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Followup: Why the DPD supports California SW zoning change
June 28, 2010 8:43 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   California Ave upzoning | Development | West Seattle news

upzonescreengrab.jpgThis morning, the official city report is out on a major development reported here Friday in a story that’s been ongoing for almost three years – a request to change the zoning for both sides of one full block (and a bit extra) of California SW. Most of it currently has a 30-foot height limit; the proposed new zoning would add 10 feet. As property owner/rezoning proponent Mike Gain told WSB on Friday, the Department of Planning and Development, which has had the rezoning proposal under review since summer 2007, is recommending approval. This page explains how to comment before the public hearing, which is planned before the city Hearing Examiner at 9 am August 18th (her chambers are on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown) – after that, it goes to the City Council. The full Director’s Report on the recommendation can be seen here (PDF); we’re reading it now and will add its toplines to this story.

ADDED 10:35 AM: As promised – click ahead for toplines from the report, including what it forecasts would be the eventual effects of the rezone:Read More

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West Seattle Hi-Yu adds another award to this year’s haul
June 28, 2010 2:38 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu adds another award to this year’s haul
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Yet another award for the West Seattle Hi-Yu “Dreams Do Come True” float – the President’s Award in the Port Orchard Fathoms O’ Fun Parade on Saturday, according to Hi-Yu vice president Deena Mahn. (We should have some photos to add soon.) Next up for the float, next Sunday’s Burien 4th of July Parade (time/route info here). And before then, the West Seattle Hi-Yu Order of the White Rose Reception – a women-only event honoring Hi-Yu royalty and hopefuls, past and present – is 7 pm this Tuesday at the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall. 8:14 AM: Photos added. In the one below, from left, Senior Court Princess Kelly Nealson, Junior Court Princess Kaitlin Morgan, 2009 Junior Court Princess Anna Fuller, 2009 Junior Court Queen Zoe Mahn, and Queen Georgia are posing with the President’s Award plaque.

You’ll get to see the award-winning Hi-Yu float (and royalty, and volunteers) in the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade on Saturday, July 24, starting at 11 am from California/Lander in the Admiral District and proceeding down California SW to SW Edmunds in The Junction.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Grungy car? Thieves don’t care
June 28, 2010 1:52 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In the latest West Seattle Crime Watch roundup – an e-mailed warning from a WSB’er that car prowlers will break into “even the most dirty old beat-up car” – plus, from the police files, the baseboard burglary, the overgrowth pathway, and the bike burglar caught on tape, among other cases – all ahead:Read More

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West Seattle 4th of July 2010 preview: One week away
June 27, 2010 9:44 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo by Gilbert, taken at Hamilton Viewpoint on July 4, 2009)
The annual WSB 4th of July events/info page will be up tomorrow morning for easy reference throughout the coming week. But while it’s still in progress, a few notes if you’re looking ahead to the holiday: The Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade is happening once again, with every kid in West Seattle invited to join in (families too) – followed by fun activities at Hamilton Viewpoint – details in our previous preview. Fireworks-wise, it’s the second consecutive year with no Elliott Bay display, but much of the Lake Union Family 4th show can be seen from northernmost West Seattle, particularly spots like Hamilton Viewpoint – this is the one saved by donations around the city, mostly from businesses (we chipped in, as did WSB sponsors Ventana Construction and Merrill Gardens). Some in southwesternmost West Seattle (Arbor Heights, the Arroyos) will have a view of the Three Tree Point fireworks, which are also donation-supported (more info here). And in case this is your first 4th of July here, a reminder about fireworks laws: They are illegal in Seattle, but not in unincorporated King County, where legal fireworks stands are allowed to open starting at noon tomorrow (the northernmost one we spotted setting up tonight is in the bowling alley parking lot across from Roxbury Safeway). However, even though sales start tomorrow, fireworks use in the unincorporated area (which is smaller since the North Highline South/North Burien annexation took effect this spring) is only legal 9 am-midnight on the 4th. (Leaving the area for the holiday? Here’s the full list of fireworks displays around the state.)

If you have a 4th of July event in West Seattle or White Center that’s open to the public, please let us know ASAP so we can include it in our calendar and on the forthcoming holiday page!

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West Seattle Helpline/Clothesline: How to help this summer
June 27, 2010 6:30 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Helpline/Clothesline: How to help this summer
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Though summer vacation has barely begun, the nonprofits that heIp make sure kids get what they need for the new school year are already working hard to gather donations and support. One of them, West Seattle Helpline, wants to get out the word that it’s starting to collect kids’ and teens’ clothes for its Clothesline clothing bank, looking ahead to the August backpack/school supplies drive; Tatum from Helpline explains, “We try to allow folks coming in to do back to school shopping on the days we give out backpacks.” She also suggests that if you are having a yard/garage sale, you consider donating any “gently used” clothing that’s left over – and if you’re shopping this summer for kids’ socks/underwear, “grab an extra pack for the Clothesline” – items they always need more of, year-round. Here’s more info on what they do and how to help.

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School news: Explorer West to take space Westside’s leaving
June 27, 2010 3:55 pm
|    Comments Off on School news: Explorer West to take space Westside’s leaving
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo from last April)
With Westside School leasing the vacant EC Hughes building in Sunrise Heights from Seattle Public Schools (here’s our March report), that empties out space in the building Westside has shared with Explorer West Middle School. Now Explorer West has announced that it’s reached an agreement to sub-lease that space from Westside, pending approvals from entities including Highline Public Schools, which owns the building. Read more here.

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Updates: First-ever Highland Park Sunday Market
June 27, 2010 10:02 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

FIRST UPDATE, 10:02 AM: The sun is starting to triumph over the clouds at 12th/Holden (map), where the first-ever Highland Park Sunday Market is under way. Good turnout for something that’s brand-new and bound to grow – and some names you’ll likely recognize: Freshy’s Coffee is selling homemade soup, local belly-dancing Troupe Hipnotica is selling unique apparel (and no, it’s not dancing gear, though we’re sure you could dance in it; Kelly from Alki Cab Company is here selling jewelry and wind chimes.

Tiffany Silver-Brace (above), who hatched the market idea, is selling fresh bread (top photo), eggs from her chickens, sourdough starter, and herbs. Photos shortly. If you’ve never been to Highland Park, come out and have a look – this is all unfolding in the lot outside the historic Highland Park Improvement Club (just a couple blocks east of Zippy’s Giant Burgers, if that happens to be your Highland Park . We’re tabling too to cover the kickoff event “live” – come show your support for local vendors and to see the concept grow; the market continues till 1 pm. Dogs and kids welcome – this is pretty laid-back. More photos to come.

10:53 AM: Since the sun isn’t quite all the way through the clouds yet, the four flavors of soup brought by Amber from Freshy’s sound like a particularly good idea. Here’s the menu:

We just took a closer look at some of the arts and crafts – eklectopia is selling custom mugs and glasses, too:

And the table across from ours, with art plus the Troupe Hipnotica apparel (a flyer advertising their tribal-belly-dance instruction too):

11:34 AM: Steady stream of browsers/shoppers, people chatting … Fun to see folks we know and those we hadn’t met yet – like Colleen, who manages the rentals for HPIC (it’s available for events and parties beyond those the club itself and Highland Park Action Committee already own there) and admitted she doesn’t own a computer – but thinks about it from time to time! P.S. We mentioned Kelly from Alki Cab Company earlier – we have her photo, too:

If you haven’t heard of Alki Cab before – that’s cab as in pedicab – as seen on her stickers (a fast-rising classic to add to iconic West Seattle stickers like Easy Street Records, Luna Park Café and the Alki seagull):

You’ve still got more than an hour to get here and check it out; if you miss it, take note, the market will NOT be held next Sunday (the 4th of July) but edition #2 is planned for Sunday, July 11th.

12:45 PM: Very busy this past hour or so – including visitors from other neighborhoods – Justin from White Center-headquartered Full Tilt Ice Cream just came by. We’ve heard from some of the vendors that they’ve done well – again, considering it was the start. Here’s a photo we took within the past hour as noontime browsers shopped and mingled:

We’ll be talking with organizer Tiffany shortly for her thoughts on how it went. Keep an eye on the Highland Park Sunday Market’s Facebook page for updates on future installments.

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1 week till 4th of July, and ‘This Place Matters’ @ Alki Homestead
June 27, 2010 9:47 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Homestead | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

To preview next Sunday’s 4th of July “This Place Matters” group photo on the street/sidewalk in front of the Alki Homestead – the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s plan to show community concern about its future – Paul Dorpat‘s “Seattle Now and Then” in today’s Seattle Times (WSB partner) looks at the Homestead and its history, while previewing the event. Dorpat published even more Homestead history on his own website the yesterday, recalling it as “A Soap Manufacturer’s Log Mansion on Alki Point.” (His site also republishes the Times piece with a few “Web extra” photos.) Here’s our original June 8th story about the photo plan; here’s our June 20th story about where the Homestead stands from its owner’s perspective.

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Happening today: Highland Park Sunday Market debuts, and more
June 27, 2010 8:23 am
|    Comments Off on Happening today: Highland Park Sunday Market debuts, and more
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(Photo by Jillian Lenox)
9 am-1 pm in the parking lot at Highland Park Improvement Club today, the Highland Park Sunday Market debuts, with arts, crafts, and fresh food. To see who’s confirmed to sell there, check out its Facebook page. (We’ll be there tabling too, to cover it “live.”) 1116 SW Holden; here’s a map … For the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm as always in The Junction, here’s the online Ripe ‘n’ Ready list … Something bugging you? Also in The Junction, you can drop by Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (WSB sponsor) at 11 am and learn how to ‘Make Your Own All-Natural Bug Sprays’ … And this afternoon, 2-5 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), it’s “Vinyl Countdown 2: A Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Auction,” to benefit Animals First Foundation – auction items include vintage vinyl, posters, books and music memorabilia.

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City councilmember at Hope Academy graduation in High Point
June 27, 2010 1:32 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We thought we’d covered our last graduation for this school year. Then an invitation arrived – as a media advisory sent on behalf of a school we hadn’t heard of – Hope Academy. The advisory from the local Council on American Islamic Relations invited us, a newspaper, three TV stations, and three radio stations to cover its ceremony and banquet Saturday night in High Point, explaining:

Hope Academy will celebrate the achievements of its students during with its fourth annual banquet, themed “American Muslims: Defining Ourselves.” The event will be held at the West Seattle Elementary School from 4:45 pm to 6 pm. … The event will include award presentations to graduating students as well as other students. Muslim community leaders and activists from the area will join in the celebration.

As far as we could tell, we were the only media that showed up. However – as you can see in our photos – those on hand included Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell. We asked for more information about the school; Abdul Kadir Jama explained that Hope Academy is “a full-time community-based school that serves K-8.” He added, “We aim at educating the American Muslim children by providing them an opportunity to grow in a conducive environment where they can maintain their faith, culture and at the same time become good citizens.” Saturday night’s celebration included awards to two groups of students, in the photos above and below:

The ceremony included singing of the Somalia anthem, in tribute to the land Seattle’s Somali immigrants – including parents of the students honored Saturday night — left amid civil war that has raged on now for almost 20 years:

Councilmember Harrell spoke, with a message for the students’ parents:

Hope Academy’s classes are held at locations including the High Point Neighborhood Center, according to CAIR’s S. Arsalan Bukhari, who sent the graduation announcement. Looking for more information online about Hope Academy, we happened onto some YouTube clips on this channel, including a student discussing world geography.

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Two weeks till West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction!
June 26, 2010 9:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Two weeks till West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction!
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Two weeks from tonight, you’ll be dancing in the streets – if you feel like it – at West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction (co-sponsored by WSB). It’s coming up July 9-10-11, and the website’s being updated with more on what you’ll find and who you’ll see during three days of free entertainment and activities – including the music lineup first previewed here three weeks ago. From 5:45 pm Friday through 3:45 pm Sunday, most of the schedule’s now up, in order of appearance, here. And there’s more than music – from the Rat City Rollergirls to the Art Dive, Big Purple Slide, and Super Terrific Happy Fun Zone, that’s all listed here, with times and places. Then there’s the five-page list of vendors – listed in alphabetical order, starting here. It all kicks off at 10 am Friday, July 9, and runs till 5 pm Sunday, July 11 – and also mark your calendar for the West Seattle Art Walk on Summer Fest Eve, 6-9 pm Thursday, July 8 – there’ll be extra fun that night too.

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Happening now: ‘Field Day’ at South Seattle Community College
June 26, 2010 5:44 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: ‘Field Day’ at South Seattle Community College
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Thanks to Ron Zuber, one of the amateur-radio operators participating in Field Day at South Seattle Community College (who also happens to be a preparedness pro), for sharing photos from Day 1 of the annual event. (This page explains the GOTA in the photo above.) This morning, Ron says, operators were working to make contact with stations in other states including Idaho and California. He explains, “Field Day is a chance for non-hams to participate with experienced hams and make contact all over the world.”

Among many other activities in which they participate, hams also are involved in emergency preparedness in a big way – if and when regular channels of communication go down, they are ready to get involved and facilitate communication in a nimble, portable way. Field Day participants usually welcome visitors, and you can find them in the field on the southeast side of the SSCC campus, just past Olympic Hall (just look for tents and equipment) – Field Day is really more like “Field Day and a Half,” considering they’ll be there till noon tomorrow.

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West Seattle Reservoir/Westcrest Park design concept revealed
June 26, 2010 1:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Rendering of new “design concept” for the park atop now-covered West Seattle Reservoir in Highland Park)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Extra space for offleash dogs, new parking, a “skate dot,” and kinetic-sculpture art likened to characters from Wall-E are all parts of the design concept for the West Seattle Reservoir/Westcrest park expansion, just unveiled this morning during the project’s fourth and final public design meeting at Southwest Community Center.

In general, comments were positive, though concerns remain – read on for the key points of what’s new and what people are concerned about – we also have images from this morning’s presentation, which isn’t on the Parks website yet:Read More

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Happening now: Quilts on display at Bridge Park in West Seattle
June 26, 2010 12:57 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Till 5 pm at Bridge Park Retirement Community (WSB sponsor) in High Point, on SW Morgan across from Neighborhood Center and Commons Park – you can come see the work of the Piecemakers, a West Seattle quilting group that’s been meeting for 20 years (and still includes some of its original members). They’re offering giveaways, including one prize described as “a gorgeous quilted wall hanging.” (added) Here’s a photo – it’s a charity-fundraising raffle:

Bridge Park is at 3204 SW Morgan (here’s a map).

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Photos and video: ‘Hands Across the Sand’ at Alki
June 26, 2010 12:00 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 12 PM “HAPPENING NOW” REPORT: On the beach right now – 157 people holding hands as part of “Hands Across the Sand.” It’s part of a nationwide demonstration against offshore oil drilling and for clean-energy development.

More info here; more photos to come. ADDED 1:52 PM: Here’s one courtesy of Cathy, as the participants gathered at Alki Statue of Liberty:

And another of ours:

ADDED 4:14 PM: Two video clips – one as the line formed, and one in which we talked with organizers:

That’s Stacia Jenkins and Rick Harlan.

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From ‘in case you wondered’ dept.: Big track/field meet @ SWAC
June 26, 2010 10:22 am
|    Comments Off on From ‘in case you wondered’ dept.: Big track/field meet @ SWAC
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Arriving for the West Seattle Reservoir (at Westcrest) Park project meeting at Southwest Community Center – a surprise: The parking’s jammed; side streets are lined with cars too. Big event at the Southwest Athletic Complex: The Pacific Northwest Association Junior Track and Field Championships. The event is happening all weekend – here’s the schedule.

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Update: Ruby Room handbag donations continue at Click!
June 26, 2010 9:50 am
|    Comments Off on Update: Ruby Room handbag donations continue at Click!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Frances Smersh)
Those are some of the handbags donated during last night’s event at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), for the Ruby Room, which provides teenage girls access to formal wear they couldn’t otherwise afford. If you missed the event with Nyla Bittermann – who leads the Seattle Ruby Room effort (and runs Cherry Consignment in The Junction) – no worries, you can bring a “gently used” handbag to Click! all weekend, and qualify for a 20 percent discount on a new one. The Click! website has the latest on some of what’s in stock.

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Alki trash trouble: Can’t we all just pick up after ourselves?
June 26, 2010 9:14 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Alki photographer David Hutchinson has contributed so many breathtaking scenes to WSB – and a few others that evoke something closer to sighs of disgust. This one’s from Thursday, but the issue is unfortunately timeless. He wrote: “It was a beautiful sunrise at Alki Beach (Thursday) morning – until I took a closer look.”

He continues:

This type of scene was repeated at many of the metal fire containers from 59th Ave east along Alki Ave for 3 blocks. There was also a good deal of litter around the picnic tables just east of the Bathhouse. I realize that the photo was taken before the Parks crew made their morning rounds, but I think it’s a shame that visitors to the beach feel free to leave it in this condition.

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Also today: Field Day, fútbol, Little League All-Stars, magic…
June 26, 2010 8:30 am
|    Comments Off on Also today: Field Day, fútbol, Little League All-Stars, magic…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Last night and early today, we previewed some of today’s big events – including the West Seattle Reservoir Park design meeting (10 am @ Southwest Community Center) and Hands Across the Sand (11 am @ Alki), plus the Alaskan Way Viaduct and northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closures – here are more:

SOCCER: If you haven’t already planned where to watch the USA vs. Ghana World Cup soccer match at 11:30 am, here’s our list of West Seattle venues that have been putting the games on their bigscreens; then tonight, a film full of the flavor of soccer mania screens again at 7 pm at Admiral Theater – “Argentina Futbol Club” – the subtitled trailer’s above.

GENESEE HILL SCHOOL CLEANUP 9 AM to 1 PM – A garden and grounds clean-up Genesee Hill School Playground! Come for a bit, or stay the whole time! Members of the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council are organizing a community clean-up event for the the north playground, raised beds, nature area and play structure at the vacant Genesee Hill School. At SW Dakota and 51st Ave SW. Tools and gloves provided.

‘FIELD DAY’ ALL WEEKEND: Ham radio operators’ Field Day at South Seattle Community College – they’re set up in the field on the southeast side of the SSCC campus.

TOOL LIBRARY: While you’re at SSCC, check out the new West Seattle Tool Library on the north side – its regular Saturday hours are 9 am-2 pm.

LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STARS: All-Star play for West Seattle Little League gets under way, and some of the teams are playing at Bar-S on the east side of Alki Point – details here.

SWAP MEET/FLEA MARKET: 9 am to 5 pm at White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW
Their invite: “Come browse, come shop! Burgers & dogs served hot off the grill all afternoon. Bring your sweet tooth, baked goods also available for sale.”

FOR THE BIRDS: Save Our Amazing Raptors, West Seattle (Admiral) Library branch, 11 am (details here)

MAGIC AT YOUNGSTOWN: Another Saturday night magic show at Youngstown Arts Center, 6:30 pm – more info at gggreenmagic.com

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West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA T-ball celebration today
June 26, 2010 1:00 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA T-ball celebration today
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Sports Director Matt Schlede from the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) has two bits of news to report:

One of our West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA t-ball teams was chosen to throw out the first pitch at last Sunday’s Mariners game vs. the Cincinnati Reds (Youth Baseball Day). Attached is a picture of some of them with Jason Vargas; pictured are Orion Bohus, Aina Sulcs, Henry First, Skye Milne, Campbell Howe. Campbell was the one who actually threw the first pitch to Skye.

Matt also reports that the end-of-season barbecue is today at EC Hughes – you’ll see YMCA players out there, with a bounce house, 10 am-6 pm, and the Mariners Moose 11 am-1 pm. P.S. Interested in sports at the Y? From Matt’s sig, the lists of when the Y does what:Read More

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SPD crime-prevention cuts? Latest sign it might really happen
June 25, 2010 9:57 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council‘s been bringing it up at every meeting for months (as noted in reports such as this one) – the federal grant that currently pays for the civilian position of Crime Prevention Coordinator runs out next year, and that could mean the job will be cut. Benjamin Kinlow is the man who holds it in the Southwest Precinct, and he’s been busier than ever lately, responding to Block Watch organizing requests, and speaking at neighborhood-council meetings (he’s on the agenda for the Alki Community Council July 15th; photo at left shows him at the Admiral Neighborhood Association). Tonight SeattleCrime.com reports on another indication that the handful of jobs like Kinlow’s – he’s even been helping another precinct whose coordinator was cut last year – may be axed: A meeting is reported to have been held this week, at which the coordinators were given a warning their jobs might end, as well as, one is quoted as saying, information on programs such as retirement benefits and COBRA. Read the SeattleCrime.com report here; here’s the CentralDistrictNews.com take on it. And here’s the flyer the West Seattle advocates have been distributing.

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Tomorrow: Viaduct closure; reservoir park; Hands Across the Sand…
June 25, 2010 8:47 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Environment | Highland Park | West Seattle news

3 reminders tonight in case you forgot these were happening tomorrow:

ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT CLOSURE (AND HALF THE 1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE): The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon closes the Alaskan Way Viaduct for much of tomorrow – both directions from 4 am to 1 pm, according to WSDOT, and the northbound deck stays closed past that, till 4 pm. Also, the northbound side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge will be closed 5 am-11 am tomorrow and Sunday for maintenance.

WEST SEATTLE RESERVOIR (WESTCREST) PARK MEETING: Tomorrow morning is the fourth public meeting to discuss design of the new parkland atop the newly covered reservoir at Westcrest Park in Highland Park. This time, the all-but-final design will be shown. The meeting’s 10 am-noon at Southwest Community Center. (Notes from past meetings, and other project info, can be seen here.)

HANDS ACROSS THE SAND: As first mentioned last weekend, Alki is one of the beaches around the country where people will gather to show opposition to offshore drilling and support for “clean energy.” Gather at the Bathhouse starting at 11; the demonstration starts at noon. Official info at handsacrossthesand.org.

DELRIDGE ALLEY CLEANUP: They’re winning kudos – and fighting a war against trash, overgrowth and neglect. The alley cleanup crew will be back behind Delridge Library tomorrow, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s our story from their last round of work; you’re welcome to join them.

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After 3 years, a thumbs-up for California SW ‘upzoning’ proposal
June 25, 2010 3:58 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   California Ave upzoning | Development | West Seattle news

upzonescreengrab.jpgAlmost three years after it was originally proposed, the recommended zoning change for California SW between Hanford and Hinds (and a bit beyond, on the west side) is moving ahead. We got first word from one of the property owners who first proposed it in 2007, Mike Gain. It’s not reflected yet on the project’s Department of Planning and Development webpage, but DPD’s Bryan Stevens confirms to WSB that the notice is about to be published:

DPD’s recommendation on the rezone request will be published for public viewing on Monday. There will be a 14-day appeal period which initiates upon publication and a required hearing with the City’s Hearing Examiner to review the department’s recommendation. The date for the hearing has been tentatively scheduled for August 18th at 9 am. After the hearing, the Hearing Examiner will issue findings and make a recommendation to City Council to help inform their decision on the rezone proposal.

According to Gain: “The Director’s Report supports the rezone of the 3200 block of California Ave SW from NC1-30 to NC2-40. This essentially would return it to its previous zoning while allowing for one additional floor and increased flexibility in the size and/or type of ground floor retail.” He adds:

This rezone has undergone a lot of review and received substantial public comment. We are pleased with the decision. Several benefits to this that will occur over time are that it will:

· Help enhance the California Ave “corridor”
· Encourage job creation and business vitality
· Maintain and enhance neighborhood character
· Provide more and a better mix of housing options
· Increase the number of goods and services that allow people to shop locally

As you are aware, in the 1980’s this area was zoned for 40’ and is consistent with surrounding building heights. For some unknown reason and no notice the city down-zoned this area. Since that time there has been little reinvestment – many businesses have come and gone – while some storefronts remain vacant for lengthy periods of time. This rezone will help to change that.

When the proposal was first made, it stirred a fair amount of controversy, which we covered extensively – as archived here (reverse chronological order). Gain and partner Roger Cayce had not put forward a specific project proposal for the area, but at one point along the way, discussed their ideas with WSB. We will be continuing to follow this process, including any proposals they may bring forward in the future. MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: We’re writing a separate story, but in the meantime, here’s the link to the DPD page with the “director’s report,” officially published today as expected.

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