West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon. First – recognize that bicycle? Seattle Police have it and think it might have been stolen, so if you recognize it, Detective Brian Ballew wants to hear from you – 206-233-7836.
Second, another afternoon burglary, close to the location of one reported here last week – details after the jump:Read More
Thanks to Jen for sending that photo and word of a small mudslide along the slope east of the spot where 45th SW, Marine View Drive, and SW Roxbury meet (map), just south of/uphill from the Endolyne area of Fauntleroy. We went to take a quick look; it’s not affecting the road, but as Jen pointed out, “It is blocking the big gutter below, which if we get a bunch of rain could impact those homes down the street.” She reported it to Seattle Public Utilities, since the drainage ditch/gutter is likely their jurisdiction.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Here in the relatively prosperous and soggy Northwest, it’s so easy to take water for granted. Turn the faucet handle, it’s there. Walk outside many days/nights, it’s there. But Chief Sealth International High School senior Molly Freed and social-studies teacher Noah Zeichner are working to make sure our community is aware of the issues surrounding water here and around the world, as part of the World Water Week “ideas festival” next week at Sealth. We reported last summer on their trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival – which required Molly to organize a followup festival back home – and after months of planning and collaboration, the festival week, next Monday-Friday, is almost here.
WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen visited Sealth for photos on Monday afternoon – above, Molly and Noah in their T-shirts, with special water bottles, both of which go on sale on campus tomorrow. This week is full of last-minute logistics, as this board suggests:
Next week’s agenda is here – and a key point is that some of the events are geared for you. First big one is next Monday night, Robert Glennon– author of “Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What to Do About It” – gives the keynote talk at 7 pm in the CSIHS school auditorium, free and open to the public, accompanied by a resource fair (details here). There also are plenty of student activities and learning opportunities (detailed on this flyer), including an all-school assembly, workshops, and a walking event, with a focus on local issues as well as worldwide – contamination in West Seattle’s Longfellow Creek, for example. And for now, the word about World Water Week at Sealth is going truly global – here’s a screenshot from a United Nations webpage:
You can also “like” the festival on Facebook by going here; and there’s a Twitter account too. If you are interested in supporting the cause about which they’re raising awareness, here are ways to donate. You’ll see more previews here and elsewhere in the days ahead – publicity is part of their final preparations, too!
(Monday morning rainbow photographed by Kenna Klosterman from Alki)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Learn about SPD’s Victim Support Team, and current area crime trends, 7 pm at Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster).
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: AKA Food Fest – come renew/start your FCA membership and enjoy bites from local eateries, 6 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California SW.
POETRY WORKSHOP: Starts at 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details here.
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPEN ENROLLMENT: Open enrollment starts for Seattle Public Schools, continuing through April 15. Here’s how it works.
VIADUCT PROJECT BOSS @ ROTARY: Rotary Club of West Seattle lunch with guest speaker Ron Paananen from the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project, noon at Salty’s on Alki
ROCK ‘N ROLL TRIVIA: Rock music trivia every Tuesday night at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm.
That video shared by Joel is from the early moments of Monday morning’s big fire in the 9600 block of 48th SW in Fauntleroy. Here’s our original coverage; as we reported throughout the day, the two-story house burned for hours – and this video may help to explain why. By mid-afternoon, Seattle Fire reported that the cause would never be officially known, as it was just unsafe for investigators to go inside – our photo from late in the day underscores that:
SFD also has written about this incident on the Fire Lines website. Though, again, no cause determination is expected, neighbors who had spoken to the residents told us they noticed flames shooting from a baseboard heater when they first glimpsed the fire. They and their three dogs all made it out safely, we were told, and despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries of any kind were reported.
ADDED 11:23 AM: Another view of the fire, shot nearby – Paul shared his video – this one gives you perspective of where the home is, in relation to others:
For all the time you may have spent in the past few days watching those jaw-dropping videos from the Japan earthquake/tsunami/nuclear zones, spend some time watching/listening to this one. Monday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting was almost entirely devoted to disaster/emergency preparedness, and we put the 43-minute heart of the discussion on video for those who couldn’t be there. The topic actually had been planned before the Japan quake. Information was presented by Debbie Goetz from the city, which presents SNAP preparedness classes (next two in West Seattle are June 7th at 6:30, High Point Library, and November 3rd at 6:30, Southwest Library), and Cindi Barker from the all-volunteer West Seattle Be Prepared. The presentation led to a discussion about the need for North Delridge to have its own Emergency Communication Hub as part of WSBP (as Cindi reiterated, these are places you would go for information in case of catastrophe). North Delridge will keep the conversation going (NDNC meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 pm, Delridge Library); if you are in another neighborhood – check to see where YOUR nearest hub is:
What happened in Japan suggests the Alaskan Way Viaduct should be shut down sooner rather than later, Mayor McGinn said on KUOW today. (Thanks to WSB’er Mike for the tip.) He suggested 2012 – which, as the Seattle Times (WSB partner) points out in its story about his comments, is what Governor Gregoire was saying just a few years ago too. Right now, the state’s plan is for the central portion of The Viaduct to stay up until the proposed tunnel’s expected completion in 2016 – work to facilitate the replacement of the southern mile of The Viaduct is already under way, regardless of what happens with the tunnel controversy. (As noted here last night, you can join the Rotary Club of West Seattle for lunch tomorrow and hear what the man in charge of the Viaduct project, Ron Paananen, has to say about this firsthand; he is quoted by the Times as saying the local risk hasn’t changed since the Japan quake, but they are trying to balance safety concerns with economic interests.
7:39 PM: We’re at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, where the 2011-2012 season lineup is about to be announced. ArtsWest’s Alan Harrison and Christopher Zinovitch are scheduled to lead the announcement, along with We’ll publish updates as the announcements are made – stay tuned!
7:41 PM: The event is beginning with a discussion of ArtsWest’s current production “Distracted” by Lisa Loomer – in the tradition of ArtsWest’s “OnStage” talks, linked to all of their productions. Zinovitch is talking about the family dynamic of the production, which follows a journey through a family’s experience with ADHD, that he says doesn’t come down on any particular side of what’s right and what’s wrong. The cast categorizes the play as a “dramedy.”
8 PM: That’s followed up by a discussion of “Shipwrecked,” the next production on ArtsWest’s current slate. “It’s kind of like presenting ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ as a true story,” observed Harrison. Cast members are onstage and talking about the central character of this story touring as “the greatest liar of all time.” (This production too is directed by Zinovitch, who says “It’s not a piece for children, but it’s a piece to bring your inner child back to life.” That is not to say it’s not suitable for children – in fact, Harrison pointed out moments later, it’s for all ages, and there will be a student matinee on May 11 for which there’s still space – contact the theater to talk about tickets.)
(Brandon Felker with a monologue from “Amy’s View,” followed by discussion with Alan Harrison and Christopher Zinovitch)
8:33 PM: And the announcing is under way – minus a PowerPoint that was planned, and nobody seems to mind. First play: “Amy’s View“ by David Hare, September 7-October 1. “It’s a mother-daughter story,” explains Zinovitch, with the mother, an actor, as a “Peter Pan” figure, and the daughter having to bring her mother back to reality as their relationship evolves over 20 years, 1979-1999. He also discussed (we have this on video and will add later) the undercurrent of the play, about supporting the arts. Harrison talked about how this dovetails with ArtsWest’s mission – to foster conversation, among other things. Moments later, he revealed that this is “the highest-selling season we’ve ever had” at ArtsWest. “People are coming to ArtsWest and filling this joint on a regular basis!” That was greeted with applause from the sizable crowd that’s here.
(The rest of our as-it-happened coverage is after the jump …)Read More
No, Dr. Bryan Brenner, DDS (WSB sponsor), says, the American Dental Association is NOT trying to make parents feel guilty by warning them to be sure to get their little ones to the dentist for the first time “within six months of the appearance of a child’s first tooth and no later than his or her first birthday.” That’s just to make sure you know how important it is for your child to have a healthy mouth! Toward that end, Dr. Brenner is offering FREE well-baby checks for children 5 and younger on Friday, April 1st, from 8 am – 12 pm. Parents must call and schedule an appointment at 206-762-2573. (Find out more about why baby teeth matter and what is included in a well-baby check by reading what Dr. Brenner wrote here.)
(1st two photos courtesy Machel Spence)
One last round of scenes from weekend fundraisers – two on behalf of local schools. Above, Becca Cressell from the self-contained autism program at Pathfinder K-8 received the annual “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” award (she’s shown with principal David Dockendorf) during the school’s “Pathfunder” auction event Saturday night at South Seattle Community College. The school website says the award is given each year to “a teacher, staff member or adult volunteer in the Pathfinder K-8 community who does an outstanding job of helping our children learn and develop … through dedication, innovative thinking, creativity and honoring the differences, strengths and uniqueness of each child.” (The award was created in honor of a former Pathfinder student who was helped there to work through the challenges of Asperger Syndrome.) Auction items included adventures and art:
(In the right background is a creation donated by Machel, who is a Pathfinder parent; you can take a closer look here.) We’re checking on fundraiser results. (UPDATE: Auction chair Sharon tells WSB, “We had a sold-out event, raising over $50,000. Over 100 people volunteered in one form or another. We more than met our goal of raising money for our Fund-A-Need – buying more books for our classroom libraries. It was a great night!”)
Friday night, Gatewood Elementary gathered for “Bids for Kids” at The Hall at Fauntleroy – with a superheroes theme:
(Photo courtesy Gail Ann Photography)
From left in the photo, it’s PTA vice president Nicole “Gator Girl” Sipila, principal Rhonda Claytor, and PTA president Mary Howland. Photographer Gail Ann quotes the principal as saying, “Our fundamental beliefs at Gatewood are that class size should be as small as possible, that children should have a variety of learning experience…this event is a crucial part of providing the funding to make these ideas continue to be an effective learning tool and a reality at Gatewood.” (You can see Gail Ann’s gallery from the gala by going here.) Auction chair Anita Schumacher tells WSB that the auction “grossed just over $60,000. The night was a blast with a lot of costumes to liven up the night.” Still ways to contribute – she’ll be cataloguing the few remaining auction items still up for grabs – keep an eye on the auction website for that. (And if you have a school event coming up, please make sure we know about it! Thanks!)
Just got word that the “Street Scramble” season is opening again this year with the Alki Street Scramble – this Saturday (March 19). It’s a race to see how many of 30 designated locations on a map you can visit on bike or on foot during a certain time period. Registration starts at 8:30 am Saturday (62nd and Alki), maps are handed out at 9:30 am, you have half an hour to plot and then – you’re off! More information here; photos from last year are on Facebook.
2 quick food notes:
PI(E) DAY: It’s the unofficial National Pie Day, what with it being 3.14 and all that. The photo above is courtesy WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz, who says 3.14 Bakery in White Center has $1 “pie pops” today, cherry, marionberry and peach. West Seattle’s Shoofly Pie Company reported via Twitter that it’s offering slices of fruit and shoofly pie for $3.14 all day.
LUMPIA WORLD: The newest food truck to regularly visit West Seattle has a change starting today: Instead of lunch, Lumpia World is serving dinner on Mondays starting tonight, 5-8 pm in the California SW Rite-Aid parking lot. (They plan to continue with lunch on Saturdays.)
Over the weekend, we reported on the neighborhood discussion sparked by reports that West Seattle’s third medical-marijuana dispensary might be on its way to a space in the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW. Though police tell WSB that the property owner now says the dispensary probably is not happening after all, the issue remains, since dispensaries are operating in a gray area of the law. We noted in our weekend report that state legislation to change that, SB 5073, has a public hearing in Olympia today; now we’ve received a letter from Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes‘ office, also signed by Mayor McGinn and the entire City Council, voicing support for the bill, because they believe a “coherent, consistent, and rational regulatory system’ for dispensaries is needed. Here’s the letter in its entirety, including amendments they are proposing, including restoring language that would allow for-profit dispensaries as well as nonprofit.
(Video/photos by Patrick Sand for WSB; clip substituted at 9:26 am for earlier photos)
8:10 AM: On our way to a fire in single-family residence call in the 9600 block of 48th SW (map).
8:19 AM: There are flames, according to the scanner, and part of the building is in danger of collapse, so firefighters are being kept away from that side. Our crew is just arriving – there’s a significant amount of smoke, even from a distance. Flames are still visible. We’re being told by neighbors that the house is almost a century old.
8:28 AM: Just added photos. Our crew is just feet from the house but the smoke is so thick, you can’t see the flames – it’s still burning – via cameraphone. No report of any injuries but too soon to tell for sure.
8:41 AM: Firefighters still actively fighting – some flames visible on 1st floor (it’s a 2-story house). Looks like a Seattle Fire Department public-information officer has arrived on scene, which means we should have more specifics soon from the fire crews. Meantime, scanner traffic (8:45 am) indicates that an “occupant” from the house is “at a neighbor’s house.”
(OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE CONTINUES POST-JUMP)Read More
(Photo by Danny McMillin, from the West Seattle Blog group pool on Flickr)
As we do most mornings, we’re taking a look at some highlights of the day/night ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar. First, two neighborhood meetings, including one with a timely agenda:
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). As announced by chair Karrie Kohlhaas, this one’s focused on emergency preparedness:
Imagine not being prepared when an earthquake, tsunami, mudslides, terrorist attack, or other disaster situation strikes, cutting you off from the rest of Seattle, from provisions, from electricity and other city services like waste management, police, fire dept…
We want Delridge to be prepared and in good shape if disaster comes our way, so we found the best people to come talk with us:
Debbie Goetz, City of Seattle Emergency Preparedness Training Specialist
Cindi Barker, West Seattle Hubs Coordinator and WS neighbor
Ben Canfield, neighbor volunteer creating a Delridge Disaster Preparedness Plan* Learn how you will know what’s going on if you can’t use your phone or computer
* Find out what supplies you should have on hand at all times
* Meet an amazing neighbor who organized a communication plan for West Seattle
* Ask questions of city and local organizers so you can empower your family
* Find out how you can get more involved in shaping a plan for Delridge
* Leave with information that could save your life or a neighbor’s life …Looking forward to meeting many of you for the first time. Meetings are upbeat and I try to keep them moving. We must be done by 7:45 because the library closes, so no worries that this is going to take your whole night! Hope to see you there!
PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Northeast of NDNC, the PPNC meets tonight at 7 at Pathfinder K-8 (Cooper campus) School.
ARTSWEST ANNOUNCEMENT: What will West Seattle’s fulltime arts purveyor produce/present next season? The suspense ends tonight in a fun announcement event at the ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) theater in The Junction, 7:30 pm, free, everyone invited (and it’ll include a sneak peek at the current production “Distracted“).
SING IT!: Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 9 pm
RAISE A GUIDE PUPPY: West Seattle See Dogs meets 6:30 pm, Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) lobby at 2326 California Ave SW. Do you have love and time to share with a puppy? Call Ruth Oldham at 206-953-0268 for information on how you can raise a Guide Dog Puppy or just show up at our meeting! More info at www.guidedogs.com.
FREE WORKSHOP: “Building a Better Home” free workshop at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) for those interested in custom homebuilding or remodeling, 6 pm, more info on Facebook invite page (but call to RSVP).
BINGO! Every Monday night, it’s Bingo at Alki UCC church – doors open at 5:30 pm, games start at 6:30 pm (read more here)
This month, West Seattle’s West Side Presbyterian Church is celebrating its centennial – 100 years in the community, though not at the same location for that entire time. From Mark O’Connell at WSPC:
On March 27, 2011, West Side Presbyterian will hold a “Generations of Faithfulness” Centennial Celebration at 9:30 am at 3601 California Avenue SW followed by a light lunch and fellowship. The Rev. Dr. Paul Smith (right), who has served at West Side since 1981, will preside over the service, which will include speakers and members of former staff families, musical selections from children and adult choirs and special ensembles, and video greetings from West Siders around the world. Members of the community, along with former church members and friends, are invited to join us in celebrating our 100th anniversary.
West Side Presbyterian Church was established in March 1911 near the Admiral Junction in West Seattle on 44th SW and Lander. It originated as a mission of Seattle’s First Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Dr. Mark Matthews, a dynamic and colorful community leader in Seattle’s early days. The church grew from 47 charter members to 583 members today. In 1948, the church dedicated its current building on the corner of California Avenue SW and Spokane Street. It has undergone remodels and expansions in the 1950s and 2000s. West Side is a stalwart member of the West Seattle community with many outreach activities and ministries.
After the 1949 earthquake when Lafayette School was damaged beyond usability for students, West Side was one of the locations where classes were held through the end of the year. West Side has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 282 for 63 years. In the 1950s, more than 1000 children attended West Side’s two-week Vacation Bible School, and notable guests have included sports editor Royal Brougham and Seahawks quarterback Sam Adkins. Ministries to lonely and shut-in members of the community have touched many people for more than 50 years, and West Side has served vital roles and support to the homeless and less fortunate in our neighborhoods, including Union Gospel Mission, City Team, and Family Promise. Our doors have been open to community members for meeting spaces, blood drives, special musical presentations and performances, and an annual garage sale that fills the church and raises significant funds for youth projects.
Through the years, West Side has sent out over 75 missionaries to countries around the world, even as we have taken in displaced families and refugees from wars and violent regimes ranging from the World War II refugees from Hungary and Austria, to those fleeing Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge. West Side’s membership is a special and unique melding of people who have lived and contributed to life in West Seattle for 50+ years, including teachers, business owners, service people, musicians and artists, and medical personnel, as well as newcomers to the community.
Further Information:
www.wspc.org
West Side Presbyterian Church on Facebook
Church office: 206.935.4477
E-mail: office@wspc.org or wspc.centennial@gmail.com
(Photo credits: Rev. Dr. Smith, courtesy of Carreen Smith; building, courtesy of Tom Hibben)
A weekend full of generosity in West Seattle – a wave of major fundraisers for schools and nonprofits, capped by the Nature Consortium’s annual brunch, which filled The Hall at Fauntleroy at noontime Sunday. The West Seattle-based organization’s work is threefold, as shown on this display board:
There’s the Youth Art Program, the Arts In Nature Festival every summer at Camp Long, and in the West Duwamish Greenbelt – the huge forest along West Seattle’s eastern edge – the work to restore it, to plant new evergreens and other natives where native conifers towered long ago. Nature Consortium executive director Nancy Whitlock talks about that work in the speech excerpt that starts our video-highlights clip (in which you’ll also see volunteers honored with “Golden Shovel Awards” and youth performers presenting music and dance):
And of course, there was the food: Brunch cuisine was provided by The Hall at Fauntleroy’s own resident catering company, Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering (WSB sponsor),
(WSB is proud to have been among the sponsors again this year.) If you weren’t at the brunch, you can still donate to help the Nature Consortium’s work – here’s how. (You can also join in their frequent work parties – like the volunteers honored with those golden shovels – check the calendar here – and note that the dates are set for this year’s Arts In Nature Festival, August 20-21.)
Police are still trying to sort out the incident that left a woman injured earlier tonight outside the Super 24 at Delridge/Findlay and blocked the southbound lanes for a while. The victim, in her late 20s, has been taken to Harborview Medical Center. Here’s what Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams says investigators know so far: A witness says the woman was involved in some kind of a disturbance at the store with a male she apparently didn’t know. He drove off and she chased after him, police were told, grabbing onto his vehicle and holding on for a short distance before losing that grip, falling, and apparently hitting her head on the ground, which left her unconscious for a while; police also believe she was intoxicated. Lt. Williams says the driver didn’t stop, but the witness wasn’t certain the driver even knew the woman had run after him and been holding onto the car. Police are still investigating.
Two Alaskan Way Viaduct notes tonight: First, the man who oversees the entire project – including the controversial tunnel plan – will be the next guest speaker for the Rotary Club of West Seattle; Ron Paananen is scheduled to speak at noon Tuesday at Salty’s on Alki. (Guests are welcome at the lunch meetings; call the club at 206-718-9401 for info, or e-mail with the form on this page.) Second, next weekend is the semiannual maintenance shutdown for The Viaduct – 6 am-6 pm each day, Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20.
If you live in Fauntleroy, Tuesday’s the big night to support your local neighborhood council, the Fauntleroy Community Association. During the monthly FCA board meeting this past week, final preparations were made for the annual membership meeting/membership drive event coming up at 6 pm Tuesday night at The Hall at Fauntleroy, described by FCA as “… sample food from six local eateries, learn about local issues and programs, chat with neighbors, and pay to start or renew FCA membership. Election of FCA officers and directors will happen toward the end of the evening.”
Also at their meeting, the FCA board also heard a presentation about The Whale Trail:
From left in our photo, that’s FCA president Bruce Butterfield, Evangeline Simmons and Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail, and FCA’s Kathleen Dellplain. Donna, who lives in West Seattle, talked about tracing her whale advocacy back 20 years, with one highlight being the drive to save Springer the orphan orca. She brought examples of signs similar to the ones that are going up soon in West Seattle as part of The Whale Trail – thanks to a City of Seattle grant – where you can watch for marine mammals:
The West Seattle signs will be at Alki Bathhouse, Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint, Me Kwa Mooks, and Point Williams in Lincoln Park (site of Colman Pool). Donna says the signs include bar codes that you can “read” with smartphones, to go directly to The Whale Trail’s website. (The Whale Trail recently sponsored the Duwamish Longhouse presentation about orca research involving special dogs – you can see our coverage here.)
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – but again, the annual membership meeting/drive is NEXT Tuesday [March 15], 6 pm, at The Hall at Fauntleroy inside the old schoolhouse.
(WSCO’s Toni Reineke and Rob Duisberg – photos by Patrick Sand for WSB)
What a season for the West Seattle Community Orchestras. The name alone is a big development – the organization was founded as, and known for a long time as, Westside Symphonette, but to recognize what it’s become, multiple intergenerational groups, it’s now known as West Seattle Community Orchestras. The youth programs are a particular point of pride – so to ensure funding to make sure all kids can play, WSCO organized its first-ever fundraising gala. And that historic event last night at Kenyon Hall was a wall-to-wall success, with more than 100 people filling the hall for buffet dinner, drinks, music and dancing:
Dozens of performers of all ages and talents were part of the program. We recorded video of some of them – here are five minutes of highlights, starting with Kenyon Hall maestro Lou Magor playing the hall’s centerpiece, “The Mighty Wurlitzer” and featuring excerpts from five other performances (we wish we had recorded them all!):
The evening, emceed by Adam DeBruler, also included a wide array of silent-auction items, including many donated by other West Seattle (and environs) arts organizations in support of WSCO. We checked with WSCO founder Toni Reineke to see if they have any totals; she says their preliminary tallying indicates the event definitely came out “in the black,” and she adds, “We thank everyone who attended and those who contributed in so many ways — food, labor, energy, smiles, music—and their lusty singing! A special thanks, of course, to Lou Magor!” As she announced last night, the next WSCO performances are May 3 and 10 – more on those soon; meantime, they practice at Chief Sealth International High School every Tuesday night, and are always open to new musicians – check www.wscorchestras.org for contact and schedule info.
Families grow and change no matter how much you wish sometimes things would just stand still for a bit – but your house, maybe that nice little bungalow you bought when there were just two of you (or just you!), isn’t going to adapt unless you take action. West Seattle NestFest next Saturday aims to help. It’s a free workshop presented by West Seattle Family Zone, with participants including WSB sponsors Ventana Construction and WEdesign. As Anne Higuera from Ventana puts it, “Often, the arrival of a new family member is the impetus for starting a remodeling project. And more often than not, there’s a bit of urgency involved (i.e.– there’s a baby on the way and we want to finish the project before the baby arrives). Whether it’s an addition onto the house, converting a basement, or creating new space in or above a garage, there’s a lot to keep in mind as you plan. We’ll be talking specifically about how to plan for remodels that involve kids and kids’ spaces, and how to make sure those spaces are functional for the long term, as the kids grow up.” NestFest is next Saturday morning, 10 am, at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon); though it’s free, registration is required – here’s how to sign up.
P.S. The next edition of Ventana’s own free remodeling/custom-building workshop is tomorrow night (Monday 3/14), 6 pm – call 206-932-3009 to RSVP for that.
Our coverage of Saturday’s Town Hall in West Seattle, featuring our area’s three state legislators, includes Rep. Eileen Cody‘s observation that she is somewhat surprised our state’s budget crisis isn’t drawing more demonstrations of concern. Are protests passé? Not necessarily – in fact, one small demonstration had happened in West Seattle hours earlier, in support of another hot issue – and the demonstrators (photo above) were middle schoolers. The story, with video including the young protesters’ explanations, after the jump:Read More
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