West Seattle real estate: Alki Tavern site part of $3.9 million listing

Got $3,950,000? You can own a third of an acre at 1311-1325 Harbor SW, across from Don Armeni, described as “ASTONISHING views directly across Elliott Bay to Seattle. 6 contiguous lots with commercial, multifamily zoning. Unobstructed view corridor in perpetuity.” We spotted the listing online first, then noticed the sign when we went over today for a photo.

The six lots include the Alki Tavern, a vacant lot, a century-old house (photo right), and offices (photo left) used by Salty’s, which county records list as the land’s owner. Though this website describes the listing as new – and we can verify it wasn’t there, as recently as three days ago (the physical sign is new too) – the listing agent’s site says it’s been on the market for eight months. (Other versions of the listing online have a lower price, $3,595,000.) The site is zoned for commercial/multifamily development up to 65 feet.

‘Arroyos Whale’ at Highline College’s MaST: West Seattle links

As the skeleton of the ‘Arroyos Whale’ – the gray whale that died in West Seattle waters on April 14, 2010 – went on display this weekend at the Highline College Marine Science and Technology Center, the 15-mile distance between Redondo Beach and Arroyo Beach seemed to vanish. Not just because of where the whale was found; also, MaST’s executive director Dr. Kaddee Lawrence, beaming at a big turnout for Saturday’s whale debut, is a West Seattleite:

She told us another story of community ties: The West Seattle/White Center “charity beer” Whale Tail Ale was served at last weekend’s party for MaST volunteers who worked on the project, from a keg donated by Big Al Brewing. (The Arroyos Whale exhibit’s backstory was told by WSB contributor Keri DeTore in this story last month.)

The skeleton is suspended from the ceiling in the MaST building closest to Redondo Beach Drive (where, in another West Seattle echo, it is next door to the Redondo Salty’s). Look at it from the back, rather than front, and you will notice something that might startle you as it did us:

The bones from the whale’s fins are reminiscent of human hands, something not at all apparent when you view a whale either at sea or, in a sad circumstance such as this whale’s death, on land:

(April 2010 WSB photo by Tracy Record)
The Arroyos Whale is now on permanent display at MaST, which is open to the public, free, 10 am-2 pm every Saturday. But if you want to see the informational exhibit related to its death and the ensuing investigation – with not only wall displays but also a video loop of TV-news reports from April 2010 – you’ll want to get there this month or next, before another exhibit moves in. P.S. Further out on its pier, MaST also has an aquarium building, with Puget Sound sea life:

100 local species are represented in its 3,000 gallons of sea water, Dr. Lawrence told us (and unceremoniously resting on the pier outside the aquarium building, you’ll see the skull of a fin whale killed by a ship in 2004). MaST is at 28203 Redondo Beach Drive South (map).

West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-run; bizarre encounter

Two reports to share:

Early this morning, we tweeted three times about scanner traffic involving what was first reported as a truck that had driven over the 44th/Andover traffic circle and “high-centered” atop it. It was gone when police arrived minutes later, but they searched the area extensively after reports it was headed north; before long, they found the truck, but reported that its driver had fled. We don’t know whether they ever found the driver, but Hayla e-mailed us today about the incident, including the photo above:Read More

Update: Weather alert canceled, no snow likely after all

(Photo by Laura James, added 6:21 pm; click for larger image)
The last few warnings about possible metro-area snow didn’t lead to anything much for West Seattle – one or two quick bursts of flakes – but nonetheless, we need to tell you that our area is covered by a “Special Weather Statement that the National Weather Service issued this afternoon, regarding a “strong cold front” late tonight into tomorrow … maybe even some Tuesday morning icing before things warm up.

9:23 PM UPDATE: The “Special Weather Statement” is still in effect, but weather analyst Cliff Mass‘s latest assessment has led him to publish an update titled “Snow Threat Evaporates.”

10:06 PM UPDATE: The alert is now canceled. The NWS’s latest “forecast discussion” explains it, as does WS-residing meteorologist Patrick in comments – the cold temps and the moisture just aren’t synching up in the outlook any more.

One more school auction ahead: Explorer West Middle School

March 4, 2012 2:54 pm
|    Comments Off on One more school auction ahead: Explorer West Middle School
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As West Seattle’s school-auction season continues – here’s an invitation from Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor):

We are excited to announce the upcoming Explorer West Middle School auction ‘Rising Stars’ on Friday, March 23, 2012 at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm. This year’s theme celebrates the development of future leaders among our students and the evening will feature red carpet, old school Hollywood glamour and guaranteed fun. To learn more about the event and Explorer West, visit www.explorer-west.org. Tickets are available by contacting Debbie Ehri, Business Manager: debbie@explorer-west.org. Come find out what the Explorer West community is about!

Update: High Point ‘building fire’ = ‘food on stove’

March 4, 2012 1:39 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: High Point ‘building fire’ = ‘food on stove’
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:39 PM: Major response to the 6000 block of Lanham Place SW in High Point. More shortly.

1:51 PM: Our crew reports it turned out to be a “food on the stove” call – smoke but no real fire, and the Fire Department’s wrapping up.

Be part of history: Help clean & protect Fairmount Ravine

(1994 “planting party” photo, courtesy of Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group)
We often publish notices about community cleanups. Few are as long-running as the annual Fairmount Ravine work party – which could really use extra hands from beyond the immediate neighborhood. It’s a beautiful West Seattle greenspace that many drive, bicycle, or walk through, but not only is it a trash magnet, it’s also suffering from the same problem as other greenspaces: Invasive plants, and this year the Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group hopes to get rid of as many as possible. John Lang says it’s their 20th annual cleanup – and there’s history in the invitation he sent to last year’s participants, also shared with us:

Twenty years ago Charlie Chong came over to my house to help develop a strategy to save the Fairmount Ravine. It was full of trash and overgrown with invasive plants. Discussion how to turn this around was patterned after similar and successful community efforts in the nearby College Ravine. That night, my son Michael was 2 months old and sleeping in a small bassinet. Flash forward twenty years and Michael is now 6’-3” and soon to get his AA degree from SSCC.

Likewise, every year the Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group grows in its commitment to preserving this valuable open space by cleaning the ravine from top to bottom of the hill. Over these twenty years, concerned neighbors have removed tons of trash, removed illegal encampments and planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs. We were instrumental in securing over $4.2 million dollars to purchase property within the ravine which is now held in public domain. The open space across from Salty’s is a good example.

We are proud of our achievements to date and pleased to announce the 20th annual Fairmount Ravine cleanup Saturday, March 10th from 8:30 to approximately 10:30. We meet at the intersection of SW Forest St and Fairmount Ave, just east of Hiawatha Park. Everyone is welcome to participate. Community awareness keeps the ravine cleaner than past years and our focus this year will be on removal of invasive plants as well as general cleanup. Coffee, hot cocoa and donuts are provided. Please dress for the weather, wear boots and gloves as well as bring large cutters, saws if interested in plant removal. Your two hours can make a huge difference and we hope to see you there on the 10th. Please let others know of this effort!

Teen volunteers welcome too (as you’ll note in our 2008 cleanup coverage).

DESC Delridge project: Meetings this week on Tuesday, Thursday

March 4, 2012 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on DESC Delridge project: Meetings this week on Tuesday, Thursday
 |   Delridge | DESC Delridge project | West Seattle news

For those tracking the DESC 66-unit “supportive housing” complex planned at 5444 Delridge Way SW (map), two meetings are on the schedule this week. Tuesday (6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW) the Advisory Committee meets for a second time, with another opportunity for public comment. Thursday, it’s the second, and possibly final, Southwest Design Review Board session to look at the project. It’s the second project on the schedule, 8 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle, California/Oregon. (The “packet” for the first project to be considered that night, an unrelated 20-unit proposal at 9051 20th SW, is available online, but the DESC “packet” is not, yet.) More information and links are in a DESC-meetings preview published on the North Delridge Neighborhood Council website.

West Seattle Sunday: Soccer; baseball; nature; Purim carnival…

March 4, 2012 6:25 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Soccer; baseball; nature; Purim carnival…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – “the old Cooper school” – photographed last weekend)
Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

SUNDAY SOCCER: Pickup game for men and women of all ages and skill levels, 7:30 am, Delridge Playfield. On Facebook, check out West Seattle Sunday Soccer.

LITTLE LEAGUE: Draft Day for West Seattle Little League – 8:45 am majors, 1:15 pm minors; more details here

WALK IN THE PARK: Spring is Sprouting nature walk with naturalist Stewart Wechsler, Lincoln Park, 10 am, full details here.

MARKET DAY: West Seattle Farmers’ Market in The Junction, 44th/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm. Highlights include: Final visit until July for Finnriver and its cider.

GUEST SPEAKER: At 10 am, Alki UCC will hear from Rev. Dr. Ann Holmes Redding. From their announcement, she is “a minister, teacher, author, Ph.D. in New Testament, consultant, and musician. Ann is founder and president of Abrahamic Reunion West.”

WEST SEATTLE SPOKESPEOPLE RIDES AGAIN: Meet at Alki Bike and Board in the Admiral District for a ride to Portage Bay Grange, 11 am. Details here.

WINTER GEAR ON SALE: Returning WSB sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters is having a “progressive sale” – now it’s 40 percent off. They’re at 3602 SW Alaska in The Triangle.

SECOND DAY FOR NEW CAFE: As reported here on Saturday, Fiddlehead Fine Foods and Café is now open for lunch in The Junction, with breakfast service starting next week.

TOOL LIBRARY’S OPEN: Just a reminder, the West Seattle Tool Library is open on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center space, 1-5 pm.

YOUTH SOCCER TRYOUTS: Highline Premier FC is holding tryouts for Boys U16, U17 and U18 at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW).
· Boys U16: 1:30-2:30PM
· Boys U17: 2:30-3:30PM
· Boys U18: 3:30-4:30PM
You can register, and get more info, here.

MUSIC AT THE LONGHOUSE: At the Duwamish Longhouse: Native American Flute, 2-3 pm. Paul “Cheoketen” Wagner introduces his new album, reception includes performance of selections from “Time of Paradise.” 4705 W. Marginal Way SW. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Sarah Burgess and Friends, 3-5 pm, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

PURIM CARNIVAL: A celebration in honor of the Jewish festival of Purim is planned for 3:30 pm-5:30 pm today at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), presented by West Seattle Torah Learning Center. More info on the Facebook event page.

‘Chain-reaction’ crash on 35th SW: SUV vs. truck vs. tree

Two people texted us in the past hour or so, reporting a loud “bang” or “crash” noise. This was apparently the source – a crash on southbound 35th SW, just north of SW Henderson (map; across from the Gasco station). No serious injuries, if any injuries at all – no victims were in sight by the time we got there, and the Fire Department‘s involvement in the call ended pretty quickly. But the “GOT JUNK?” truck wound up pushed into what we believe is one of the area’s famous collection of European Hornbeam street trees:

Tow trucks for both vehicles arrived fairly quickly; we’ll follow up later for any information on the crash’s cause, and to see if the tree will survive. (Speaking of which, a side note: Online information now indicates the Fauntleroy crash we covered in the early-morning hours yesterday was a suspected case of DUI).

Get a new family portrait: All invited to Arbor Heights fundraiser

March 3, 2012 11:37 pm
|    Comments Off on Get a new family portrait: All invited to Arbor Heights fundraiser
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As we continue publishing school-fundraiser announcements, here’s an unusual one for next weekend: Arbor Heights Elementary PTA is presenting a “Family Photo Event,” open to all, not just AH families. 9 am-6 pm next Saturday and Sunday (3/10-3/11) they are scheduling professionally photographed family-portrait sessions for $35, “including one complimentary 8 x 10 print and one low-resolution file.” You can even bring the family pet. Fundraising Committee chair Amanda Nokes says, “We will photograph multiple poses and families will choose their favorites themselves.They are of course welcome to purchase any additional pictures they’d like.” But you need to contact her to book a session – 206-902-6324 or maxnokes@comcast.net. (Get more details via this flyer.)

West Seattle schools: Chief Sealth gala celebrates principal news, and more

March 3, 2012 10:02 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Chief Sealth gala celebrates principal news, and more
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tonight during the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA‘s third annual Seahawk Spirit Dinner and Auction at The Hall at Fauntleroy, Sealth principal Chris Kinsey got a big hug from Seattle Public Schools‘ interim superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. Just yesterday afternoon, she announced his appointment as Sealth’s permanent principal, eight months after he joined the school as its “interim” leader. Tonight, she took the stage to describe him as “great.” (She of course is leaving after the school year to lead the neighboring Highline Public Schools district – where she’ll be reunited with Kinsey’s Sealth predecessor, John Boyd, now an executive director of schools for Highline.)

The big turnout for the event included not only parents and community supporters, but also others from the greater West Seattle education community:

At right, that’s West Seattle High School principal Ruth Medsker, with the district’s executive director of West Seattle schools, Aurora Lora. The event raised money for various Sealth programs – academic, athletic, arts among them. A Sealth senior was part of the onstage program too – Kari Sandell:

Kari’s senior-project video, a slice of life at Sealth, was shown. It’s on YouTube, too:

We’re waiting to hear from PTSA president Amy Daly-Donovan about the night’s fundraising total.

West Seattle wildlife: Watching like, well, a hawk

(Click to see larger image via Flickr)
Thanks to Russell in Arbor Heights for sharing his photo of that Cooper’s hawk. He explains that it “has been scoping out a finch nest in our carport.”

West Seattle power outage: Almost 300 Admiral homes affected

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with news that the power’s out for a stretch of the Admiral area. The City Light outage map says almost 300 homes are without power but should be back by late evening (the “estimated restoration time” is usually a very general estimate – could be earlier). The boundaries are shown as north of Admiral Way, between 47th SW and 53rd SW. No indication at this point of what caused the outage (no fires/lines-down incidents on the 911 log, etc.) – let us know if you’re seeing Seattle City Light crews (we’re out looking too).

6:22 PM UPDATE: Just saw a truck near 47th/Admiral – our crew is going to see if they can get close enough to find out anything about the outage.

6:34 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Karl de Jong, nearby resident and vice president of the Admiral Neighborhood Association, for sharing a photo of that crew. WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand talked to them very briefly before they moved on – they said they had fixed a “burned connector.” The SCL map still shows the power out, but one commenter says it came back on at 6:23, and we are seeing streetlights/porch lights on in the area.

West Seattle restaurants: Fiddlehead Fine Foods & Café now open

Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The paper is off the windows, flowers are on each table, and Fiddlehead Fine Foods and Café is open for business at 4310 SW Oregon in The Junction.

Proprietors Carrie Duncan and Dana Moreland welcomed us to the newly opened space; Dana explained that they’re now open for lunch from 11:30 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. They plan to add breakfast service starting next Tuesday (March 6th), 8 am through 11:30 am (and on weekends, breakfast will be served until 1:30 pm.)

The light, airy space features some unique re-purposed furniture: glass-covered vintage doors as for the smaller tables, and a beautiful solid wood work bench as one of the longer tables.

Menu choices include such staples as grilled cheese, meat loaf or roasted turkey sandwiches, along with tantalizing creations such as an ancho-braised pork sandwich (with carmelized onions); lemon rosemary chicken salad with roasted tomatoes and smokey bleu cheese; and daily selections of house-made fine foods at the counter.

Beverages range from fruit juices, sodas, tea, and sparkling water to select wines, hard ciders, and beer. Baked goods and desserts graced the front counter case – including these chocolate caramel pudding cups:

Fiddlehead also offers a soup of the day.

(We’d reported one week ago that Fiddlehead’s sign was up outside the former Blue Willow Luncheonette space, with a photo and tip courtesy of BJ from Brunette Mix [WSB sponsor] next door; today, a tip from Sam at Fleurt [also a WSB sponsor] a couple doors down revealed the doors were open and lunch was being served)

Election 2012: West Seattle, White Center Republican caucuses; statewide results coming in

(9:15 PM UPDATE: Statewide and countywide results continuing to show up here)

10:11 AM: We’re at West Seattle High School, one of two sites in the 34th Legislative District where Republicans are gathering to participate in their party’s statewide precinct caucuses this morning. 34th Republicans chair Jim Clingan had told us they expected the WSHS Commons to be packed; the tables here, each for a specific precinct, are indeed full, maybe 300 people by our count. Craig Keller, who is leading this meeting, is just starting to speak, to explain the rules; he’s been presiding over sign-ins. The gathering is scheduled to continue till noon.

11:22 AM UPDATE: We stayed at WSHS until all the individual tables were about to get down to business. Keller (above) explained to participants that they had two things to accomplish: Elect delegates to the next level of caucusing (one or two delegates per precinct, depending on each precinct’s “Republican voting strength” in the 2008 election), and participate in the presidential “straw poll.” (Participants would have to pledge that they were Republicans – since we don’t have formal party registration in this state – and that they weren’t participating in any other party’s caucuses.) Results were not to be announced at individual caucus locations; they were to be reported to county and then state headquarters, which is expected to announce them tonight. After WSHS, we headed south to White Center to check out the caucusing location that also included precincts from south West Seattle:

This one was run by Jim Clingan, who told us they’d counted about 200 people. One thing of note: We looked at both locations for evidence of presidential-candidate preference, and the only candidate whose logo we noticed was Ron Paul: Somebody wearing a Ron Paul hoodie at WSHS: a stack of Ron Paul signs outside the doors at Evergreen.

4:16 PM UPDATE: The Paul campaigning – he was the only Republican presidential candidate to come to Seattle – seems to be showing in the early results; he’s a close second to Romney. You can watch statewide results updates on this State GOP website.

9:15 PM UPDATE: Statewide, it’s Romney 37 percent, Paul 26 percent, Santorum 25 percent, with 90 percent of the vote counted. King County is listed as 75 percent counted, also with Romney in first place, Paul in second.

West Seattle Saturday: Cove Park; caucuses; Longhouse…

(Photo added 9:31 am – Cove Park dig [see below] begins; separate update later!)

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

COOKIE SALES, DAY 2: Girl Scouts’ cookie sales continue; the online “cookie locator” shows you where and when.

PLANT ADOPTION: Cove Park “big dig,” come help save plants before Pump Station project moves in, 9 to noon, just north of Fauntleroy ferry dock (9005 Fauntleroy Way SW). Bring your own tools; experienced gardeners will be on hand to help you salvage ground covers, shrubs, perennials, or even a small tree.

PURIM STORYTIME: At Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am. The PJ Library Storytime at Kol HaNeshamah Congregation. Erik Lawson is guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as storyteller. We will be reading a Purim story.

NEED KNITTING HELP? Knitting class for both beginners and project help, 9:30 – 11:30 at C&P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), with instructor Marguerite Lynch.

REPUBLICAN CAUCUSES: GOP gatherings here and statewide are 10 am-noon. Sign in starting at 9:30. Must be a registered voter. Major site in West Seattle is WS High School (3000 California SW); for southern West Seattle and beyond, at Evergreen Campus (830 SW 116th) in White Center. Details, links, and more in our Friday preview.

WHALE OF A DISPLAY: Remember the Arroyos gray whale from 2010? Its skeleton makes its public debut as an educational exhibit at MaST Center, whose executive director Dr. Kaddee Lawrence is a West Seattleite; here’s our recent preview of the exhibit, 10 am-2 pm, 28203 Redondo Beach Dr. S. in Des Moines.

GRIEFSHARE RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP: Hosted by Grace Church, for those recovering from the loss of a loved one. 10:00 to 11:30 at 10323 28th Ave. SW. Onetime cost for participating in ongoing series once or multiple times is $15 (for a journal).

LONGHOUSE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Duwamish Longhouse‘s 3rd Anniversary Open House, 11 am – 3 pm, free. Celebrate the building of the first longhouse in Seattle in 110 years, the home of Chief Seattle’s Duwamish people; programming includes admission to “Peter Boome: Salish Connections,” screening of “Princess Angeline” at 1 pm, and more, 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.

MOVEMENT COURSE: At Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), six-week intensive course focusing on somatics/movement imagery/voicework and dance ethnology. It will be open to all walks of life and adults can bring their children if they need to. It will be based on movement exploration through storytelling, dance techniques such as contemporary, modern, butoh and West African (yet, one does not have to be a professional dancer to take the class, any sort of mover or lover of movement is welcome). Saturdays for Six Weeks, starting March 3rd-April 7th 11 am-1 pm. $15 a class. Pre-registration required – contact info: miayogi@gmail.com/206-683-4414.

LOCAL STUDENTS’ EVENT OPENS: “Becoming Us – Thru the Eyes of Immigrants,” 2-3 pm. History House of Greater Seattle, 790 North 34th in Fremont, free. Produced by students from Chief Sealth International High School and St. Christopher’s Academy in West Seattle, documenting how immigration has helped make Seattle the city that it is today.

OCCUPY WEST SEATTLE: The group’s next “General Assembly” meeting is this afternoon, West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2 pm.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER: Chief Sealth PTSA auction, The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5 pm

WILDLIFE WALK: Owling in Lincoln Park with naturalist Stewart Wechsler, 5:30 pm, details here.

STORYTELLING AT THE LONGHOUSE: At the Duwamish Longhouse: “Native Oral, Visual & Digital Storytelling for Social Justice,” 6-8 pm, free. Program/Reception, Keeping the Earth Power Coming, Native oral, visual and digital storytelling for Social Justice, hosted by the Inclusion and Justice Committee of Antioch University’s PhD in Leadership and Change Program. Includes stories by local Duwamish youth about the Duwamish River. 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.

FOOD HANDLER PERMIT CLASSES FOR TEENS: Free at Southwest Teen Life Center for ages 13-19, 7 pm, 1st Saturday each month. 2801 SW Thistle.

PARTY AT THE FEEDBACK: Joe Dredd‘s “Meet Your Facebook Friends” Party, 8 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor).

‘ROCKY’: Monthly “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” shadow casting and all, at Admiral Theater, tonight at midnight.

2 hurt in Fauntleroy flip; church wayfinding sign damaged too

(Photos by WSB editor Tracy Record)
A suddenly ironic sign marked the spot where that car flipped onto a Fauntleroy sidewalk a short time ago, right on the curve from Fauntleroy Way eastbound onto Wildwood (map). 2 people were hurt, minor injuries per the scanner, and we can confirm that the one victim who was placed on a gurney was sitting up as he was wheeled toward a private ambulance. Police were tracing the car’s trajectory:

Though that “no stops” sign survived unscathed, what you see in the lower right corner of that photo is another sign that did not:

That sign has long been a wayfinder pointing people to Fauntleroy UCC Church a few blocks east. No other cars were involved in the crash, but this one had far-ranging effects; police were up on the house’s lawn looking for debris.

ADDED 8:59 AM: Kevin McClintic sent a photo of the sign, taken last fall:

Fauntleroy-residing community volunteer Judy Pickens says that to her recollection, it’s been there since the mid-’90s, with the family who lives there having kindly agreed to “host” the sign.

ADDED EARLY SUNDAY: This is believed to be a case of DUI, according to the SPD time-delayed “incident response” map.

Mortgage story to tell? Vera Johnson’s collecting them for DC

Just after opening Village Green Perennial Nursery for the season, owner Vera Johnson has a quick out-of-town trip ahead – way out of town. Eight months after her very public foreclosure fight with Bank of America, she is going to Washington, D.C. – and if you too have been through something similar, she would like to take your story along for the ride. Vera explains, “I was asked to go to D.C. to meet with the Obama Task Force next week. We have meetings scheduled with folks at DOJ, HUD, and other agencies involved in the newly created mortgage-fraud task force. We’re going to spend some time together talking about the work happening in our cities and states, AND there’s going to be a Senate Banking Committee hearing on “public and private solutions to the mortgage crisis” (ie. Principal reduction) on Wednesday 3/7 – perfectly timed for us! I was asked to collect personal stories with photos of people who are dealing with this personally.” She is representing WA-CAN (Washington Citizens Action Network) and asks, “E-mail me your story of any Fannie/Freddie nightmares. Include a family photo. By Sunday ….. vjvillagegreen7@gmail.com.” She heads out on Monday.

West Seattle schools: Chris Kinsey now permanent Chief Sealth principal

A little more than midway through the school year, Chris Kinsey is no longer interim principal of Chief Sealth International High School – he is its permanent principal, according to a letter sent to students’ families today:

Dear Chief Sealth International High School community,

Today I am excited to officially appoint Chris Kinsey as your permanent principal.

Mr. Kinsey stepped into the role in August – building on the momentum created over the past several years, while finding new ways to create student and staff success.

This school year, Chief Sealth won a Washington Achievement Award for improvement, honored one of its teachers with a Golden Apple Award, and increased the number of students taking International Baccalaureate classes. Under his leadership, the school expanded math and science offerings, kept more seniors than ever on track to graduate, developed more international education curriculum and is meeting the challenges of a growing student population.

Read More

Election 2012: Republican precinct caucuses tomorrow morning

checkbox.jpgWith the Republican presidential nomination still undecided, the party’s precinct caucuses in our state tomorrow, 10 am-noon, are getting national attention. If you are interested in participating, our partners at the Seattle Times have put together a pretty good primer. There’s an FAQ on this party-owned site. And there’s a lot of good information from WSB’er JoAnne in new comments she has added following our caucus preview published last weekend. As she mentions, West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) is the major caucusing spot for this area – but if you are in south WS, your precinct may be caucusing in White Center, at the Evergreen Campus (830 SW 116th) – doublecheck your location here. We’ve checked in with 34th District Republicans chair Jim Clingan, who explains that results will NOT be announced at the caucus locations – they’ll go to the party’s county HQ, then on to the statewide GOP, which should announce statewide results tomorrow evening.

P.S. Democratic caucuses are NOT on the same date as the GOP this year; theirs are on April 15th.

West Seattle traffic alert: Spokane St. Viaduct lane closures (etc.)

March 2, 2012 4:56 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle traffic alert: Spokane St. Viaduct lane closures (etc.)
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

An update from SDOT on lane closures and other traffic alerts related to the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project – some happening tonight. Read on:Read More

Happening now: West Seattle Girl Scout Cookie sales, day 1

Outside West Seattle Thriftway in Morgan Junction, we spotted Morgan, Elena, and Bianca, as their cookie-selling season began. Theirs is one of the troops you’ll find listed via the online “Cookie Locator” we featured in last Saturday’s report on the cookies’ arrival at a local loading dock.