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West Seattle Community Clinic: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
January 7, 2010 9:32 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome one of the newest WSB sponsors, West Seattle Community Clinic. The all-nurse-practitioner clinic opened three years ago at a different location, but moved last fall to 9001 35th Avenue SW (map). The clinic is open seven days a week, takes patients of all age, and always welcomes walk-ins. Nurse-practitioner Grace Grymes Chapman, ARNP, operates the clinic and says appointments are available almost every day. She says West Seattle Community Clinic is intended to be a place where you can get medical advice from people who listen closely and respond carefully. Grace and her fellow practitioners are active in the community; they have participated in West Seattle Summer Fest and at Healthy Kids Day with the West Seattle YMCA (also a WSB sponsor). She also does pro-bono breast and cervical cancer screenings for women over 40 who do not have health insurance. West Seattle Community Clinic is open 9 am-6 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am-5 pm Fridays, 9 am-1 pm Saturdays and Sundays. They’ll make appointments any time the clinic is open – call 206-937-9722; you’ll find West Seattle Community Clinic online at ggcnp.com.

We thank West Seattle Community Clinic for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

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In West Seattle tonight: Ready to pursue a park? Get city help!
January 7, 2010 7:09 am
|    Comments Off on In West Seattle tonight: Ready to pursue a park? Get city help!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

One major meeting on the calendar tonight: When voters approved the Parks and Green Spaces Levy more than a year ago, that included not only a list of proposed projects to be funded – it also included creation of a $15 million Opportunity Fund, for parks proposals citizens could envision/pursue later. Decisions about almost half the fund money will be made later this year, and applications will be accepted this spring; the first West Seattle meeting to help guide people through the process — starting with the proposal letters due Feb. 2 — is tonight, 6:30 pm, High Point Community Center (map).

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Seattle School Board’s transition talk: Will siblings stay together?
January 7, 2010 6:41 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Meeting last night for the first time in the new year, the Seattle School Board took on some of the remaining details of the transition to the new Student Assignment Plan; here are the highlights. The issue many parents have been watching closely involves “sibling grandfathering” – if a child currently attends a school different from the “neighborhood” one to which they’d be assigned otherwise, they are grandfathered to stay through its highest grade, but what about a younger sibling entering school this fall (or maybe beyond) – will they be able to attend their sibling’s school? A group of concerned parents rallied before the meeting last night; among them, West Seattle’s Fiona Preedy, who has been active on the issue. She sent around a summary last night of what happened from her viewpoint; we asked for permission to share it:

About a dozen West Seattle parents joined me at a rally tonight, at the John Stanford Center, regarding grandfathering younger siblings. There were a few reporters at the rally, notably, KPLU and King 5, with their cameras’ filming the children with signs, and there was a spot on King 5 at 11 p.m. The broadcast of the meeting will be repeated on the Education channel and you can watch online.

After a few speakers about the sibling issue, (superintendent) Dr. (Maria) Goodloe-Johnson did speak to the sibling families and stated that they are concerned and they do want to help. She gave the guarantee that if younger siblings can not get in the older sib’s school, the older sib is guaranteed a spot in the reference area school, which is in the transition plan. This is rationalized by the ability to spread those students over 5 grades, rather than the concentration in kindergarten. They are calling this a safety net.

For siblings of students with special needs, they are definitely grandfathering in. Steve Sundquist asked that the placement of Spectrum at Madison and Arbor Heights, specifically to ease the load on Lafayette, be sped up to the upcoming year. He also made reference to investigating grandfathering Spectrum siblings.

Several directors strongly urged Dr. (Tracy) Libros to speed up the modeling for school capacity, as surveys and enrollments come in, so they can identify schools where there will be no problem or, on the other hand, where there will be problems. They seemed noticeably concerned over the families’ stress. Regardless of their concern, it still seems the chances of getting the plan past one year are nil. However, if this year’s enrollment goes well, they will begin in the fall to make the next year’s plan early and might even be able to do a two year plan.

Dr. Libros did have a power point about the timeline for enrollment. They’ve extended early enrollment until Jan. 15, then open enrollment will be in March. With the “safety net”, you have through Sept. 30 to decide to move your older sibling to your reference area school with your kindergartener, so if nothing happens to get you in, you don’t have to make an early decision to hold your place.

A lot of the power will be directed to the principals and staff at the schools, so be nice to your principal!

Steve Sundquist will have another meeting at Delridge Library on Saturday, January 16, 1 to 2:30, so come with your questions and comments.

Other reports from last night: Here’s the KING5 coverage and the KPLU report that Fiona mentioned; A partial update from the community site saveseattleschools.blogspot.com is here. That site also points to this helpful link if you want to tour a school before assignments are finalized – here’s the list of open houses citywide.

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@ North Delridge Neighborhood Council: Library changes, and more
January 6, 2010 11:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Karen Spiel is leaving the Delridge Library – but it’s not part of the budget cuts related to the schedule changes that kick in next month (as reported here earlier today). At the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting at the library tonight, she revealed she’s being promoted to manage eight branches including Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Fremont and Capitol Hill. Spiel’s been a librarian in West Seattle since the 1990s; her successor will be Steve Delvecchio, who will manage the Columbia branch as well as Delridge. (At another meeting happening concurrently – Southwest District Council – we got the scoop on the rest of the final West Seattle library lineup: Jane Appling says she’s managing Southwest and South Park branches, Sibyl De Haan will be in charge of High Point and West Seattle [Admiral].)

More from the NDNC meeting – including changes it’s facing because of the library changes, and more – ahead:Read More

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Fairmount Playground meeting #2: Two design options revealed
January 6, 2010 11:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story and photo by Jonathan Stumpf
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Two design options for the Fairmount Playfield playground were revealed tonight at the second public meeting about the project.

A small group convened at the High Point Library, where Parks Department employees Pamela Alspaugh and Kelly Davidson unveiled two design plans for the playground. The finalized plans are the result of the December meeting that we covered here, with suggestions made about the feel of the playground and what features were important to residents.

Davidson, the project manager, briefly discussed the two designs, emphasizing the important takeaways from the December meeting, specifically that the playground should have a “natural feel,” “allow for imaginary play” and something “iconic should be included that will bring people to the park.”

Alspaugh revealed the two plans:

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Bridge arrest, plus 3 reports
January 6, 2010 10:35 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We start tonight’s Crime Watch roundup with some information on an incident that several people have e-mailed tonight to ask about – another guns-drawn arrest on The Bridge late this morning. We started checking on it after one note then, but didn’t get enough details to report until we saw Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James and Lt. Steve Paulsen at tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting (separate report to come). Lt. James says it started as a domestic-violence incident in northeast West Seattle – the call went out to watch for a certain vehicle with a suspect who apparently has had encounters with police before; after a brief pursuit the vehicle was stopped on The Bridge, and the numerous police vehicles that had been engaged in “containment” to try to catch the suspect pre-bridge flocked to the scene. The domestic-violence victim, Lt. James says, was not seriously hurt. Now, on to several reports including graffiti – with a request for ideas – a car theft, and a car break-in:Read More

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West Seattle food news: Heavenly Pastry and Cake update
January 6, 2010 7:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s going on 24 hours since our last update on any sort of impending West Seattle eatery, and, well, we can’t have that, so here’s another one. In November, WSB contributing reporter Mary Sheely first told the story of the West Seattle couple that’s bringing Heavenly Pastry and Cake to 2604 California SW, the Admiral storefront between Linda’s Flowers and Gifts and Alki Bike and Board; this week, she noticed posters in the window (top photo) and checked in on their progress. Proprietors Allison Barnes and Michael Stein say they have buttoned up the lease and started painting; they’re also “experimenting in the ‘Test Kitchen’ on some tasty goodies to add to our range.” They hope to be open “fairly early in spring,” as this display in the window hints:

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Yet more swearings-in: Port commissioners take the oath
January 6, 2010 4:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Yet more swearings-in: Port commissioners take the oath
 |   West Seattle news

The ceremony didn’t get quite the attention that similar events at City Hall and the County Courthouse did, but three Seattle Port Commissioners have taken the oath of office this week too. Above, newly elected commissioner Rob Holland, who is making history as the first African-American Seattle Port Commissioner; he was sworn in Tuesday by former Governor John Spellman. Below, new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn administered the oath to John Creighton (below left) and Tom Albro was sworn in by son Nate.

All five commissioners’ bios are here; their meeting schedule – first, second and fourth Tuesdays, alternating locations, is here. (Photos courtesy Port of Seattle)

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New schedule finalized for West Seattle libraries, citywide system
January 6, 2010 2:44 pm
|    Comments Off on New schedule finalized for West Seattle libraries, citywide system
 |   West Seattle news

Seattle Public Library has officially announced the new hours/schedules that take effect February 3rd because of city budget cuts. As part of the changes, two West Seattle libraries will change to five-day-a-week schedules, while the other two will be open seven days a week. As of February 3, Delridge and High Point will be the 5-day-a-week branches, with hours 1-8 pm Mondays-Tuesdays, 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays-Thursdays, 11 am-6 pm Saturdays, closed Fridays and Sundays. Southwest and West Seattle (Admiral) will be the 7-day-a-week branches, with hours 10 am-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-6 pm Fridays-Saturdays, 1-5 pm Sundays. The full citywide list is here.

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Illusions Hair Design opens appointments for “Have a Heart Day”
January 6, 2010 1:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Illusions Hair Design opens appointments for “Have a Heart Day”
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That photo’s from last year’s “Have a Heart Day” fundraiser at longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design – where they’re now making appointments for this year’s “Have a Heart Day.” This year, all proceeds from haircuts that day (men’s and women’s, but according to Illusions, “no chemical services”) will go to West Seattle Food Bank – they choose a different charity every year. They’ll also collect canned-food donations, and people who bring one in will get a chance at a “special retail promotion.” One thing different this year – Have a Heart Day is on a SATURDAY – this is the 17th annual event, and it’s always been the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, but since the Super Bowl is on that day this year, “Have a Heart Day” is on Saturday 2/6 instead, 10 am-3 pm. Prices will be $5 off regular cost; ALL proceeds go to the WS Food Bank – the staff is donating their services for the day. You must have an appointment, and you can call right now to make one – 206-938-3675. Heather at Illusions adds, “We like to limit the amount of credit card usage for this day so cash & checks are preferred.” More info if you scroll down this page on Illusions’ site.

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Delridge Library adds something new: Vietnamese Story Time
January 6, 2010 12:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Shannon Schinagl and the rest of the team at the Delridge Branch Library are excited about a new addition just announced for the library’s free Story Time lineup. For the first time, they’re offering Vietnamese Story Time, four Saturday mornings 11:15-11:45, starting January 15. Here’s the flyer, in Vietnamese and English.

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New city Transportation Director announced
January 6, 2010 11:39 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from the mayor’s office – a city official from Renton is coming to work in Seattle as the successor to Department of Transportation director Grace Crunican, who announced her resignation nine days ago – read on for the announcement:Read More

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Spokane Street Viaduct update: Dates set for more closures
January 6, 2010 8:41 am
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

E-mail asking “what’s that ramp being built alongside the West Seattle Bridge?” reminded us it’s been a while since the last formal update on the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. The first phase involves that ramp you can see while driving the stretch of The Bridge between 99 and I-5; it will bring traffic off the eastbound bridge onto 4th, with one lane turning southbound (toward Costco), the other turning northbound (toward SODO and downtown). When we checked in with SDOT to ask about a construction photo – receiving the ones you see in this story – Marybeth Turner shared the brand-new mailer that should land in 35,000 West Seattle and SODO mailboxes today and tomorrow. In it: Dates are set for some key closures related to the projects – including one that’s happening sooner than first announced:

(date updated at noon) JANUARY 22: That’s when the two-phase shutdown of the rest of lower westbound Spokane Street will begin — first the road will be closed between 6th and 4th Avenues South; then February 1st, the closure will extend to East Marginal Way. SDOT says the closure will continue until the project is complete in 2012; the westbound side is where the new structure, doubling the width of the Spokane Street Viaduct, will be built.

(date updated at noon) JANUARY 22: The second major shutdown is a permanent one – the offramp to 4th Avenue South from the westbound SSV will be closed and demolished.

MAY: The exact date isn’t finalized yet, but this is when the ramp from 1st/Spokane to the westbound bridge will be permanently closed. Once that happens, until the new 1st Avenue South on/offramp is ready in late 2011, you will have to use either I-5 or 99 to get onto The Bridge.

SDOT also says you’ll see lane closures from time to time along the way, and temporary ramp closures such as one coming up January 22-24, 10 pm-6 am each night, from southbound I-5 to The Bridge. It’s not all about shutdowns, though – this summer, eastbound lower Spokane Street will reopen, and this fall is when the new 4th Avenue ramp will be ready to go.

This is all detailed in the flyer that’s just been mailed; if you don’t want to wait for it, you can see the whole thing here. (Our archived coverage of the Spokane Street Viaduct project is here.) NOON UPDATE: The city has sent a formal announcement of all this to media – and has already changed a couple of dates this morning; SDOT now says the 4th offramp and lower Spokane from 6th to 4th will all close on the same date, January 22. Read on to see the latest construction schedule from the news release – and note, these changes were made AFTER the aforementioned mailer went out, so they supersede what you will see if/when you get it:Read More

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Tonight: From playground planning, to coffee ‘n’ cinema
January 6, 2010 5:47 am
|    Comments Off on Tonight: From playground planning, to coffee ‘n’ cinema
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Guy Smith – debris on west Alki after Tuesday’s 13+ foot high tide – another 9:08 am today)
It’s the busiest day/night so far this new year. Among the highlights:

FAIRMOUNT PLAYGROUND PROJECT, MEETING #2: 6:30 tonight, it’s the second of two public meetings to talk about what’s in store for the playground at Fairmount Playfield, earmarked for an overhaul thanks to $170,000 from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy. Safety and accessibility improvements are the main goals of the project, but the overall design is up for public discussion and that’s what tonight is about. Here’s our coverage of the first meeting; the official notes are on the city webpage for the project. Tonight’s meeting is at High Point Library (35th/Raymond).

BE GREEN WHILE YOU CLEAN: Tonight’s the hands-on demonstration event that CoolMom is presenting at Bridge Park – they dub the format “make and take.” 7 pm; RSVP via Evite.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Reps from neighborhood and community groups all around the western half of the peninsula meet at 7 tonight for the first time in two months, with the agenda including a transit discussion featuring SDOT reps, plus council co-chair Chas Redmond’s presentation on the West Seattle Tool Lending Library, a project that Sustainable West Seattle is spearheading. Since the last SWDC meeting, by the way, Redmond and Jim Del Ciello, who represents Admiral on the council, have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively, of the City Neighborhood Council. SWDC meets in the board room at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor).

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Scheduled for 6:30 pm, Delridge Library. Last time around, in December (WSB coverage here), the group started talking about setting up committees focused on specific neighborhood issues.

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD: As noted a few days ago, tonight’s agenda as the board meets at 6 pm at district HQ in SODO (map) includes finalizing details of this fall’s transition to the new Student Assignment Plan, as well as other action items such as approving the sale of more of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse property. (If you can’t be there in person, the meeting will be on cable channel 22.)

“THREE AMIGOS”: The movie series at Freshy’s Coffee (2735 California SW) resumes tonight with comedy cinema – 7 pm. Here’s the event listing on Facebook.

Even more events for today/tonight can be found on the WSB West Seattle Events page, including yoga and Tai Chi classes this morning.

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Who’s the “Business of the Year”? Tell the West Seattle Chamber!
January 5, 2010 10:55 pm
|    Comments Off on Who’s the “Business of the Year”? Tell the West Seattle Chamber!
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Actually, they’re looking for nominations for THREE awards this year – and one is brand new. Here’s the pitch, from Shannon Felix of Avalon Glassworks, on behalf of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

Call for Nominations – West Seattle Business of the Year, Community Hero, and Westsider of the Year

Now is your opportunity to honor those who have made an outstanding commitment to West Seattle. Nominations are now being accepted for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Community Hero, and Westsider of the Year for 2009.

Your Business of the Year nomination should be for a West Seattle Chamber Member which best exemplifies West Seattle’s high standards of excellence. Past recipients include Elliott Bay Brewery & Pub, Tom’s Automotive Service, and Avalon Glassworks.

The Community Hero award is any West Seattle resident who has continually contributed selflessly to West Seattle. Past recipients include Jerry Robinson, Warren Lawless, and Earl Cruzen.

The Westsider of the Year is a new award designed to honor fresh faces who are improving West Seattle. Who is an upcoming community role-model? Tell us!

E-mail your nominations by January 12, 2010 to Patti Mullen, pmullen@wschamber.com.

The 2009 Chamber Award winners will be honored April 7, 2010 at the Annual Awards Breakfast at Salty’s on Alki. For more information, contact the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 206-932-5685, or visit wschamber.com.

The nomination form is on the Chamber website – direct link (PDF) here.

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Followup: Sisters’ Alki Beach business plans take a turn
January 5, 2010 10:42 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

There’s news about two Alki Beach businesses we wrote about in October, Boat Saigon Café at 2632 Alki SW, and Red Nails salon (initially known as Alki Beach Nails) around the corner at 2648 59th SW.

Nhung Tran, who owns both businesses along with her sister Thu Tran, tells us that Boat Saigon Café should open mid-January. Meanwhile, the Trans may be selling Red Nails, which has been open since November.

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 1 arrest; 2 reports; victim’s warning
January 5, 2010 8:30 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | Westwood

First, the arrest. Seattle Police announced tonight that 26-year-old Shane Carlson is back in custody; he’s the suspect wanted in connection with more than 30 medical- and dental-office break-ins around the city, including West Seattle. Police released his photo in November; tonight, this SPDBlotter update says he’s been arrested in Eugene, Oregon. Meantime, two Crime Watch reports came in today – first, from Elizabeth in Westwood:

Last night, the Village Square condos across from Westwood Village were hit again by a car prowler. We were notified by the association president around 11:00pm, and it had just happened – he was inside for maybe half an hour before he left again and noticed the glass. The driver side window was smashed and the back seat was pulled out to get to the trunk. After we were hit the last time (see here: westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=21064), we stopped keeping anything in the car, so there was nothing to take. A neighbor actually saw the guy, and said he was mid-height, Caucasian, kind of chubby, and had dirty blond hair pulled into a ponytail and was driving a green sedan. The cops said a guy matching this description has hit a number of cars in the area, so be on the lookout.

And from Ian in North Delridge:

Just had a car cover stolen off my car this morning just before 7 am (they were caught on camera). This is at Youngstown on the North end of Delridge. Kind of troubling that somebody would try to steal something would take a little bit of time to grab from a place with 40 people living right above and people right about to get to work. If anyone saw somebody carrying a bulky white fabric object to a car on Delridge right before 7, please contact me or the police. It’s not a high-ticket item, but the car needs protection against the spread of rust, so I’ve got to buy another now when that money would have gone towards the car.

Last but not least, the following was posted as a comment on a Crime Watch story that’s a week old, so you probably haven’t seen the comment. It’s a response of sorts to another comment in the thread, which was itself a burglary report not necessarily related to the original story – that happens sometimes with Crime Watch stories. So for context, here’s the New Year’s Day comment by “jmo“ noting a burglary; and today, from “mom of jmo“:

My daughter posted our burglary while we were away before we returned. 2 Laptops were stolen and my jewelry box. I am thankful that the thieves did not destroy the house. I want to make a proposition to the thieves! You by now have figured out that the jewelry you stole from me has no real value….just to me for the memories some of the pieces hold. There is a large porpoise bracelet…a little unusual, huh?? If you would return the jewelry box and contents to me I will pay you $1000., no questions asked. I would just like to have my things returned. So you figure out how to do it!! Hopefully you read this blog or have a friend who does!! Oh, and by the way..you stole my husband’s electric toothbrush. Don’t use it!!! I would regret anyone catching his disease!! And also, we have 2 large, very mean dogs when someone enters the yard. Lucky for you they were boarded. We are not going to board them again but rather leave them outside when we are gone (don’t worry readers they have warm cover and beds). Thieves, please don’t make the mistake of returning!!

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City Attorney’s Office changes: Southwest Precinct liaison moves
January 5, 2010 5:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Credit for the tip on this story goes to this comment (from “amused“) on yesterday’s report about changes at City Hall:

A spokesperson for new City Attorney Pete Holmes confirms that the office’s Southwest Precinct liaison, Beth Gappert, is moving. According to Kathy Mulady, Gappert is moving to the office’s Vice section (the assistant city attorney in that section is moving to supervise the Domestic Violence division). She says John McGoodwin, liaison for the South Precinct, will also handle the Southwest Precinct, though how that will be divided, “he is still figuring out.” (We are working on a follow-up interview.) Mulady says the East and West Precincts also will be covered by one assistant city attorney, Jim Kenny, and adds, “There is some moving around of positions, but Pete Holmes is well aware of the value of the precinct liaison program and respects the work the attorneys do in the community.” This is a big change for the Southwest Precinct, where Gappert worked closely with police on many cases, and also was a familiar face at monthly meetings of groups including the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council and South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition. She arrived at the SW Precinct in April 2007.

(Side note – if the name Kathy Mulady sounds familiar, she is a West Seattleite who worked for the P-I till it went online-only, and also did some reporting for WSB last year before going to work for Holmes.)

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2 West Seattle properties in Estately’s “Top 25” 2009 list
January 5, 2010 4:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Last June, we published that photo with Ron Richardson‘s followup story on the $3.8 million sale of the historic Laurentide estate in Fauntleroy. Today, the folks at Estately flagged us to their list of the 25 biggest Seattle real-estate sales of 2009, and the Laurentide transaction is one of two West Seattle deals on the list. The other is 1114 Sunset, a $2.8 million sale on Estately’s list; we mentioned that property as a $3 million foreclosure last July. See where they ranked, and what else is on the Seattle Top 25, by going here.

(Side note: If you are interested in real estate, two local experts just rejoined the WSB sponsor team this week – Alice Kuder, who’s sponsoring the Crime Watch page, and Roger Steiner.)

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West Seattle crimefighting: No Block Watch yet? Organize one!
January 5, 2010 3:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

Shared by Ron Angeles, Delridge Neighborhoods District coordinator for the city:

Get connected to your neighbors and businesses in Cottage Grove and Youngstown and create a safer and healthier neighborhood. A community meeting will be held at the Delridge Library to learn how to organize an effective block watch group near your home. Benjamin Kinlow, Crime Prevention Coordinator, Southwest Police Precinct will provide tips on how to work effectively with the Seattle Police Department. Please share this information far and wide. Hope to see folks next Monday, January 11th, 6:30pm at the Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge Way SW).

(And you can follow that up with the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council’s next meeting at 7 pm January 19th, SW Precinct.)

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West Seattle construction: Water Taxi dock, Denny-Sealth updates
January 5, 2010 2:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Denny-Sealth | King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Though we just updated the King County Water Taxi dock work at Seacrest Pier early this morning, it’s worth another note: The county announcement last week had said the fishing pier was expected to stay open, it was CLOSED when we were over at Seacrest a little while ago. The crane/barge work is so close that it’s easy to see why. So in case you were thinking of going fishing (or view-enjoying), take note, it may not be accessible if you go while this is happening. We’re checking with the county to see if there is any more predictable information to share on that. Fascinating work to watch, though, and thanks again to kmo39 for high-level views like the ones shared earlier today.
(added 3:33 pm) Update from Susan Whitmore at KCDOT:

I just got back from Seacrest Dock and want to update you on the status of the fixed fishing pier. It isn’t officially closed, but when the crane is working over the pier (off and on for the next few days) the construction supervisor is suggesting that folks don’t go out on the pier. They are making good progress and have already started hammering in the piles and have three in place already. The supervisor mentioned that they will also ask folks not to use the fixed pier for a day during the week of Jan 18th when the concrete pumping truck is on site pumping concrete.

(back to original 2:51 pm story) Meantime, some new construction photos from the Denny International Middle School construction/Chief Sealth High School renovation work:

Pauline Sugarman, Seattle Public Schools BEX Program Community Outreach Assistant, shares that photo of the topping-off ceremony celebrated at the Denny site just before Christmas, and this aerial of the entire project site:

(Scroll through the Denny-Sealth coverage archive to see previous aerials.) We asked if there’s an update on whether the new Denny is likely to be occupied midyear 2011-2012 or not till the start of the 2011-2012 school year; Sugarman says that the final decision hasn’t been made yet, but the latter may be more likely, as Denny work might not be done before March 2011. Chief Sealth, though, remains on track to reoccupy its permanent campus this fall, after two years in temporary quarters at the former Louisa Boren Junior High School on Delridge.

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West Seattle sports: Little League and YMCA soccer signups
January 5, 2010 1:31 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Two announcements to share this afternoon – first, from West Seattle Little League:

Grab your glove – It’s time to register for Little League! In-person registrations will be held on Tuesday, Jan 12th (in the Library) and Tuesday, Jan 19th (Room 212) – 6-9 pm at West Seattle High School. West Seattle Little League teaches not only baseball, but lessons learned through teamwork, dedication and pride. Divisions include T-ball, Coach-Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors and Seniors. T-ball through Majors play most games at Bar-S Fields, at 6464 SW Admiral Way . For registration forms, payment and more information, go to westseattlelittleleague.com

WSLL is for ages 5-18, says webmaster Cami MacNamara. Meantime, it’s also registration time for these West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) sports:

Adult Basketball 4v4 League Starts Feb 21 – Register Today!

Youth Indoor Soccer – Ages 3-11 – Registration Opens Thursday, January 7, 2010

Register on-line at www.westseattleymca.org or in person at the West Seattle YMCA or Fauntleroy YMCA

Practices start week of February 22nd
Games start weekend of March 6th
Season ends April 25th

The Y is also looking for coaches; if you’re interested, contact Matt Schlede at 206-937-1000 or mschlede@seattleymca.org. ADDED 5:37 PM: Direct link to soccer info on the Y site is here. Also, a comment on Facebook (“friend” us at WS Blog) pointed out that West Seattle Pee Wee is registering now too; here’s the link.

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Neighborhood alert update: More Seaview “scavenging”
January 5, 2010 11:44 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Seaview | West Seattle news

A new sighting this morning from Jonathan, following up on the reports shared by BB two weeks ago and by Renae three days ago– details ahead:Read More

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