West Seattle, Washington

24 Wednesday

44℉

Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Continues today

  • Comeback

    DOUGHNUT COMEBACK: West Seattle return

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by Thursday 4/25!

West Seattle Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day!
May 8, 2011 7:57 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo shared by Lisa Stencel)
Not too much on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar today, since it’s a time for so many families to just be together. A few highlights if you’re looking for something to do:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Need last-minute flowers for Mom (or someone else)? You’ll find them at the market in abundance. Plus live music with the Sammy Sandy Buckner Duo, and a Kids’ Tent activity – picture frames for Mother’s Day. From the growers, market managers note that “Canales is back with tender asparagus!” and “Foraged and Found has weeds for even the most discerning wild woman … Stinging Nettle Pesto, anyone?!” 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska in The Junction. **11:35 am addendum: Thanks to Abanna for e-mailing to say the musician is Sandy Buckner, not Sammy as the market had announced, and that Sandy is “flying solo” in the market gig today – Abanna adds, “Among other claims to fame, Sandy is the music teacher at the Intergenerational Learning Center located at Providence Mount St. Vincent.”**

THE PLAY’S THE THING: Also in The Junction, “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment …” continues at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), with a 3 pm performance today.

MOTHER’S DAY PIE SOCIAL: RSVP’s were requested by Friday so we’re not sure if there’s still room. But if you can bake a pie by 1 pm you’re probably welcome at the first-ever Mother’s Day Pie Social at Village Green Perennial Nursery (besides the pie, there’s a $5 requested donation for the White Center Food Bank). Find full details here.

NEW MEANING TO THE TERM ‘FROSTED GLASS’: Watching glass-blowing at Avalon Glassworks is a Mother’s Day tradition, and today they’re making glass cupcakes to benefit WestSide Baby. (Here’s a photo on the WS Baby FB page.) The studio is on Avalon Way just south of the West Seattle Bridge, and open 10 am-5 pm today.

SURPRISE MOM WITH A HOME-IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: If you need tools to make it happen, the West Seattle Tool Library is open today in its new Youngstown Cultural Arts Center space (east side of main building at 4408 Delridge Way), 1-5 pm.

SECOND ANNUAL ‘MY MOM STILL ROCKS’ TRIBUTE: At Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), starting at 6 pm. P.S. The promotional graphics made by The Feedback’s Jeff Gilbert are featured right now on the Facebook page and website for KISS – here’s the latter:

Share This

Maps and art along the way: More wayfinding kiosks installed
May 7, 2011 11:53 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

So much for “Pothole Drive” – the Beach Drive wayfinding-kiosk shell that briefly held the cardboard guerrilla art/road-conditions commentary has now been completed with its intended display. The photos are courtesy of Chas Redmond, pedestrian advocate (among other roles), long involved with the kiosk project and now reporting five more are in place. Another is across from Admiral Way Viewpoint:

And this one’s along the north end of Lincoln Park:

The other two new kiosks are in Alki and Admiral. Each has two different map views, including a closer look at the area where it’s been placed, along with different art on both sides. This is part of a wayfinding project that’s been in the works more than three years – its first phase was the West Seattle Trails map (here’s an early report from 2008).

Share This

Video: Triangle Advisory Group talks streetscapes, and more
May 7, 2011 9:16 pm
|    Comments Off on Video: Triangle Advisory Group talks streetscapes, and more
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)

Every so often, we like to put an entire local public meeting on video for those who can never make it in person, but are interested in how the discussions proceed, what it looks and sounds like, unfiltered. So we rolled on the West Seattle Triangle Advisory Group‘s meeting on Thursday night; unedited, our video is broken into the first hour (above), the second hour (below). This is still Phase II for the advisory group. City planners led by Susan McLain presented land-use “concepts” last time, and the focus this time was “street-use concepts,” including whether the much-discussed tree-lined “boulevard” concept would be feasible for Fauntleroy in the Triangle area, as well as more land-use alternatives.

(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)

Eventually, Triangle proposals are expected to go before the City Council for consideration, though that’s expected to still be months away. The presentation from Thursday’s meeting isn’t on the Triangle website yet, but we’ll publish a followup when the material appears there (you’ll see much of it on the screen in our video, which is fairly low-light since slide decks play a big role in these discussions). P.S. Can’t find an official online list of the advisory-group members; but it should be noted, this phase of the discussion includes the area with most of the former Huling Auto properties, and Steve Huling is a member of the group – he was in attendance at this meeting.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen this briefcase anywhere?
May 7, 2011 7:10 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox – Robert wonders if anyone has seen a briefcase taken when someone broke into his car:

As I walked to my driveway to go to work Tuesday morning (05/02), I saw broken glass near my car. Sure enough, someone had smashed my driver’s side rear door window during the night. The only thing missing was my briefcase. It is an old, doctor’s style black case that opens from the top. It isn’t worth much, but has sentimental value. There was nothing of real value inside, other than some personal papers and some books on education. I imagine the thief was disappointed and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was dumped nearby. If anyone runs across it, I would greatly appreciate being notified. You can email me at neoreadteach@yahoo.com. Thanks. The theft took place near 37th and SW 98th ST in Arbor Heights.

(No “you shouldn’t have left it in there” comments, please, “blaming the victim” is against WSB rules.) Police do advise that absolutely nothing be left in vehicles, even if you think it’s nothing a thief could possibly have any interest in – here’s more information about car-prowl prevention.

Share This

Registration under way for Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp
May 7, 2011 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Registration under way for Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photo from 2010 Chief Sealth Basketball/Life Skills camp)
Registration is under way now for the 14th annual Basketball and Life Skills Camp at Chief Sealth International High School. And though it’s at a high school – it’s for second through ninth graders (the grade they’ll be entering next fall). It’s run by Sealth head boys’ basketball coach Colin Slingsby and athletic director Sam Reed, and Denny International Middle School head coach Diallo Jackson, with star player and budding coach Tre’Von Lane (a graduating Sealth senior this year) also on staff. Along with basketball, the “life skills” part of the program includes topics from goal-setting to self-discipline. There are three one-week sessions, each Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm daily, with those sessions starting June 27, July 11, and August 8. You can find out much more in the official brochure – download it here (PDF).

Share This

Happening now: Pre-Mother’s Day plant (and more) sales
May 7, 2011 12:35 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Pre-Mother’s Day plant (and more) sales
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

At West Seattle Montessori/West Seattle Academy (WSB sponsor), the halls are lined with plants and gift items for today’s annual sale – and it’s not just a shopping opportunity; edible-gardening expert and author Amy Pennington will be there at 2 pm, and a few seats were left when we checked. Angela, Delores and Dakota already have her books on hand (“Urban Pantry” and “Apartment Gardening”):

The sale continues till 3 at 11215 15th SW; WSMS says Village Green Perennial Nursery donated plants too and wants to send out a hearty thanks for that.

Meantime, a Relay for Life-West Seattle team has a fundraising plant sale under way at Ginomai (SW corner of 42nd/Genesee) in The Junction – look for the sign-waving at Genesee/California and head east:

Besides plants, they’re selling luminarias for the moving ceremony during the June 10th-11th all-night American Cancer Society fundraiser, as well as birdhouses big and small.

The sale’s under way till 4; Relay for Life is June 10-11.

Share This

West Seattle schools: Wildcats fastpitch softball wins division
May 7, 2011 11:19 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

It’s playoff time for spring sports, and once again, the West Seattle High School Wildcats have won their division in fastpitch softball. Sandy Watkins shares the news (and the team photo):

West Seattle High School’s fastpitch softball team won their division this week against their rival Chief Sealth with a score of 3-2. The winning pitcher was Toni Spadoni, who struck out 14 batters. They will enter the Metro playoffs this week, with their first game on Wednesday, May 11 @ 3:30 at Riverview Playfield. The opponent is to be determined.

This is the first year for the new WSHS coaching team reported here earlier this year, head coach Jim Perkins and assistant coach Deavonnie Spadoni. (And as pointed out in comments, the team’s leadership includes assistant coach Randy Bittermann too.)

Share This

West Seattle Saturday: ALS walk, plant sales, councilmember chat…
May 7, 2011 7:37 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Many bald-eagle photos have come in over the past few months – often in majestic detail – but nothing like this: Phil Sayles says that’s an eagle on the sidewalk outside his townhouse, spotted Friday afternoon. Make up your own caption. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, highlights of what’s ahead today:

HUB DRILL: As previewed here yesterday, today is the next West Seattle Be Prepared Emergency Communication Hubs drill, 9 am-noon (just in case you pass one of the groups involved in the fake-quake drill at Fairmount or Delridge and think it sounds like there’s an actual emergency!)

FIGHT ALS, WALK ON ALKI: Fiesta 5K Walk/Run on Alki in support of the Hackett Clan. It is ALS Awareness Month (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Race sign in is 9:30 and walk time is 10 am. Course is 2.8 miles from the Alki picnic shelter to the Luna Park Pier and back. You are encouraged to wear green. Fiesta 5k shirts for sale for a $10 donation while inventory lasts. Online donations welcome, look for “Hackett Clan.”

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE’S OPEN HOUSE: Open house at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 10:30 am – 3 pm. Starts with 10:30 am Asian Tea Group and Exercise with Willie. 12 -3 pm Open House, Meet the Staff, Fitness Challenge, Family Art Project. Workshops: Employment, Computer, shoulder pain clinic. 2:30-5:30 pm, basketball challenge. Call Seana at 206-588-4900 with questions.

CONVERSATION WITH A COUNCILMEMBER: Join Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Transportation Committee, at the West Seattle Branch Library (2306 42nd Ave SW), 2:30 – 4 pm. Not a speech – an informal conversation opportunity. All topics are on the table. Visit Councilmember Rasmussen’s website for more information.

CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER PLANT SALE: Mother’s Day Plant Sale – The Relay for Life of West Seattle Team Go For It! is sponsoring a plant sale, selling perennials and vegetable starters as well as herbs. Get your garden growing and help in the fight against cancer. All proceeds from the sale will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of West Seattle (coming up next month). The sale will be in the parking lot of Ginomai at 4401 – 42nd Ave SW (42nd and Genesee) between 10 am and 4 pm. Besides plants, plant sticks and bird houses, there will be an opportunity to buy luminarias to be lit at the Relay for Life June 10 – June 11. Luminarias are lit decorated bags, each with the name of a person who has fought cancer. These will line the track at West Seattle Stadium during the Relay. These are personalized to reflect the person they are honoring. These are being decorated by West Seattle artists for a suggested donation of $10.

WSMS PLANT/BAKE SALE: “Who’s Your Mama?” garden and baked goods gift sale in honor of Mother’s Day at West Seattle Academy/West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), 11215 15th Ave SW, 9 am – 3 pm. Details here.

PARFAIT’S WEST SEATTLE DEBUT: Parfait Ice Cream truck debuts alongside Marination Mobile at 35th/Graham, 11 am – 2 pm

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WINE TASTING: Bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 2 – 4 pm. SPECIAL Saturday tasting. Sample some wines from two new Washington wineries, Convergence Zone and Lobo Hills.

SCRABBLE AT SKYLARK: Saturday afternoon Charity Scrabble continues at Skylark Café and Club, 3:30 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING: Third annual “Wine For Our Times” – wine tasting event at the Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden Street). Doors at 6 pm, tasting at 7 pm. Pre-register at hpicwine@gmail.com or call 206.938.6031.

GAME NIGHT FUNDRAISER: Sunrise Heights’ annual Poker Tournament/Games Night. Held at Our Lady of Guadalupe School Hall (3401 SW Myrtle), doors open 5 pm, start 6 pm, finish by 10 pm. 21 and older to get in. This is a fundraising event for the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association. Call Rob 206.932.2949 for info or to reserve a table.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FEEDBACK: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor, 6451 California Ave SW) at 8 pm presents HIGHWAY TO HELL VIA MEMPHIS PARTY featuring live music by GUNN & THE DAMAGE DONE. No cover, 21 & older to get in, photo ID at the door.

‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT MIDNIGHT: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” complete with shadow casting is presented at The Admiral Theater on the first Saturday of each month, and tonight’s the night!

Share This

The WSBeat: No parking; lashing out on the links; more…
May 7, 2011 7:03 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*While working on his car in the Alaska Junction-area, a man needed to move his vehicle for just a few moments. When he pulled into an apartment lot across the alley, he was approached by a suspect who said, “You can’t park here.” The victim explained that it was just for a moment, but the suspect pulled a pistol from his waistband, flashed a badge that said, “concealed weapons permit,” and said, “You are trespassing and need to leave.” Bystanders intervened, and the suspect drove off before officers arrived.

*At West Seattle Golf Course one recent afternoon, a golfer approached the men ahead on the course and asked the obviously intoxicated pair if they could play faster. The response was a flurry of cussing and threats of “we’ll be waiting for you.” The suspects did, indeed, wait for the victims to return to their cars. One suspect stepped from behind a pickup truck and belly-bumped the victim several times. When the victim shoved back, the suspect began swinging. Medics had to be called to treat the victim, who suffered a severe laceration to his lip and nose and a serious injury to his right hand and thumb, which required a trip to the hospital. The suspect (described as white, heavyset, in his late 50s or 60s, ruddy complexion, reddish/balding hair, and glasses) drove off in a red pickup truck. But it’s his fashion sense that might make him easy to identify: Look for the man who golfs in a green hat, orange t-shirt, a purple vest, and multicolored checkered “clown pants.”

8 more summaries ahead:Read More

Share This

Furry Faces Foundation Plant Sale May 21-22
May 7, 2011 1:21 am
|    Comments Off on Furry Faces Foundation Plant Sale May 21-22
 |   Announcements

F3 has a plant sale coming up. Flora and Fauna all in one place, you can’t beat that!

It’s Furry Faces Foundation‘s 11th Plant Sale Season which now includes Pet Adoption opportunities as well. Come by our sale at 3809 46th Ave SW on May 21st and 22nd, from 10 am – 4 pm.  We think you will love our selection. There will be 1,000+  healthy, nursery quality perennials, annuals and vegetables at reasonable prices, beautifully suited for Pacific NW gardens. Ornamental Grasses; Spiderwort; Sedums; Dianthus, Lychnis, Phlox, Campanula, Lavender, Sages, Semperviums, Unique Coleus selection, Viola, Pansies, Petunias, Nicotiana, Mosses, and more. 

Looking to add a new furry family member? Different rescue groups will be onsite each day, providing you with the opportunity to meet dogs and cats that are looking to adopt a new human.  Don’t shop….adopt!

All plant sale proceeds fund Furry Faces Foundation’s two programs which support animals whose humans are financially restricted—‘It’s Hip, To Be Snipped’ and ‘Oliver’s Fund’.  To find out more about our group see our website at or ‘Like’ us on Facebook!  

Share This

West Seattle scene: Caution, Canada geese crossing
May 6, 2011 9:00 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

West Seattle photographer (among other things) Robin Lindsey caught the famous pedestrian geese on camera – along with the drivers who stopped for them. She notes, “Of late, the geese and their goslings have decided the grass is sometimes greener on the other side of Harbor Avenue. This poses a major danger to them as they try to cross back and forth from the water side as traffic speeds by. Please drive slowly along the stretch of Harbor from the curve just south of Salty’s to Fairmount and give the geese families the right of way – give ’em a ‘brake’! And thanks to all the drivers who have been so patient and have enjoyed this spectacular sight.”

Share This

West Seattle scene: Neighbor says ‘Thanks, SDOT’
May 6, 2011 7:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Kam shared that photo, reporting: “SDOT just finished with the first phase of repairs on Shore Pl. Thank you to the A-team pothole-repair crew!” According to Kam, it was a three-person team – truck driver plus Reneé and Leon with the asphalt. (Shore Place is right off Beach Drive, recently dubbed “Pothole Drive” – here’s a location map; and here’s the city’s “pothole-report map.”)

Share This

Kiwanis Club of West Seattle “Poker Run” on May 14th
May 6, 2011 5:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Announcements

Fresh out of the Inbox, this notice about the West Seattle Kiwanis “poker run” fundraiser – sounds like a lot of fun!

KIWANIS OF WEST SEATTLE
2nd ANNUAL CHARITY MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN, BIKE & CLASSIC CAR SHOW
PROCEEDS GO TO KIWANIS CHILDRENS CANCER CARE PROGRAM (KCCP)
BECAUSE KIDS WITH CANCER DESERVE A FUTURE

On May 14, 2011, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will host its second annual Charity Motorcycle Poker Run & Classic Car Show. Proceeds from this event support the PNW District Kiwanis Project, led by 2010-2011 Governor Frank Morehouse, which will fund cancer research at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Donations will be made through the West Seattle Kiwanis 21st Century Scholarship Fund, a not-for-profit corporation operating under chapter 501c3 of the US Internal Revenue code. Our EIN is 91-1285427.

A poker run is an organized event in which participants must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. The event is not timed—winning is purely a matter of chance.

Sign-in for this event starts at 8:30am at the lot on 40th Ave SW and SW Alaska St in West Seattle. Following the Poker Run, riders, passengers, and the general public are welcome to a BBQ and to view the Classic Cars on display presented by the Old Rides Club. Prizes will be presented to riders for the Best Hand, the Worst Hand, and other categories as determined. The pre-registration is $25 per rider and $5 for a passenger (if there is a passenger). Day of registration is $30 per rider, plus $5 per passenger. The cost of the BBQ for the general public is $10. Pre-registration closes on May 9th. Click Here To Register on the Kiwanis website. Contact the Kiwanis at westseattlekiwanis@yahoo.com with questions.

==============================================================

Date: May 14th, 2011
Location: 4700 40th Ave SW, Seattle, WA. 98116  (adjacent to Howden Kennedy Funeral Home)
Pre-registration: $25.00 per Bike – $30.00 with Passenger
Day-Of Registration: $30.00 per Bike – $35.00 with Passenger
Entry fee includes B-B-Q, bike show entry, water/snacks along route, and Prize drawing entry.

Time: 8:30am – 9:30am Registration/Check-in
9:30am – 1pm Ride (Poker Run)
1:30pm to 3pm BBQ ($10 for BBQ only)
2:30pm Bike Show

Prizes for Best Hand, Worst Hand & Additional Categories! (Winners of other categories to be chosen by majority vote from attendees)

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, now in its 83rd year, undertakes a full program of service to the communities of West Seattle with special emphasis on the growth, education and needs of children from preschool though college. An affiliate of Kiwanis International which has clubs in 83 nations, the West Seattle club is an organization of concerned adults dedicated to changing
the world one child and one community at a time.

The West Seattle Kiwanis club is one of the first service clubs established in West Seattle, and was started in 1929. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle offers you the opportunity to share your experience, knowledge, and time in service to the community. This
service is great fun and builds fellowship with other members. Excellent, diverse programs can be enjoyed at our weekly meetings. Membership is open to all men and women who possess a genuine interest in serving the community. The club meets at 7am every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, and Noon every 2nd Wednesday, at Be’s Restaurant in the Junction, at 4509 California Ave SW. Park in rear lot and enter the rear door. For more information, contact Warren Lawless at 206-938-8032 or ewl@westseattle.com

Share This

Update: Watch for Sea-Based X-Band Radar ‘in next several days’
May 6, 2011 4:59 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Two days after our first report that the Missile Defense Agency‘s Sea-Based X-band Radar (SBX) is on its way to West Seattle for three months of maintenance/upgrades at Vigor (formerly Todd), we have a bit of an update: While the military won’t be any more specific, their latest update says SBX “is expected to enter Vigor … within the next several days” since it “will soon enter Puget Sound.” They also want to clarify, for those who have asked, that the radar “will not operate while in the shipyard.” More background info in our Wednesday report; the structure rises 280 feet – that’s almost half as tall as the Space Needle.

Share This

Help Highland Park’s spray-park plan make a splash!
May 6, 2011 4:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(2009 WSB photo of Highland Park’s wading pool, which hasn’t been open since 2008)
Almost two years after the plan to convert Highland Park’s wading pool to a spray park first surfaced, it’s getting closer to construction: A public meeting has just been announced for May 25th. The Parks and Green Spaces Levy allotted the bare minimum to convert the pool, $200,000; then Carolyn Stauffer, now co-chair of Highland Park Action Committee, put together a plan to pitch for more money from the levy’s Opportunity Fund, and an additional $580,000 has been finalized. Now, it’s time to talk about what features the spray park – planned for the pool’s current “footprint” – will include. The meeting is set for 7:15 pm May 25th at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden).

Share This

SDOT confirms Arbor Heights walkway on the drawing board
May 6, 2011 3:44 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

One of the most sidewalk-less areas of West Seattle is in line for a few blocks of potential change. Lisa spotted survey workers on 35th south of Roxbury yesterday, found out their work had something to do with a paved walkway, and asked what we knew about it. We checked with SDOT‘s Marybeth Turner, who confirms:

Survey work is underway for the design of a walkway at this location, to be constructed next year. How long the walkway will be has not yet determined–it will depend on the cost. At this point they are looking at the west side of 35th Ave SW from SW 97th to SW 100th. More will be known as the design work progresses. This is a “Walk Bike Ride” project.

Share This

Video: Caspar Babypants rocks City Mouse Studio & Store crowd
May 6, 2011 2:02 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

With the line outside City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor) in The Junction this morning, you’d have thought a rock star was visiting. Oh wait – one was:

The strollers might have been a giveaway – the rock star on hand was Chris Ballew, aka Caspar Babypants, posing above with City Mouse proprietor Donna Ryan. Her photography studio/children’s-merchandise store is celebrating its first anniversary at 4218 SW Alaska, and CB performed two wall-to-wall-crowded mini-concerts to help celebrate:

City Mouse also just launched an online store – check out the site for a discount code to get you 20 percent off a first-time purchase. (And Donna says locals can pick up online-bought merchandise at the Junction store to save shipping fees.)

Share This

Heads up: Emergency Communications Hub quake drill tomorrow
May 6, 2011 1:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Heads up: Emergency Communications Hub quake drill tomorrow
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

Last October, we photographed Sharonn Meeks and Cindi Barker during a West Seattle Be Prepared Emergency Communication Hubs drill, simulating what might happen in terms of neighborhood communication during a major earthquake. Tomorrow, WSBP is part of another drill, this one citywide. From 9 am until noon, volunteer groups here and in several other Seattle neighborhoods, with the help of the city Office of Emergency Management and the Auxiliary Communication Service, will be involved in role-playing scenarios and radio communications. The hubs are neighborhood gathering places where volunteers will help coordinate communication in case of catastrophe – an expanded version of the premise that neighbors helping neighbors will be far more likely in the immediate hours and days after disaster than relying on the authorities to reach everyone who needs help. WSBP says this drill will “activate” two hubs – the one for the Fairmount neighborhood, at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW, northeast corner by the flagpole), and the new North Delridge hub (at the P-Patch at 5078 25th SW). You are welcome to come observe, but they don’t need extra help this time around; if you’d like to get involved with neighborhood preparedness in general, here’s how to reach WSBP!

P.S. WSBP has another training session coming up – featuring a movie about our region’s quake threat; it’s on May 16th and you can get all the details here.

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Federal charges for accused dealer
May 6, 2011 11:02 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Court documents confirm what a tipster reported in comments following our coverage of yesterday morning’s police operations at locations including Upper Fauntleroy (remember the helicopter?) and High Point: The man who was arrested is someone we’ve reported on before – James Monroe Flowers, Jr. He’s the alleged drug dealer that Seattle Police arrested in a SWAT-enhanced operation in The Junction back in February; he was out on bond when charges were filed and a warrant issued – we later learned that he posted bond on the warrant without having had to return to jail. Now he’s facing federal charges listed in court documents as “possession of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute” and “carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”

The documents relate to the same investigation that led to the state charges against Flowers (detailed in this WSB report). The federal documents also allege witness tampering – though no charge is filed on that: The narrative says that after Flowers posted bond, one of the witnesses in the case received a phone call from him, asking the witness “not to take him [Flowers] away from his kids” (the court document notes that this is a paraphrase of what was said). The court document goes on to say, “Since this call, the (witness) has received several threatening calls from unidentified subjects who have either directly or indirectly threatened his/her life.” Flowers is now in federal custody, with a detention hearing set for Tuesday. Regarding the locations involved in yesterday morning’s warrant operations – one apparently an arrest warrant, one a search warrant – the documents don’t mention the specific addresses or their significance, but earlier state court paperwork had mentioned a High Point address for Flowers. (Photo courtesy Washington Dept. of Corrections)

Share This

Alert for Lincoln Park walkers/runners/riders: Colman Pool work
May 6, 2011 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on Alert for Lincoln Park walkers/runners/riders: Colman Pool work
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor swimming facility, Colman Pool, is getting ready for its short, sweet summer season, opening on Memorial Day weekend as usual. But first, Seattle Parks has a project that will affect people who use the park, particularly along its waterfront walking/running/bicycling trail. According to Parks’ Garrett Farrell, a large vault will be installed to “hold backwash water from the sand filters” (remember, Colman Pool uses filtered Puget Sound water). Since the contractor has to bring in equipment (including a crane) as well as the vault – in pieces – while hauling out dirt from the hole they need to dig, “park users should expect a lot of traffic on the path between Fauntleroy and the pool.” Farrell says this all starts Monday, north of the pool (the path on the building’s east side will be blocked, as will access to the outdoor women’s restroom) and will be done before the pool’s scheduled opening on May 28th (here’s the brochure with this year’s full schedule).

Share This

West Seattle Food Bank: How to help, with just a click
May 6, 2011 8:38 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Big night for the West Seattle Food Bank, with its annual benefit dinner. And this can be a big day for them too, if you can help with a one-day-only quest to build the Food Bank’s following on Facebook. WS Food Bank director Fran Yeatts explains:

Reminder: Tonight, Friday May 6th The West Seattle Food Bank is hosting the 4th annual Instruments of Change benefit dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

The event is sold out, but don’t worry, there is still a way to participate and be an instrument of change in our community: All day today, until midnight, participating WS Food Bank board members will donate $1 for every new “like” for the West Seattle Food Bank Facebook page (up to $1000.). Help us get the word out – “like” the West Seattle Food Bank Facebook page and spread the word. http://www.facebook.com/westseattlefoodbank

Attending Instruments of Change? Don’t forget, check-in is at 6:00 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW.

Share This

Less than one week till Northwest Hope & Healing ‘Style ’11’
May 6, 2011 7:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Health | How to help | West Seattle news

That video made for Northwest Hope and Healing by West Seattle’s Captive Eye Media gives you a taste of the fashion, fun, and inspiration at NWHH’s annual “Style ’11” benefit fashion show to raise money for its mission: Helping breast-cancer patients – not with the treatment itself, but with the sudden turmoil and upheaval it causes in patients’ lives; that kind of help provides “hope and healing” too. “Style ’11” is now less than a week away – happening next Thursday night, May 12th, at Showbox SODO. Lots of West Seattle involvement again this year – including West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), Carmilia’s, Coastal, Ola, and Sweetie. Tickets will cost you less online than at the door; get yours by going here.

Share This

West Seattle Friday: From Caspar Babypants to carne asada
May 6, 2011 7:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great blue heron, photographed off Beach Drive by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
CASPAR BABYPANTS MINI-CONCERTS: Caspar Babypants performs a special mini-concert at City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor, 4218 SW Alaska), 10:30 am and 11:30 am, in honor of the store’s first birthday. See Facebook event page here

CARNE ASADA BOWL: Annual boys’ soccer game between Chief Sealth International JV and Secondary BOC, 3:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex on SW Thistle (or SW Trenton, for the other side). After the game, everyone is invited to stay and partake in the annual Carne Asada feast as prepared by Sealth’s own Delfino Muñoz and our generous soccer parents.

AFTER THAT GAME: Sealth athletic director Sam Reed just announced a playoff game tonight for Sealth boys’ soccer varsity: “The boys finished 7-1-4 in the Sound Division and earned the 3rd seed into the playoffs. They will play Seattle Prep tonight at 7:00 pm @ SWAC. This is a single-elimination tournament with 3 teams guaranteed a berth to State.”

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF BENEFIT: Tonight at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor, 5612 California SW), Benefit for Japan’s Earthquake Relief, 6 pm – 7 pm. Originally from New York City but now living in Tokyo, Danny Katz entertains with his unique blend of 80s flavored folk-pop. Proceeds from CD sales at this show will go towards Japan’s earthquake disaster relief efforts.

FOOD BANK BENEFIT: 4th annual Instruments of Change benefit dinner for the West Seattle Food Bank, with keynote speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine, 6-9 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (with WSB among the co-sponsors). Event is sold out.

RADIO8BALL RETURNS: The Radio8Ball Show featuring the show’s host and creator, Andras Jones, and local darlings The Young Evils, and The Janks from Los Angeles, returns to Seattle for a weekend of shows at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor, 3803 Delridge Way SW). Advance tickets $8, at the door $12; Buy online

Share This