West Seattle, Washington
07 Thursday
North Delridge and Morgan Junction leaders have just learned that their neighborhoods are winners in the latest round of decisions about who should get a share of city Neighborhood Street Fund Large Projects money. These proposals went through a lot of review, including the local district councils. The decisions just announced will allot $112,000 for crossing improvements – such as striping and signage – at three California SW intersections – at SW Frontenac and SW Othello, as well as, north of Morgan Junction, SW Findlay (see the full proposal here). And $501,000 will be allotted for curbs and rain gardens 25th SW between Brandon and Juneau (see the full proposal here). These are two of 11 projects citywide (here’s the list) that were chosen for NSF money this time around; the mayor and City Council have to sign off on it for next year’s budget, and provided that happens, SDOT says design will likely start this December.
MISSING MURAL: Notice what’s not in that photo? Ken Beres sent it and wondered why the “Press Day” mural had disappeared from the side of 4727 44th SW. We called the nearest office – Terry Gangon‘s insurance agency – and were told the building’s being painted, so the mural (closer look at it here) was removed but will be restored. (Working to find out more specifics bout this.)
ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: Writing about this Friday’s registration party for the Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run to benefit Northwest Hope and Healing, we noticed something new – confirmed by NWHH’s Shari Sewell – this year, Alki Avenue will close for the run, instead of having more than 1,000 people to run on the sidewalk/bike path. She says, “It’s the same route as the WSHS 5k back in May. The closure runs from Alki at 63rd (near the old Pegasus Pizza) to Don Armeni boat launch, from 8 am until 11 am (will re-open earlier if all participants are off the course). Our 5k route turns around at Anchor Park but the police will be directing folks up California Ave off Harbor if they live along the route. There will be one northbound access lane along Alki open for folks who need it.” Again, that’s a three-hour closure the morning of August 29th.
BARBECUE BASH BAGS ALKI: While working ahead on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, we discovered that the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association is NOT bringing its Evergreen State BBQ Championship to Alki this fall, though it’s been a fixture for years (here’s our coverage from last year). We e-mailed PNBA president Anthony James to ask why they’re changing the location to Duvall – jump ahead for his reply:Read More
As part of West Seattle Elementary‘s “transformation plan,” required because it was on the state’s “lowest performing” list, the school had to change principals. We checked with Seattle Public Schools today to see if a new one had been named yet, since WSE’s school year starts early – August 31 – and learned that a letter recently went out to WS Elementary families with the announcement. The new principal is Vicki Sacco, who, the district says, has worked for 15 years in Brevard County, Florida. There are more details on her background in the letter sent to WSE families – read it here. The school website invites families to meet the new principal at a barbecue on August 30th. As for former principal Gayle Everly, news about her next job is expected later this week.
(Photo shared by anonymous contributor)
Just in from Dana Vander Houwen at the Seattle Fire Department, regarding the fire that destroyed a garage in the 5100 block of SW 98th (map) this morning (WSB coverage here):
Fire investigators determined that the garage fire that occurred this morning was intentionally set. They estimated that the damage totaled $52,000. The fire extended to a vehicle and also caused some damage to several nearby structures.
Seattle Fire Department Investigators are working with the Seattle Police Arson Bomb Squad, who will take the investigation from here. We ask that anyone who may have information related to this incident call the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON. If people see any suspicious activity taking place they should call 911 immediately.
No one was hurt, but the smoke could be seen from miles away, and the flames burned so high, they were seen from the Vashon ferry (see the video clip in our first report).
ORIGINAL 1:52 PM “SEAFAIR FLEET NOW PARADING PAST WEST SEATTLE” BULLETIN: And downtown next. We’re watching from Duwamish Head. Chopper flyovers too (USCG and TV) Visuals to come!
2:20 PM NOTE: The West Seattle portion of the ship parade is over – HMCS Brandon (710) was the end of the line – but if you’re watching from a downtown window, you probably still have a view. Ship tours are set for Thursday-Sunday; more info here.
3:26 PM: Substituting photo by David Hutchinson atop the story:
The USS Port Royal leads the Seafair Parade of Ships past the Alki Statue of Liberty. In light of recent events, the sentiment expressed by one of the Tribute Plaques installed just in front of the statue becomes even more poignant.
He included the plaque:
3:59 PM: Our video below is a look at the biggest ship in the parade, the USS Green Bay (LPD 20):
It wasn’t listed on the Seafair info page – but we found the US Navy news release with newer information. ADDED 4:45 PM: One of three Canadian Navy ships of the “coastal defense vessel” type, the HMCS Edmonton:
The latest notice from Gov. Chris Gregoire‘s office, directing that state buildings fly their flags at half-staff in memory of a fallen hero, is on behalf of West Seattle sailor Jarod Newlove. The governor’s office asks that “all Washington state agency buildings” do this tomorrow until close of business, or first thing Friday morning. Petty Officer 2nd Class Newlove died in Afghanistan last week, and the circumstances remain under investigation; family and friends gathered last night at the SW Athletic Complex/Chief Sealth baseball field in Westwood to remember him. As noted here last Sunday, you can donate online to help his family, including his widow and their two very young children; here’s the link to the website set up by a family friend.
After PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) announced yesterday that a remodeling project is about to begin at their West Seattle store – just as the newly set August 21st closing date looms for nearby Admiral Safeway – WSB commenters asked questions. Tom Monahan at PCC procured the answers – read on:Read More
2 highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: If you’re interested in the new $3.4 million driving range planned for the West Seattle Golf Course, tonight is the first public design meeting, 7 pm at the WSGC (4470 35th SW). … You can watch Elliott Bay for the Seafair Navy Fleet “parade of ships,” after 1 pm (ships/schedule here) … Speaking of Seafair, today’s only scheduled Blue Angels aerial activities are media/VIP flights in #7 this morning.
(Above photo added 7:53 am, shared by anonymous contributor)
In the 5100 block of SW 98th (map), by the water downhill from Marine View and south of Fauntleroy/Endolyne, that fire brought out a big early-morning response – and even a TV chopper. The fire destroyed a garage/storage building behind a home; the house also has a bit of smoke/soot/charring on one corner as a result. Nobody was home; remodeling/renovation appears to be under way at the site. A neighbor’s fence was damaged too. No word yet on how this started; no injuries reported. ADDED 9:11 AM: LB Bryce from Vashon e-mailed WSB to share this video (thank you!), showing how visible this was from the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry route:
One last roundup of photos from Night Out – which, given the many groups of 40/50/more we saw as well as heard about, had thousands of West Seattle participants. All but the last 2 of these photos are by Christopher Boffoli, who went to a few north/central parties to which we’d been invited – then roamed and found more – and gathered neighbors for a group shot at each one. Top photo is from one of the biggest parties, 48th/Dawson, which also had a bike parade:
For the next image, Christopher explains: “47th between Edmunds and Hudson were holding up signs that read
Get Well Betty’ in honor of neighborhood fixture Betty Broughton who was instrumental in planning the block party but who unfortunately was admitted to the hospital (earlier in the day) and could not be there”:
Also west of The Junction, Christopher found a party at Ercolini Park:
49th SW, between Oregon and Genesee:
46th SW, between Genesee and Dakota:
On 40th SW, between Dakota and Genesee:
From that same party, two of the neighborhood kids:
39th, between Dakota and Andover:
Between Beach Drive and the north end of Genesee Hill, you’ll find Hillcrest, whose neighbors have a party so big, there’s even a bouncer for the kids:
Now on to Admiral, where this party was on 46th SW between Hill and Walker:
42nd, between Hanford and Hinds:
And in Alki, from 61st SW between Spokane and Hinds:
Again, all the above photos were by Christopher Boffoli; the next two are from Jason Grotelueschen, at 40th and Hinds, who says their party drew about 50 people: “In the group photo, several of us are lined up from “longest time on the block” on the left (Earl & Sylvia win the prize at 45 years) to “shortest time on the block” (2.5 months) on the right”:
Earl, he notes, sported his name tag in this spot for a while:
P.S. If you’re a Block Watch captain anywhere in WS – make sure you have joined up with the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network!
In addition to more photos from WSB photojournalists – we’ve received Night Out photos taken and shared by WSB’ers around the peninsula. Above, shared by Dina Johnson (second from left), taken on what she proclaims, “The BEST block in Highland Park!” Next, from another “Park” neighborhood:
Thanks to Erik for that photo from Upper Luna Park – one of the neighborhoods visited by West Seattle firefighters tonight! Meantime, touring north West Seattle neighborhoods for WSB, Christopher Boffoli found Engine 29 at 57th/Winthrop (Upper Alki):
Ginny Woo shared this next photo of her young neighbors on the front fender of Ladder 11 at a Night Out party in Fauntlee Hills:
Ginny reports, “We had a great block party with a visit from one of West Seattle’s fire trucks, multi-generational attendees, hula hoopers, and jump ropers. Great fun was had as we sipped root beer floats and visited with our neighbors.” Not far from there: While we featured one photo earlier from the big Fauntleroy party at 45th/Henderson – this one tweeted by @sthecaddy has a scenic backdrop:
From Fauntleroy, going diagonal across the peninsula to Pigeon Point on the northeast corner: Cliff DesPeaux visited that neighborhood for WSB, and noted the dishes contributed by dozens:
P-Point’s Pete Spalding sent photos taken by his wife Kerry Hughes – first one, that’s Pete with Southwest Precinct Capt. Joe Kessler;
Next, PP Neighborhood Council co-chair Jim Sander with a game Pete says Jim cooked up for the kids:
Pete says it was “by far (their) largest-ever” Night Out event. Crowd shot:
Cliff DesPeaux took that, as well as this one from a party not far away: In the 4100 block of 25th SW, 8-year-old Kelsea Edwards (right) raced other kids during the block party:
From 34th and Findlay, David and Michelle Parker share photos from their 2-block party – including a neighborhood child eyeing part of the dessert potluck that was a major attraction:
They say at least 50 people showed up. And check the homegrown zucchini bread, urging onlookers to “eat local”:
We’ve got one more report to come, with more neighborhood-party portraits by Christopher Boffoli – he caught so many, even neighborhoods that hadn’t contacted us – ones he spotted while traveling around – they get a report of their own.
(This report features photos posted as we “toured” – report #2 coming up with more!)
6:07 PM: Let the block parties begin! We’re hitting the road for Night Out 2010 around West Seattle, stopping by some of the parties that folks were kind enough to let us know about. For starters – the setup above is for at the party closest to WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy. If we don’t get to yours or you didn’t answer the request for invites, we’re also thrilled to have a photo of what you’re up to – here are all the ways to send it in.
6:27 PM: We’re heading from Fairmount to Hansen’s View, neighborhoods on either side of Providence Mount St. Vincent. Above, a quick shot of the group gathering in Fairmount Community Association leader Sharonn Meeks‘ backyard. Next, we’re stopping at the HQ of the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network‘s founders.
6:38 PM: At left in the photo above, with name tags etc., is the always-organized Karen Berge from the WSBCN – co-blockwatch captain for Hansen’s View, south of The Mount. Next, we head into Gatewood.
(next photo added later)
6:53 PM: Actually that one turned out to be more like Morgan Junction. Thanks to Brooks for the invite. They’re expecting a fire-engine visit sometime later – police and fire units do often make the rounds on Night Out! And that group had a couple examples (we’ll add more pix from our travels later – in a hurry and on the go, we’re defaulting to the cameraphone photos we snap first) of true fun in the street: kids scooting and tricycling without risk – great to have that one night a year! Off now a few blocks south. But first – a photo in from a big party southwest of The Junction – Dave shares this photo of neighbors Obie and Rosinia:
(added later) Dave also caught the live neighborhood concert – with a Nirvana cover:
7:09 PM: Just left a party in Gatewood – thanks to Sue for inviting us. There we found a longtime WSB sponsor – John Moore from Northwest Insurance Group (and most recently, the tipster who let us know about the smash-and-grab at The Swinery that turned out to be toward the start of the smash-and-grab “pattern”):
Next stop – Seaview.
7:27 PM: In Seaview, blockwatch captain Melody told us that Erma – with the white hair, background right – is the neighborhood’s original blockwatch captain. She also told us we’d just missed a visit by Community Police Team Officer Kevin McDaniel, who apparently is the only one making West Seattle Night Out visits tonight because of a big case elsewhere in the city that is keeping everyone busier than usual. We’re now en route to Arbor Heights – with a photo to add from Fauntleroy:
Thanks to Fauntleroy Community Association president Bruce Butterfield for sharing the pic! They’re gathering on SW Henderson, between 45th SW and Fauntleroy Way. 7:51 PM: The Arbor Heights party we just visited is the first one since 1996 in a neighborhood near Hillcrest Presbyterian Church. They had a great barbecue going:
Now we’re in Highland Park, 8600 block of 12th SW – thanks to Christie for the invite here. (We have crews in the north and east too and will incorporate their photos in a second report later.) Photo (added afterward):
8:15 PM: We’re moved to North Delridge. We’re checking out the 25th/Findlay party (photo added):
And just before arrival, got this 26th/Juneau shot from Betsy Hoffmeister:
That’s Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Benjamin Kinlow on the right.
8:26 PM: From the aforementioned 25th/Findlay party (thanks to Sabrina for permission to stop by) – the impromptu sound system they’re using for tunes – iPod, speaker and mixer:
Speaking of music, our next stop is a South Admiral party that’s one of several tonight reported to have bands. But first, the sun’s already set – Chas Redmond sent this photo from outside The Hall at Fauntleroy (not a Night Out party there, instead, the Citizens Advisory Group meeting regarding the Murray Basin Combined Sewer Overflow control project – yes, it’s not ALL about Night Out tonight):
8:49 PM: From the 3700 block of 42nd SW – where the band 4 Outta 5 just finished playing for a big crowd before we arrived after sunset:
(better photo substituted for earlier cameraphone pic)
We’re now checking out two parties in the Fairmount Springs/north-of-Morgan-Junction area – one to which we were invited, another we spotted while parking, which seems to have a police officer visiting.
8:57 PM: We’ve seen a LOT of kids tonight – including babies as little as 2 weeks old. The one we got in this photo (south of Graham, west of Fauntleroy) wasn’t quite that young – but mugged for the camera quite nicely – with Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith alongside:
(added) Across Graham from there, this is the alley party @zeitgeist33 tweeted about. The sign was a nice touch:
The “official” Night Out window of time is running out – though we know a couple parties were planning outdoor movies around 9:30 – meantime, we’ll definitely have another Night Out report later, with some non-cameraphone imagery, not just from our tour, but also from photojournalists Christopher Boffoli (who toured The Junction and points west) and Cliff DesPeaux (who made a couple stops in northeast WS), and from a few e-mailed/tweeted scenes we haven’t published yet. Thanks to everyone who shared word of their parties!
Reunion time, if you are a 1990 graduate of West Seattle High School! Noelle Knapp-Lucero wants to get the word out:
The WSHS Class of 90 is holding our 20-year reunion on the weekend of August 20.
We will meet at Rocksport (4209 SW Alaska) on Friday, August 20th, at 7:00 pm. The DJ starts at 9:00. Rocksport would like a headcount, so please let us know if you will be attending (see below for contact info). On Sunday, August 22, we will have a picnic at Lincoln Park. We have reserved tables 23-33 from 11:00-2:00 (see attached map for exact location within the park). There are two grills there and we can bring in our own if we like. To simplify matters, everyone should bring with them whatever they’d like to have for lunch.
We have a Facebook group going called West Seattle High School Class of 1990 – Reunion. Please join us there or contact Noelle Knapp-Lucero at WSHS90@gmail.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Noelle says the sooner the better for RSVPs
That’s the word late today from SDOT – the concrete pour for the connection between the existing Spokane Street Viaduct and the new eastbound offramp at 4th Avenue is done, but it has to cure for two weeks before they can put on the finishing touches, then open the ramp and reopen the lane:
Today the contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completed the final concrete pour to close the gap between the new eastbound Fourth Ave S off-ramp and the Spokane St Viaduct. The concrete will take approximately two weeks to cure; then crews will place an epoxy coat on the roadway and stripe it.
Please note, during concrete curing the area must be left clear to properly solidify, so crews will not be out on site.
If all goes well, that means the total closure will be closer to four weeks than the “up to six” first predicted.
Fruit and juice samples are part of what awaits you at the second Delridge Fresh Food Spot ‘Night Market’, in the north lot of Super 24 at Delridge/Findlay (map) till 8 pm tonight – the samples are free, but fresh produce is on sale too. The first Night Market, as part of transforming Delridge into a fresh-food oasis instead of its current “food desert” status, was held on a Saturday, but this one’s on a special night to link up with everybody out and about for Night Out. Just look for the signs:
(WSB video of Blue Angels’ flyby before landing at the Museum of Flight @ 3:15 pm today)
ORIGINAL 3 PM REPORT: We are on the second-story balcony at the Museum of Flight, overlooking the Boeing Field runway from which the Blue Angels take off and land during their annual Seafair visit. Semi-official word here at MOF – subject to change, obviously! – is that the latest estimated time of arrival is 3:23 pm. Updates if/when we get them. And visuals once they’re here! P.S. A 787 is about to taxi here, too, bonus for aviation fans. P.P.S. KIRO TV promises a live feed here.
3:24 PM UPDATE: They arrived a few minutes earlier than predicted. We’re uploading the MOF flyby video now. They’ve just finished taxiing into their Seattle HQ “parking” spots on the south side of the MOF.
ADDED 3:44 PM: The flyby clip’s been up for about 15 minutes, and we’re adding one more – the jets taxiing, as seen from the MOF balcony (thanks to MOF for the surprise invite – we’ve never been up there before.)
Back to West Seattle for us – we’ll be on the road for Night Out block-parties coverage in two hours. Meantime, the Blue Angels’ schedule for the rest of the week is here; I-90 bridge-closure info for Thursday-Sunday is here.
Just announced today by PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) – a remodeling project is set to start this month, and will continue through fall, with expected completion around the holiday season, according to PCC’s Tom Monahan. Highlights from the official announcement:
The deli will offer pizza made fresh on-site, a gelato bar, kombucha on draft, self-serve hot foods and a larger soup bar. The deli will continue to feature a variety of salads and entrees, but displayed in new cases and prepared in a remodeled kitchen.
The produce department will be relocated to the east side of the building, bathing the fruit and vegetable displays in natural light from large new windows along California Avenue. The grocery aisles will benefit from a more open layout and design and the meat department will receive a new prep area and feature new display cases.
The classroom will be moved to the southeast corner of the store. The state-of-the-art kitchen classroom will be surrounded in glass, so customers can see the acclaimed PCC Cooks instructors in action. PCC Cooks is an award-winning cooking school offering more than 1,000 classes annually, with plans of offering over 200 classes at the West Seattle store post-remodel.
The outside of the store will benefit from the remodel as well. New seating will be provided for customers and there will be cosmetic upgrades to the exterior.
Energy efficiency will be boosted as well. You can read the full announcement by going to the PCC Natural Markets website.
Just announced by the city Department of Neighborhoods – another round of city grants, this time from what’s known as the city Large Projects Fund. Two West Seattle projects are on the list — the West Seattle Community Orchard ($43,000) and the Lafayette Elementary School playground ($100,000). Here are details, from the full citywide list published by DON.
SEAFAIR FLEET, EARLY SIGHTING: G. Jones shares that photo, taken before the morning “marine layer” started burning off, reporting that it shows”the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal (CG 73) entering Elliott Bay to participate as part of the Seafair fleet … West Point lighthouse in the background.” The official Seafair Fleet”parade of ships,” including the Port Royal, is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, with tours Thursday-Sunday (here’s the info on the Seafair website).
BLUE ANGELS UPDATE: Per several sources, they’re currently expected to arrive at Boeing Field between 3 and 3:30 this afternoon. Note that this may change. We’ll add updates to this item if/when we get them – barring major West Seattle breaking news, we’ll be on scene (and tweeting at @westseattleblog).
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Ncompass Cottage Company, West Seattle’s only contractor specializing in backyard cottage design and construction. As reported here last fall, the city now issues backyard-cottage permits, which allow homeowners to build small dwellings on their property. Ncompass Cottage Company owners Drew Foster (photo, left) and Stefan Hansmire say the current demand for cottages includes people looking to house kids returning from college as well as people creating home-office space or making a place for older parents who want to be near family. Both say that building a cottage allows for a fun, livable dwelling that makes efficient use of the space available. Ncompass has built three cottages; two are in West Seattle — one by the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, the other in the Schmitz Park neighborhood. Overall, they have more than a decade of experience in the remodeling and construction trade, which also gives them experience with the permitting process needed to build a cottage. Drew and Stefan also have partnered with designers who have cottage floorplans on file and with finance people that they recommend to prospective clients. They say that they have streamlined the process to make it easier to get your cottage built. Ncompass Cottage Company belongs to the Better Business Bureau and Built Green Builders Association; Stefan and Drew both live in West Seattle and have kids in neighborhood schools. You’ll find Ncompass Cottage Company online at ncompasscottages.com, with contact information here.
We thank Ncompass Cottage Company for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
(Alki Beach 5K photo from September 2009)
Less than four weeks till the Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run (WSB sponsor) – coming up August 29th, benefiting Northwest Hope and Healing, a West Seattleite-run organization that helps newly diagnosed breast-cancer patients all over the region. If you’re not signed up yet, you can get a $5 discount on your registration fee during a special Alki Beach 5K Registration Party at Coastal (2532 Alki SW) this Friday, 4-7 pm. “Treats, drinks, giveaways” also are promised in the announcement on Coastal’s website – plus a 20 percent discount on one item, if you sign up while there. (If you just can’t make it to the party, you can register online by going here.)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: It’s “Night Out” in neighborhoods coast to coast, including dozens in West Seattle that have signed off to block off their streets for parties. Even if you’re not having one – do take note, you may drive your usual route home from work, and suddenly find a barricade requiring a detour; official hours are 6-9 pm. Some neighborhoods have bands; some are ending the night with outdoor movies! Thanks to everyone who e-mailed (etc.) to let us know we’re welcome to drop by for a photo; we’ll be out and about, reporting “live” (here and via Twitter), starting right at 6. … Tonight, hundreds of friends and family are expected at the Sealth/SW Athletic Complex baseball field (north of Westwood Village) for a candlelight vigil remembering West Seattle sailor Jarod Newlove, found dead in Afghanistan last week. It starts at 8 pm. (Organizers asked that our original announcement include their request for the media to stay away; WSB is honoring that request.) … By the Super 24 on Delridge, it’s the second “Night Market” to celebrate community and sell fresh food, 4-8 pm (here’s our coverage of the last one) … And on Alki, as noted here last night, free live music by Michael Powers, 6 pm, by the Bathhouse, bring chairs/blankets/nonperishable food-bank donations. … P.S. You may also see the Blue Angels in the sky over (probably just eastern) West Seattle at some point today – they’re due to arrive at Boeing Field/Museum of Flight “mid-afternoon,” and once there’s OFFICIAL word of a specific arrival window, we’ll publish a separate update. … More on the Events calendar!
(From December 2009 – “current” and “future” views of Avalon Place site)
Last December, the project finished Design Review – now, construction’s about to start. Transitional Resources has officially announced August 14th as the date for its groundbreaking ceremony at the site of Avalon Place (2988 SW Avalon Way). Read on for the TR news release:Read More
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