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Roxhill Elementary principal Carmela Dellino promoted to executive director of West Seattle schools
July 17, 2012 11:56 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

FIRST REPORT, 11:56 AM: Just forwarded to us:

Dear Roxhill Elementary School families:

It is with deeply mixed emotions that I am writing to let you know I have decided to accept the position of Executive Director of Schools for Seattle Public Schools’ Southwest Region. I will be replacing Aurora Lora, who has taken a job in Texas.

My years at Roxhill have been filled with incredible joy. Roxhill is a vibrant, positive school that celebrates our diverse community and is committed to every student’s success. The staff is truly the best group of educators with whom I have ever had the honor of working.  I am proud and grateful to have been the principal of Roxhill.  I look forward to watching the continued progress of our students and celebrating the many successes that I am confident lie ahead.

I am also very excited about this new opportunity to lead our principals and staff in service to families in the Southwest Region, which includes Roxhill. While I will miss the opportunity to interact with you on a daily basis, I will be in Roxhill on a regular basis with your new principal. As one of the six regional Executive Directors of Schools, I will support principals’ instructional leadership in order to increase student achievement and close opportunity gaps. This includes using data to monitor school progress, coordinating professional development, one-on-one coaching, principal evaluations and conducting frequent learning walks through school buildings.

Please be assured that my highest immediate priority in the next few weeks is to work with Roxhill staff and parents to select the next leader for our school. Please do not hesitate to contact me to share the qualities and characteristics you would like to see in your next principal. You can reach me at cddellino@seattleschools.org.

You will be able to meet your new principal at the Welcome Back BBQ on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Roxhill. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Sincerely,

Carmela Dellino, Principal
Roxhill Elementary School

ADDED 1:03 PM: The district has since sent a news release announcing Dellino’s appointment, as well as an executive director for another region of the district, in a letter from new Superintendent José Banda – read it ahead:Read More

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Equity Residential Junction project update: Demolition could start ‘as early as August 10th’
July 17, 2012 10:44 am
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(2011 WSB photo looking southwest toward project site on Alaska’s south side, 42nd to California)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With the remaining businesses on notice to clear out of the future Equity Residential two-building development site in the heart of The Junction by the end of this month, demolition could start days later.

We’ve been working for weeks to get an update directly from the site’s owner/developers, and finally have some new information.

Read More

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WSDOT says south-end 99 work will be done, early, this fall
July 17, 2012 10:07 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSDOT photo of the new 99 bridge-in-progress, taken last month)
If you drive 99 from the West Seattle Bridge to downtown, you’ve noticed that the eastern elevated section of the highway, south of the remaining Alaskan Way Viaduct, is taking shape fast. Once it’s done, that new bridge will carry the northbound 99 traffic, while its semi-twin, which has carried both directions since last year, will be the southbound-only side. This morning, WSDOT announced that the new bridge will be done this fall, with the entire south end demolition/construction project complete “one year ahead of schedule and on budget.” Read on for the announcement:Read More

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West Seattle Tuesday: Hi-Yu Concert in the Park, and more
July 17, 2012 8:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: Hi-Yu Concert in the Park, and more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to John Kincaid for sharing the photo – a sharp-shinned hawk seen in Fauntleroy Park)
Happy Tuesday! Some highlights for today/tonight:

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: The Health and Harvest Tour/work party hours are now 5-7 pm every Tuesday, and you’re invited. The orchard is on the northeast side of the South Seattle Community College campus at 6000 16th SW.

DROP-IN E-BOOK CLINIC: Need help with downloading e-books and/or audiobooks? The Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library (35th/Henderson) invites you to stop by 6-7:30 pm tonight – any time during that window – for help.

MURRAY CSO MEETING: The community advisory group for the Lowman Beach sewer-overflow-control project will meet tonight, 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Agenda highlights are in the calendar listing.

EVENING BOOK GROUP: The High Point Branch of the Seattle Public Library hosts its evening book group at 6:30 pm tonight; this month’s book is “The Lost Painting” by Jonathan Harr.

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU CONCERT IN THE PARK: It might still be cloudy, but the forecast says it’ll be warm when the West Seattle Big Band takes the stage for the Hi-Yu Concert in the Park tonight on the Hiawatha Community Center/park’s east lawn. Note the time is different from previous years – 7:30 pm. Bring your own chair/blanket to sit on the grass. Admission free.

NIGHTLIFE: Tonight’s lineup includes the monthly Alauda belly-dancing showcase at Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 pm; Trivia That Rocks at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm; there’s also trivia at The Bridge, 8:30 pm; Shadowland hosts the weekly Starlight songwriters’ showcase, 9 pm.

More on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar!

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West Seattle scene: A rod, a line, a view, a park
July 17, 2012 1:45 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

WSB’s newest professional photojournalist contributor, Nick Adams, netted that image of people fishing during Monday’s sunset at Lincoln Park. Today’s forecast is a little murky – then again, so was Monday’s, and the sun triumphed anyway.

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West Seattle Summer Fest postscripts: Can-tastic donation! Plus, Good Samaritan story
July 17, 2012 1:09 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

A couple post-West Seattle Summer Fest notes tonight:

The photo is from Prudential Northwest Realty‘s Don Bereiter, who explains the cans in their WSSF booth were part of a game that will help keep a lot of people from going hungry:

I just wanted to point out the HUGE success that Summer Fest was this year. We tried a new approach this year by involving as many kids that would participate. We set up some empty cans to be knocked down with foam rubber Prudential rocks. Each kid received a piece of licorice and we agreed to donate one can of food to the West Seattle Food Bank for each participant. We ended up with 756 kids (some adults, too)!

In lieu of physically donating canned food, we are going to write a check for $378 (756 divided by 2) to the food bank. This way they can use their buying power to purchase more than the 756 cans. My guess would be well over 2000.

Just wanted to share with the neighborhood the good news. I am sure the participants will be happy to hear how much good they did by playing!

We also received a note from James, who wanted to offer this public “thank you”:

I just wanted to thank the Good Samaritan that returned my 8-year-old daughter’s coin purse (Sunday) at the West Seattle Street Fair. My daughter was carrying around $40 in her purse for the fair. We didn’t realize it was lost until we were almost home. We rushed back to the fair, which was shutting down for the year. I backtracked our steps (to no avail). I then went to the event center’s lost and found, happily discovering someone turned it in with every cent accounted for. I am proud to be born and raised here in this community of West Seattle where great people reside!

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West Seattle weddings: Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Robert!
July 17, 2012 12:18 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle weddings

The first wedding announcement we’ve ever been asked to publish – but hey, they’re news too! From the bride:

Jolene Humphrey and Sanjay Robert are happy to announce that they are now Mr. and Mrs. Sanjay Robert!

They exchanged vows on Saturday, July 14, 2012, in a small service at their church.

The happy couple are residents of West Seattle and attend church at Hope Lutheran.

You are likely to see them at Lincoln Park with the kids, Kelci, Zach, and Ravi – or walking together hand in hand around the city.

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Also this weekend: Our Lady of Guadalupe Hoopfest in new gym
July 16, 2012 10:45 pm
|    Comments Off on Also this weekend: Our Lady of Guadalupe Hoopfest in new gym
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

In case you haven’t seen it already in the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s brand-new Alex J. Brunett Gymnasium will host Hoopfest this weekend, and sign-ups are open now for boys and girls going into 3rd through 12th grades this fall. It’s a three-on-three basketball tournament this Saturday and Sunday, with these brackets:

3/4th grade Boys 3/4th grade Girls
5/6th grade Boys 5/6th grade Girls
7/8th grade Boys 7/8th grade Girls
9-12th grade Boys 9-12th grade Girls

The cost is $50 per team, with proceeds benefiting the OLG CYO sports program. Questions? E-mail olghoops@gmail.com – or if you just want to sign up, go here!

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West Seattle Grand Parade honors Shirley Vradenburgh with Orville Rummel Trophy
July 16, 2012 7:11 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

As we continue counting down to Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade, presented by American Legion Post 160, we have news of another honoree who you’ll see toward the start of the parade: Recent Seattle Lutheran High School retiree Shirley Vradenburgh is this year’s winner of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community.

SLHS honored Shirley, a West Seattle native, just last month – as she retired – with its first-ever Ring of Honor Award. She spent 33 years as teacher and registrar/college counselor at Seattle Lutheran, after spending a few years away from West Seattle, while she studied and taught in the Midwest.

Her community service here has included myriad roles including youth ministry and volunteer work with local nonprofits. In particular, she is well-known at Providence Mount St. Vincent, and explains:

I began volunteering at the Mount in 1996 when my mother spent her last two years there. I went every evening to visit her and began helping at dinner time. After my mother died in 1998, I was back the next day, and I have continued most days since that time. I found the Mount to be a special place; the staff were very supportive, and I have enjoyed many friendships with residents and their families through the years. It is a delight to see the smiles on the faces of residents as I spend a few minutes visiting while I help serve their drinks and the evening meal. They enjoy hearing about my activities with the students or travels, etc. I also spend time visiting with other residents around the building. Spending time with teenagers and the elderly each day makes a great balance – both are amazing groups of people.

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle celebrated Shirley as an Everyday Hero in 2008, and the Rotary Club of West Seattle honored her recently too. Now, Post 160 is honoring her with the award named after the man who led the Post as Commander when it was first presented, 1984, Orville Rummel. Last year, community advocate/volunteer Cindi Barker was the honoree. In 2010, your WSB co-publishers were honored to receive it; that year, we wrote about its history.

So come to the parade this Saturday and cheer for Shirley – the route is California SW from Lander to Edmunds, starting around 11 am, with the motorcycles as usual launching earlier, so don’t be last-minute if you’re watching from the start of the route!

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West Seattle Little League Seniors win 1st game in state tournament
July 16, 2012 6:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

This afternoon in Mount Vernon, the West Seattle Little League Seniors Division team (15/16-year-olds) shut out their first opponent in state play, 5-0. A game scheduled for 4 pm game today will determine who they play tomorrow (here’s the bracket). They won the state berth by winning the District 7 tournament earlier this month (as reported here). More to come!

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West Seattle Crime Watch update: Police search
July 16, 2012 3:28 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:28 PM: If you’ve noticed the police search in the Gatewood/Fauntleroy area – they are looking for someone who might have fired gunshots, no injuries but possible damage found to a fence. The suspect was last seen on SW Willow headed toward Fauntleroy (map) and southbound on Fauntleroy, so they are checking Lincoln Park, too. The suspect was described on the scanner as white, male, around 18, 5’6″, wearing a baseball cap, black shirt, jeans (but keep in mind, that was just a preliminary description).

3:35 PM UPDATE: People in the area tell us that police are searching with rifles out, which would be standard given the nature of the call. Scanner says they’ve heard from workers in the area who think it might have been firecrackers and not gunshots. Search continues.

4:07 PM UPDATE: No luck finding anyone.

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Camp Colman’s centennial: Celebration coming up in Fauntleroy
July 16, 2012 2:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(Historic photo of Camp Colman dock, courtesy YMCA)
Though it’s not in West Seattle, thousands of West Seattleites old and young know all about YMCA Camp Colman – which is celebrating its centennial this year. The Colman family, which founded the camp on Case Inlet in south Puget Sound, had major roots in Fauntleroy – which is where you can be part of a celebration coming up on July 27th. Here’s the announcement from the Y (WSB sponsor):

YMCA Camp Colman, located on the Case Inlet in lower Puget Sound, is celebrating 100 years of helping kids and teens to realize their potential and give back to their communities throughout greater Seattle and beyond.

Founded in 1912 by the Colman family (Seattle pioneers and philanthropists), Camp Colman is a year-round facility featuring more than 100 forested acres, a protected saltwater lagoon and views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Camp Colman offers a wide variety of programs offering positive role models, connection to the natural world and personal challenges. Programs include youth and teen summer overnight camp, family camps, Outdoor Environmental Education programs and Women’s Wellness Weekends.

Centennial Events
The central events of Camp Colman’s Centennial Year will be celebrated by camp alumni and friends of Camp Colman this July. Key dates include:

• July 27, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm: Bean Feed Dinner & Centennial Film Premiere at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave. SW, Seattle
• July 28-29, 2:00 pm arrival and 5:30 pm dinner: Celebration Weekend at Camp Colman! Salmon Bake Dinner, Campfire, French Toast & Goop on Sunday Morning and other activities. Location: 20016 Bay Road, KPS, Longbranch
• For the latest news and information on the Centennial and other events, visit campcolman.org

History & Facility Enhancements
In 1912, the Colman family welcomed campers from the Plymouth Congregational Church to their property at Horsehead Bay. The program expanded to include children from the Fauntleroy YMCA located in West Seattle. Camp Colman moved to its current location on Whiteman’s Cove in 1965 to allow for more space to grow.

Originally built to accommodate about 120 campers at a time, Camp Colman’s Anderson Lodge now serves approximately 220 campers attending per session during the summer. Expansion of Anderson Lodge and other renovations are also marking the Centennial. Enhancements include new bathrooms on the main floor, an improved kitchen, new floors, upgraded safety features, an expanded deck around the building to enjoy stunning views of the Olympics, a new staff lounge area and a history wall.

Over the past 40 years, Camp Colman has added new cabins to accommodate steady growth and, in the past three years, the new Freeman Village has added space for 48 more campers or guests. These improvements are increasing Camp Colman’s year-round appeal for programs such as Women’s Wellness Weekends, retreats and Outdoor Environmental Education.

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Update: About that Fire Department ‘rope rescue’ response
July 16, 2012 1:02 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:02 PM: Big response off to the 5600 block of 29th SW, which is the golf course/Camp Long vicinity. We believe the dispatch was for someone “stuck in a tree” – we’re en route. And just as we typed that, most of the units have been canceled – we’re continuing just to check it out.

1:10 PM: We’re not there yet but we did want to let you know, if you are seeing a helicopter in the North Delridge area, it’s a TV chopper that was sent to check this out.

1:25 PM: The incident is definitely over – so over, the last fire unit was leaving as we pulled up. Still checking to try to find out a little bit more but bottom line, all’s well now.

2:28 PM: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore says it was a report of an 11-year-old in a tree … and the child turned out to be all of five feet up, so the call was canceled.

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Reddish water along West Seattle shores: The noctiluca is back
July 16, 2012 12:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to photographer J.P. Peck of QuickShows.com for the overview looking toward Lowman Beach – we noticed this a little while ago too – the noctiluca is back. In case you missed our earlier coverage (here’s a story from last month), and/or previous years’ stories, it’s NOT “red tide,” but rather nontoxic microorganisms. The state Department of Ecology talks about it here.

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Roxhill Skatepark update: Project going out to bid, again
July 16, 2012 9:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Last week, we reported that West Seattle-based Grindline was the “apparent low bidder” for the Roxhill Skatespot (skatepark) and playground-renovations-prep project (here’s that story). “Apparent” was an important word in that report, inferring “not final yet” – and indeed, that has turned out to be the case: This morning, we have an update from Seattle Parks’ project manager Kelly Davidson: “After review of the bids, project budget, and WMBE Inclusion Plan, Parks has decided to reject all bids. The only qualified bidder was $29K over the engineer’s estimate and this bid did not leave a sufficient contingency in the project budget. The inclusion plan was reviewed and discussed and will be adjusted in the revised bid. This has been posted to eBid and all contractors have been notified. The bid will be posted again this week and we expect to re-bid on July 25th.” (You might recall that Delridge Skatepark also went through 2 rounds of bidding.) Davidson says that means construction is not likely to start till late August or even September.

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West Seattle Monday: Sustainable WS ‘forum’ on wheels or on foot – and more
July 16, 2012 9:54 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jordan Petram, shared via Flickr – Alki Point Lighthouse, open for tours 1-4 pm summer weekends)
Recovered from West Seattle Summer Fest yet? (Our coverage, day by day, is linked in the sidebar “BIG STORIES” list, if you want to browse the pics and video, or here!) Rest up for more summer fun ahead – though today is semi-quiet; here are some highlights:

BRIDGE CLOSURES THIS WEEK? Short answer – NO bridge or 99/Viaduct closures. But Thursday and Friday nights (late night into early the following morning), the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project will require lane closures in both directions, and the ramp to the West Seattle Bridge from *northbound* I-5 will be closed as a result. Those closures are listed in the latest “construction lookahead” from SDOT/WSDOT.

WORK AHEAD AT LOWMAN BEACH PARK: You might have missed this story, published here Saturday, amid all the Summer Fest coverage over the weekend – this week, King County will start a monthlong project at Lowman Beach Park, but it’s NOT related to the upcoming megaproject to build the million-gallon storage tank to reduce combined-sewer overflows. They’re replacing the grate over the underground Murray Pump Station. That’ll block off a few parking spaces on the street and part of the south side of the park. It’s all explained here (including aerial photos).

DELRIDGE PRODUCE CO-OP MEETING: Tonight, 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Marketing, membership, and upcoming events are on the agenda.

WALK OR BIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT GREENWAYS: This month’s Sustainable West Seattle “forum” will get you out and about for a firsthand look at proposed “greenways” through eastern WS. Meet at the West Seattle Tool Library, on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), at 7 pm, and either bike along with Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor) or walk with Feet First.

There’s more on the calendar, including events that happen every Monday, from paddleboarding to cooking!

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Trouble for Shell’s Noble Discoverer, 2 weeks after Vigor departure
July 16, 2012 9:43 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen)
That’s a June 27th photograph of the Noble Discoverer, one of two Shell oil-drilling vessels that left Harbor Island’s Vigor Shipyards that day (WSB coverage here) after months of work, headed for a controversial new round of Arctic offshore drilling. A WSB’er has called our attention to a new report of trouble for the ND before it had even reached its destination; as shown in this photo published by the Washington Post, it came very close to shore in Alaska over the weekend. It went adrift off Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians (Coast Guard news release here), where it and the other rig worked on at Vigor, Kulluk, have been waiting; they haven’t made it into the Arctic Ocean because of heavier-than-expected ice, according to this detailed report from an Alaska news organization. Another update says Shell doesn’t think it ran aground; they’re still checking for possible damage.

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Followup: Friends of Lincoln Park says ‘thanks’ for volunteer help
July 16, 2012 12:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

After many expressions of love for Lincoln Park emerged among those concerned about the commercial zipline attraction proposal first reported here on June 28th and withdrawn by the Parks Department last Wednesday after an emotional meeting the night before, it was suggested that love be shown by participation in a volunteer work party. This weekend, some did just that. Volunteer forest steward Lisa McGinty says Sunday’s Friends of Lincoln Park (FLIP) work party was a success: “We had a good turnout of volunteers and lots of friendly acknowledgment from park visitors.” FLIP usually has two volunteer events each month – watch the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for word of upcoming chances for you to get involved too.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival updates: Big week ahead, from concert to breakfast; plus, button-sales success!
July 15, 2012 10:23 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival updates: Big week ahead, from concert to breakfast; plus, button-sales success!
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

As mentioned in our continuous West Seattle Summer Fest coverage, WS Hi-Yu royalty and volunteers were busy at the festival – and you’ll see even more of them in the days ahead. Four big events for West Seattle Hi-Yu in the coming week: First, the Hi-Yu Concert in the Park brings the West Seattle Big Band to Hiawatha’s east lawn (along Walnut, south of Lander) on Tuesday night (July 17th), 7:30 pm – free! On Friday, the West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court for next year will be coronated, also at Hiawatha, during the noon-3 pm Fun Fest – coronation’s at 1 pm. On Saturday, your Hi-Yu float and current royalty will be in the West Seattle Grand Parade (starting around 11 am from California/Lander and headed south). And Hi-Yu president James Kline just confirmed that the Community Breakfast is back on for Sunday (July 22nd) at the Masonic Hall, 4736 40th SW, thanks to volunteers and a donation. Keep up on festival happenings at westseattlehiyu.com.

ADDED 8:14 AM MONDAY: During our weekend Summer Fest coverage, we mentioned the Hi-Yu button sales, including the prizes they gave after spotting random button-wearers at the festival (see one winner in our Saturday afternoon report). The sales were a big success, according to this update received this morning:

West Seattle Hi-Yu would like to thank the West Seattle Community for their fantastic support over the Summer Fest weekend! We sold approximately 400 buttons, 25 totem pole pins and received about $100 in donations. All of these funds go towards the float and our scholarship programs. Queen Kayli gave out 4 cash prizes on Saturday to random supporters wearing their “Hi-Yu Button” during the festival. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again next year. We hope everyone enjoyed seeing the float up close.

Button sales will continue this week and during the American Legion Grand Parade on Saturday. Thanks again, West Seattle!

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West Seattle Garden Tour 2012: Blossoms brighten the day
July 15, 2012 6:39 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
The clouds made the colors and patterns stand out just that much more during today’s 18th annual West Seattle Garden Tour. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams visited some of the nine featured gardens; above, Barbara Post and Margie O’Coyne walked through the Pollinators’ Paradise (Davis & Plucinski) garden, admiring the fireglow. Also from that garden:

Next stop:

Participating gardener Sarah Cecil Martin answered Chris Porter‘s questions about a rose bush in her garden (Urban Growth), which is also where visitors saw this glass/stone path:

/

Another splendid stop: The Rohwer garden:

This one, for the tour, was dubbed “Perennial Plush”:

In the Houghton/Wong garden, tour-titled “North by Southwest,” a bee headed for the sea holly:

Another view from NxSW:

WSB co-sponsored the WSGT again this year; net proceeds go to local nonprofits (here are this year’s beneficiaries).

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Live at West Seattle Summer Fest 2012: Sunday coverage
July 15, 2012 11:49 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Live SDOT webcam looking north on California from Alaska)
11:49 AM: The third and final day of West Seattle Summer Fest 2012 has begun! The weather is getting better by the minute – sun as well as clouds, the mist has (mostly) stopped, just a bit of breeze, lots of people here. One more time, here are the quick info links:

Vendor list and map: 3 ways to view – searchable list, PDF list, zoomable map – and if you haven’t shopped the year-round Junction merchants’ sidewalk sales, last chance!
Music schedule: Here
Alaska Stage schedule: Here
GreenLife schedule: Here

One thing you will NOT find in The Junction today – turns out that Rocksport sold out of food and liquor last night, and will NOT reopen today – last night was it. Here’s the sign on their door:

Lots of places you CAN go, though – all the restaurants/bars along both sides of California SW are welcoming Summer Fest visitors with open arms, and many with specials, in addition to the temporary fair-style food booths. More than a few people have asked us about caramel corn – there IS a booth at the far south end of the festival, at SW Edmunds.

Which leads us to a great photo that just came in – an amazing overview of the entire festival zone:

That’s from John Peck of QuickShows.com – they shoot with a mast-cam. Back down here on street level, if you’re looking for any festival information, we’re in the Info Booth with West Seattle Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, plus flyers about a variety of other summer events still to come. And the music has begun – we’ll add video from the first act of the day, Black Bangs, in a few minutes.

1:07 PM UPDATE: As promised, here’s that clip:

So glad to see the weather isn’t keeping anyone away – just as busy as yesterday. Also relatively quiet so far – in the past half-hour or so, we’ve seen Seattle Police Lt. Ron Smith, who’s been in charge of the Summer Fest force, and Officers Luckie and Lucas, and they have nothing major to report. We HAVE heard (mostly via e-mail) from folks pointing out that parking enforcement on 44th is being taken seriously, with towing again today – the “no parking” zones are posted there so buses rerouted from California/Alaska can get through. (Remember there will also be lots of no-parking signs in advance of West Seattle Grand Parade/Float Dodger 5K day next Saturday, too.)

1:44 PM UPDATE: Bunnies!

You’ll see them at GreenLife on the southwest end of the festival zone, alongside Bikram Yoga (WSB sponsor) and east of the Chase drive-thru. This is also a great day to find out why it does NOT have to be sunny for solar power to work at your home/business:

Solar Epiphany is putting on frequent demos at GL. And GreenLife – presented by Sustainable West Seattle and WS Nursery – also is where you can test putting your bike on a Metro bus-style rack (like the one that’s been out in front of Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor) in the Admiral District, whose proprietor Stu Hennessey is at GreenLife too):

On the north end of the festival zone, near SW Oregon, don’t miss the Art Dive – lots of artists showing and selling their creations.

2:20 PM UPDATE: The SUN is now out. (Check the live cam atop this story – refresh the page if the time stamp isn’t current – for proof.) We just knew the forecast was overplaying the clouds. Meantime, another Summer Fest sight – the impromptu skatepark right behind the Info Booth:

A popular question at the Info Booth today – where are the community organizations, like Seal Sitters or West Seattle Be Prepared? They’re time-sharing at the community spot over near the ex-Petco. Meantime, we’ve been hanging out in the Info Booth with WS Chamber ambassador Don Bazemore, who’s been talking to people about his glam-rock group’s next gig – Matt the Hoopla (after playing Ballard Seafood Fest last night) plays the Alki Art Fair in two weeks, July 28th.

3:18 PM UPDATE: Still time to get here for the final performances/demonstrations of Summer Fest – Hobosexual is the last scheduled music act, on the California Stage at 3:45 pm. At GreenLife, Backyard Beer Making is the last scheduled demonstration/workshop, 4 pm. Meantime, here’s a music clip from earlier – the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band was on the Alaska Stage earlier this afternoon:

4:45 PM UPDATE: Festival’s waning minutes – and the first missing-child report of the entire three-day festival (hopefully the last!) has just happened – 5-year-old boy reunited quickly with mom after, we’re told, he walked up to a police officer at California/Oregon.

4:52 PM: Second lost-child report, also a 5-year-old boy, Ben, blonde, gray T-shirt. Police and festival staff are searching. Meantime, if you have lost any items during the festival – the official lost/found was at the festival office, on California SW next to the now-ex-Super Supplements (they just opened their new Morgan Junction location this past Friday).

5:00 PM: Festival closing time. Some of the vendors may linger – the food booths near the info booth still seem to be in action – but before too long, some of the load-out will begin. It usually takes several hours for breakdown, so the streets will remain closed for a while. **2nd lost child found.**

ADDED 11:56 PM: A few photos shared with us post-festival – first, Eric took this one of Ben Harwood from Hobosexual, performing this afternoon:

And from Jana, a montage of tiny participants in the West Seattle’s Got Talent showcase held at the Alaska Stage:

Festival breakdown wasn’t done yet when we passed through The Junction about two hours ago, but the California/Alaska SDOT cam shows the streets are clear now. Thanks again to everyone who stopped by the Info Booth to say hi – we had a terrific time and hope you did too.

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Remembering longtime West Seattleite Faye Franks, 1918-2012
July 15, 2012 11:25 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

From her family:

Esther Faye Franks, 94, died of natural causes in West Seattle on July 10, supported by her extended family and friends.

Faye was born February 10, 1918, in Lakeview, Kansas, a small farming community. She was the second of five children born to Mattie and Ebon Anderson. Faye graduated from the University of Kansas in 1941 and taught high-school home economics, where she met Kermit Franks, teaching at the same school. They were married in February 1942, ten days before he was drafted into the Army. His service was in Alaska, and when the war ended the couple decided to live in Seattle. They started a family and Kerm began a 30-year career with Seattle Public Schools. Faye spent many years involved in PTA, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Euthenics – an organization for Home Economics graduates.

From 1961 to 1975, Faye and Kerm co-managed the Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. They are remembered fondly as “Auntie Faye” and “Uncle Kerm” by the many former staff members, who were high-school and college youth at the time.

For more than 25 years beginning in 1963, Faye and Kerm hosted a series of exchange students from Europe, Asia and Central America. She was the regional International Christian Youth Exchange coordinator and served on the national board. They also traveled to a number of countries, visiting the families of their student guests.

The couple built a cabin at Lake Cushman, near Hoodsport, Washington, in 1976. They spent summers there, encouraging visits from family and friends. Faye enjoyed square dancing, hiking, swimming, and berry and mushroom picking well into her 80s. She was skilled at sewing, rug-making and other needle arts. She was our bread-baker supreme and taught bread baking classes for many years.

Faye was an active member of Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle. One of her favorite volunteer jobs was helping oversee the annual church rummage sale. She was known for “rescuing” many sale items to ensure they would have a good home, even if it meant in her home. Faye taught the AARP safe driving course for many years and also served as course coordinator.

Faye and Kerm celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends at an open house on February 26 at The Kenney residential community in West Seattle.

She is survived by husband Kerm; daughters Marsha (Mike) and Candace (John); sons Dean (Cynthia) and David; sister Doris Stubeck; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four nephews and three nieces.

A memorial service will be held in September. Donations may be made to Seabeck Conference Center or Tibbetts United Methodist Church.

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West Seattle Sunday: Summer Fest finale; WS Garden Tour; Farmers’ Market
July 15, 2012 9:22 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to Robert Spears for sharing the Saturday double-eagle sighting from Alki, via the WSB Facebook page)
OK, so it’s cloudy, misty, breezy. The fun must go on.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST, FINAL DAY: Rain or shine, the festival carries on – once things get under way for the day at 11 am (an hour later than Friday/Saturday), we’ll start our “live” coverage, and we’ll have updates if the weather leads to any changes in scheduled events. Scheduled closing time today is 5 pm. Here’s the live cam courtesy of SDOT:

Vendor list and map: 3 ways to view – searchable list, PDF list, zoomable map – and if you haven’t shopped the year-round Junction merchants’ sidewalk sales, last chance!
Music schedule: Here (first performance at noon, Black Bangs on the California Stage)
Alaska Stage schedule: Here (first performance 1 pm, Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band)
GreenLife schedule: Here (first event 11 am, with a food-preservation presentation by Christina from Sustainable West Seattle)
We’re reporting live again throughout the day, based out of the Information Booth, where we and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce volunteers also have free WS Art Walk buttons plus flyers with handy info about other summer events including the full schedule for West Seattle Outdoor Movies (co-sponsored by WSB, as is Summer Fest), which start next weekend in the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: It’s happening right now! All the info about the nine open gardens and the noon lecture are in the ticket books – which you can get at the locations listed on the right side of this page. The self-guided tour is on till 5 pm today, and we can affirm from last year’s tour, umbrellas welcome. Remember, there’s an indoor event included in the ticket price too – the noon lecture at The Kenney (WSB sponsor).

YES, THE FARMERS’ MARKET IS ON: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is always a popular feature on the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest – 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska as always; just remember, if you haven’t been to The Junction during the festival, California SW is closed between Edmunds and Oregon (and part of the block between Oregon and Genesee), while SW Alaska is closed between 44th and 42nd. The Junction parking lots accessible from those streets themselves are open.

WS STOPS ON WHITE CENTER GARDEN TOUR: The WC Garden Tour has several stops in south West Seattle. 10 am-4 pm; info on our partner site White Center Now.

ROCKSPORT’S LAST DAY: After two nights rockin’ with Hell’s Belles, the Rocksport Bar and Grill is scheduled to close after today – one of the businesses closing/moving at California/Alaska/42nd because the Equity Residential (formerly Conner) two-building apartments/retail development is about to get under way. Unlike most of the other businesses on the block, they are *not* moving to another location; their fixtures and other items will be auctioned off on July 24th.

UPDATE – ROCKSPORT ALREADY CLOSED: There’s a sign on the door that says they sold out of food and liquor last night (we’ll add a photo to our Summer Fest coverage), so they’re not opening today – last night was it.

A few more happenings are listed on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

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