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Satterlee House court arguments over; ruling later this month
October 13, 2008 3:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Satterlee House court arguments over; ruling later this month
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

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Just concluded in King County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Barnett‘s courtroom: Oral arguments for and against Satterlee House owner William Conner‘s challenge of the city rulings against his proposal to build three homes, averaging about 3,000 square feet each, on the expansive front lawn of the city landmark also known as “the Painted Lady of Beach Drive.” Conner’s lawyer Richard Hill and the city’s lawyer Judy Barbour each spoke to the judge for about 45 minutes, Hill presented a few minutes of rebuttal, and then Judge Barnett set October 24th as the date she will announce her ruling. Full details of today’s proceedings later; this report includes backstory on the case (which is a followup to city Hearing Examiner proceedings we covered earlier this year, as Conner challenged the city Landmarks Board’s denial of permission to proceed with the development application – the argument isn’t whether he can build anything on the lawn, which is on the record as three separate lots, but whether what he wants to build would harm the characteristics for which the site was designated a landmark).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Tales of three thefts
October 13, 2008 12:10 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Seaview | West Seattle news

Three short reader reports to share – if you live in the Seaview or Admiral areas in particular, you might want to be aware:Read More

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Opening day for Snap Fitness in Jefferson Square
October 13, 2008 11:12 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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That photo is courtesy Jim Flynn, taken before he and wife M.J. Benavente opened the doors to Snap Fitness in Jefferson Square (next to Subway, on the 42nd SW street side) just moments ago. We told you about their enterprise back in August (Jim’s a longtime WSB’er). From hereon out, he says, they’re open 24/7 to members; you can drop by for a tour 11 am-1 pm or 4-7 pm Monday-Thursday, 11 am-2 pm Friday, 10 am-3 pm Saturdays, or call 206/299-1597 if you want to arrange a tour for some other time. This is a “soft opening”; they’re planning an official “grand opening” celebration next month.

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How to help your ‘hood: For starters — just show up!
October 13, 2008 10:53 am
|    Comments Off on How to help your ‘hood: For starters — just show up!
 |   How to help | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Four major neighborhood/community group meetings this week, and really, it’s a huge first step to helping your neighborhood when you just show up. We go to as many of these meetings as we can every month and that’s what the groups’ leaders are dying to see (they’re all volunteers, by the way) … the more people the merrier. And you’d be surprised what you find out. Here’s your chances this week: TONIGHT – The Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council is having what’s been billed as its “most important meeting of the year,” 6:30 pm, Cooper Elementary (map). TOMORROW (TUESDAY): Admiral Neighborhood Association, 7 pm, Admiral Church basement meeting room (map); Fauntleroy Community Association, 7 pm, The Hall @ Fauntleroy (in the old schoolhouse, which itself is on the agenda, after last week’s big news). WEDNESDAY: Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting, 7 pm, The Kenney; Delridge District Council (wireps from eastern West Seattle’s community groups and other organizations), 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room. See our right sidebar, under WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GROUPS, for a list of other neighborhood associations who’d be thrilled to see/hear from you. MONDAY AFTERNOON ADDENDUM: One more neighborhood event this week where you would be more than welcome – the Junction Neighborhood Organization‘s quarterly cleanup (free treats!) is this Saturday morning. Help get the streets in shape before winter barrels into us. E-mail JuNO prez Erica Karlovits – erica@wsjuno.com – if you can help (or have a Q). TUESDAY AFTERNOON ADDENDUM: JuNO’s cleanup has been postponed – but e-mail Erica to get you on the list for helping when it’s rescheduled!

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West Seattle Gas Price Watch: Down ~$1 from the peak
October 13, 2008 4:32 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gas prices | West Seattle news

gas-pump.jpgThough we’ve posted the occasional spot price check here and there in the last several weeks, it’s been 2 1/2 months since our last Sunday night drive-by survey of posted regular and premium prices at all West Seattle stations. As prices start to fall faster, we thought this would be a good time to get back in the game; discovered in the process that many WS stations are now down about a buck from their June peak — and one station’s currently out of the gas biz. The full price list, lowest to highest, ahead:Read More

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For a West Seattle entrepreneur, everything’s just ducky
October 12, 2008 8:54 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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If you’ve ever walked to or from Lincoln Park via the south end of Beach Drive, you’ve probably seen a festively decorated garden featuring rubber ducks. Its owner contacted WSB some time back to let us know his legendary decorations were taking wing into a business. Sounded like a fun story rather than just a business blurb – so we asked the University of Washington News Lab, which offers help to small news organizations such as ours, whether one of its student journalists might be interested. Read on to see the results – the story behind the ducks, plus a message you can probably appreciate in these nerve-jangling times:Read More

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Design Review updates: High Point details; board member’s hiatus
October 12, 2008 3:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Design Review updates: High Point details; board member’s hiatus
 |   Development | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Every little detail of the development process may not be your cup of tea; we chronicle it so the information’s there when you do want to find it (you never know when one of those big city signs might go up in your ‘hood). As you may know, for big projects in our city, the Design Review stage of the process is often the only time there’s a public meeting about a project (usually at least two) where you can show up and have a say. Each area of the city has its own board; the Southwest Design Review Board looks at West Seattle projects, usually the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, if there are projects requiring review (no meeting if there aren’t; this is usually decided several weeks in advance, and you can watch this page for word of upcoming meetings). Next SWDRB meeting is October 23rd at Madison Middle School, with 4106 Delridge reviewed at 6:30 pm, The Kenney‘s “reinvention” project (previous WSB coverage here and here) reviewed at 8 pm. Following up on the SWDRB’s last meeting this past Thursday, we have two things to report: first, details on a prominent board member’s hiatus; second, details on what led up to the decision to advance the 35th/Graham High Point project on to the next stage. Read on!Read More

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Next steps in privatizing West Seattle Stadium operation
October 12, 2008 11:34 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

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We first reported September 30th that the city Parks Department is seeking proposals from private concerns that would be willing to make renovations at West Seattle Stadium — renovations the city estimates would cost at least $4 million and doesn’t have the money for — in exchange for an agreement to “operate and maintain the Stadium including the track and field areas, but not the parking areas … a multi-year contract that allows (the operator) to recoup its capital investment and support its own business.” Following up on that – this is scheduled for discussion at the Delridge District Council meeting this Wednesday, according to district neighborhood coordinator Ron Angeles (7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room, public invited). He also forwarded updates on how to formally comment on the stadium’s future and the forthcoming “request for proposals,” including the previously mentioned public hearing before the city Board of Park Commissioners on October 23rd, the board’s November vote, and various ways to send comments right now. Read on for full details, including a recap of the repairs the city wants the future stadium operator to make:Read More

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Reader report: Alki no-parking signs may not tell the whole story
October 12, 2008 10:17 am
|    Comments Off on Reader report: Alki no-parking signs may not tell the whole story
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

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We told you a few days ago about the no-parking signs up along a long stretch of Alki and Harbor Aves, all the way to the heart of the beach, to facilitate painting crews (sharrows and the lane lines to the right of them) this weekend. Just got this note of caution that Andrew wanted to share from the Alki/Bonair (map) vicinity:

I just wanted to give a heads up that the no parking signage is a bit misleading. Be very careful where you park on Alki today as I saw the Seattle Police patroling for cars parked in areas where the new parking lines hadn’t been painted yet. Looks like some of the signage is incorrect and says Monday – Friday when it actually applies today on Sunday. I checked with one of the Officers and he said I was ok, but just beware!

This may include the area that’s been off-limits to parking because of the pump-station work. How to know? Look to see if the lane near the curb has been painted already. If it has, you’re probably OK. If it hasn’t, don’t park there before late afternoon.

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Orchard Street Ravine dedication: A day years in the making
October 11, 2008 10:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

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(left to right, Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Carol Schultz, Cindi Barker, Kay Thode, Parks Superintendent Tim Gallagher and Mayor Nickels)
With a snip of the giant ceremonial scissors, Orchard Street Ravine in Gatewood was officially dedicated this afternoon. But this was no ordinary park dedication — it came after years of volunteer work and controversy, among other things — and just a week after Parks Department managers unveiled a new plan for a controversial connection through the ravine (WSB coverage here). All photos/video in the in-depth report ahead are by its author, WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli:Read More

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Road notes: “Dumb detour”; more Alki/Harbor painting tomorrow
October 11, 2008 8:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

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Two road notes tonight: First, Ian (who has an excellent Internet-marketing blog here, also included on the WSB Blogs page), sent us the link to that photo of a sign he spotted earlier today and wondered, “What genius put up this detour sign at the intersection of 35th and Fauntleroy, on the north side? 1. It sends you over the West Seattle Bridge. 2. It blocks people trying to get to Dakota, which IS open. 3. There’s a proper detour sign right after Dakota. If they don’t take it down soon I’m going to move it myself …” Meantime, today’s round of sharrow-and-stripe-painting is over on part of Alki/Harbor Aves; more is ahead for tomorrow (make sure you read those no-parking signs carefully – some were marked for 5 am-3 pm today, some for 5 am-3 pm tomorrow), so if you’re driving to Alki elsewhere, best to seek side-street parking during those hours.

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Good reason to leave work early next Friday: WSHS rally
October 11, 2008 2:58 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

scorebd.jpgAs noted in comments on last night’s report about the West Seattle High School Wildcats‘ sixth-straight football win (photo left), their next game is Homecoming. This afternoon, we received an invitation to share with you, to come celebrate not just Homecoming, but also the great season WSHS is having so far: 4:30-5:30 pm Friday at the WSHS Commons, a good old-fashioned pep rally, free, community invited, hot dogs and hamburgers. See you there! (The actual game is 7 pm, SW Athletic Complex, vs. Rainier Beach.)

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1 week till you can have fun while helping White Center Food Bank
October 11, 2008 1:25 pm
|    Comments Off on 1 week till you can have fun while helping White Center Food Bank
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

One week from tonight, at Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College, you can multitask in the best of ways: Have fun, and help a West Seattle/White Center nonprofit that’s busier than ever these days: wcfblogo.jpgThe White Center Food Bank. Despite its name, it’s important to note, the White Center Food Bank serves a big chunk of West Seattle as well – food banks have service boundaries; if somebody shows up at a food bank but lives outside its service area, they’ll get some one-time emergency help and directions to the appropriate location. So to help fight hunger in West Seattle, it’s important to help the White Center Food Bank as well as the West Seattle Food Bank. Earlier this year, WSFB had great success with its “Instruments of Change” event, and now it’s the WCFB’s turn — the fourth annual Harvest Dinner and Auction starts with a silent auction at 5:30 pm next Saturday (10/18) and dinner at 7:15 pm. WCFB has taken out space on WSB this week to thank its major sponsors and remind you about the event. See the invitation here; for $60/person, you can enjoy a steak/salmon entree or pasta option; call or e-mail for reservations ASAP since the event is only a week away — 206/762-2848, or rick@whitecenterfoodbank.org.

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Mourning Monte: A plea to slow down
October 11, 2008 12:43 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | Safety | West Seattle news

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Days after people of all ages gathered along 35th to call attention to safety concerns including speeding drivers, a fast-moving car took a furry friend from his Junction-area family. Fiori C posted her story in the West Seattle Blog Forums, and we asked her to send a photo so we could feature it here on the home page, including her plea:

Tragedy struck my family (Thursday) when our family dog escaped from our fenced yard close to the Alaska Junction, ran into the street and was immediately struck by a car traveling way too fast for the area. The car didn’t even stop. I’m not sure they even saw or felt what had happened.

All I can say is that it was an absolutely devastating experience for me and for our family that was visiting here from Des Moines, IA. We had had a perfectly lovely visit and our parents were packing the car, getting ready to head back home when Monte darted out the gate and was struck by a car coming up Edmunds by the True Value at about 40 miles per hour.

Monte was a Wire Fox Terrier that was more like a child to my Mother & Father-in-law than a dog. He was very special to all of us and will be greatly missed by the entire family.

I know the traffic police are doing their best right now to make people aware of certain areas (like 35th) that we need to slow down on but there are other areas of great concern like this corner of 44th & Edmunds. This has always been a bad intersection but lately, things have gotten completely out of hand. On the weekends, there is a constant stream of cars that don’t seem to be able to read the “DEAD END” sign on Rutan and come flying down that street only to find it end, then they back up at unsafe speed to get out. My fence has been knocked over, my cars have been scratched by those that turn around in our driveway. All things just completely inconsiderate of the fact that families are living here.

When we find ourselves complaining about the growth here in West Seattle, we should be thinking about what our contribution to that is. If we are driving fast, on our phone or just generally not aware, WE make that growth unpleasant. West Seattle is a wonderful place to raise a family. Let’s keep it that way and be considerate of our neighbors and SLOW DOWN A BIT FOR THE LOVE OF OUR FAMILIES!

~ IN MEMORY OF MONTE GRUVER ~
Loving Fox Terrier & Loyal Companion
Your life was taken too soon but our love for you will last forever….

During our e-mail exchange, Fiori added, “If you know of any community group that could use some help in organizing an effort to become more aware of this problem, please let me know as I would be willing to help/organize.” If you have any suggestions along that line, please leave a comment here, or e-mail us and we will put you in touch with Fiori.

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School-levy idea session tonight: Meeting? What meeting?
October 10, 2008 10:15 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle schools

As we mentioned this morning, Seattle Public Schools reps have spent the week touring the city to invite members of the public to come offer ideas for projects to put in the next capital levy that’ll go before voters, likely February 2010. We got first word almost three weeks ago and mentioned it here; it was publicized many other ways, too. Certainly, Friday is a less-than-optimal night for a public meeting; even considering that, the turnout was absymal — just 4 people were on hand for the meeting: 2 members of the public (both teachers), the official SPS presenter, and the reporter we assigned to cover it. Here’s her story:Read More

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Congrats (again) Wildcats: Football team 6-0
October 10, 2008 9:12 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

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Dropped by Southwest Athletic Complex just in time for the end of the game — West Seattle High School 54, Cleveland 7. WSHS is now 6-0 in ’08. We’ll add post-game-cheering video later. (Chief Sealth has the week off; Seattle Lutheran played Chief Leschi tonight and also had a lopsided win, 67-6!) ADDED 11:30 PM: Video of the cheerleaders’ celebratory routine at game’s end:

(video lost in blip.tv shutdown)

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Harbor Properties: “Fully committed” despite article gloom
October 10, 2008 6:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Harbor Properties: “Fully committed” despite article gloom
 |   Development | West Seattle news

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You may already have seen this linked from our More page (which includes two automated link feeds: citywide/regional media stories mentioning West Seattle, plus CL items mentioning West Seattle) – a story in today’s Puget Sound Business Journal (you’ll only see part of it unless you have a subscriber log-in) suggesting the economic doldrums may be threatening Harbor Properties projects scheduled to start construction next year, including Link (38th/Alaska; rendering above). We contacted Harbor’s Emi Baldowin (a West Seattleite) to follow up, and here’s the HP reaction:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Westwood dognapping?
October 10, 2008 4:32 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Pets | West Seattle news | Westwood

missingdog.jpgA Westwood resident who wants to remain anonymous believes someone stole her missing chocolate Labrador/pointer mix (shown at left), just 16 months old, and wants to ask you to be on the lookout. She says the thief or thieves removed “panels from a wooden fence” to get onto the property and “poorly patched up the fence in an attempt to hide their robbery.” They say they’ve reported this to Seattle Police as well as the Seattle Animal Shelter and they have reason to suspect the culprits might be in the neighborhood, so they are asking fellow West Seattleites to watch for their dog. She has a chip and was wearing its tags when taken. If you have any information, they have an e-mailbox set up via CL; click here to launch a mail window.

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Satterlee House case goes to court next week
October 10, 2008 3:33 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

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Back in March and April, we brought you a series of reports about the city Hearing Examiner‘s consideration of an appeal filed by William Conner, owner of the city landmark Satterlee House on Beach Drive, challenging the city Landmarks Board‘s denial of his request to build three homes (averaging 3,000 square feet) on the house’s expansive front lawn. (The board has to review and approve changes proposed to official city landmarks.) After the Hearing Examiner ruled in April against his appeal, Conner filed a challenge in May in King County Superior Court. That case is finally coming before a judge, and we received word today that oral arguments are scheduled Monday afternoon. At the heart of the case is not whether Conner can build on the site, but what he can build on the site; he is asking the judge to rule that he has the right to go ahead with the original proposal. Meantime, online listings indicate the house remains on the market, listed for more than $2 million; listing agent AC Braddock had told us in May that Conner had approved one of the major repairs which he’d testified were needed, jacking up the house to fix major settling; the permit for that work was issued in July.

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Happening right now: Tibbetts UMC Fall Rummage Sale
October 10, 2008 1:11 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening right now: Tibbetts UMC Fall Rummage Sale
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

While putting the finishing touches on the West Seattle Weekend Lineup (publishing within the hour), we realized we should issue this extra alert to bargain-hunters — the Tibbetts United Methodist Church fall rummage sale is happening RIGHT NOW, till 4 pm (and again tomorrow 9 am-3 pm). The church is at 3940 41st SW; directions on the Tibbetts website.

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Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Budget Cuts (with a special!)
October 10, 2008 12:02 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Back in July, we told you Budget Cuts was one of two tenants signed for Charlestown Center, which is now open at the California/Charlestown (map) ex-Schuck’s site. Budget Cuts just celebrated its grand opening last week, and today, we’re welcoming them as one of the newest WSB sponsors. As always, we offer new sponsors the chance to share information about their business, so here’s what Budget Cuts wants you to know: Co-owner Michael Zillinger, who is also a manager at BMW of Seattle, lives downtown but realized he was always coming to West Seattle to get his hair cut by Tram Luu (photo left), who was managing Supercuts in Jefferson Square but is now managing Budget Cuts at Charlestown Center. When Michael and his business partner Mauricio Gonzales got the idea to start a haircut store, they knew they wanted Tram to manage it – and she told them she was interested as long as it was located in West Seattle. So they settled on West Seattle and built the business around her. Michael says the location makes sense because they saw a need for this type of service along the higher-density northern half of California SW – lots of families, and Budget Cuts wants to be considered a family-friendly business. They are also working to support West Seattle’s business community by relying on WS sources for all their “business services” so far – they want to keep their money in the neighborhood, and will be a major sponsor of the Lafayette Elementary School Walk-A-Thon coming up October 17th (you’ll see them on the T-shirt!). Right now, they’re offering a special price in honor of their Grand Opening — all cuts are $10 until October 31st, after which it’ll be $13.95 (women, men, or kids). No appointment necessary. Budget Cuts is on the east side of Charlestown Center, which is on the northwest corner of California/Charlestown, 206/932-5954. Thanks to Budget Cuts and all our WSB sponsors, listed here along with info on how to join them.

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Want $ to help encourage walking/biking to school?
October 10, 2008 11:16 am
|    Comments Off on Want $ to help encourage walking/biking to school?
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

walksmall.jpgCoinciding with International Walk to School Month – celebrated with events like this week’s walk from Bar-S to Alki Elementary (photo left; full WSB coverage, with video, here) – we get word from Brian Dougherty, Safe Routes to School coordinator for SDOT, that applications are being accepted for “the Seattle Safe Routes to School Mini Grant program. Any group of two or more people qualifies to apply for a grant of up to $1,000. Projects should improve pedestrian and bicycle safety near schools and encourage walking and biking to school.” The deadline’s about a month away; the application form is fairly simple, and you can get it – along with more details on who can apply and what the program’s for – by clicking here.

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West Seattle traffic alert: SDOT work on California SW too
October 10, 2008 10:28 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts


View Larger Map

We told you yesterday about the extensive no-parking zone along Alki and Harbor Aves 5 am-3 pm Sunday for striping work; now another alert from SDOT about 3 other areas of West Seattle (map above) where work is planned tomorrow:

SDOT paving crews will make street repairs at three locations on California Avenue Southwest on Saturday, October 11. Traffic will be able to get through, but drivers should expect congestion and may want to consider an alternate route.

The work will take place in the northbound lanes of the following blocks: the 5900 block (between SW Juneau and SW Raymond), the 4500 block (between SW Oregon and SW Alaska) and the 3200 block (between SW Hanford and SW Hinds) from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The work is required to restore the pavement after repair of underground water lines.

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