas Blend bags. The art he does in his personal life however, is very different.
INAUGURAL OPEN HOUSE: New Mayor Mike McGinn is throwing open the doors of City Hall downtown today and inviting Seattleites to come down, have a look around, learn about city services, and listen to his inaugural speech. And it’s not just “come wander around tables in the lobby”; the official list of activities (see it here) includes tours of the mayor and councilmembers’ offices, as well as guided tours of the public art at City Hall, and musical performances on several levels. 1-5 pm, with the mayor’s speech on the grand staircase at 3 pm. Never been to City Hall? Here’s a map.
2 WEST SEATTLE FOOD NOTES: Street-food stars Marination Mobile are skipping the High Point stop today, because of the Mobile Chowdown in Interbay. And as already mentioned here multiple times, it’s the official public grand-opening day for Table 35 (California/Edmunds) in The Junction, starting at 10 am.
“AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS,” PLUS A COUPON: 2nd day of the 3-day run for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “Amahl and the Night Visitors” – 3 and 7:30 pm. Get 20 percent off your ticket with the coupon on the WSB Coupons page.
LIVE MUSIC, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, MORE: See the West Seattle Weekend Lineup for the rest of what’s up today, tonight, tomorrow.
(Trumpeter David George and jazz pianist Tony Mamón perform at tonight’s soft open of Table 35)
Story, video and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The frenzied last week of preparation has ended, and it’s the friends and family of Table 35, the Junction restaurant that officially opens tomorrow morning, who are reaping the benefits tonight.
They attended the “soft open,” a private party that brought out extended family plus friends who used to frequent the Faour brothers’ previous restaurant, Salute of Bellevue. Patrons are enjoying live music from trumpeter David George and jazz pianist Tony Mamón as well as drinks and food from Table 35’s menu.
On the left, the Helmstetlers, as in the Helmstetler Family Christmas Lights Extravaganza by the Charlestown water tower; at right, Jim Winder, the designer/programmer (see the lights/synched music videos here). We dropped in to talk with them for a moment (sorry about the pink/orange tone) while they presented tonight’s encore mentioned earlier for a family whose Christmas timing was off because of a loved one heading to Afghanistan. (Pouring rain kept that family viewing in their car, so we didn’t get to talk with them. We may get to see a video later with the special music Jim programmed for the occasion.) As you can hear in the brief interview, they’re already talking about next year! (Jim’s trying to expand his computer capabilities to handle more info next year.) But first – when the weather dries out, the lights finally come down.
An announcement to share tonight from Fauntleroy Children’s Center at the old schoolhouse:
There will be a parent meeting on Early Literacy at the Fauntleroy Children’s Center on Wednesday, January 13th from 6-7 pm. This meeting is open to the public and free of charge.
Librarian and Early Childhood Specialist, Robin Rousu will be the guest speaker. The Fauntleroy Children’s Center is located in the north wing of the (former) Fauntleroy Elementary School building at 9131 California Avenue SW. The meeting will be held in the Satellite classroom (#12). Child care is available with advance registration. Call 932-9590 or e-mail fauntleroychildrenscenter@yahoo.com
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