FOLLOWUP: Arbor Heights teen’s food-drive success!

Last weekend, we noted that Arbor Heights teen Joseph Meats was collecting drop-off donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. Now, the results! From Judi Yazzolino at WSFB:

Joey & his Dad, Tony, delivered all the food Tuesday for a total of 565 pounds of food & pet food. He also did a fundraiser on Facebook & our website for a total of $305. We love Joey and his parents; they have been incredible supporters of the West Seattle Food Bank for many years and now that Joey is a teenager, he has started volunteering here at the food bank as well.

Missed the chance to donate? At least two local Halloween attractions in our guide (the Meeds Haunted House and Nightfall Orphanage) are collecting nonperishable food, so take some with you when you head out!

Remembering Luna the Falconridge Farm cat, 1994-2019

We often publish remembrances about people who have died; tonight, we have one about a cat. An extraordinary cat, as her human companion Dr. Jean Nokes-Ghivizzani explains:

For over a quarter of a century, a 6-pound fluffy calico cat named Luna has graced Falconridge Farm in the Highland Park area of West Seattle.

She was the greeter, the guardian, a rider of horses, and put the rodents on notice. She was one of a litter of kittens abandoned in South Park and brought to Falconridge as a young kitten, arriving mid-April 1994 on the full moon.

Luna became a celebrity and was a feature on the International Discovery Channel, appeared in the Seattle Times, the West Seattle Blog, and KING-TV. Because Luna was an amputee, she had a fan club of other amputees for whom she was an inspiration.

Just before submitting her Great Animal Videos TV audition tape, Luna came into the barn dragging her hind leg, which had a compound fracture, and after 2 surgeries, it was finally removed. Prior to that time, Luna had spent about 16 hours each day on a horse.

She slept in the middle of their backs at night, curled up in their hay where the horses gently nibbled around her, rode out to the pastures on her equine friends, jumped on passing horses and rode double behind the surprised riders.

Luna was practicing sitting on a trotting horse for TV shortly before her accident. What had occurred was not clear but what was clear was that Luna was not going to be held back. 2 days after returning to Falconridge after her amputation, she was up on top of the stall dividers, and yes, back on a horse. Her balance was off a bit and she would go backward, but one of her Falconridge friends took her to her own chiropractor. After a few weeks of adjustments, Luna was much improved and resumed riding, although she preferred her mounts to be walking or dozing.

On September 16th, 2019, her solitary hind leg gave out. She went home with her human Mom and after a night in her cozy bed with care, catnip, and her favorite toys, she made it clear she could not go on. She is mourned, missed, and celebrated simultaneously. Luna is a legend and now has joined the dynasty of distinguished Falconridge barn cats, all of whom lived through their mid-twenties. She left no trainee.

We asked Dr. Nokes-Ghivizzani about Falconridge Farm’s status, since you might recall that it was for sale for a while two years ago. She replied, “Falconridge is thriving. The facility is being used (not leased) exclusively by a horse rescue and all is well, as my late husband used to say. A small part of a feature-length film will be shot there this year.”

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: 1 house, 100+ carved pumpkins!

Thanks to the reader who sent photos tonight of the Genesee Hill house – mentioned in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide – with more than 100 carved pumpkins on display!

Jason told us he displayed more than 50 last year, and doubled it this year.

You can see them through Halloween in the 5200 block of SW Dakota.

SOCCER: West Seattle HS girls win Metro League tournament match in OT

(WSB photos)

6:26 PM: One minute into overtime at Walt Hundley Playfield, the West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team broke a 1-1 tie with Holy Names and won their first game of the Metro League 3A tournament.

(WSHS #3, Lilli Bedell)

Next they play the winner of tonight’s (corrected) Garfield-Seattle Prep game.

(WSHS #8, Isabella Colberg)

7:50 PM: Photos added.

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: The bracket is finally updated. WSHS will play Seattle Prep at 7 pm Saturday (November 2nd) at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

BIZNOTE: Shack Coffeehouse closing

Thanks to Lynda for the tip: Shack Coffeehouse has announced it’s closing after this Friday. From its Instagram page:

As you all know it has been a rocky last couple of months for us here at The Shack. Construction has caused a drastic cut in business and it is sadly time for us to close our doors. Our last day open will be Friday Nov. 1st, 7:30AM-1PM. All merch such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, water bottles, coffee cups and reusable tote bags will be 50% off! Stop in and grab one to remember us by! We thank you for your support, and you can still see some of your favorite baristas working at @hotwirecoffee so feel free to swing by and see them! Thank you West Seattle!

Shack staffers told us business dropped by half within the first few weeks of the Avalon roadwork five months ago; then last month, the owners listed it for sale. Before it became Shack Coffeehouse, the little building at 2920 Avalon Way had been Java Bean for almost 20 years.

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Admiral District trick-or-treating

3:36 PM: As previewed last night, West Seattle High School students have joined the Admiral District trick-or-treating lineup this year, with a “trunk-or-treat” arrangement of decorated cars between the southwest edge of Hiawatha and the northwest edge of the WSHS campus. Worth a look even if you don’t want candy!

Otherwise, looks like this year’s participants are mostly along California, both sides of Admiral. More photos in a bit; Admiral trick-or-treating continues until 6 pm.

4:23 PM: Working our way north, above is A Kids’ Place Too Dentistry for Children (WSB sponsor); below, Admiral Bird:

Fun costumes spotted, too:

Tomorrow, two more business-district trick-or-treat events – Magic of Morgan (3-5 pm) and Westwood Village (4-6 pm).

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: New trick-or-treat event ‘Magic of Morgan’

October 30, 2019 2:40 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Businesses in booming Morgan Junction have decided to join the list of local business districts hosting trick-or-treat events. Zoe from Youngstown Coffee Company (6032 California SW) came up with the idea for “Magic of Morgan” – 3-5 pm tomorrow (Halloween), “Businesses will be handing out candy and goodies and Youngstown Coffee will be doing pumpkin decorating.” For 21+, she adds, Beveridge Place Pub has a doggie-costume contest starting at 6 pm. The businesses listed are primarily on both sides of California north of Fauntleroy; Zoe says you might see some last-minute additions. We’re adding this, meantime, to the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide.

AVALON/35TH PROJECT: Striping under way

Thanks for the tip! Striping is under way today on repaved Avalon Way; SDOT had said in its most-recent weekly update that it expected the work to start this week. Previously, the striping wasn’t expected to happen until spring; SDOT now says that’s when it’ll install some of the final touches such as flex posts for the bike lanes. You can see the final design here (PDF).

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Skeleton Theatre returns

October 30, 2019 11:59 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Since 2006, a spirited group of residents and friends has transformed a yard in southeast Admiral into the stage for Skeleton Theatre, a multimedia extravaganza starring animatronic skeletons. They’re at it again for Halloween 2019, bringing back their space epic “Ulna 13.” Skeleton Theatre tends to be more goofy than spooky, so it’s safe even for the easily scared. Just look and listen for the crowd at 36th/Hanford [map] Halloween night and Friday (November 1st), a free 20-minute show running continuously 6-9 pm both nights.

P.S. “Ulna 13” was originally presented six years ago – here’s our coverage from that Halloween.

Admiral trick-or-treating and more for your West Seattle (and vicinity) Wednesday

(Downy woodpecker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide:

ADMIRAL DISTRICT TRICK OR TREATING: Participating merchants welcome trick-or-treaters, this year the day before Halloween! 3-6 pm. (All directions along California/Admiral, also 42nd north and south of Admiral)

STORY TIME: Halloween Story Time at Paper Boat Booksellers, 6 pm. (6040 California SW)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOCCER: Metro League tournament play at Walt Hundley Playfield at 4 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Holy Names. (34th/Myrtle)

NEW CRUISE TERMINAL: The Port of Seattle is having three information/input meetings about its proposal for a new cruise terminal at Pier 46. First one is at the Georgetown campus of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), 5:30-7:30 pm, as previewed here. (6727 Corson Ave. S.)

KENNEDY HS OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm open house at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien. (140 S. 140th)

CLASSES: Here’s your chance to become an amateur-radio operator!

(Amateur radio is for all ages! WSB photo from 2018 Field Day)

In case you haven’t already seen these in our calendar – amateur-radio classes are coming up in West Seattle! From David Hillier with the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club:

Amateur radio is a fun hobby and a great way to help the community. You see us helping with communications at the West Seattle Grand Parade and at the Harvest Festival parade every year, for example. Amateur radio is also excellent for emergency preparedness. When the big one hits, one of the first things to go is communications.

Getting a license is not complicated. You simply must pass a 35-question exam. You don’t need to know Morse code. Let us help you get your license! We are giving a Technician (first level) class the weekends of November 2-3 and 9-10. We are giving a General (second level) class the weekends of November 9-10 and 16-17. The class is structured such that you can take both courses if you like. The classes are free. The exam (which we provide as part of the class) costs $15. It will be held at South Seattle College.

The classes are sponsored by the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club, Seattle Office of Emergency Management, and the Auxiliary Communications Service. Info on the first series is in our calendar here; the second one, here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:56 AM: Good morning. No alerts/incidents in our area so far.

ADMIRAL NOTE: Be extra careful traveling through the Admiral District this afternoon – trick-or-treaters will be visiting businesses 3-6 pm.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Gabriel Putnam back in jail

(Screen capture from security video last June)

Three months ago, we reported that a warrant was out for Gabriel Putnam, the 39-year-old man arrested and charged after this video-recorded Beach Drive burglary attempt in June. Tonight, in a routine check of the King County Jail register, we noticed he’s back in custody. Two and a half weeks after his June arrest, Putnam was released into the CCAP program, but stopped making the mandatory check-ins, so a warrant was issued. The jail register and court documents show he was arrested in Idaho and was extradited here, booked into jail last Thursday and held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

ELECTION 2019: One week left to vote!

checkbox.jpgThe voting ends and vote-counting begins one week from today. So far, as of tonight’s count, 8,530 of the 68,521 ballots sent out in City Council District 1 have been turned in; that’s a little over 12 percent. It’s the third-highest total by district, while D-1 has the fourth-highest number of voters. If you’re still not sure how to turn your ballot in and/or track it, that info’s here.

FINAL FORUM: The D-1 race is not all you’re deciding (as we noted here). But it’s certainly the highest-profile race.If you haven’t decided who to vote for yet, here’s one more chance to hear the candidates side by side. We recorded this forum last week at Arrowhead Gardens, the senior-living complex in southeast West Seattle. This was an open-mic Q&A event – described by organizers as “town hall” format. The questions were asked either directly by attendees or by moderator Diane Radischat from cards some had filled out.

No opening statements – after the introduction, it was on to Q&A, one and a quarter hours of it, all summarized below:

Read More

WEDNESDAY: Admiral District trick-or-treating!

(2018 trick-or-treating at WSB sponsor A Kids Place Dentistry for Children)

New date this year, so we’re reminding you again tonight that tomorrow (Wednesday, October 30th) is when Admiral District businesses will be welcoming trick-or-treaters, 3-6 pm. Not only will businesses around the Admiral/California junction be participating, don’t miss the businesses on 42nd SW, such as WSB sponsors Metropolitan Market (north of Admiral) and West Seattle Realty (south of Admiral, on the east side of the Admiral Safeway building). Also, the West Seattle High School ASB will host “trunk or treating” along the road between Hiawatha and the school’s front entrance, 3-5 pm, so wander up that way too!

FOOTBALL: West Seattle HS and Sammamish finish lightning-interrupted game

October 29, 2019 6:28 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: West Seattle HS and Sammamish finish lightning-interrupted game
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSHS #8, Christian Halter)

6:28 PM: This past half-hour at Southwest Athletic Complex, West Seattle High School and Sammamish finished the game interrupted by lightning last Friday night. WSHS was ahead going into the remaining 8:46, but Sammamish is going home with the win, 20-13.

(WSHS #2, Tom Nguyen)

8:01 PM: Photos added. Sammamish scored on the first play of the game and got a two-point conversion; a few minutes later, their second TD, with a failed point-after attempt, completing the scoring. Overall, Sammamish controlled the ball, keeping it on the ground and using up the clock. Chilly night at SWAC but these WSHS cheerleaders turned out to support the team:

WSHS plays at Fort Vancouver next Saturday afternoon, 2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Chill-o-ween week continues

That photo texted by a reader on Gatewood Hill shows a reading below 30 degrees early this morning. Just south of the Gatewood line, our birdbath froze over. Tomorrow morning will be even colder – possibly into the mid-20s. Any pre-winter prep you haven’t done yet, might be a good time to get it done. The dry weather will continue through Halloween – still cold Thursday night but probably about 10 degrees up from tonight.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Trial under way in 2017 murder of Edixon Velasquez

(WSB photo, September 2017)

Two years after the murder of 25-year-old Edixon Velasquez outside his home in Westwood, his accused killers are on trial. The victim’s former girlfriend, 23-year-old Anna Kasparova, and 21-year-old Abel Linares-Montejo are charged with murder in the deadly shooting. He is accused of pulling the trigger, after she allegedly lured him outside his house. Kasparova was arrested less than a week after the murder; Linares-Montejo was arrested the following month. Recently revised charging documents accuse the two of first-degree murder committed in the course of attempted robbery. The trial is currently in the first phase, jury selection.

Students disciplined for ‘racist language and symbols’ at West Seattle High School

West Seattle High School principal Brian Vance has disclosed that students have been disciplined for use of “racist language and symbols.” Multiple recipients forwarded us this letter he sent to families last night:

Recently, there has been a couple of incidents where students have used racist language and symbols with and against each other. Religious bigotry, racism, and discrimination go against every core belief held by the school and district and will not be tolerated. As West Seattle High School’s principal, I take the responsibility to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment very seriously.

While these individual incidents were addressed immediately, I want to share with the broader school community what has been done and my expectations moving forward.

Discipline:

Disciplinary procedures were followed for students who used the racial slurs or shared inappropriate imagery. We worked with Central Office and handled discipline in accordance with the student code of conduct.

Restoration:

In these situations, it is important to address the harm caused and promote healing. In our Advisory periods, we showed a video message from me denouncing these acts and putting out a call to come together as a community. In addition, students viewed a student produced video on micro-aggressions and students participated in restorative circles to share experiences and mend relationships.

Ongoing Training:

As Principal, I am committed to ensuring that every student at WSHS thrives, and as educators, we must continue our own professional growth and be intentional in our racial equity work. In response to these incidents, WSHS staff are taking the following actions.

All staff participated in staff circles to discuss issues on race and bias.

All staff will participate in continued training on bias and interrupting hate speech this coming Wednesday, October 30.

I will work in partnership with the SPS Department of Racial Equity and Advancement to create and implement a professional growth plan for WSHS staff for the rest of the school year. We will also use guidance from the Department of Racial Equity and Advancement and work with our school’s Race and Equity team to develop student-focused resources and ongoing training for our young people to understand hate speech, stereotypes, and biases.

We will be implementing a school wide positive response that will allow us to set clear expectations and a collective response in bringing our community together. More details on this will come out once we finalize the program.

I also want to remind our broader community that high school students are learning and developing during these formative years.

I encourage you to use this situation as an opportunity to talk with your student about the perpetuation of hate, racism, and anti-Semitism and the consequences – now and into the future – that may result. Teaching Tolerance has a parent guide for addressing these topics with young people.

As a community, we will not tolerate bullying, discrimination, or harassment. I continue to be proud to be part of a community that is supportive and welcoming and ask for your partnership in making sure WSHS students always embody these values. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

We requested followup details through Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson. He said this refers to “verbal” incidents: “Three completely separate incidents since the start of school.” We also requested the video mentioned in the principal’s letter; our request was turned down; Robinson said, “He prefers not to disseminate it further, but he points out that it is largely a reiteration of the points in the letter. It was about a minute long.” The Code of Conduct to which the letter refers has a disciplinary matrix you can see here.

Jazz and more at the Pacific Room: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

The Pacific Room on Alki Beach is more than a restaurant and bar. That’s their message as they join the WSB sponsor team:

The Pacific Room, which opened in June, is offering a big slate of live music. Not just “come for the food/drinks, stay for the music,” but also ticketed performances like Seattle’s legendary jazz singer Greta Matassa this Saturday (November 2nd). The Seattle jazz scene recently lost Tula’s; the Pacific Room intends to help fill the void.

You can watch the Pacific Room‘s calendar for not just music but other types of performances too, both ticketed and free; among the offerings on the way are spoken-word performances and a singer-songwriter contest. As the holidays near, watch for word of a New Year’s Eve celebration and a night of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” music performed live.

The Pacific Room is also offering other reasons to come to the beach – such as the food! Not just the regular menus, but also a special “comfort food” menu on Monday nights is one. Special culinary events have already included a three-course meal that benefited Fare Start.

The Pacific Room is at 2808 Alki SW. The restaurant is open for dinner 7 nights a week; see the music calendar here.

We thank the Pacific Room for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

5 for your West Seattle Tuesday!

(Horned Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide for today/tonight – so here are highlights from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: 1-2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library: “A no-charge presentation of Medicare Basics, your options, and what you need to consider when choosing your Medicare Plan for 2020.” Facilitated by Patrice Lewis of We Speak Medicare. All are welcome. (2306 42nd SW)

HIRING EVENT: Early-childhood employment and volunteering opportunities at Neighborhood House High Point – apply at this event, 4-6 pm. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

‘TALES FROM THE HEARTH’: You’re invited to this special autumn-inspired-storytelling event with West Seattle Toastmasters 832, 6:30 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). More info here. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

TRACK WORKOUT: Free track workout with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor); meet at the shop at 6:30 pm. (2743 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ANTI-RACIST BOOK CLUB: First meeting of this new 5th-Tuesdays group at Admiral Congregational Church. 7 pm. (4320 SW Hill)

MORE … browse our complete calendar for all the listings for today/tonight/beyond!

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Haunted and helpful ‘Nightfall Orphanage’

With Halloween two nights away, we’re previewing the spookiest shows in town – starting with “Nightfall Orphanage”:

That’s a new video preview for the “garage haunt experience” and West Seattle Food Bank donation drive happening in an Alki yard – you might have already been to the pre-Halloween presentations, and/or seen it in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, but if not, the official news release:

Now in its 3rd year, Nightfall Orphanage (located at 2130 Alki Ave SW) is quickly becoming West Seattle’s premier Home Haunt attraction, collecting non-perishable food donations for West Seattle Food Bank through its entire run (continuing Oct. 31, Nov.1, November 2, 7:30 pm -10:30 pm). On Halloween, October 31, Nightfall Orphanage will feature special guest and scaracter ChesterJester!

Mr. Black invites you to step back into the Bad Place, a gateway into the phantasmagoric realm of the Dark Reach that exists in the shadows between worlds. The radiant abyss where spectral echoes of what once was, and what should not be, materialize and take shape.

Admission is free to all, and guests are strongly encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to help struggling neighborhood families. More information is available on the website.

“Scaring is caring!” says Mr. Black, the chief architect of Nightfall Orphanage. “Halloween is always about community, because the best Halloween traditions start right here in the neighborhood. There are more than 10,000 families in West Seattle alone that live below the poverty level, and West Seattle Food Bank is committed to providing food security and community connections to neighbors in need. ‘We’ is the most important part of ‘Halloween,’ and when we act locally, we can inspire change globally.”

For over 20 years ChesterJester has been scaring guests at high-tier haunts such as Six Flags Magic Mountains Fright Fest. He has been featured on news programs where he developed a special “taste” for newscasters, (https://youtu.be/QxlegGohjX4) and loves to teach his own unique approach to painting (https://youtu.be/-brLAeiNW5I). He will be haunting Nightfall Orphanage on Halloween to provide screams, and collect food donations for those in need.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:59 AM: Good morning. Two alerts if you use NB 99:

-Crash just north of the West Seattle Bridge.

-SDOT says the signal at Alaskan Way/Dearborn is in flashing-red mode.

7:18 AM: SDOT says the crash has cleared.

7:54 AM: The Dearborn signal is fixed.