West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
(WSB photo from 11/6/12)
One month ago, on Election Day – November 6th – West Seattle health-care practitioner Chris Porter was the last sign-waver on the Fauntleroy overpass. One month later, on December 6th, he and partner Ross were among the first wave of couples to get a marriage license.
They were #215, with County Executive Dow Constantine still there to sign their license at 3:30 am, 13 hours before the County Recorder’s Office closed for the night after issuing hundreds more:
We are closed for the night! Final count is 489 licenses issued since we opened the King County Recorder’s Office at 12:01 a.m. today.
— King County, WA (@kcnews) December 7, 2012
From an essay Chris wrote about the historic occasion:
… The fuss, argument, and fight for marriage equality is not so much about being able to marry the one you love, but about humans caring for others by extending something that brings us all closer and building a greater commonality and community.
… As we stood in line, I cannot remember an event that felt more like a reception into a new world. Volunteers agreed to work until the early hours of the morning, offering: Chocolate, coffee, tea, snacks, and congratulations. King County setup for the barrage of couples was so finely orchestrated, I have not seen a finer display of what government , working for the people it serves, is capable of. Couples braving the cold stood in near-shock as the midnight hour approached – some holding their breath, bracing for a change that would thwart the process.
As midnight approached, people began to hug, and kiss, and cry when we all realized that that moment had arrived. A moment many thought may have been another 5-10 years away. We met so many other couples and heard and shared stories. It was unlike any movie, amusement park, or holiday – this was real and visceral. So real, it seems like a dream and that the whole thing was imagined.
About 12 hours after Chris and Ross, Amy and Jennifer Hallmon went downtown on Thursday afternoon – no line, Amy reports.
She and Jennifer are raising five kids who also will accompany them to their City Hall wedding on Sunday. Amy says, “We were originally married in July of 1998, and are looking forward to lasting legal recognition (unlike that San Francisco wedding in 2004).” Here’s their original wedding photo:
Thursday’s celebration spread beyond King County headquarters; one of the West Seattle couples shown in our “live” coverage from early Thursday, Marley Blonsky and Whitney Young, went later to White Center’s Full Tilt Ice Cream, one of the businesses around the region that offered freebies or discounts to couples who brought in their new marriage license.
That’s Marley in the photo. The next big day of celebrating will be Sunday, when those who got licenses on Thursday are eligible to wed.
Thanks to Elisa for suggesting on the WSB Facebook page earlier today that we build a list of West Seattle businesses offering freebies/discounts to newly licensed couples who bring in their licenses. So far, that list includes Full Tilt Ice Cream, Stuffed Cakes, Salon Julian, The Cask, and Photographs By Dawndra – check out the thread on our FB page for the details (a few non-WS businesses are mentioned too), and please let us know of any others, with comments there and/or here. Thanks!
P.S. Latest update from King County:
As of 3 p.m., 432 couples have received marriage licenses at the King County Administration Building today. Congratulations to all #MEDaywa
— King County, WA (@kcnews) December 6, 2012
(October 2010 WSB photo, taken during meeting @ West Seattle Elementary)
Former Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson has died at the age of 55. While we were at today’s School Board work session (report to come) when the news started circulating, no statement was made there; this has since been e-mailed by the district public-affairs office:
All of us at Seattle Public Schools are saddened to learn of the death today of our former Superintendent, Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson.
We are grateful for her years of service to Seattle Public Schools and her efforts during her four-year tenure here to put our students on the path to academic success. The fact that we have seen consistent improvements in student academic achievement is a testament to her leadership.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Bruce and daughter Maya.
Maya is just 8; she was born when Dr. Goodloe-Johnson was 47. A report from Charleston, South Carolina, where she served as superintendent before her Seattle tenure – trailblazing as that district’s first black and first female superintendent – says she died from lung cancer. It’s been a year and nine months since the school board here – whose president at the time was West Seattleite Steve Sundquist – voted to let her go.
Tonight (technically early tomorrow) at one minute past midnight, King County will start granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples – the moment it becomes legal because of last month’s approval of Referendum 74, affirming the Legislature and Governor’s earlier action to make it possible. Ten couples have been chosen to get their licenses first, for a special ceremony in which King County Executive (and West Seattleite) Dow Constantine will sign their licenses – and the first is a West Seattle couple, 77-year-old Jane Abbott Lighty and 85-year-old Pete-e Petersen. They are featured in the video story above, shared by our friends at KIRO TV. Biographical information provided by the county notes that they have been together 35 years and co-founded the Seattle Women’s Chorus; they will get married this Sunday night during the Seattle Men’s Chorus concert at Benaroya Hall. The second couple whose license will be signed have local ties too – Brendon K. Taga and Jesse Page of Vashon Island. The county says Jesse “manages a bank in West Seattle.” WSB will be downtown to cover the historic events as they happen – we’ve already heard from a few local couples who plan to be there to be among the first to get marriage licenses – if you are going to be there too, please consider letting us know so our team can catch up with you! (editor@westseattleblog.com) Thanks, and congratulations to all.
P.S. OutWest Bar is throwing an equality bash on Sunday night, after the first day of legal weddings. Details on this Facebook page.
A memorial is planned tomorrow (Thursday, December 6) at Our Lady of Guadalupe for Peggy Munsen, who died in a fire at her home near 26th and Roxbury a week and a half ago. Here’s a remembrance from her family:
Peggy E. Munsen, 6/16/1941 ~ 11/24/2012
The world will miss Peggy, but she is in God’s hands now. She died unexpectedly from a fire in her home, caused by a spark from a heater.
Her sister, Kay Trepanier, is devastated, as they were as close as close could be. Peggy leaves behind 2 sisters, Kay Trepanier of Bremerton and Mary Munsen of Houston. While Peggy had no children, she was the loving aunt of 8 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.
A memorial fund (Peggy Munsen Memorial Fund) has been set up at Kitsap Credit Union, 360-662-2000 in Bremerton, to help her sister with all the expenses. With this economy, neither Kay nor Peggy had any discretionary funds, and Kay needs help with the overwhelming expenses.
The memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle this Thursday, December 6th, at 1 pm, followed by a memorial reception in the church hall at 2 pm.
A side note: A friend of Ms. Munsen’s learned a lesson that night about making sure authorities will be able to notify your loved ones in case something catastrophic like this happens. She wants to share it with you, and we will publish her open letter later today.
Tomorrow night, he emcees the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. Tonight – radio/podcast personality Marty Riemer has just made a big announcement: 
He’s leaving 103.7 The Mountain. Again. Last time, in September 2009, he and then-co-host Jodi Brothers (also a West Seattle resident) were booted; more than a year later, in January 2011, he returned to the station. Then today, we happened to be listening to the station and heard he’d be making a big announcement at 5:05 pm – so we tuned in and heard him say he’s leaving as of December 20th, and going “on to my next adventure.” He elaborates online that he’s not sure what that is, just yet; but for starters, we (and you) will see him at Saturday night’s tree lighting (5 pm, Junction Plaza Park at 42nd and Alaska; here’s the lineup).
It’s not quite a group ceremony – but December 15, six days after the first legal same-sex weddings in our state, will bring the first West Seattle multiple-wedding, marriage-equality-celebrating event in West Seattle that we’ve heard of. Just announced by the Universal Life Church:
The Universal Life Church and other sponsors will provide 20 gay and straight couples with free weddings in a historic West Seattle landmark on Dec. 15.
The Universal Life Church Monastery announces that it will host “December to Remember,” a wedding event which will celebrate the legalization of same sex marriage in Washington state, on Saturday, Dec. 15, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The December to Remember celebration will be held at The Sanctuary at Admiral, a historic landmark in West Seattle. This free event will include individual luxury wedding ceremonies for 20 gay and straight couples, as well as flowers, cake, photographers, and music – all provided for the couples at no charge. A no host bar and meal options by Foodz Catering will also be available.
Between the couples, their guests, and members of the public, over 200 people are expected to attend this event.
We asked ULC spokesperson Andy Fulton if the 20 couples already were signed up. He says, “11 couples have confirmed that they are going to attend. 10 couples are gay (mostly lesbians), one is straight. They are old, young, have been together for decades, have only been dating for a couple of years, and everything in between. At least several couples have young children. We’re still trying to find additional couples. Interested couples can e-mail us at weddings@themonastery.org or fill out the form found on this page. Couples that expressed interest in participating based on their desire to share their love and their support for marriage equality were chosen. Couples who were merely interested in getting a free wedding were not.”
Summer Preston Diehm, former owner of West Seattle’s Next to Nature pet store in The Junction, will be remembered in the Central Washington town of Entiat this Saturday. Former store employee Liz e-mailed to say that Ms. Diehm, 37, died in a car crash in the Wenatchee area on Monday and they wanted to get word to the people here who knew her. The memorial is planned for noon Saturday (December 1st) at the Entiat Grange, 14108 Kinzel Street (map). Her family invites anyone who can get there to come share memories and stories. She had lived in the town of Ardenvoir, according to her obituary, from The Wenatchee World; the Next to Nature website says she owned the store 1998-2001.
Tonight as rock fans remember Jimi Hendrix on what would be his 70th birthday, if he were alive, there’s a unique tribute at West Seattle’s Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – Hendrix memorabilia shown by another legend, Pat O’Day, who’s there in person:
O’Day’s signing his book “It Was All Just Rock ‘n’ Roll,” including stories from his broadcasting career.
Hendrix was two months short of 28 years old when he died in 1970 – gone 42 years yet still remembered as one of the greatest guitarists ever.
A memorial is planned tomorrow afternoon for longtime North Delridge resident Dan “Danny” Murphy. His family shares this remembrance:
Dan (“Danny”) Murphy, a.k.a. W. C. A. Keeler Wacet, longtime resident of North Delridge in West Seattle, passed away unexpectedly in his home on November 14.
Danny was born in Seattle on December 9, 1947. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School, where he excelled in mathematics and journalism, and was co-editor of the school newspaper. While attending high school he created his own newspaper, a satirical publication titled “The Swamp Fly.” During high school Danny worked and volunteered in the broadcasting rooms of KOL and KJR radio stations. He attended the University of Washington, studying advanced mathematics and Russian. At night he attended Broadcasting School. He became active in the “alternative” movement in the late ’60s and early ’70s, and spent time in San Francisco. He was a founding member and writer for the ’60s Seattle underground paper “The Helix.”
A traumatic life event in his early 20s triggered a schizophrenic break and he withdrew, surrounding himself with an eclectic world of his own making. His brilliant, creative mind never rested. He continued to write prolifically, creating an estimate of over 10,000 hand-written pages. He pursued photography in-depth, with a particular focus on chronicling evolving gentrification. He enjoyed being an early innovator of electronic music.
West Seattle’s generosity has manifested yet again in the outpouring this week for flooded Nickelsville – and many other gestures of help, such as donations to food banks. Here’s another chance to give big, in small ways, this season: Chief Sealth International High School seniors Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill are launching their senior project, a toy drive they’re calling “Holidays 4 Hope.” Above, they’re with the team at JC’s Deli, one of the dropoff spots they’ve already lined up, and they’re looking for more. Here’s their story:
Families continue struggling with the ongoing impact of a slow recovery from the great recession; we asked ourselves how we as high-school students might be able to help.
Knowing how young children look forward to the holidays, we decided to see if we could make a difference for some local families in the South Park Community area. Through local sponsors, we have purchased holiday donation bins that we have located throughout the West Seattle community. Our goal is to gather new toys, books, games and stuffed animals for ages 3-10 years old, to donate to the holiday party “Winter Fest” at South Park Community Center, who we are working with on this project. It is our intention that “Holidays 4 Hope” will continue and grow in future years.
Our greatest need at this time is making people aware of “Holidays 4 Hope”. Donation bins are located in local West Seattle businesses who are sharing the “Holidays 4 Hope” on their websites or e-mail notices to their customers. So far we have donation bins located in a few local businesses.
We have one located at The Original Bakery, owner Bernie Alonzo, who is a great supporter. Also, we have just placed a donation bin inside a new deli right on 35th ave across from the Southwest library called JC’s Deli, whose owner is Jeanette Cummings. I am hoping to have one more spot somewhere in West Seattle area to place a final donation bin that has already been sponsored. Since these businesses are helping me out, I hope they would get new and more customers from their great support. We are encouraged by the response so far, but realize that starting up this endeavor will require hard work and persistence.
So their request for you is twofold: 1. Donate toys at those dropoff spots; Original Bakery is at 45th and Wildwood in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne mini-business district; JC’s Deli is at 35th and Henderson, across from Southwest Library. Join Ms. Forsell‘s third-grade class from Shorewood Christian School, which has already done its part:
2. If you have a business that could host a dropoff bin, contact Conrad and Clint at crhill2013@gmail.com and c.hewitt206@gmail.com.
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
As we first showed you during afternoon storm coverage, getting around the West Seattle encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” was like hopscotch this afternoon – and that was even after residents built a walkway.
(From left, Matthew and JS using pallets for a walkway over the water and mud)
WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams went to Nickelsville this afternoon after we learned from a volunteer that the camp was in need of fuel to power generators to provide power to pumps, to deal with the floodwater brought by today’s two-inch deluge.
That’s Nickelsville head of security Steve Westfall, surveying the scene.
A year and a half has now passed since the encampment returned to the triangle of public land at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW – a site for which they have neither been officially organized nor told to get out, unlike the encampment’s original stay at the same site in September 2008, which lasted less than a week before police were ordered to go in and evict the campers. Nor, still, do they have running water or other basic services. There has been some talk of moving to another site – if somebody helps find one.
Next Saturday (November 24th) at Alki UCC, family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Tyler Michael Vance, who died recently at just 30 years old. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:
Our beautiful Son, Grandson, Brother, Daddy, Boyfriend, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend, Tyler Michael Vance, born March 27th, 1982, passed away on November 3rd, 2012, in his sleep.
Voted as most “Undeniably Unique” in his class of 2000 West Seattle High School Yearbook, Tyler lived his life as exactly that. Afraid of seemingly nothing, Tyler stood out with a style that could put a smile on your face, a zest for thrill seeking, an indisputable passion for his interests, and a love inside of him that was non discriminatory, earning him at times even the most unlikely of friends.
Tyler also attended Lafayette Elementary School, Madison Middle School and spent some time pursuing an Associate’s Degree at South Seattle Community College. Most recently he worked for the City of Seattle roads crew and has been father to his two beautiful girls whom he loved deeply.
“The crowd had a lot of energy,” marveled West Seattle Helpline executive director Tara Luckie, reflecting on last weekend’s fall fundraiser at the Duwamish Longhouse. She shared photos along with words of gratitude, “thanking West Seattle neighbors and businesses for making the night a success.”
All that enthusiasm, and accompanying generosity, means, Tara says, “We raised enough in donations to assist 80 West Seattle families with staying in their homes and keeping their lights and heat on this winter.” Featured speaker was State House Rep. Eileen Cody, who won another term in this month’s election.
Lots of other ways to help Helpline with its mission this holiday season – keep an eye on its website at wshelpline.org.
‘Tis the season to cook festively. And that’s why the holiday-season Shop Late Thursdays in The Junction kicked off tonight with a triple bill at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) – from left, cookbook authors Jeannette Sauvage, Cynthia Nims, and Kim O’Donnel – all Seattleites, though their work has fans far beyond. O’Donnel’s newest book is another guide to vegetarian offerings that will please carnivores, “The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations“; Nims has cooked up a book to help you make your own “Salty Snacks“; and Sauvage has published her first cookbook, “Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays.” (All three books can be purchased at Click!) They brought samples, too. So what’s up for NEXT “Shop Late Thursday” on November 29th (next week obviously will be skipped for the holiday)? Check out your favorite shops; the participants are all listed here.
If you still don’t believe that suicide is an epidemic – that it should get at least as much attention as homicide, if not more – consider this: King County is just out with its report on 2011 deaths, and the number of suicides, 265, was almost five times the number of homicides, 54. The number of accidental drug overdoses, more than 200, is also a concern. But the county says its 2011 report also shows traffic deaths and homicides on the decline. Here’s the full news release; here’s the entire report.
P.S. The county’s advice for help if you or someone you know is considering suicide: Contact the Crisis Clinic, crisisclinic.org or 866-427-4747.
Just in from King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office – he will open the County Recorder’s Office literally the minute that same-sex marriage is legal, to start issuing licenses. Here’s the official announcement:
King County Executive Dow Constantine will open the County Recorder’s Office at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 – immediately upon certification of the November election – to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“I don’t want couples to wait a minute longer than legally necessary to get the rights that voters have recognized,” said Executive Constantine, who will personally sign the first marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m.
The move will make King County the first jurisdiction in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on voter approval.
Much more information ahead regarding how it’ll work:Read More
A memorial is planned at Forest Lawn next Tuesday (November 20th) for Frank Lunetti, who died this past Monday. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:
A birth, a death, eternal life with God. Frank R. Lunetti passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 12, 2012 to be with our Lord. He was born July 1st, 1939 to Roy and Elizabeth Lunetti in Tacoma, Washington.
Frank met the love of his life and partner Bob Schultz in 1964. The relationship of 36 years ended when Bob died in 2000. Together he and Bob had business ventures that spanned manufacturing statuary, dog grooming, a laundromat, and a bookkeeping service.
Frank spent 17 years with ITT Continental Baking Company. Frank continued his career as a private bookkeeper until his retirement.
Frank enjoyed traveling, especially to Mazatlan, Egypt, and China. He also was an avid gardener. Frank is survived by his sister-in-law Doris Lunetti and three nieces, Marie Eubanks, Ede Readel and Sandy Owens. Frank’s extended family included many friends and business associates.
It is Frank’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to “Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Research Fund,” c/o Dean Jerry Baldasty, UW Graduate School, Box 353770, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 98195-3770.
Funeral services and internment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle on Tuesday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
ORIGINAL TUESDAY NIGHT REPORT: While tonight’s early-evening breaking news kept us from getting to Beacon Hill for the air-traffic-concerns meeting, our partners at The Seattle Times had a reporter there: Alexa Vaughn reports that about 100 people attended. Her story does not mention any West Seattle-specific concerns, but summarizes that South Seattle residents were upset about the meeting being a chance only to vent, rather than to hear possible solutions. For potential next steps, you can watch the Facebook page of Quieter Skies Task Force, a citizens’ group active on this issue.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Beacon Hill Blog has a meeting summary too.
Cindy Craig was on a ferry from Southworth to Fauntleroy on Sunday when she met the three veterans shown in her photo, which was taken as they walked off the boat at Vashon, carrying flags. She explains:
They were invited by the Vashon Island VFW to come for dinner in honor of Veterans Day. They started walking (Sunday) morning from the base at Bremerton and will be walking from Vashon to Joint Base Lewis/McChord (today, Monday). They are all veterans (one young man removed his sunglasses to speak with us and he is missing his right eye from a combat injury) and their goal is to raise awareness of and support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among veterans and others affected by major trauma.
Cindy didn’t get their names, but we found a Vashon Beachcomber story about their visit online. Chess Johnson, Andy Britt, and Will Carroll are the trio. Johnson’s story was told in a documentary called “Exit Wound” – you’ll see and hear from him in this trailer:
Cindy last saw them as they continued walking onto Vashon.
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She said the men hoped to spend time today talking to people they meet while walking south on Vashon, where another ferry will take them across to Tacoma.
Even dessert had a patriotic theme tonight in The Triangle at American Legion Post 160‘s free spaghetti dinner for veterans. We stopped in to see how it was going (answer: nicely!), and talked with Post and Auxiliary leaders:
From left – Post 160 Chaplain Mike Daversa, Vice Commander Joe Connery, Auxiliary Unit 160 President Shannon Connery, and Commander Kyle Geraghty. Joe is a U.S. Army veteran, two deployments to Afghanistan; Kyle, a U.S. Marines veteran, including a deployment to Iraq. Both served in the military 2001-2007. (Post-photo, Mike had to step away, so we didn’t get to ask about his service.) The Post also had a donation drive for deployed soldiers; if you missed the chance to donate, you can e-mail ALAUnit160@gmail.com to find out how you can still help.
P.S. Post 160 is now on Facebook (here), as is Auxiliary Unit 160 (here).
Big weekend at the Museum of Flight, and not just because of the Space Shuttle Trainer grand opening today. We just heard from Beverly Harding Buehler, who shares the video above, and this news:
My son, Asa Buehler, and his friend Kyle Jensen, two 9-year-old West Seattle kids, have been working for the past six months on an international robotics competition called “MoonBots.” The competition is about future robotic missions to the moon. The boys submitted a proposal, including the video (above), to MoonBots in June. About 300 teams submitted proposals from all around the world. Thirty teams made the first cut, including Kyle and Asa’s team, The Penguin Men.
The boys received a Lego Mindstorms robotic kit from which they have designed a robot that can carry out several missions on a lunar landscape that they also designed and built (with a little parental help). Matt Jensen, Kyle’s dad, has been an amazing teacher and coach for the boys. The Penguin Men will be doing a public presentation of their MoonBot at the Museum of Flight (tomorrow), Sunday, November 11, at 2 pm. The presentation will also be webcast live at the following website:
ustream.tv/channel/the-penguin-men
If you have a chance, tune in or come by to cheer Asa and Kyle on.
We just watched Asa and Kyle’s video – take four minutes and check it out! It’s history, humor, and more. They also have been updating a blog-format website about their project; tomorrow’s presentation is part of the judging. Congratulations to them and good luck in the next round of MoonBots!
Some have asked how to help those hit hard by Superstorm Sandy on the East Coast. This is the first West Seattle-organized relief project we’ve heard of. Jen Boyer explains:
I love to knit and have been going to Seattle Yarn for their free Wednesday night knitting sessions. Last Wednesday a group of us decided to do something in response to the devastation of Sandy and then the snowstorms hitting in the aftermath
From now until Nov. 19, Seattle Yarn is accepting any hats, gloves or scarves folks want to make or buy and donate. They don’t have to be knitted. The store will give a $1-off Seattle Yarn certificate for each item donated (a pair of gloves counts as one item) as an incentive to encourage folks to donate.
In addition, the store will host a Knit for the Cause Knit-In on Sunday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During that time, folks are welcome to come in and knit, crochet, or sew items for the donation. We’re working with a few local eateries to see if they’d be willing to partner and donate some food and drink for those working that day. Seattle Yarn owners are also welcoming West Seattle Fabric Company to partner with us, so we’ll be able to have folks creating in both the new Stitch & Sew Studio and Seattle Yarn that day.
On Monday, Nov. 19, we’ll be sending the box(es) of donated items to a contact of one of the store customers who has been involved in relief efforts on the East Coast.
Seattle Yarn is at 5633 California SW; Stitch & Sew is at 5910 California SW.
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